Entries from Mt. McKinley

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Staying Put at 14k Camp

June 27, 2012

Posted by: Mike Walter

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

We went to bed with clear skies and a forecast for 12-18" of snow overnight. The clear skies persisted overnight and we didn't get any new snow. There is a lenticular cloud on top of Denali today, indicating strong winds. We're also seeing snow blowing off of the West Buttress between the top of the fixed ropes and high camp. The current winds and the increased avalanche hazard from yesterday's foot of snow are keeping us at 14k for another day. The sunny weather at camp today is welcome, and is helping to keep our spirits high. It looks like some better weather is approaching for the weekend, and we're hoping we'll be able to take a crack at the summit then. With any luck, we'll be able to move to high camp tomorrow and be in position for the arrival of the more favorable weather. We'll keep you posted! RMI Guide Mike Walter

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Stan - Hope you & Team have continued success today. Talked with your Mom yesterday. She is doing well.

Posted by: Jerry & Kay on 6/29/2012 at 7:11 am

Where at are you buttercup? Busch beer and mayonnaise sandwiches since you’ve been gone. My kids are starving!!

Posted by: Sunshine on 6/29/2012 at 5:06 am

View All Comments

Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team Resting

June 26, 2012

Posted by: Adam Knoff, Mike Uchal, Zeb Blais

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Today is number six on the mountain and the first solely designated to rest. As discovered on day one of our long journey together, having fun is as necessary as being organized, fit and compatible. This morning the gang was allowed to sleep until their natural alarm clock pulled them from dreams of family, beer and showers. Six inches of fresh snow blanketed our camp here at 11,000 feet so we were all pleased to be staying put. Once all gathered in our perfectly designed cook tent, two hours were killed flipping flap jacks and drinking coffee. Now we have moved on to lunch where singing every song to Michael Jackson's Thriller album has trumped all else. There is not an unhappy soul in the group. Mike would like to wish mamma and papa Uchal safe travels on their adventure to Russia and beyond. RMI Guide Adam Knoff

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Singin MJ??? Has Gords schooled you all in the finer moves of the Thriller choreography?? When you run put of MJ Gords may treat you to some spot on GnR! Could make for a loooong rest day! Cheers everyone. The Reisers in N.Conway, NH

Posted by: Petah Reisah on 6/28/2012 at 6:54 am

Hi Michael, Hope you guys all enjoyed your day of rest. I am sure it was well deserved. Just wanted to tell you that your Dad is very jealous that you are surrounded by all that snow and cold :) Stay strong and safe. Love you. P.S. Jess says “HI”

Posted by: Dad & Lynne on 6/28/2012 at 4:54 am

View All Comments

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Cozy at 14K Camp

June 26, 2012

Posted by: Mike Walter

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Hello again from 14,200'. It's snowing right now, and it snowed all last night. There's only about 6" of accumulation so far, bur more is expected today and tomorrow. The good news is that there isn't any wind here at 14k, and we're all comfortable and cozy in our camp. We're still in a holding pattern, waiting for decent weather to move up to high camp and be in position for a summit bid when the current weather pushes out. In the mean time, we're getting plenty of rest here at camp. Everyone is patiently awaiting better weather, although we're all a little antsy for some exercise and a chance to move higher. We'll keep you posted... RMI Guide Mike Walter

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hi John, Talked with Dee - happy times - Paul and I are spending our time picturing all of us having dinner together!!! So glad to be able to feel in contact. Many Blessings to all of you - take care and God Bless. Jackie and Pal

Posted by: Jackie Winchell on 6/29/2012 at 8:38 am

Hope you don’t have too much snow removal to do from your camp and that the weather settles into perfect climbing weather very soon. The kids say HI to their Daddy, Lee!

