Entries from Mt. McKinley

Mt. McKinley: Jones & Team Enjoy a Day of Leisure, Training, and Preparation

June 6, 2014

Posted by: Tyler Jones

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

June 6, 2014 - 8:37 pm PT Today we woke to a grand flurry of climbers packing and moving up to the fourteen thousand camp. For us though, it was a day of rest and we crawled out of our sleeping bags after the sun warmed the air in the tents. We ate another great breakfast of bagels, cream cheese, and bacon, firing our spirits for a day of organizing our gear for tomorrow's carry up to the 14,200ft camp. We'll once again be separated from a few of our goodie bags and the gear we will use on the upper mountain. We had a great review of advanced crampon technique, ice axe use, and general efficiency skills needed for our continued success at altitude as we move higher up. The real climbing starts from here, and we'll don our crampons and ice axe for climbing steeper, more technical terrain and entering the more challenging altitudes. With this day of rest, light activity and acclimatization our carry should be no sweat for our crew. Send some more nice weather our way and we'll let you know when our cache has landed at its next destination! Cheers, RMI Guides Tyler, Garrett, Bryan, and the crew

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Thinking of you Jen and this incredible adventure you are on. Praying that the weather holds up and you will reach the summit soon. Lots of love.

Posted by: Aunt Marie on 6/7/2014 at 8:18 pm

Great job. Thinking of you, Dave and the whole crew.
Have a safe climb. Can’t wait to hear all about it.

Posted by: Bonnie on 6/7/2014 at 3:15 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Frank & Team Pick Up 9,900’ Cache

June 6, 2014

Posted by: Eric Frank, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

June 5, 2014 - 11:57 pm PT We slept in a bit this morning as light snow fell on camp. After a leisurely breakfast of bagels with bacon and cream cheese, we walked 30 minutes down to our cache at 9,900'. After returning to 11K Camp, we rested before building snow walls around our tents. Everyone is doing very well and excited to keep working up. With light snow still falling this evening, we are going to keep watching the weather and take it day by day. Thanks for following along with us. RMI Guides Eric Frank, Geoff Schellens and the UWR team

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It would appear that you have a terrific team climbing with you this year. They need to know that they are in good hands. Your knowledge, understanding and skill on Denali is unprecedented. Your ability to transfer those traits and abilities to provide a great experience to us average climbers can not be acknowledged enough. Your ability to weigh risk and benefit to determine appropriate action or task is exceptional. I have enjoyed following your team so far. Looks like you have some significant weather coming at you over the next few days. Climb safe. JB 2012

Posted by: Jeff Boskind on 6/7/2014 at 9:20 am

Looking good gentlemen!! Thank you for keeping us all up to speed on your astounding progress.

I’m appreciative of being able to live vicariously through you courageous, crazy specimens all the way from sunny California. Proud of you guys…

Rob

Posted by: Rob Lynch on 6/6/2014 at 10:04 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Down from 17,200’

June 6, 2014

Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher, Nick Hunt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

June 5, 2014 - 11:00 pm PT We broke camp early today given our usual plan for getting down towards Basecamp and hopefully off the mountain in another day or so, but today not all went to plan. Some equipment malfunctions and mostly general fatigue has us camped again at 14,200', getting recharged for our walk back to the airstrip and closer to a burger, beer, and you. The forecast looks good for walking down the Kahiltna so we're all hopeful. Hope to see you all soon. RMI Guides Brent, Leah and Nick

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So excited that mission Denali is almost completed. Great Team and great Guides!!! Hope tonight will be your last night in the snow. Love to Daniel and the entire Team.

Mom & Rob

Posted by: Lena Akerman on 6/6/2014 at 9:57 pm

Sitting between the dogs, drinking a martini while Blair cooks. We are very excited for you and the group! Take care and be safe.
Debbie and Blair

Posted by: Debbie Okita on 6/6/2014 at 4:01 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Jones and Team So Happy Together

