Entries from Mt. McKinley
Posted by: Mike Walter, Jess Wedel, Michael Murray
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,000'
Monday, May 27, 2024 - 9:30 am PT
Yesterday, we got the weather window we needed and on day 20 of this expedition, we stood on the summit of Denali.
What a day it was! We dawned all our gear (every layer! Brrr!) and were one of the first teams on the route. We climbed the Autobahn and took our first break in the sun. Up through Zebra rocks and onward we went. The clouds were below us and the views were beyond beautiful. A little breeze picked up as we crossed the Football Field and looking up at the summit ridge, we thought it might be too windy. But by the time we made it to the top of Pig Hill, at the start of the summit ridge, the winds had died down and we carried on.
Quick photos and celebrations and “I can’t wait to tell my wife! my family! my friends!” sounded among our team. We know we wouldn’t be here without all the support of so many of you at home and we can’t wait to share more stories when we get back.
We’ll begin our descent today - after coffee and hot drinks, we’ll head down to 14,000' Camp, pack up all our gear and try to descend to 11,000' Camp tonight. With hopes to walk to the airstrip tomorrow!
With big full hearts,
RMI Guides Jess, Mike, Michael and the Denali #1 climbing team
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Denali Expedition, May 5, 2024
Posted by: Mike Walter, Jess Wedel, Michael Murray
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 20,310'
The RMI Denali Expedition May 5th led by RMI Guides Mike Walter, Jess Wedel and Michael Murray reached the summit of Denali on Sunday, May 26th. The team safely returned to High Camp, 17,000', after a 12 hour round trip climb. After some much deserved rest they will begin the descent, returning to Kahiltna Base Camp and then onto Talkeetna.
Congratulations team!
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Denali Expedition, May 5, 2024
Congratulations!!! Well done. Glad all are safe. What an unbelievable accomplishment. Thank you for “including us” on your remarkable adventure. Amazing.
Posted by: Bruce Wilhelm on 5/27/2024 at 8:56 am
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Jackson Breen
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 20,310'
Sunday, May 26, 2024 - 10:56 pm PT
The break in wind we had hoped for materialized and this morning was gorgeous. We got going early to take advantage. The Autobahn was chilly as always, but good walking thanks to the efforts of the multicompany guide effort yesterday. We had a bit of wind as we approached the Football Field, and were a bit worried about the winds streaming over the summit ridge. A passing friend described the ridge as savage. As we climbed Pig Hill in relative protection, they seemed to abate and as we crested things were relatively pleasant. We worked our way along the exciting terrain of the summit ridge and around 15:30, stepped onto the top of Denali. We shared some hugs and photos, and then scooted back across to beat the onrush of traffic still coming up. We had a pretty casual walk back, and 12 hours after we started we were back in camp in sunshine, recovering from a mighty day. We'll sleep well tonight, and then start to work our way to the airstrip tomorrow. We will be moving quite a bit with little rest until we reach base camp and the planes arrive to bring us to town. We'll try to stay in touch, but we will be home soon!
RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer
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Denali Expedition, May 7, 2024
Congratulation…Bravo…Well done Pete and crew.
From hoop courts and race ovals of flat IN.
Posted by: Waltero Glover on 5/28/2024 at 1:10 am
Wonderful news! Big congrats to you all!
Posted by: Lisa Hankin on 5/27/2024 at 2:29 pm
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Jackson Breen
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,000'
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - 5:35 pm PT
This morning wasn't quite what we had ordered up. The wind was moving quite a bit of snow at Denali Pass, and it was immediately clear it wasn't the day for us. New forecasts also showed the wind rising this afternoon, but letting off tonight and tomorrow, so tomorrow sounded like the better day anyways. Big shout-out to RMI Guides Andy Bond and Henry Coppolillo for the constant weather updates now that we are in go mode. Camp was calm and pleasant, with snow falling lightly in the afternoon, but warm overall. In a showcase of camaraderie and teamwork, guides from several different teams, including ours, took the opportunity to get into the Autobahn and ensure the pickets and walking are ready for us tomorrow. On to tomorrow!
RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition, May 7, 2024
Get some Batch!!!!!!
Posted by: Jasyn Voshell on 5/26/2024 at 4:17 am
Get it Scott Lico! You got this!!!!! Good job everyone.
Posted by: Priscilla Littmann on 5/25/2024 at 10:07 pm
Posted by: Mike Walter, Jess Wedel, Michael Murray
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,000'
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - 4:39 pm PT
Well, today didn’t go as planned but it was still a helpful day on our journey to reach the summit of Denali. We woke to high winds above us, deemed it too windy for a safe summit attempt and chose to take a rest day at 17,000' Camp. The sun came out this afternoon and we all enjoyed sitting outside our tents resting, hydrating and taking in the views.
