Entries from Mt. McKinley

Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Summit!

July 4, 2015

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Mike King, Sean Collon

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 20,320'

Hey, it is Billy here just checking in after a safe and successful summit bid. We got up, kind of stalled a little bit because it was a cold morning. We left around 10 pm, it took us about 12 1/2 hours round trip. We were super psyched. So we're back in camp, and like I said before everyone is safe and sound. Now we're just hoping for good weather to beat feet for the airport. That's all I have for now. We are going to eat dinner and get some sleep. RMI Guide Billy Nugent

RMI Guide Billy Nugent calls from High Camp on Denali after a successful summit bid.

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Congrats to All and especially my friend Jim Latorre! What an incredible achievement!

Posted by: Matt McKittrick on 7/7/2015 at 5:36 am

Way to go Rhonda…you’re awesome! Can’t wait to hear about it - AFTER you thaw out:)
Sue

Posted by: Sue Mamer on 7/6/2015 at 3:28 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Move to 14,000 Camp

July 4, 2015

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

July 4, 2015 1:11 am PST This was the day. The weather was a whole lot better than the last few days, but it wasn't perfect. A little blustery. We needed to take advantage though to get out of 11,000' and up to 14,000' Camp. Even having had a handful of teams break trail on the route before we made our effort today, we still anticipated a tough haul with knee deep snow on such steep hills. Motorcycle took longer than normal, Squirrel took longer, the Polo Fields went on forever, Windy Corner was windy (and it took longer). It was all pretty tough going until we got around the corner and reached our cache location from the other day. Finally there was less new snow, less wind and a decent track to follow. It was still uphill though. It took us 8.5 hours to cover what should have taken 6 hours, but what a wonderful feeling to roll into 14 Camp after thinking of it so much when we were stuck down below. We've got different and magnificent views now, of Denali, but also of Mount Foraker and Mount Hunter and about a thousand other peaks when the clouds allow. We did a late dinner after camp was built and then hurried in to the tents for the night. It is colder up here, and colder still when the sun goes behind the mountain. Everybody deserves good rest after such a big day. Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Gary Ross, You really are going to great lengths to prove that happiness is found in being “cold, wet, tired and hungry”. I am following the RMI blog everyday and from the sound of things, you must be positively joyful!
Here at 465’ I am thinking of you and wishing you plenty of happiness along your journey up and down that magnificent mountain.
Mary

Posted by: Mary R on 7/4/2015 at 11:19 pm

We’re all rooting for you!! Happy 4th, miss you!! xoxo

Posted by: Anne Thomas on 7/4/2015 at 6:42 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Smoke & Snow for Hahn & Team at 11,200’

July 3, 2015

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Steve Gately, JM Gorum

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

The wind and snow conspired to make for a tough and noisy night in the tents last night. A few intrepid souls got out in the storm to dig away the encroaching drifts. Morning brought less wind, but the snow continued as the guides served breakfast in bed. It was slightly surreal to have the strong smell of forest fire smoke mixed in with heavily falling snow while camped so far from trees. Eventually the snow slowed and then stopped, but by that point, several feet of it had accumulated. The clouds stayed right in on us until about 8 in the evening. We were enjoying an open air dinner when the mist fell away, the sun came out and everything got beautiful. The team stayed out well into the evening, staring at Kahiltna Dome, Mount Foraker and Denali's West Buttress. Our prospects for going up in the morning were improved as we watched several teams come down Motorcycle Hill, plowing a trail and cutting whatever tension the otherwise suspect snow-pack was under. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn and Team

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Hey, Rob,

Aunt Carol & Uncle Richard got your postcard. Their thoughts and prayers are with you and your team. Stay Safe. Love Aunt Carol and Uncle Richard.

Posted by: Mary Ahlbrand on 7/3/2015 at 6:31 pm

Go Team Hahn! Safe travels and hoping your weather turns. Mine certainly hasn’t. Can’t fly anywhere north of here without serious thunder. We are cheering every second that you get up that mountain. Keep Living the Dream.

