Entries from Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 20,310'

Thursday, June 28, 2018 - 7:11 PM PT Hi - this is Mike Haugen with RMI Super Crew. We just summited Denali! We are standing at over 20,000 feet with zero wind, 0 miles per hour, 5 degreess Fahrenheit. Every single one of us is up here in our base layer. Views are incredible. Wish you were here! We love all of you and thanks for your support. We are going to have a fun trip down and we will be back in camp at 17,000'. Congratulations to Mike Haugen & the RMI Team!

RMI Guide Mike Haugen calls from the summit of Denali.

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My heart continues to swell with pride for all that my son SCOTT has accomplished this past 12 months

Posted by: Roger Coffey on 6/29/2018 at 7:54 am

Congrats you all, that is super exciting. Enjoy and soak up all the goodness of your time together as a kick ass team on your decent.

Posted by: Sabrina on 6/29/2018 at 7:22 am

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Pounce on the Opportunity to Move to 14,000’

June 28, 2018

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

Elevation: 14,000'

Wednesday, June 27, 2018 - 10:11 PM PT Hey from 14K. We got an excellent day for moving up. When the 6 AM alarm went off down at 11,000', we peered out to see clear skies and no signs of wind. We pounced on the opportunity, hitting the trail at 9 AM. Hannah Smith led the charge today, bringing the team expeditiously up Motorcycle Hill, The Squirrel Hills and then the Polo Field. Just like when we carried, it began to cloud up as we approached Windy Corner and to snow as we went around. We moved right on past our cache site, which appears to be resisting the ravages of the ravens (we buried it deep in the snow). Hannah got us into camp at 14,000' in a very respectable 5 hours and 45 minutes. The tents went up fast and easy and about the time we’d completed setup, the snow quit. As we ate dinner, the clouds melted away and when we emerged from our deluxe dining shelter, we were treated to new and spectacular views in every direction. Foraker and Hunter, the other two giants of the Alaska Range were visible -for the first time- in all their glory. But it was the view of Denali, rising straight up in front of us for a vertical mile and more that took our breath away. Our world is now bound on the left by the West Buttress and on the right by the West Rib... which covers a lot of fascinating and historic... and slightly intimidating terrain. Just before bedtime, we listened to the weather outlook, broadcast via radio from Basecamp and more importantly to the trivia question for the night. Did you know that there are 21 bears for every human in Alaska? Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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‘Enjoying the updates, wishing you continued safe travel and good weather! ‘Looking forward to hearing about your adventures in person when you return to WI!

Posted by: Terri Ellis on 6/29/2018 at 4:24 am

Your Swiss genes are showing in this hike and Fritz would be so proud! Stay safe and enjoy!

Posted by: Kathy Roelli on 6/28/2018 at 10:02 pm

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Move to High Camp

June 27, 2018

Elevation: 17,200'

Wednesday, June 27, 2018 - 8:39 pm PT As mountaineers, we tend to take things one day at a time. It just so happens that this was one of the best climbing days ever. After an early start, we climbed into the gorgeous sunshine that we have not had enough of this trip. The views of the glaciers below and the rocky ridge we were ascending made for stunning photos and memories we will not soon forget! We are pretty sure that Joe Horiskey scheduled a fly-by and wing wave from a F-35 fighter jet just as we topped out on the fixed line! Spectacular!!! We are currently residing at 17k Camp in the late evening sunshine. This camp stays particularly sunny since there is not much above us to block the Alaskan midnight sun. Our plan is to go to the summit tomorrow if the mountain allows us! I think the mountain may owe us a good weather summit day after all the Super Crew has been through so far. We will see if Denali agrees!? RMI Guide Mike Haugen & Super Crew 6

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Hope all the hard work and preparation paid off today with a successful “visit” to the summit.
Congrats to all for what you have accomplished.

Posted by: Molly Frishmuth on 6/28/2018 at 6:35 pm

Josh, rooting for you and the team for a great summit day. Very proud of you. Love following the team’s progress. Will talk soon. Much love from Mom and Dad

Posted by: David Levy on 6/28/2018 at 10:24 am

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Rest at 11,000’ Camp

June 27, 2018

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

Elevation: 11,000'

Tuesday, June 26, 2018 - 10:58 PM PT Ahhhh. We made it to a much deserved rest day. It kept on snowing lightly through the night with some restless breezes playing through in the morning, but we didn’t care much what it did. We slept in and did a long, slow, yummy bagel breakfast in our comfortable dining tent. The day was a mix of napping, reading, and visiting with other climbers. We watched a handful of neighboring teams pick up and move to 14,000' Camp, although it looked as though they’d have to deal with higher winds on the way. Weather got gradually better through the day and by evening it was just calm, sunny and nice. At dinner we went through plans for our own big move up to 14,000' Camp tomorrow. Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Hey Tom! I can hear you…“Hey Man I’m here on Denali living my dream” I can only imagine the God given beauty you all are experiencing right now. Best wishes and prayers for sunshine and light winds to the summit!!!

Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/28/2018 at 3:27 am

For David Collins - it has been wonderful getting to read your progress! So thankful that the weather has been great for you all! Be safe and have an amazing time! xoxoxo, Teresa

Posted by: Teresa on 6/27/2018 at 9:53 pm

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Enjoy a Rest Day at 14,000’

June 27, 2018

Elevation: 14,000'

Tuesday, June 26, 2018 - 8:54 PM PT Rest days are the best days! We slept harrrd after our long day of climbing yesterday. When we finally began rustling around we enjoyed a very leisurely pancake brunch and our whole team laughed and chatted with renewed energy. The afternoon was filled with napping, organizing, stretching, snacking, and enjoying the sunshine. Yes, you read that correctly, sunshine! We finally had a full day with no precipitation! It wasn’t exactly beach weather, but we soaked it up nonetheless, and the day moved at just the perfect pace. Spirits are high and bellies are full- and every member of the Super Crew would like to send a very warm thank you to Carol Clark for her excellent baked goods! They somehow held up very well in Craig’s pack and he was generous enough (or his pack was heavy enough

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I thoroughly enjoy receiving the Blog’s informing us of your progress.. The pictures are beautiful ! ! !
Stay safe and enjoy the journey.. May God be with you…. Love to all..

Grams

Posted by: Barbara Jones on 6/28/2018 at 5:52 am

Ah, thanks! Glad you all enjoyed Craig’s goodies along with the sunshine!!
Fortified and ready to summit! Love you Craig, Godspeed to all!

Posted by: Carol Clark on 6/27/2018 at 8:44 pm

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Carry Gear to 17,000’ Camp

June 26, 2018

Elevation: 14,000'

Monday, June 25, 2018 - 10:31 PM PT We woke up early to clear, cold skies. Our mission was to carry a load of gear up to our next camp at 17,200 feet. We chose to leave early to avoid the heat wave that can occur on the fixes lines when the sun is hitting them. It seems weird that we are avoiding heat while climbing a giant mountain in Alaska, but the solar radiation bouncing off of all the white snow and other light color surfaces can heat you up something fierce! Although the conditions were sometimes less than ideal with some deep snow and some blowing wind on the ridge, the Super Crew did fantastically! We are all pretty worn out after such a big day and deserve the rest day we are taking tomorrow. Send us some sunshine vibes so we can rest in warmth! RMI Guide Mike Haugen & the Super Crew

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Glo and team! Your lofty goal is now within reach. Hope weather cooperates and you reach summit soon. What an extreme adventure….so proud to know you!
-Mary Ann

Posted by: Mary Ann on 6/27/2018 at 9:39 am

Go Glo and Team! After you rest your weary bones for the next tackle. An arduous journey for sure and so strengthening. Congratulations on all of it. Love and good vibes for the summit.

Mom

Posted by: Michelle on 6/27/2018 at 12:20 am

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Cache Gear Above 11,000’ Camp

June 26, 2018

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

Elevation: 11,000'

Monday, June 25, 2018 - 10:52 PM PT At six AM, things were looking positive... not much sign of wind and the upper portions of Denali’s West Buttress were in the clear. We got up and got going slowly in order to keep an eye out for changes... and to enjoy a leisurely breakfast of bacon and eggs. We set out from camp at 9:30 in our crampons and carrying ice axes, feeling a little more like climbers. Nice to take a break from snowshoes and from sled hauling. We carried food and fuel for caching, but each of us elected to put it all on our backs and to give the sleds the day off. First up was Motorcycle Hill, a steep but short (40 minute) glacial slope, next we got on squirrel hill, which brought us to the Polo Field -the glacial basin at the foot of the West Buttress. By then we were watching dramatic clouds beginning to form atop the high mountains. Another hour brought us to Windy Corner, which was just starting to get a little breezy when we turned the corner and reached our destination at 13,500 ft. By the time we were digging a raven-proof pit in the snow to bury our supplies, things had whited out and the snow was starting to fall. We’d taken a respectable 4 hours to reach the intended cache, we spent 45 minutes there getting everything squared away and then took just a further 90 minutes to walk back down through the snowstorm to camp at 11,000. There were plenty of other guided parties from different companies on the route today but we all worked well together and there were no traffic jams. Back at camp by 3:45 we snoozed until dinner time. Several of us admitted to being a little tired after this fine day of climbing... but that is not such a bad thing. We’ve planned a rest day for tomorrow and we’ll hope the snow takes a holiday as well. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Jon and Margaret———- looking good… Marlise and I are checking you out this morning…. wishing you awesome vibes…... stay safe…. xoxo

