Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Prepare for Move to 14,000’ Camp

May 31, 2016

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Blake Votilla, Caleb Ladue

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

May 31, 2016 - 5:52 pm PT Were back from our biggest day so far on this expedition. The train is very much on the track as we moved efficiently with perfect weather. The cold, crisp, and breathless air provided a flawless day. Not to mention the the rockstar crew we are climbing with - smooth operators. The route conditions from 11,200 - 14,200 ft camp are groomer. The views of the surrounding ridges, peaks, glaciers and distant rivers are proof we came to one of the most inspiring corners of the world. Now that we're back to camp, we will spend the afternoon chilling with our groceries and hydrating in hopes the splendid weather will continue. Tomorrow we look to move up to 14,200 ft camp and will keep you all in the loop as to our progress. Cheers, RMI Guide Tyler Jones

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Safe travels everyone! It looks so beautiful! Love to Michael and the rest of the team!

Love,
Anne Tyler

Posted by: Anne Tyler Adams on 6/2/2016 at 9:57 am

Thinking of my nephew Michael Adams and his team of adventure seekers. You are all being prayed for each day - for a wonderful and safe journey. Each day is new…make it great!

Posted by: Aunt Susan (Susan Lawrence) on 6/2/2016 at 7:06 am

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Move to 17,200’ Camp

May 31, 2016

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Jess Matthews

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

May 31, 2016 - 1:17 am PT It's finally happening! Light snow fell overnight and the morning skies were blue, without anything moving up high. We packed up our camp, left a cache of extras, and went for round two on the fixed lines. With sunny skies and calm winds, we got the experience the air under our feet that comes with climbing the West Buttress. Exhilarating! 6.5 hours of climbing brought us to 17,200' where we had to build camp in the thin air. With tents up and walls built, we're tucking in for the night with the hope of going to the summit of Denali tomorrow. Best, RMI Guides Pete, Robby, Jess, and team

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Godspeed

Posted by: Walter Glover on 6/1/2016 at 5:29 am

Denali winds, please REST!!
So exciting! Be careful team, patience has served you well.

Posted by: Greg Hurley on 6/1/2016 at 2:59 am

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Denali Expedition: Okita & Team Carry to 16,800 and above

May 31, 2016

Posted by: Brent Okita, Christina Dale, Chris Ebeling

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

May 31, 2016 - 12:03 am PT Our day was a resounding success! A cold, early start had us ahead of the madding crowds as everyone was determined to take advantage of some perfect weather. It had snowed 6-8" overnight, and ours were the first tracks up the pristine slopes leading to the fixed lines and the start of the West Buttress. By far the steepest climbing we've encountered, the Buttress is also the steepest, most dramatic climbing most of our group has ever done. The team performed well, with us getting a cache at 16,800' and another one at high camp at 17,200'. Everyone is pumped by the day and really looking forward to our first rest day. It's getting late and cold, so adieu from 14,200'. RMI Guides Brent, Christina, Chris and the team

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I look forward to this email every day!!! I am with you in spirit! Climb Strong Dawn!!! :)

Posted by: Dave on 6/1/2016 at 4:12 am

Nice work, Mike P!! It’s great to track your progress. Short hop to 17 and you’re almost there. Wishing you some clear weather. Hang tough, buddy! Frank M

Posted by: Frank Marini on 5/31/2016 at 1:14 pm

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Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Rest at 11,200’ Camp

May 31, 2016

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Blake Votilla, Caleb Ladue

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

May 30, 2016 - 7:39 pm PT With just a day of active rest scheduled, the team was able to sleep in. Most all of us slept like rocks, with a pitter patter of fresh snow making the perfect background noise. Once we finally rolled out of bed, a lazy breakfast of bacon, cheese and hash-brown wraps with a half bagel on the side and a hot drink or two got us ready for our back carry. The whole group was excited to be reunited with our buried goods; as many of us were craving some snack hidden in the snow. 11 Camp remains a weather quandary with reports of clear skies at both fourteen and Base Camps. Yet the fresh six inches of snow is welcome as it has brought our camp back to its pristine status. For now we'll continue to chill and listen to the snow fall! RMI Guide Tyler Jones

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wow so much snow! Ongun I’m sending you my warmest hug!! I hope you can rest well and take care of yourself to reboot for more trekking. Miss you so much and hope you are having an amazing adventure!
xoxo
Karina

Posted by: karina on 5/31/2016 at 10:06 am

Hi Schlax,

I’m bragging to everyone I meet about your expedition. Be #fearless, #strong, and #raw because people are following along. No pressure.

As you know, you’re missing many important newsfeeds. Here’s a quick summary:

Your last post has over 40 likes (not bad) and some witty comments. Beach volleyball season started, and at least 20 people’s Memorial Day weekend involved boats (that sounds low?). Curry v Cavs has inspired poetry. Training and attendance continues for marathons, triathlons, weddings. Surprisingly low on selfies & baby pics.

