Entries from Mt. McKinley

Mt. McKinley: Haugen and Team Working Hard at 11,000’ Camp

June 17, 2014

Posted by: Mike Haugen

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

June 17, 2014 - 7:14 pm PT Once again the weather turned nasty overnight. We woke up to howling winds, snow, and low visibility. We waited until later in the morning and the weather began to get better. We decided to do our back carry since the weather was just good enough to travel. We made great time getting back down to our cache at 10,000'. We dug up our cache and were reunited with much of the food and gear that we will not be using until higher up on the mountain. As we were headed back up to camp, the skies cleared somewhat and the weather was downright pleasant the rest of the day. Our plan for tomorrow is to cache much of the same food and gear up towards 14,000'. This will take some of the weight off from our move day and help us acclimatize to higher altitudes. Climb high and sleep low. RMI Guide Mike Haugen and "The Ocho"

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Mike and Bruce,
We are eagerly awaiting each installment of the story! Happy climbing!
Kristina Stamatis

Posted by: Kristina on 6/18/2014 at 3:01 pm

Go Bruce! Wishing you well and remember to bring back some McKinley snow for me in a zip lock bag. =)

Posted by: Donald Chen on 6/18/2014 at 2:38 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Beren & Team Rest & Train

June 17, 2014

Posted by: Jake Beren, Leon Davis

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

June 16, 2014 11:31pm PT Happy Monday from all us sinners up here at 14 Camp! Today we rested and trained for our foray up the fixed lines. After a bit of afternoon rest we then spent some time fortifying camp. It's been great up here so far and we are lucky to be surrounded by the other RMI teams. Everyone had been super hospitable and helpful getting settled in. If the weather allows, we will try a mission to the top of the fixed lines. If not, a day of rest sure wouldn't hurt. That's all from 14! RMI Guide Jake Beren & Team

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George and Team - it is amazing what you guys are doing. We are all pulling for you! Wishing you strength and good weather - Bergmann’s Heil! JE

Posted by: JE on 6/18/2014 at 5:55 am

14 sounds like a good number! Looks like you are all in good company and the weather might be turning in your favor. We are all watching for the moment you are standing at the top!
Safe travels to Dawn and team!
love mommeg and all from CT

Posted by: Meg Scata on 6/17/2014 at 9:03 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Jones & Team Can’t Get No Satisfaction!

June 17, 2014

Posted by: Tyler Jones

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

June 16, 2014 11:05pm PT Well, the Rolling Stones hit the nail on the head with this one. We've sort of adopted it as our theme song of the day, as the weather continued to thwart upward movement for our team. Temperatures and wind in camp were more conducive to resting inside than hanging around outside, and the team spent most of the day relaxing in our posh, eating pancakes and sharing stories with the other climbers who stayed in camp. While the forecast isn't the greatest we've seen, we're still hoping for a window of high pressure for a summit attempt this week. We are getting close to a go/no go date, but spirits remain high and the stoke for the experience is strong. Keep sending the positive vibes and we'll do our part if the mountain cooperates!! Cheers from a well-lived-in 14K camp, RMI Guides TJ, Garrett, Bryan and the No Troubles Crew

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D.G. I know you want this weather to straighten up so you guys can get a chance at the summit. Crossing my fingers that chance will come real soon. Have you all started numbering the stories yet? Love, Mom

Posted by: Caroline on 6/17/2014 at 7:52 pm

Jen - Sorry to hear that the weather is uncooperative, but it will make it that much sweeter when you do get a chance to go higher. I’m sending my strongest clear calm weather vibes!

Posted by: Nicole on 6/17/2014 at 7:15 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Haugen and Team Move to 11,000’ Camp

June 16, 2014

Posted by: Mike Haugen

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

June 16, 2014 - 8:03 pm PT We arrived at our 11,000' camp in the late afternoon today. Our plan was to leave early this morning to head up here, but the weather was pretty terrible. White out conditions and strong winds kept us in the tent all morning. Just after noon, the weather started to get a bit better and we got word that the conditions were better higher up. We heard a couple of planes that take people on scenic tours overhead, so our suspicions of clear skies above were confirmed. We packed up our camp in record time and headed uphill. The conditions grew steadily better the higher we went and the traveling was actually pleasant. We arrived in camp way earlier than we predicted as our team has been very steady and strong as we travel up the mountain. We built a storm fortified camp and are just finishing up a well earned meal. Our plan for tomorrow is to do a back carry. This means that we will go back down to dig up our 10,000' cache and bring those supplies up to our new camp. We will hopefully have the weather to complete this task early so that we can rest up for our days at higher altitudes. RMI Guide Mike Haugen and RMI Team "The Ocho"

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Wow you guys are rocking that mountain! I’m looking for your tracks on Google Earth…. ok not really. But WOW!