Posted by: Di on 6/27/2012 at 11:09 am

View All Comments

Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team Carry to Windy Corner

June 25, 2012

Posted by: Adam Knoff

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Today we set out to cache our upper mountain supplies above Windy Corner. As we finished breakfast and packed gear the wind blew snow around camp. Layered up and ready for the weather, we set out anticipating the gales that would greet us at the corner. Constant wind and snow tried to impede us but the crew dealt with the adverse weather like it was a summer stroll. As we pulled up to the fabled Windy Corner the weather was nicer than what we'd walked through to get there. We buried our gear there and pushed back through the nasty weather to 11 camp. Everyone did great and spirits are high. Tomorrow we rest! RMI Guide Adam Knoff

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Ahh - a day of leisure in the rarified air. Well deserved after yesterday and a chance for the team to recharge.
Chris - continued best on the adventure and trust you remembered every last lyric on the Thriller album.
Pops

Posted by: Pops on 6/26/2012 at 4:53 pm

This is incredibly great! The team is working together and enjoying the experience. Hope the weather cooperates all the way up and back. Love Ya Tim. So proud of you!!

Posted by: Bob McLaughlin on 6/26/2012 at 3:20 pm

View All Comments

Mt. McKinley: Mike Walter & Team Resting at 14 Camp

June 25, 2012

Posted by: Mike Walter

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

After a nice evening of sunshine, we awoke again today to light snow and wind, and very limited visibility. Again, this is fine with us as we could use another rest day before moving to high camp at over 17,000'. The weather forecast this morning indicated that we may see some significant snow tomorrow, before this system moves out later in the week. We're all enjoying some down time, but we are eager to climb higher also. Patience is paramount as we sit in this holding pattern. We'll keep you posted with our progress with regular updates. If anybody out there can pull some strings and hook us up with perfect, sunny and warm weather for our summit bid, we'll buy you a beer when we get back to civilization! Cheers, RMI Guide Mike Walter

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Stan et al—Snow! I would love to see snow, right now! I hope you are not too bored and are able to read and rest! The scenery looks very nice. We are fine. Take care, love me

Posted by: Betsy on 6/26/2012 at 1:04 pm

We are watching and hoping for more sun and clear weather. Patience is a good thing…wish I had some but you are making great progress and soon you will summit! Love from your Vermont buddies.

Posted by: Helen and Mike Bridgewater on 6/26/2012 at 11:19 am

View All Comments

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Rest at 14 Camp

June 24, 2012

Posted by: Mike Walter

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

We're having a relaxing day, lounging around in our tents, resting, eating, and sleeping after a tasty breakfast of smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel sandwiches. The weather today started off cloudy and snowing lightly, but currently the clouds have dropped below us and we're enjoying some sunshine up here at 14,000'. We're currently in a holding pattern, waiting for a good weather window to move to high camp and make a summit bid. Based on the current forecast, it looks like we may take another rest day tomorrow to let this unsettled weather pass. That's OK with us, as we are welcoming the rest and time to acclimate further. The weather forecast looks good in a few days, so we'll hope that verifies. Until then, we're in chill mode. We'll keep you posted with any news from our end. RMI Guide Mike Walter

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Lee,

Enjoy every moment. Would be awesome to take in that much of creation’s beauty…so untouched by humans. Can’t to see your photos. We are praying for your safety. love the Ortmeiers:)

Posted by: maren ortmeier on 7/2/2012 at 5:23 am

Great to hear some news! I will certainly be praying for you, Lee, and all your compatriots. You’re as high now as I’ve ever gotten . . . keep going! I can only imagine what it actually looks like seeing it with one’s own eyes. And I suppose the Creator must be bigger than this, since He made it! :-}

Posted by: Fr Paul Duchschere on 6/28/2012 at 8:45 am

View All Comments

Mt. McKinley: Knoff and Team Move to 11,000’

June 24, 2012

Posted by: Adam Knoff

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Today presented our team with it's first real challenge. Early this morning mother nature decide that leaving the weather window wide open was making things a bit to easy for us. She knew we had plans to move to 11,000 feet so early this morning the wind started blowing, the temps dropped and the world resembled the inside of a ping pong ball. For a while we were actually debating staying put. That thought lasted as long as a Luke warm cup of coffee and two hours later we were all heading toward camp 3. Despite the weather this team performed like a well oiled machine. We arrived at 11,000 feet in great style and pounded out a great camp. I am most impressed by everyone's strength and charisma. Talk to you all tomorrow. RMI Guide Adam Knoff

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hi Michael R,
Any good X-C skiing up there? If u see any good scarfs pick one up for me-hee hee!
We know u will do well ~ enjoy the experience & have fun!
Lv, Diana & Brian

Posted by: D and B on 6/25/2012 at 5:53 pm

Hey! One picture of my hubby is not enough for me to make it through! I just need to see Tims face and I’ll know how he’s doing. Pleeeeease! : )
Appreciate any news you can send, stories. Good job on the blog…just want more. You write very well!

