Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Start for Summit But Turn Back Quickly

July 5, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,000'

Wednesday, July 4, 2018 - 11:09 PM PT The sun hit at seven. There were high clouds and some of the signs of the storm forecast to move in at the end of the day. We hoped to get lucky by sneaking the summit in before that storm. With that in mind we breakfasted and geared up... but not too quickly as we were still watching the weather. At 10:15 we made the move and left camp... at precisely the moment that three other guided teams left their own camps. The resulting traffic jam as the teams hit the steep and tricky first pitches of the “autobahn” combined with rapidly deteriorating weather had us turning back to camp before noon. We set to building walls around the tents and catching up on rest and hydration. The storm did hit... there were a few nervy hours in the evening trying to account for the teams that had gone onward and upward. All turned out ok in the end and we are secure in our fortress at 17,000' Camp. We’ll climb when the weather improves. Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Sorry to hear about the weather turning you back. Hopefully today, 7/6, will be more fruitful by providing Scott his best birthday present ever! Be safe!

Posted by: Roger Coffey on 7/6/2018 at 9:22 am

Tom. We pray for clearing weather for all of you! Proud of you and your accomplishments, especially Carolyn and Bella!! Be safe

Posted by: Dell Johnson on 7/5/2018 at 10:16 am

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Move to High Camp, Prepare for Summit Day

July 4, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

Tuesday, July 3, 2018 - 9:52 PM PT We could see forever this morning, and then it got better. The high clouds were gone, the low clouds were gone and the middle clouds were gone. We were up at six and walking by 8:45 in the cool shadow of the South Peak. By noon we’d topped out the fixed ropes and were starting up along the phenomenal crest of the West Buttress. We never got anything stronger than gentle breezes, despite our exposed position. There were a few big smiles as the gang came up past Washburn’s Thumb and began to flirt with 17,000 feet. We pulled into the 17,200 ft camp in mid afternoon, six hours after leaving our Camp at 14,000'. Building camp was hard in the rarefied air, but we got it done and sat down to a six PM dinner in our newest snow dining room. We talked about how a summit day might work tomorrow and how to prepare tonight. We will need to get a little bit lucky on the weather, and everybody will need a good night’s rest... but then if it all works out, we’ll be ready to take advantage. Light, high clouds have taken over the western sky, but the sun is still powering through at 8:45 PM and we can see rivers, tundra, mountains, glaciers and planet Earth for hundreds of miles. Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

I hope by now you have summited and are starting back down. Great job!

Posted by: Roger Coffey on 7/5/2018 at 8:24 am

Wishing you all a happy 4th! Send it Tom!

Posted by: Joe Walker on 7/4/2018 at 9:11 pm

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Home Sweet Home

July 2, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Hannah McGowan, Gloria Roe

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 348'

Monday, July 2, 2018 - 10:02 am PT RMI Super Crew 6 is safe and sound back in Talkeetna! I expected to be tired waking up early to head to Basecamp from our 11k Camp. I realized when you wake up at 11 pm it is either too early or too late to wake up tired! The tired came later. We had a beautiful night/morning finishing the 10 miles of glacier that delivered us to the airstrip. Denali gave us one more round of mini snow and wind before it finally gave us a moonrise and sunrise combo. We arrived at the airstrip just in time for the planes to start flying. We got all of our gear de-rigged and ready to throw on the plane when we were informed that the plans for us had just been changed and the pilots would be picking us up at the upper airstrip a 1/4 mile up glacier. Since the planes were already in the air, we loaded sleds and packs up Beverly Hillbilly style and made the trip in record time just as the planes arrived to bring us back to civilization. I really appreciate all of the hard work and great attitudes that the Super Crew brought to our adventure. Also, thank you for all of your blog comments and support. It made a huge difference knowing all of you had our backs! RMI Guide Mike Haugen and Super Crew 6

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

It’s the Love of adventure that make a person put themselves through such a grilling trial.. Testing yourselves to how much your body and mind can endure… You All have “shined” through it all and I’m so happy for the guides and happy for the determination of all the participants ... They will all be looking for New Mountains to climb now.. You are Truly a Super Team ! ! !

Congratulations Lindsay and Matt….......I Love you and Welcome back to Terra Firma…

Grams

Posted by: Barbara Jones on 7/2/2018 at 8:51 pm

Thank you Mike and Hannah for your enthusiasm. I’m sure your strength inspired Gloria. I think you all made a great team, to welcome every challenge, or at least accept it. I just want to jump up and down to applaud you. Love,