Posted by: Joe Curtes on 6/27/2018 at 6:40 am

Hey Tom ! That is Awesome you are headed up! It looks beautiful! Climb like a machine, 1 step at a time! Tom is Feelin Good, Feelin Strong!!! :) , Dave & Hanna you guys ROCK!!!!

Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/27/2018 at 3:30 am

Denali Expedition: King & Team Back In Talkeetna

June 25, 2018

Posted by: Mike King, JT Schmitt, Ben Ammon

Elevation: 348'

Monday June 25, 2018 - 2:11 PM PT We woke at midnight for a 1:35 AM start down from 11K camp. What originally looked like a cloudy day in whiteout navigation mode turned into a beautiful clear morning with alpine glow on Mt Foraker’s Sultanna Ridge. We took some breaks, dug up a cache, and finally walked up ‘heart break hill’ to finish the self propelled portion of our expedition. We waited for 3 hours plus for the weather to clear between the Alaska Range and Talkeetna. Finally, K2 Aviation swooped in with the stunning Turbo Otter ski planes to whisk us back to a rainy Talkeetna. Food, beverages, showers, and sleep are in order... for some of us, in that exact order. Thanks for following along and what a great team to climb Denali with! RMI Guide Mike King

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Denali Expedition: King & Team Take Rest at 11,000’ As they Continue to Descend

June 25, 2018

Posted by: Mike King, JT Schmitt, Ben Ammon

Elevation: 11,000'

Monday, June 25, 2018 - 12:14 AM PT This is Mike, checking in from 11,000' Camp as the team continues their descent to the airstrip. We woke at 17,000' Camp this morning after a long summit day. The team packed up and headed down the West Buttress with spectacular views of the Alaska Range. Once on the fixed lines we baking in the mid day sun and were looking forward to getting our cache sorted and headed to 11,000 Camp for some dinner and rest. We got water and high fives from the other RMI Teams and turned in for some rest, not sleep. We'll plan on hitting the road at 2 am in hopes of getting an early flight to Talkeetna. The weather isn't promising so an extra night or 2 at the airstrip might be in our future. RMI Guide Mike King

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Congratulations on your successful climb and descent…..... Lot’s of good memories, pretty pictures and the satisfaction of a job well done….......My granddtr and her husband are with the Hauger team, Lindsay and Matt…

Barbara Jones

Posted by: Barbara Jones on 6/25/2018 at 8:42 pm

Mike, congratulations to the team. We know everyone is anxious to Talkeetna. Hopefully, you will get some rest before meeting us in Colorado. Mom and Dad.

Posted by: Ron King on 6/25/2018 at 8:46 am

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Move to 11,000’ Camp

June 24, 2018

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

Elevation: 11,000'

Sunday, June 24, 2018 - 9:45 PM PT We busted out of camp at 9,500 ft by 7:10 AM. There was still plenty of cloud out and about, but not so much in the direction we wanted to go. Of course things were a little cooler at the lofty heights we were reaching, but not unpleasantly so. We reached the corner at Kahiltna Pass in just over an hour’s time and left the mighty Kahiltna Glacier. A couple of tough uphill pushes then brought us to 11,000. Conditions were sunny, calm and nice as we built camp -we’re starting to get good at this stuff. The afternoon was spent napping and prepping for tomorrow’s carry to 13,500. In the late afternoon and evening we got a heavy and hot snow shower. We dodged it eating burritos in the dining tent. After dinner, things got fun and busy as RMI Guide Mike King’s victorious climbing team came down to share camp for an evening. They’ll head downhill in the early morning and we’ll be looking upward. Best Regards Dave Hahn

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Sue- we are with you on every step! We are there pulling the sled with you, hauling the pack, and climbing! You so have this!!!
-Lots of love, Your crazy tent mates from downtown Kahiltna 2017!!

Posted by: Patty Kudla on 6/26/2018 at 7:07 am

Margaret and Jon, Amy just told me about your climbing adventure and who it honors. What a special tribute to your father, Margaret. Wishing you and all of your team a safe climb. We are cheering you on from Melbourne! Go Go Go!!!!

Posted by: Kristi Darby on 6/26/2018 at 2:34 am