Finally, you’ve missed 753 Inspirational Quotes. Some good ones:
“No matter where you are in your journey, you’re exactly where you need to be.” - Oprah
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” - T. Roosevelt

#LTD
Mary

Posted by: Mary on 5/31/2016 at 9:49 am

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Denali Expedition: Okita & Team Back Carry to 13,500’

May 30, 2016

Posted by: Brent Okita, Christina Dale, Chris Ebeling

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

May 29, 2016 - 11:50 p.m. PDT Awakening to wind buffeting the tents and spindrift everywhere kept us hunkered down in our bags later than usual this morning. When we finally ventured out at least the sun was out in all it's glory, which sure made up for the gusts and blowing snow. A quick breakfast of Pop Tarts and we all rallied from the tents to cut blocks for the wall around our Posh tent that we just didn't have time to build yesterday. Kind of reminiscent of our morning a few days ago at 11,200'. The team rocked the work we had to do to allow us to get our cool tent fully functioning, A second breakfast of grits and hot drinks fortified us to do our short back carry to pick up our cache at 13,500'. And now we're set. We have a carry up to 16,200' or higher planned for tomorrow, but if the weather doesn't let us we'll certainly enjoy a rest day. The weather forecasts look good for later this week. We'll keep our fingers crossed. Ciao from 14,200'. RMI Guides Brent Okita,Christina Dale, Chris Ebeling and an incredible team of climbers

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Be safe Michael! Amazing climb! We are thinking about you!

Love, Lesleigh, Lyndon, William, Lucy and Grace

Posted by: Lesleigh box on 5/31/2016 at 5:26 am

I swear to God, Paul, that I begin hyperventilating with every update! So incredibly excited for you! What an amazing journey! Be safe! We leave on the 11th for our Mt. Whitney climb.

Posted by: Virginia on 5/30/2016 at 8:07 pm

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Train at 14,200’

May 30, 2016

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Jess Matthews

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

May 29, 2016 - 10:36 p.m. PDT Our stint at 14,200' has started to stretch for a bit, but we think we see the light at the end of the tunnel. Winds are forecast to drop starting Tuesday, and that looks to be the start of our window. We'll look at moving up tomorrow, depending on winds, but if not, one more rest day won't hurt before our big push. In the mean time, we've been keeping ourselves entertained by brushing up and sharpening our crevasse rescue skills, and today our avalanche rescue skills. Fourteen Camp on Denali provides a stunning backdrop for a classroom! While we've steadily improved our compound here into a quite comfortable home, we won't be sad to put it in our rear view. We'll let you know what tomorrow brings. Best, RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Jess Matthews, and Robby Young, and team

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You can do it! I’m sending you all beautiful warm weather from where I am right now, Croatia!

Posted by: Jamie on 5/30/2016 at 1:41 pm

So glad to hear that you are perfecting your skills for the last push. It terrifies me to think of what you might do tomorrow in order to reach your goal - crevasse, avalanche, rescue - these are scary words. Be safe and know that you’ve accomplished a great deal already.

Posted by: leanne on 5/30/2016 at 10:48 am

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Denali - West Buttress Expedition: Jones & Team Move to 11,000’ Camp

May 29, 2016

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Blake Votilla, Caleb Ladue

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,000'

May 29, 2016 - 2:38 p.m. PDT Tents were broken down early this morning. The team hit the trail a quarter before five after a 3:00 am wake up and a quick breakfast. The midnight sun cast a soft blanket of gold and pink on the north faces of Hunter, Foraker, and the Kiahiltna Dome. Low winds, cool temps, and the unique lighting of a summer Alaskan night made for an enjoyable start to the morning walk. These conditions were especially welcome after having to deal with 25 mph head winds on our carry day two days ago. We made efficient stops and good time to our cache site and beyond up to 11 camp. Upon arrival, camp saw it's first daylight as other groups began their ascent up the mountain. Some renovations, and more digging and our camp is up and ready for whatever the mountain throws at us! We will be all restocked and digging deep in the lunch sacks hopefully buy this time tomorrow and will keep you updated. RMI Guide Tyler Jones & Team

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Inquiring minds want to know - Did you make it to the top?

Posted by: Dad on 5/31/2016 at 7:15 am

Hi team!

These pictures look amazing- it’s a winter wonderland on the mountain there is so much snow! Tyler’s description of the sunrise sounds beautiful. What an early start for the day—3am—like army style! I hope youre staying warm and taking care of your backs and shoulders from the carry days!

I wanted to give a quick hello to Ongun- I miss you!! I’ve been reading the newspapers in the morning that are coming for you—lets see if in 3 weeks I become converted to reading the newspaper in its paper form :) sending the warmer temps from NYC your way and all my hugs.