Posted by: James on 6/17/2014 at 8:06 pm

Encouragement to Bruce and Michael. Let me know if I have the right team.

Ron Holt

Posted by: Ron Holt on 6/17/2014 at 10:52 am

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent and Team Experience Not So Perfect Weather

June 16, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

June 16, 2015 - 6:07 pm PT Snow, wind, sun... Repeat. That's been the story of our day today with rapidly changing weather that seems to change every twenty or so minutes. Despite the moderate weather our team was able to descend to the cache at 9,600' in a total whiteout, retrieve it, and climb our way by Braille back to our camp at 11. For a lot of our guys it was their first experience in not so perfect weather so it served as good training for the inevitably bad weather we'll endure higher up. Even though it was a little crummy, we made short work of the back-carry and are settling back in with a planned rest day on the docket for tomorrow. Also wanted to make a brief shout out to all the dads out there... Sorry I forgot to mention it yesterday but out here you lose track of what day it is at all. Happy belated Father's Day! More news as our saga unfolds, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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I’m thinking about you & praying for you on your amazing expedition…just a bit more intense than Kili!!! Sending you guys so much love and praying daily for your team’s strength and safety as you journey! Soooo proud of you! Lots of love from NYC!

Posted by: Christine & the Shortman on 6/18/2014 at 5:29 am

Stay strong, team! Jess and I did a beautiful hike this morning where we did yoga at the summit. Wish you could join! Stay safe and we love you! Xoxo, Katie and Jess

Posted by: Katie Freedman on 6/18/2014 at 12:30 am

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Mt. McKinley: Happy Father’s Day From 14,200’

June 16, 2014

Posted by: Tyler Jones

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

June 15, 2014 - 11:35 pm PT Well, the weather keeps us down in from higher altitudes. Though a short window during this morning allowed us to venture out to one of the best view spots in all of the Alaska Range, The Edge of The World. We took pictures and told stories as the clouds came in and out, enjoying the company and scenery. But we'd like to give some personal shout outs from each of the folks here, so keep reading: Happy Father's Day Dad, Ken, and Frank! Love you guys! Nicole, Emma, and Baby Jake- love and miss you guys! Mom- I am warm and happy. You can sleep now :) all of my love! Aunt Marie and Uncle Kelly- thanks for the prayers! Houston Nicole, thanks for all of the comments! Wish you and Shaun were here. Have a great trip Wade! Thinking of everyone down there! -Jen Hope all is well at home, can't wait to catch up. Hopin for good weather as the clock is ticking. Happy Father's Day a little late. The views are great as is the food. Missing my little lady a lot. See u all soon. -jake Hi Oz, I love you and miss you. So happy and proud to be your father. See you soon. On this Father. Day at camp 14 I'm thinking of my father. When you were alive. you would say you didn't ever want to know when I climb McKinley. I'm so glad that you are my gaurding angel on this trip. Dave Johnson Happy father's Dad and Tommy! To all the other dads in my family! Love you all. Ty Happy Father's Day dad! Thinking of you from a frosty 14 camp, hope you're enjoying a sultry southern Sunday! Love, Garrett RMI Guides Tyler Jones, Garrett Stevens & Bryan Hendrick

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Hi Will, We have been following your progress everyday and keeping the family informed. We are all rooting for you and your team. The pictures we have seen are incredible. Look forward to hearing all about the climb when you return. Keep up the good work! Love and prayers, Mom & Dad

Posted by: Pat & Bill Ivy on 6/17/2014 at 6:20 am

Jake- Maggie was excited to hear how much you miss her :)Hope the weather cooperates for you and the team, stay warm!

Posted by: Alan Wander on 6/16/2014 at 9:29 pm

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Mt. McKinley Expedition: Beren and Team Move to 14,000’ Camp

June 16, 2014

Posted by: Jake Beren, Leon Davis

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

June 15, 2014 - 11:57 pm PT We celebrated Father's Day on Mt. McKinley with a move from 11 Camp to 14 Camp. The team did a super solid job getting up here with enough gas to build a good camp just before the weather came in. It sure feels good to be in position to move a bit higher after a day of rest and training tomorrow. Now it's off to bed to enjoy a good night's rest after a big day in the mountains. Thanks to all the Poppas out there, we love you. RMI Guide Jake Beren

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Chris, we are so happy you made it to the next height. We hope that the weather will behave itself and you can move forward. Stay safe and warm! Love mom & dad

Posted by: Elizabeth Koerner on 6/17/2014 at 6:19 am

Back in the Lower 48. Thinking of you all… Glad you’re doing well! We went fishing and kayaking in Glacier Bay and sightseeing in Denali Park. We’re rooting for you all… Stay strong, be safe, and have an absolute blast!