All the guide teams are working together up here and Mike lead a crew of guides up the Autobahn (a long stretch of climbing right out of camp) this afternoon. They checked out conditions and put in work shoveling and digging out pickets so that it’s in good shape for tomorrow.
We are all watching the weather closely and so hopeful tomorrow will be our summit day.
Here we go!
RMI Guides Jess Wedel, Mike Walter, Michael Murray and the Denali team
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Denali Expedition, May 5, 2024
You are all so amazing! Sara you are so astonishing! I can’t wait to see the pictures. Summit!!!
Posted by: Becky Killian on 5/26/2024 at 7:57 pm
Stay safe up there, team! And pls tell Nick Roberts his Unc B is rooting for him!
Posted by: Unc B on 5/26/2024 at 6:34 pm
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Leif Bergstrom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,200'
The team came to the challenging decision, where part of the team chose to continue uphill and part of the team called yesterday their high point.
For those who chose to continue uphill, you can follow along with their journey on the May 12th Expedition with Dustin Wittmier. For the remainder of the team, we packed up late last night, walked through the night and flew back to Talkeetna mid-morning where we can now enjoy a shower and beer for our hard work.
RMI Guide Nikki Champion & Team
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Denali Expedition May 14, 2024
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Daniel May, Lacie Smith
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
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After a long and heavy day, the team made it all the way to 14,000' Camp with a warm greeting from some fellow RMI teams. We’ve settled into camp, retrieving our gear from below during our back carry. Now being fully set up at 14,000', we are taking advantage of the bluebird skies to rest, practice fixed line travel and walk to the Edge of the World for the beautiful views and photo ops.
Life may be colder up at 14,000' as opposed to 11,000', but no one here seems to be complaining. Life is good.
RMI Guides Dustin, Lacie, Dan, and Team
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition, May 12, 2024
Sarah: What a view! What an adventurous niece! Talked to your Dad this evening and caught up
on his adventurous family. Beautiful weather down here for one day. Wishing you the very best.
Posted by: Coreen on 5/26/2024 at 8:43 pm
Sarah. Of course the summit is the ultimate goal, but the real goal is to enjoy the climb.
We are. Hope you are too. Bob and Pat
Posted by: Bob Brandt on 5/26/2024 at 9:32 am
Posted by: Mike Walter, Jess Wedel, Michael Murray
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,000'
Friday, May 24, 2024 11:30pm PDT
We moved to High Camp in great weather today. Seven hours of climbing and hours more of building camp has everyone a bit tuckered. We'll check the weather in the morning and decide about going for the summit.
RMI Guide Mike Walter & Team
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Denali Expedition, May 5, 2024
Big hello and hugs to Jill from all of the Bons! Best wishes on your summit push you stud. We love you!
Posted by: Amanda Stone on 5/25/2024 at 4:15 pm
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Jackson Breen
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,000'
Friday, May 24, 2024 10:51pm PDT
Things worked well for us today to get to 17,000’ Camp. The morning was relatively warm, things looked calm above finally, and everyone was excited to go somewhere new. That was true of most of camp as many guide parties all took the opportunity to bump up to high camp. It was a busy day on the fixed lines and buttress, but overall, it went pretty smoothly for us.
We were one of the first parties to arrive at 17,000’ Camp in the midafternoon, and had plenty of time to build camp while taking breaks to rest and recover up here in the thin air. We are settled in comfortably, and headed to bed shortly to wake up and see if tomorrow is our day to go for the summit!
Wish us fair weather and swift feet!
RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer & Team
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition, May 7, 2024
Pete, Jackson and team….. you got this!! Proud, inspired and in awe of you all!! Finish the climb!
Posted by: Amy Breen on 5/25/2024 at 11:18 am
Get up that mountain Scott!!! I know you can do it! We are all rooting for your and your team!!
Posted by: Jackie Millen on 5/25/2024 at 9:16 am
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Leif Bergstrom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,200'
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Today was a challenging day. We rigged up with half the food and gear to go cache around Windy Corner. We made our way up Motorcycle and Squirrel, and through the Polo Fields but not all the way to Windy Corner. Going to see what tomorrow brings.
RMI Guide Nikki Champion & Team
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition May 14, 2024
Go Uncle Jimmy!!! We are so proud of you! Stay safe and keep climbing that mountain! -Abby, Josh, Carter and Helena
Posted by: Abby Roberts on 5/25/2024 at 10:38 am
Go team Nikki, Go!!!
Posted by: Tracy and Bruce Wilhelm on 5/24/2024 at 1:33 pm
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We are so very happy for your success! I’m so happy that our son Nick had the opportunity to go with your group and know that it had to be a journey for a lifetime for everybody involved! The Roberts
Posted by: Kathie Roberts on 5/27/2024 at 2:39 pm
Way to go! Congratulations to all!
Love Spaulding’s!
Posted by: Sharon Spaulding on 5/27/2024 at 12:11 pm
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