Entries from Mt. McKinley

Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Enjoy a Rest Day

May 27, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

A rest day! Yay! We did such amazing things as sleeping in, more turbo tanning, sport eating, walking out to the Edge of the World, more sport eating, fixed line practice, and packing for tomorrow's carry up the fixed lines. Per the norm, the team is in good spirits but perhaps a bit anxious for tomorrow. The weather is supposed to be in and out for the extended forecast so we are planning to stick to our schedule until we are forced to wait. Hoping for a great day tomorrow, once we get this cache in we will be on standby for good weather and hopefully pulling the trigger on our move to high camp and subsequent summit push... RMI Guide Billy Nugent and friends

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Hello GRD from AOMS in Tucson Arizona. We are thinking of you and tracking your progress. Your almost to the top!!! WooHoo!!! Looking forward to the Summit pictures, stories and your safe return!
Enjoy every moment!!! :)

Posted by: Robin Alexander on 5/29/2012 at 9:22 am

Hi Donny. We are so proud of you. The whole family in St Louis is following your team’s progress. Uncle Jim

Posted by: Jim on 5/29/2012 at 5:40 am

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Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Postpone Summit Attempt

May 27, 2012

Posted by: Mike Walter, Pete Van Deventer

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

Pete Van Deventer called and the team is at 17,200' and are positioned for their summit attempt. The weather changed and the winds were high so they postponed their attempt one day. The team will be going for it tomorrow and hope to give us a call from the summit. RMI Guides Mike Walter & Pete Van Deventer

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Now we have to think of you for a whole another day already because of the stinking weather! NOT!!

You know of course that your Mom and I would be thinking of you even if you were not on a mountain such as Denali!

Hope it happens today for you all.. Be safe and I love you Mom.xoxoxo

Posted by: Ginny & Bob on 5/28/2012 at 10:33 am

I’m on pins and needles. Miss you, Rich. XO

Posted by: Christina Doren on 5/28/2012 at 9:31 am

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Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team at 9,500’ Camp

May 26, 2012

Posted by: Brent Okita, Leon Davis, Lindsay Mann

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,500'

Today marked our last day pulling full loads, and I think we're all pretty psyched about that! Our five hour climb began after waking up to three inches of snow and white-out conditions. But such conditions are certainly not unusual on the Kahiltna, and so after a hearty breakfast of fried bagels, cream cheese and bacon we tackled Ski Hill. Pulling huge sleds and shouldering monstrous packs is a given when climbing Denali, but is no small measure of character and sheer physical tenacity of the climber who accepts that challenge. And it is by meeting that challenge today that this team has really demonstrated a strength of will that will serve them well on this trip. Tomorrow begins the time in the trip when we start splitting up our loads and ferrying them up the mountain in stages. We're looking forward to this, but I know that these first two days have only made us stronger, and in the end, better prepared for the demands that lie ahead. We'll move camp up to 11,200' camp tomorrow and finally enjoy setting up a camp where we'll be for at least three days. I think the crew is going to welcome finally being able to build a 'proper' mountain home, replete with protective walls around the tents and enclosed commodes. What an energetic and motivated team. I'm a lucky guide. RMI Guide Brent Okita

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Hi Brent:

Wishing you and your team good luck and a successful trip to the top of Mt. McKinley. Considering the miserable condition of your trip, please stay safe and healthy. We are proud of what you are attempting to accomplish. Keep up the good work!!

George & Fujiko Okita

Posted by: George and Fujiko Okita on 5/30/2012 at 9:17 pm

Phil- Wishing you and everyone a safe and good climb. You definitely have earned it with all the training you have done. Have fun. Stay warm. Carol and Jon Holmquist

Posted by: Carol Rank on 5/27/2012 at 6:53 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Ready for Summit Bid

May 26, 2012

Posted by: Mike Walter, Pete Van Deventer

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

Hey guys, this is Mike Walter calling from high camp on Denali, 17,200'. We're all doing great. We are all tucked into our sleeping bags. We moved up here yesterday and rested today. We are hoping for good weather to go for the summit tomorrow, which would be Saturday, May 26th. The forecast is for pretty light winds and some clouds so it is looking promising. We'll give you guy a shout either from up top or back at camp hopefully. Alright. We'll see you. RMI Guide Mike Walter

Mike Walter checks in from 17,200' camp

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Way to go Kyle!!! I am so happy to hear that you reached the summit. I can’t wait to hear all about it! Love you bunches! Christina

Posted by: Christina on 5/29/2012 at 1:40 pm

Congradualations! Awsome Job! We can’t wait to celebrate with you and hear all about it.
Kyle, we LYF

Posted by: Donna & Lloyd on 5/27/2012 at 10:45 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Back Carry

May 25, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Today saw pretty much constant snow all day long. Fortunately, the winds have remained calm and our crew was able to back-carry today despite the precipitation and stay right on schedule. We are now sitting pretty at 14,200' with all of our provisions and fuel. The weather is supposed to remain a little bit squirrelly through tomorrow which will coincide nicely with a well-deserved rest day. We spent most of the afternoon after the back-carry chilling in the posh and sport eating. Good times. The crew is in good spirits and pumped for the climbing ahead! RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Hope your rest day was filled with sleep, laughs, and food. Stay well, think of you all the time and each step you take gets you closer and closer. Roger Hector sends his best and is so darn proud of YOU Elizabeth.As always hugs and love. Mom & Dad

Posted by: Maureen Bartron on 5/27/2012 at 9:34 am

just FYI for those at home—you know that these aren’t specifically photos from this trip or this team. the guides only have sat phones, not an internet connection!