June 5, 2014

Posted by: Tyler Jones

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Thursday, June 5, 2014 5:23 PM PDT It's always a little hard to leave the food you love in a cold dark hole on the glacier...wondering when you can get back there, whether it's going to snow so much that you can't find it again, or if the industrious ravens will dig into it. Fortunately for us, none of the above were issues today, and we completed our cache retrieval without incident. We started the day with snow showers and overcast skies, and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of bacon, egg and cheese quesadillas with coffee and cocoa (clearly, we're not starving). The food was just the fuel we needed for our two hour mission - we fired downhill, dug up the group gear and food we cached two days ago, and packed up our sleds for the trek back to camp. The snow continued to fall as we pulled into camp, within 15 minutes we had all the gear stowed and were tucked into our tents, as warm and dry as we can hope to be. Now it's time for a little lunch indulgence with the treats we brought, continued hydration, and resting from the output over the last few days. Tomorrow's plan is a little up in the air - we'll see if the weather cooperates for a carry or if we take a rest day here. Keep it locked in for more updates from the team! RMI Guides Garrett Stevens, Tyler Jones, and Bryan Hendrick

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Hi Paul. We hope that you are continuing to enjoy your climb. We are also hoping that you have good weather, and are looking forward to seeing the pictures of you and your team on the summit.
Love Ronda, Alex, Meeka and Max

Posted by: Ronda Kinneberg on 6/7/2014 at 7:31 pm

Dave, I hope you’re enjoying yourself. The food you all are eating sounds like quite a menu! Please stay safe and keep having fun. All of us on the east coast are thinking of you and looking forward to hearing about you reaching the top!

Posted by: Patty on 6/7/2014 at 8:11 am

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McKinley: Beren & Team are Ready to Fly

June 5, 2014

Posted by: Jake Beren, Leon Davis

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

We are all weighed for the big fight and now just relaxing a bit before taking off. Early reports from Basecamp have us in a little bit of a holding pattern due to some snowfall. The skies are currently clearing up now and we hope to be en route to the AK range soon enough. Wish us luck! RMI Guide Jake Beren & Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Amazing, we can now follow you in your journey without the effort. Enjoy!!
Nadine and Jules

Posted by: Nadine on 6/9/2014 at 5:06 pm

Dawn,
Wish you the best! Have a Great experience in the nature. Love you, mom.

Posted by: hye kim on 6/8/2014 at 2:20 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Moves to 11,000’

June 5, 2014

Posted by: Eric Frank, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,000'

Today we packed up our camp at 7,600' on Mt. McKinley and began climbing at 8:30 AM under perfectly blue skies. Our team was strong and did very well on the move, despite the hot temps once the sun was high. 11,000' Camp is currently the size of a small town with all the climbing teams that flew on the same day that we did. After setting up our new camp folks enjoyed an afternoon nap before dinner and hot drinks. We are all happy to be here at 11 camp. Thanks for following along with us - The Upper West Rib Team

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Team - I feel a bit of wimp here as I armchair mountaineer along with your great adventure. I’m actually kind of envious of you all in that pristine and beautiful setting. Keep up the good work and enjoy!

Posted by: Lisa Stenderup on 6/5/2014 at 9:53 pm

Mom Stenderup here… My Baby Boy is marching up a 20,000+ Foot mountain and I (with other Moms ) am stressing out!!! However, what can I do at this point?.....,except cheer you on, pray for your safety…and send lots and lots of love ..to ALL of you…because you are a TEAM!!! “One for all , and all for one!”!!!

Posted by: Patty Stenderup on 6/5/2014 at 6:51 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Back in Camp

June 5, 2014

Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher, Nick Hunt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

June 5, 2014 - 1:44 am PT We're all safely back in camp, horizontal and happy at 17,200' on Mt. McKinley. And to no small degree exhausted. It was a perfect day: sunny and calm with never more than a 5-10 mph wind. But mostly calm. A lot of other climbers were taking advantage of the good weather too, but traffic was nicely spread out. Tomorrow is another big day as we descend to 11,200' camp to retrieve our cache and get on to a night time schedule. All for now. It's cold and I too am ready to get horizontal. Goodnight from RMI Guide Brent Okita

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Hey Rick Popp!
Fantastic my friend!! I buy the beer and you tell me all about the summit. I talked to Dan on Wednesday and he was watching you to. Looks like you have many others watching this adventure of yours as well. Safe travels till you get home. Scott

Posted by: Scott DeWaard on 6/6/2014 at 6:49 am

Yay Steve!!! and team - congrats - Now come home and climb!!