Mom

Posted by: Michelle on 7/2/2018 at 8:49 pm

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Work High, Sleep Low

July 2, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Sunday, July 1, 2018 - 11:14 PM PT This was the day we were looking for. Even so, it looked a little gusty up high at first, so we dragged our feet a little and lingered over breakfast. The sun hit at 9:30 and we got walking at 10:30. Our goal, of course, was to carry food and supplies up onto the West Buttress and to establish a cache that will help us when we commit to moving up to 17,000 ft. But our goal was also to get familiar with the steep part of this climb -the fixed ropes- and to build on our acclimatization by getting a good workout in at altitude. We did all of that today. Things were slightly on the crowded side, but that didn’t give us much trouble in the end. It is close to the end of the Denali climbing season, now that we are in July, but the last 100 or so climbers all flew on at once due to the five day storm that preceded our arrival. And we’ve mostly been on the same travel schedules since those 100 folks are all in various guided parties. But we know and like many of the people so it hasn’t -to this point- seemed so crowded. But all those folks needing to get on the same ropes to reach the crest of the West Buttress means that some patience will be required. We turned out to be patient today, waiting our turn, but it wasn’t so hard to be that way in sunny, pleasant weather and with fantastic scenery all around. The upside for us was that the teams ahead of us kicked a perfect staircase in the snow up the steep headwall. We topped out at 16,200 in surprisingly fine conditions -the exposed ridge crest can often be cold and windy. As it was 3 PM we declared victory and established a cache -burying it all to keep our supplies from the ravens. Our descent was smooth and easy since we now had the whole place to ourselves. We were back down to camp by 5 PM and relaxing over dinner a couple of hours later. Rest day tomorrow and then up for good. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Glad your climb is going good! Hannah, looking forward to talking to you and seeing your pictures!

Posted by: Shannon Smith on 7/3/2018 at 11:28 am

I’m SO excited for you guys! How fabulous the weather is helping!! Keep pushing…not long now

Posted by: Sue Mamer on 7/2/2018 at 9:08 pm

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Venture to the Edge of the World

July 1, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Saturday, June 30th - 10:30 pm PT The snow quit abruptly last night at around 11 PM after about a foot of new. Forecasts called for more snow today -about a 70 percent chance of it. So we were on our guard. But this day dawned crisp cold and clear above us (with a sea of cloud below). For various reasons we opted not to pull the trigger on our carry today... there were traffic jams and a lot of new snow to wallow through. For exercise and a thrill, we roped up and ventured over to the “edge of the world” a rock outcrop at the edge of Genet Basin. From that edge, the world drops vertically for four thousand feet to a branch of the NE Kahiltna Glacier. We stepped out to the apex of rock overhanging the drop and mugged for photos while the clouds swirled in and out mysteriously. The afternoon ended up restful and pleasant... and not so snowy. We’ll be ready to climb tomorrow. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

SWEET! So glad to hear the weather is cooperating

Posted by: Sue Mamer on 7/2/2018 at 8:28 am

I cant imagine the experience and beauty you are all having! So Awesome! Climb high Tom!

Posted by: Dave Kestel on 7/2/2018 at 5:10 am

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Still Headed Home

June 30, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Hannah McGowan, Gloria Roe

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Saturday, June 30, 2018 - 8:25 pm PT The weather clearing did not happen until late last night, so we could not make a break to Basecamp. The clear weather did make for a great rest day at 11,000' camp. We slept in and enjoyed the sunshine while we gathered our strength for one long and final push to the the snowy airstrip. The team is in great spirits and ready to get back to summer and away from days filled with snow! Keep your fingers crossed for clear, flying kind of weather for us tomorrow! RMI Guide Mike Haugen and Super Crew 6

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

We’re on our way to Colorado! Finish strong, David and Super Crew 6! So ready to hear your stories and toast to your amazing journey.

Posted by: Nancie Summerlin on 7/1/2018 at 10:37 am

Come on home Super Crew!!! We miss you Shannon nd can not wait to hear your voice Love you Mom

Posted by: Linda Walsh on 7/1/2018 at 5:12 am

View All Comments

Denali Expediton: Haugen & Team Moving Down the Mountain

June 30, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Hannah McGowan, Gloria Roe

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Saturday June 30, 2018 12:54 AM PST We are headed home... Slowly. We woke up to pretty big winds and blowing snow at 17k camp this morning. Our desired early start turned into an afternoon departure when the weather finally gave in enough for us to descend. We had a great climb down to 14k camp where we crossed paths with Dave Hahn and his crew. It was great to see them and we hope they get the same kind of summit day that we got to experience! After picking up some cached gear and food from 14k, we made our way through some snowy weather to 11k camp. The Super Crew did a great job keeping it strong on this very long day! Even though the weather does not look to cooperate with us for a Basecamp dash tomorrow, we are in positioned to make it there when it is time to fly! I think I can speak for the entire Super Crew 6 when I say we are sick of snow! RMI Super Crew 6

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Proud for your accomplishment…...What an adventure, something that some people only dream about !

You had a Great Team of Mountaineers to be able to stay the course.. Have a safe trip home..

Grams

Posted by: Barbara Jones on 6/30/2018 at 10:11 pm

I’m so awed by this accomplishment. I plan to share the blog with my English students in the fall when they read the novel, “Peak.” Godspeed for the journey down the mountain.