these are just generic pictures of the sections they are currently on…

Posted by: Mchael on 5/27/2012 at 7:43 am

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Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Smooth Sailing

May 25, 2012

Posted by: Brent Okita, Leon Davis, Lindsay Mann

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,800'

What a day! Right from the start everything fell in place perfectly. Our last breakfast at the Roadhouse was savored before we made our way to our air service, K2 Aviation, who were great about getting us off the Tarmac ahead of schedule. This set us up to walk out of Basecamp at a reasonable hour, which allowed us to reach camp at 7,800' by 5:30. But the real highlight of the day was just how well everyone climbed and dealt with what is usually a pretty tough day. I'm impressed. I must say, though, that the weather cooperated today too. Warm temperatures, blue skies and calm winds might have had us perspiring just a tad, but I didn't hear much complaining about it. Although some evening clouds formed while we were having dinner, I think we might have a good day tomorrow as we make our way up Ski Hill to 9,500' camp. Talk with you then. RMI Guide Brent Okita

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Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Enjoy Another Rest Day

May 24, 2012

Posted by: Mike Walter

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Hey all, One more rest day here at 14,000'. The weather isn't bad, actually really warm for May, but it wasn't perfect this morning so we decided to take one more day of rest. We took the opportunity of a break in the clouds after breakfast to head out to the Edge of the World for some spectacular photos. Just outside of 14 camp, the Edge of the World is where Genet Basin falls away 5,000' to the NE fork of the Kahiltna. The views are spectacular, and we were able to see our first camp at the base of Ski Hill, as well as the climber's track heading up the glacier from Base Camp. It was great to have a chance to stretch our legs, and with our impending summit attempt, the stoke meter is a solid 8 today. Everyone is getting amped up to head high, but with that comes a little bit of nerves for everyone knowing how much effort is just around the corner. Wishing everybody well, over and out from 14,000' RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer and the gang

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Hi Mai sounds like all is well way up there. Town is good and going up to the lake with Bob this weekend for some sailing should be fun. I know you are ready for the summit so have fun and please be safe. I miss you tons I will keep my finger crossed that the weather is perfect and that all will be good. Love you xoxo Mom

Posted by: Ginny on 5/25/2012 at 4:00 pm

Can’t help applauding you and your team again, Rob. Your pluck and spirits do our hearts good.

Posted by: Pamela on 5/25/2012 at 12:56 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Ready for Expedition

May 24, 2012

Posted by: Brent Okita

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 358'

What a day! A team meeting over breakfast followed by our park service orientation was just the beginning. The real work started at the hanger of our flight service, K2 Aviation. It was here that the tedium of going thru our gear, both personal and group stuff will pay off hugely when we get to the mountain and are stuck with the equipment we've chosen. REI has yet to set up shop on the Kahiltna Glacier. As we wind down the day a great meal sits in our bellies and we look forward to a final night luxuriating in a real bed where a hot shower and toilet lie but a few carpeted paces away. Tomorrow will be different! With luck we'll be flying onto the glacier at 9:00am to start our trip... One that we have all been working so hard and dreaming about for so long. And we start it as a group of individuals already well on our way to being a team of climbers and, more importantly, friends. I know that we're all excited to get under way. I know too that I'm excited to climb with this very impressive group. Well, all for now from the cozy little town of Talkeetna. RMI Guide Brent Okita

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Doug and Audrey - we’re thinking of you every step of the way. Hope you’re enjoying it and seeing remarkable views. Love, Mom and Pops

P.S. Twins are losing to Detroit

Posted by: Matt and Sue on 5/26/2012 at 1:31 pm

Please tell Phil Usher: uphill and into the wind! Heather

Posted by: Heather Grahame on 5/26/2012 at 10:04 am

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team at 14K Camp

May 24, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Well, we've made our move on up to camp at 14k on a scorching hot day with our second trip around (not-so) Windy Corner. We rolled in around 4:15 pm where Mike Walter and his crew were kind enough to leave us a great looking camp to move into. This left us with significantly less work building walls and digging platforms, lucky us! Thanks Mike! Clouds have moved in this evening and it has started to snow a bit but we are already fed, settled in, and for the most part crashed out. It was a tough day especially with the heat but the gang persevered. 'til tomorrow, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Carry to Windy Corner

May 23, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,300'

Woke up today to splitter (blue) skies and warm temps! The original forecast was for a snowstorm to hit the range sometime today but it didn't appear that way to us this morning. The incorrect forecast was great news for us and we were able to push a load of supplies up around Windy Corner this afternoon. The crew made it back down to camp at 11,000' in time to soak up a bunch of afternoon sun. Needless to say our tans are coming along nicely with all of this good weather. Tomorrow, weather permitting, we plan on picking up camp and heading up to 14,000'. The team is climbing great and in great spirits! Wish us luck on a big day tomorrow... RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Hey SENIOR! Haha good luck on the mountain must be freezing up there while its a horrible 100 degrees back in Tucson :b. Well I drove my bros to pinetop without crashing I think Im ready for my drivers test! Anyway God bless you SENIOR everyone misses you down almost 14,000 feet! From the JUNIOR

Posted by: Junior on 5/25/2012 at 7:31 pm

I love you so much, mom. I was crying about it five minutes ago. Maybe Im on a sugar high from mission carnival. Sherman

Posted by: Sheena on 5/25/2012 at 6:48 pm

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Entries from Mt. McKinley

Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Enjoy a Rest Day

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Postpone Summit Attempt

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team at 9,500’ Camp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Ready for Summit Bid

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Back Carry

Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Smooth Sailing

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Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Enjoy Another Rest Day

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Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Ready for Expedition

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team at 14K Camp

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Carry to Windy Corner

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