Posted by: Team Fairway on 6/6/2014 at 5:55 am

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Mt. Rainier: Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir Reaches Summit

June 5, 2014

Posted by: Casey Grom, Chase Nelson, Mark Falender, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,410'

The Expedition Skill Seminar - Muir reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning at 7:25 am PT. RMI Guide Casey Grom reported a beautiful day with clear skies, light winds and cool temperatures. The team will descend to Camp Muir (10,060') where they will spend their final night on the mountain and conclude their training tomorrow with a final descent to Paradise. Congratulations to today's Seminar team!

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¡Felicitaciones!

Posted by: Margaret Amalfitano on 6/6/2014 at 6:11 am

Way to go Mike McBride and Seminar-Muir team!!!! Congradulations !!!

Posted by: Pat Noe on 6/5/2014 at 12:19 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Summit!

June 4, 2014

Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher, Nick Hunt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 20,320'

June 4, 2014 - 7:43 pm PT Hi, this is Brent from the RMI Okita McKinley Expedition. I am super psyched to report that we just summitted Denali about an hour ago, about 5:30 [Alaska time] this evening under perfect conditions. Minimal wind, hardly anything, and clear, blue skies. Everyone did a great job getting up to the summit. Was a fantastic effort by everybody. Right now, I'm calling down from the Football Field. We wanted to get off the summit, because there are a bunch of other climbers coming up and we wanted to get out of the crowds, as they say. Now we're back on the Football Field, taking a little break before heading back to camp. And everyone's doing super well. I'll give an update on our progress when we get back down to Camp 17 in a little while. All you friends and family who are listening, you guys should be awfully proud of these folks. They did a great job today. Alright, talk to you later. Bye Bye. RMI Guide Brent Okita

RMI Guide Brent Okita calls in from the descent of Mt. McKinley's summit.

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Leah, thank you for taking our picture on the summit.

Brent, as one of your former clients on a skills seminar I just wanted to say thank you for teaching me the skills to allow me to summit Denali. It was an honor and privilege to meet your team on the football field and share the summit with you all.

Great job team RMI!

Posted by: Dan Crouch on 6/10/2014 at 5:25 am

Congratulations to the entire team. JOB WELL DONE. Continued safe travels in your entire journey home. Godspeed to you all.

Posted by: Mark DiLucca on 6/6/2014 at 8:45 am

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

June 4, 2014

Posted by: Tyler Jones

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Wednesday, June 4, 2014 4:53 PDT The morning came with no wind and optimal cool temps for our travels. After an oatmeal breakfast, the team packed for our quickest departure from camp yet. Our crew is strong and made great time during our climb, stopping at our cache to retrieve a handful of items from the surface, adding just a microscopic load for the final push into our new home for the next few days. We plan to continue to fortify our camp by adding wind walls to our million dollar Posh house! The Posh house will serve as our kitchen,living, and dining room, bringing some comfort from the chill of the evening and protection from the blasting solar energy of the sun. Currently, we are hiding from the sun's torture and looking forward to a big dinner of tortellini with bacon and sun dried tomatoes. Tonight we will get a long night's rest, and a leisurely breakfast tomorrow will lead us into a short back carry to retrieve the rest of our equipment! We're keeping our fingers crossed for RMI Guide Brent Okita and his team above us - as of last night's radio check-in, they were planning to go for the top today. If the weather up high is anything like it is at our new camp, they stand a good shot. But for us, the name of the game is rest, recover, and prepare for the work ahead. Cheers for now, RMI Guides Tyler Jones, Garrett Stevens, Bryan Hendrick, and team

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We are following your progress. Good Weather & Good Luck! Going to Raleigh to see & hear Oz.

Posted by: Fred & Donna on 6/5/2014 at 5:46 pm

Hi Paul! We didn’t want you to be the only “camper” (haha) not getting “mail” from home this trip. So enjoy your adventure and safe travels! Love Ronda, Alex, Meeka and Max (the toad catcher!!!)

Posted by: Ronda Kinneberg on 6/5/2014 at 4:07 pm

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Entries from Mt. McKinley

Mt. McKinley: Jones & Team Enjoy a Day of Leisure, Training, and Preparation

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Frank & Team Pick Up 9,900’ Cache

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Down from 17,200’

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Jones and Team So Happy Together

McKinley: Beren & Team are Ready to Fly

Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Moves to 11,000’

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Back in Camp

On The Map

Mt. Rainier: Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir Reaches Summit

Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Summit!

On The Map

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

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