Be safe and be smart!
Deb McLaughlin

Posted by: Deb McLaughlin on 6/25/2012 at 5:14 pm

View All Comments

Mt. McKinley: Jake Beren & Team - Expedition Ends

June 24, 2012

Posted by: Jake Beren, Elias de Andres Martos

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 348'

A few hours ago we were sitting on the glacier, Heartbreak Hill already a fading memory. Now we are back in Talkeetna, showered and fed and reconnecting with life off of the mountain. Our final day's walk was truly magnificent, with the light of the solstice in full effect as we marched downhill into thicker and thicker air, gaining strength as we went despite the accumulation of many days of work and little sleep. Waiting a few hours for a flight in the warm sun in the stillness of the Southeast Fork took the title as my best airport experience ever. Once again we are all happy and healthy, glad to return to everyone back home safely and with an excellent time with friends on The Great One. RMI Guide Jake Beren

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Cache Above the Fixed Lines

June 24, 2012

Posted by: Mike Walter

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

We're all in our sleeping bags after a good day of climbing. We carried a cache of supplies to 16,800', just below Washburn's Thumb. Everyone did well on their first foray up the fixed lines, and then further climbing up the ridge of the West Buttress. We will be taking a rest day tomorrow, and hopefully be heading up to high camp soon thereafter. A weak weather system looks to be approaching for the next few days, which is fine with us; we'll be resting, acclimating, and getting strong for the (hopefully) good weather to follow. We are in position now, and ready to head up to higher ground whenever the weather allows. We will be in touch again tomorrow. RMI Guide Mike Walter

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Lee - So excited to hear news of your trek. Keep your socks dry. Looking forward to hearing about it all when you return. Cant wait to see the pictures. You are remembering to take pictures right? Mary Lee & C

Posted by: Mary Lee on 6/25/2012 at 8:21 pm

Lee, In support of your efforts I will go climb Dike East this week.

Posted by: Kelly on 6/25/2012 at 10:41 am

View All Comments

McKinley Expedition: Knoff & Team Carry to 11,000’

June 23, 2012

Posted by: Adam Knoff

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,800'

It is apparent the two previous days of hauling full loads weighing more than a small horse has already made our team stronger. Yesterday we all felt a bit nackered but ten solid hours of sleep was most revitalizing. This morning the alarm went off at 6:00 am and we woke to clear skies and cold temps. The ever constant roar of our stoves means coffee is close providing the needed impetus to crawl out of warm bags and into cold boots. We then made a smooth carry to 11,000 feet, the sight of our next camp. With a full afternoon to rest, the team is now learning the invaluable skill of killing time. RMI Guide Adam Knoff

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Nelson, Kyle and Jacob are at 14,200. Wishing you and your team every success. See you on the way down!! NOLS WADDINGTON 2011.

Posted by: Glenn on 6/25/2012 at 8:10 pm

NELS!!! Miss you.. You better be writing down everything. Stay safe!
EB
PS You win this one.

Posted by: Erica on 6/25/2012 at 5:36 pm

View All Comments

Previous Page Next Page

Check Availability

Entries from Mt. McKinley

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Staying Put at 14k Camp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team Resting

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Cozy at 14K Camp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team Carry to Windy Corner

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Mike Walter & Team Resting at 14 Camp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Rest at 14 Camp

Mt. McKinley: Knoff and Team Move to 11,000’

Mt. McKinley: Jake Beren & Team - Expedition Ends

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Cache Above the Fixed Lines

On The Map

McKinley Expedition: Knoff & Team Carry to 11,000’

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

New Post Alerts:Expedition Dispatches

New Post Alerts:
Expedition Dispatches