Have fun team, stay strong and keep sending those gorgeous photos and updates.
Xoxo
Karina

Posted by: Karina on 5/29/2016 at 8:45 pm

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Denali Expedition: Okita & Team Build Camp at 14,200’

May 29, 2016

Posted by: Brent Okita, Christina Dale, Chris Ebeling

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

May 28, 2016 - 11:20 p.m. PDT Luck has been with us as today turned out to be a nice day for a walk. And walk we did, moving camp up to 14,200'. We retraced our route from yesterday, passing by our cache just long enough to pick up a couple extra shovels to help build camp. The team crushed it going to 13,500', but as is normal, felt the altitude on the last 700'. Unfortunately, we weren't lucky enough to find a vacated camp to move into, so had to build camp from scratch. What's nice though is that our neighbor is the RMI team before us. Graciously, they filled water bottles for our thirsty crew upon arrival. We're all in bed now looking forward to some well deserved rest after our big push. Good night from 14,200'. RMI Guides Brent Okita, Christina Dale, and Chris Ebeling, and the team

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Hey Mike!
We are pulling for you. Be strong and climb safe!

Posted by: Scott and Nicole Clark on 5/30/2016 at 1:26 am

Hi to everyone! Greetings from Norco, CA where we are in t-shirts We check your blog everyday and enjoy everything you report. Glad to see everyone is doing so well. Looking forward to your next report. Cheers

Posted by: Lori Golding on 5/29/2016 at 5:15 pm

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Wait for a Weather Window

May 29, 2016

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Jess Matthews

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

May 28, 2016 - 10:27 p.m. PDT We woke with a sigh of relief to blue bird skies and calm conditions, though the winds up above were clearly stirring up a magic potion. With the morning came just a little heat to help us continue drying out after the storm. We had a strange desire for breakfast burritos this morning so we acted upon the urge. Given the continued strong winds up high we "just got to be" as life at 14 Camp continues. Numerous other teams took the elevator up the fixed lines to cache in hopes of taking advantage of the potential coming weather window these modern times and technology allow us to anticipate. We'd like to thank Rob Young, Sr. and Katie Van Deventer for being our personal forecasters. With views straight to the summit from where we sit, we're staring at the gold on the ceiling patiently waiting for our time to climb. Until then, give your heart away. RMI Guides Jess Matthews, Robby Young, Pete Van Deventer, the Team and the Black Keys

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You’ve been so patient and it has to be so frustrating to see the prize just a short distance away! If it’s in the cards, you’ll summit. If not, better safe than sorry.

Justin, I filled Father Daniel in. He’s praying for your safety and your success.

Love,

Mom:)

Posted by: leanne on 5/29/2016 at 10:15 pm

You guys are SOOO close ... stretch out that food as long as you can! Justin, I’m all set for my travel arrangements, so take your time on the mountain (but stay safe and warm). I’ll be waiting for you in Anchorage when you get there!!!!

Posted by: Patrice La Vigne on 5/29/2016 at 3:19 pm

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Denali Expedition: Okita & Team - An Unexpected Carry

May 28, 2016

Posted by: Brent Okita, Christina Dale, Chris Ebeling

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

May 28, 2016 - 12:19 am PT Strong winds buffeted camp this morning to the extent that we actually cut snow blocks to form walls around our beloved Posh tent before having breakfast. That done, pancakes were the order of the morning as we looked on at the winds up high and wondered if we'd have any chance to make our carry today. Pancakes, hot drinks and lively conversation carried the morning, but our eyes kept track of the goings on up high. So when a significant downtrend in the winds was noticed, we rallied and went for it, albeit later than we would have liked to start off. Our carry to 13,500' went off perfectly, with everyone climbing really well. Let's hope tomorrow allows us some break in the winds. As I finish this dispatch the winds have calmed, so I'm optimistic on our getting to 15,300' tomorrow. But who knows? Your team at 11,200' camp, RMI Guides Brent, Christina and Chris

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Hello Brent , Christine & Dawn! What an Awesome Experience you are having! Love these emails! Sending calm wind thoughts! Climb On and Climb Strong!!!!

Posted by: Dave on 5/29/2016 at 3:26 am

We are enjoying our Memorial Day weekend here in Florida where it is 87 degrees and sunny. Sending warm hugs and sunny wishes for your Denali adventure. Keep tough and never act your age! Love you.

Posted by: Carol Probstfeld on 5/28/2016 at 12:10 pm

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Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Prepare for Move to 14,000’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Move to 17,200’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Okita & Team Carry to 16,800 and above

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Rest at 11,200’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Okita & Team Back Carry to 13,500’

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Train at 14,200’

On The Map

Denali - West Buttress Expedition: Jones & Team Move to 11,000’ Camp

Denali Expedition: Okita & Team Build Camp at 14,200’

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Wait for a Weather Window

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Okita & Team - An Unexpected Carry

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