Posted by: Mike Gorum on 7/3/2015 at 1:12 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Take a Snow Day at High Camp

July 2, 2015

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Mike King, Sean Collon

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

Thursday, July 2, 2015 - 3:15 pm PT RMI Guide Mike King called the RMI Office from high camp at 17,200 ft on Mt. McKinley. The team spend a snowy and windy night at camp last night. Today they spent the day resting and drying their gear. The team has received the forecast for tomorrow and are hoping the weather will allow them to make a summit attempt. If the weather permits, they will be heading up hill. We wish the team luck!

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Doug! We are following your journey. Love from us! Mom n Lar

Posted by: Blythe on 7/3/2015 at 8:25 am

May the odds be ever in your favor team!

Doug - you know the drill…be safe, be great, move with grace.
~Belladonna

Posted by: Belladonna on 7/3/2015 at 3:29 am

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Take a Snow Day At 11,200’ Camp

July 2, 2015

Posted by: Dave Hahn, JM Gorum, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

July 2, 2015 12:36 am PST This day didn't start out all that bad, but then it didn't waste too much time getting bad. It got snowing about an inch an hour by mid morning. That didn't stop some of our neighbors from picking up and moving to 14K anyway, but it stopped us. We didn't want to risk getting caught at Windy Corner when the wind started. So it was a quiet day for us, sitting in our tents listening to the snow. Just about right in the middle of a nice dinner in our beloved POSH tent, a cannon shot of wind hit and ripped the shelter nearly in half. We sat for a few minutes more anyway, chowing down, looking out the big new vent and wondering who'd be first to abandon ship. Then it was a mass exodus back to the tents for what promised to be a windy, snowy, stormy night on Denali. We'll figure out a different plan for our cooking and dining shelter needs. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Hi Rob: We are following your progress every day! Stay safe and remember, YOU WANTED TO DO THIS! :) Love you. Cheryl

Posted by: Cheryl Stuckwish on 7/3/2015 at 10:44 am

Hope you can “McGiver” a repair on the POSH! Rooting for you guys. Tell Gary Ross we say hello.

Posted by: Chris Phillips on 7/3/2015 at 6:40 am

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Retreat from 18,500’

July 1, 2015

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Mike King, Sean Collon

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

July 1, 2015 6:25 pm PST Hey, it's Billy here checking in from 17,200' on Denali. We are back in camp after our foray up the Autobahn and around the corner on Denali Pass but it was quite windy. The wind along with zero visibility and blowing snow and some wind slab instability conspired to shut down our summit attempt. So we turned tail at just above 18,500 feet and everyone is back down in camp, in one piece safe and sound. We're trying to regroup and figure out what the future holds for us. We'll check in tomorrow and let you know we're up to you. All for now. RMI Guide Billy Nugent

RMI Guide Billy Nugent checks in from 17,200 ft on Mt. McKinley

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I’m rooting for good weather so you can attempt the summit again! Keep the spirits up, Rhonda! You’re a stud-ette:)
Sue

Posted by: sue mamer on 7/2/2015 at 1:36 pm

Foiled by wind slab and zero vis! I’m wishing for a blue bird day coming up for your next attempt.

Posted by: Matt McKittrick on 7/2/2015 at 11:40 am

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Weather Day at 17,200’ Camp

July 1, 2015

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Mike King, Sean Collon

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

Tuesday June 30th 6:00 pm PT Hey there, this is Billy checking in from 17,000 feet on Denali. We woke up this morning and actually almost pull the trigger. The weather was looking really good. But then things kind of soured a little bit. Thin clouds with intermittent snow, and so we eventually pulled the plug on our summit attempt before we really got it going. We're having a weather day today. We are hoping for better weather tomorrow. That's all for now. Bye. RMI Guide Billy Nugent

RMI Guide Billy Nugent calls in from 17,200ft on Mount McKinley.

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Congrats on making it this far Rob, now is your time! Safe travels for all….........Jeff

Posted by: Jeff Austin on 7/1/2015 at 6:54 pm

Pick your moment team, wait and be great!!