Posted by: Laura Seasongood on 6/30/2018 at 8:47 am

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Take a Snow Day

June 30, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Friday, June 29, 2018 9:53 PM PST We weren’t feeling it today. Although we’d prepared to carry up onto the West Buttress, the morning weather didn’t look all that inviting. We watched and waited and ate breakfast, but then declared a rest day. The forecasts had predicted a snowstorm coming onto the mountain and we figured they were getting it right this time. Luckily though, it came in slowly enough for Mike Haugen and his team to climb down from 17 camp. We were certainly happy to see them pass through 14 in the latter part of the afternoon. The really heavy snow began to fall just as they were leaving to go a little lower. It seemed to be coming down at about three inches an hour while we were eating dinner in our well fortified dining tent. The good news is that it is coming down without any wind... so far. By bedtime we could hear avalanches beginning to pour down regularly on the steep -and thankfully distant- slopes surrounding our flat basin. We’ll each be taking turns digging out the camp tonight. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

That is a lot of snowfall. Back in the lower 48, a one inch per hour qualifies as a snow emergency. Stay safe all of you and hopefully by the time you read this, you will on your way again.

Posted by: Roger Coffey on 7/1/2018 at 8:02 am

So proud of all of you and happy things are going well! Wish I was there. It won’t be long now before you’re all standing on the Summit!
Love,
Sue

Posted by: Sue Mamer on 6/30/2018 at 10:07 pm

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Return to High Camp After Summit

June 29, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,000'

Friday, June 29, 2018 - 1:09 AM PT RMI Super Crew got to the summit of Denali around 6 pm today. The weather was amazing all day and we all walked to the top in just base layers, which you would imagine is rare when climbing big mountains in Alaska. Mountaineers don't cry... everybody knows that. However, all of our eyes were awfully sweaty when we reached the top and saw the spectacular scenery below! We had a very safe climb back to high camp and a are currently working on getting into our sleeping bags for some well earned sleep. RMI Guide Mike Haugen & Super Crew

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Congratulations ! ! ! The song “I can only imagine” comes to mind…... Another dream has come true, achieving this is such an accomplishment.. Cudo’s to a strong team, that overcame and conquered ! Love to you all ....Have a safe trip descending.. Wish I could be there to greet you and to celebrate with you…..

Grams

Posted by: Barbara Jones on 6/30/2018 at 5:40 am

Congratulations Josh, Rusty, Craig and the entire crew! Can’t wait to hear all about your amazing adventure!

Josh, love you and can’t wait to see you!

Posted by: Sarah Levy on 6/29/2018 at 3:38 pm

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Retrieve Carry and Train at 14,000’ Camp

June 29, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Thursday, June 28, 2018 - 10:32 PM PT Our first night at 14,000' Camp was quiet and calm. The tent fabric didn’t stir even once with breeze. We were up at around 8AM even though things are still a little shadowy and cold here then. After breakfast, Avery Parrinello led the day’s carry, or more accurately the back carry, since we were going back down to 13,500 ft to bring home the cache we walked past yesterday. It only took about 20 minutes to walk down, but perhaps 90 minutes to come back up with heavy packs. As usual, it clouded up and began snowing on us before we’d gone too far, but that wasn’t much of a problem. The snow continued through the afternoon, but by then we were lounging in our tents. Just before dinner we did a little training session to discuss techniques we’ll employ to climb the “fixed ropes” that lead to the crest of the West Buttress. Throughout the day we touched base with the only other RMI group on the hill, Mike Haugen’s team who were going for the top. It all made our preparations a bit more meaningful to know we’ll be up there knocking on the door soon ourselves. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

J and M-

Thinking of you guys often from sunny/hot Wisconsin. While we soak up the lake views we imagine the mountain scapes before you. (We also think about getting some fresh turns in that powder.)

Enjoy the challenge and the sounds of nature. Wish you the best.

The Merkleins

Posted by: Merklein family on 6/30/2018 at 5:59 am

Hey Tom! Awesome job so far! I’m torked up to hear about the fixed lines when you get to the next camp. I wish I was on your team brother!

Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/29/2018 at 5:34 pm

View All Comments

Previous Page Next Page

Check Availability

Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Start for Summit But Turn Back Quickly

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Move to High Camp, Prepare for Summit Day

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Home Sweet Home

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Work High, Sleep Low

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Venture to the Edge of the World

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Still Headed Home

On The Map

Denali Expediton: Haugen & Team Moving Down the Mountain

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Take a Snow Day

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Return to High Camp After Summit

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Retrieve Carry and Train at 14,000’ Camp

On The Map

Contact Us

Privacy Policy

Translate

Log In

Register With Us

Check Availability

Entries from Mt. McKinley

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

New Post Alerts:Expedition Dispatches

New Post Alerts:
Expedition Dispatches