Craig & Eric

Posted by: Eric on 6/16/2014 at 10:19 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Move to 11,000’ Camp

June 16, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Chase Nelson

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

June 15, 2014 - 10:31 pm PT Greetings from Camp 3 at 11,000'... We enjoyed a sunny and warm wake up today while we packed for a quick move up to 11,000 ft on Mt. McKinley. After a few hours on the trail in mostly whiteout conditions we arrived and set to work digging and building platforms and walls to protect our tents and posh (dining tent). The weather has been coming in and out all day with sun breaks punctuating a generally cloudy day. It's actually begun snowing moderately as I write this... Anyway, we left a sizable cache of food and fuel buried down at 9,600' that we hope to retrieve tomorrow morning after sleeping in and enjoying a more substantial breakfast. Breaking camp every morning for the last 3 days has meant quickie breakfasts like oatmeal or granola. We also got to enjoy a visit with some of our comrades from higher on the mountain as they came through camp. Good vibes all around. All for now, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Bruce, I hope the weather improves. Just pretend you are in Mexico again going an easy summit. Best of luck on summit day. I will get all the details from Katie at GFH3 tomorrow.

Posted by: Reid on 6/17/2014 at 3:45 pm

Michael. I printed the leopard photo from your Kilimanjaro trip in two sizes and it came out great! It will look good matted and framed. Hang in there and stay warm. Say hi to your dad. What a great way to spend Fathers day. Love you. Mom

Posted by: Joyce on 6/16/2014 at 6:56 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Weathers Another Day

June 16, 2014

Posted by: Eric Frank, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

June 15, 2014 - 11:26 pm PT We awoke this morning to blue skies and our excitement spiked. Unfortunately it quickly became apparent that this was only a trap door, the forecast is still looking poor for the next few days. We decided to stay put here at 14 camp, and by early afternoon the clouds and snow were back. The team is beginning to become discouraged and there is talk of heading down hill without a better weather forecast. That's all for now. RMI Guide Eric Frank and the McKinley Upper West Rib Team

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However this all plays out, we know you have done everything under your control and to the best of your abilities. Hopefully Mother Nature will have a change of heart and send some weather improvements and conditions in your favor. Keep the faith and stay strong.

Posted by: Rita and BruceWightman on 6/17/2014 at 6:06 pm

Hey guys sorry to hear that.
Although this fickle weather, I hope you have enjoyed your time. Though you haven’t been able to continue up the slope, don’t be disappointed. After all, it isn’t your fault. At least you have explored the unknown and have met your challenge. Do only what’s safe, you’re in our thoughts and prayers.

Love you Jesse

Posted by: L. Rosales on 6/16/2014 at 9:18 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Haugen and Team Reach 9,700’ - Camp Two

June 16, 2014

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,700'

June 15, 2014 - 7:37 pm Greetings from 9,700' on Mt. McKinley. We woke up around three this morning, ate breakfast, and then packed up camp. We loaded up our backpacks and sleds and headed up to our next camp. We pushed hard for the early part of the morning so we could get to camp before the glacier got hot. It seems strange that we would be worried about the heat while climbing in the snowy mountains of Alaska. When the sun is out and the solar radiation is bouncing off of all of those white surfaces, it acts like an Easy Bake oven. We put in a storm proof camp in a crevasse free zone and were tucked away by ten this morning. I suppose that begs the question about what we did the rest of the day.....hard work I assure you! HAPPY FATHERS DAY to our wonderful dads! RMI Guide Mike Haugen and Team

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Entries from Mt. McKinley

Mt. McKinley: Haugen and Team Working Hard at 11,000’ Camp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Beren & Team Rest & Train

Mt. McKinley: Jones & Team Can’t Get No Satisfaction!

Mt. McKinley: Haugen and Team Move to 11,000’ Camp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Nugent and Team Experience Not So Perfect Weather

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Happy Father’s Day From 14,200’

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Mt. McKinley Expedition: Beren and Team Move to 14,000’ Camp

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Move to 11,000’ Camp

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Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Weathers Another Day

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Mt. McKinley: Haugen and Team Reach 9,700’ - Camp Two

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