Doug - I bid you fair winds and a following sea. My thoughts are with you as you wait to make your summit attempt. And just in case you need reminding…don’t forget to be awesome!
~Belladonna

Posted by: Belladonna on 7/1/2015 at 1:46 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Enjoy Fresh Snow and a Rest Day

June 30, 2015

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Steve Gately, JM Gorum

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

June 30, 2015 5:46pm PST Today's wake-up call was a quiet and windless fall of about six inches of light powder snow. It was our planned rest day, after five busy days getting on and up the approaches to Denali, so there wasn't any early morning angst as to whether the snow would keep us from our goals for the day. Today, those goals included a breakfast of bagels and smoked salmon in the POSH tent and a session of digging out camp as the snow continued to fall. We eventually climbed back in the tents for naps and reading. A few teams came down the mountain today, resting near our camp as they prepared to march on toward the airstrip in the snowstorm. We'll hope to move uphill tomorrow and we'll be ready for that, but of course we'll pay attention to the weather and see what it allows. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn and Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

doing a great job HAHN team, pulling for all of you. glad you reached 14,000. I want to say Hello to my grandson Jm

Posted by: Floyd Tirey on 7/7/2015 at 10:51 am

Finally I am learning to use this computer. We are praying every inch of the way for you and your team mates and guide. Remember the story, Foot Prints in the Sand. Well, It’s Foot Prints in the Snow, for each one of you. We are sending our hugs and lots of love to you, our son, GLR.

Posted by: Dad & Mom Ross on 7/2/2015 at 2:47 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Cache Gear at 13,500’

June 30, 2015

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Steve Gately, JM Gorum

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Monday June 29th 10:20 pm PT We had a short break from the cloud and snow this morning. When we got out of the tents, there were actually views to be had in most directions and blue skies above. Being at 11,000 ft, it was slightly colder than what we've experienced so far, but a hot breakfast took care of the chills and got us ready for our carry. We set out for "Motorcycle Hill" at 9:30. It was good to be in crampons and carrying ice axes after days of snowshoes and ski poles. An hour put us in the middle of "Squirrel Hill" with great views of Denali's Northwest Buttress and the Peter's Glacier. It began to cloud up as we reached the "Polo Field" off the end of the giant granite towers of the West Buttress. By Windy Corner we were in light snow, but close to our destination. We dug a deep and raven-proof pit in the snow at 13,500 ft in which to cache the food and fuel we were carrying. It was an easy climb down with light packs and we walked out of the snow showers and into sunny and warm camp at 11K again by 4:30 PM. We'll hope for a comfortable night of sleep tonight as we've followed the "climb high, sleep low" rule of acclimatization to altitude. Tomorrow will be a rest day, as part of that same plan. Kryz wishes his dad a happy birthday from Mount McKinley. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Go Rhonda!!! Looks like fun. keep up the good work, you and the team are truly an inspiration.
Sue Mamer

Posted by: Sue Mamer on 6/30/2015 at 10:39 am

All is well in CT! Enjoy the rest day!

Posted by: Sharon on 6/30/2015 at 9:58 am

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Move to 17,000’

June 29, 2015

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Mike King, Sean Collon

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

June 29, 2015 5:20 pm PST Hey there, it's Billy checking in from Camp 5 on Denali at over 17,000 ft. Our crew made the move today. We got up super early this morning and made great time moving up the West Buttress. We're settled in now at High Camp. We spent some time, improving one of the campsites and building some walls. And now everybody's snug up in their sleeping bag hanging out in their tents. We're sort of chilling and filling with food and water. We are hoping for a good patch of weather in the next few days so we can maybe take a crack at the summit. Yeah, that's all for now. Everyone is psyched and doing extremely well. We will check in again tomorrow and let you know what happens. RMI Guide Billy Nugent

RMI Guide Billy Nugent calls in from Camp 5 on Denali.

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Hope you summited today. You’ve been in my thoughts all day

Posted by: Stacey on 6/30/2015 at 12:39 pm

Incredible progress - keep it up!!! Hopefully the “Jim jokes” (ask him to tell you the joke about the bell ringer) aren’t ruining everyone’s time up there. Looking forward to updates from the summit…

Posted by: Jessica LaTorre on 6/30/2015 at 12:10 pm

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Entries from Mt. McKinley

Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Summit!

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Move to 14,000 Camp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Smoke & Snow for Hahn & Team at 11,200’

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Take a Snow Day at High Camp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Take a Snow Day At 11,200’ Camp

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Retreat from 18,500’

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Weather Day at 17,200’ Camp

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Enjoy Fresh Snow and a Rest Day

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Cache Gear at 13,500’

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Move to 17,000’

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