Entries from Mt. McKinley

Mt. McKinley: Haugen & Team Carry Heavy Loads

June 17, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,800'

A crisp early morning wake up in basecamp meant great traveling conditions for us as we eased our way up the glacier. It froze solid last night making our travel through crevassed terrain much safer. We carried our full loads of climbing and camping supplies as well as 21 days of food and fuel. Even with each of our sled and backpack combos nearing 100 lbs., we made the move to our new camp in exactly five hours. We are all feeling very fortunate to be sharing this extraordinary place with such a strong team. RMI Guide Mike Haugen

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hi Jeff. I’ll be glad to share some of this 96 F heat with you. Love ya! Dad

Posted by: allen on 6/18/2011 at 8:45 pm

Yeah Patrick. I hope all your hard training is paying off.

Posted by: Sam on 6/17/2011 at 10:24 pm

View All Comments

Mt. McKinley: Jones & Team at 17,000’ Camp

June 16, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

We went to bed last evening to a blue bird sky after nearly 8 inches of new snow during the day. Today we woke to the same, blue bird weather and light wind. The crew broke camp at 14K fairly early, in good fashion, and headed on our way to the fixed lines. The clear sky made for a bone chilling morning until the major work up the lines started and we were greeted by the welcome rays of the sun, which warmed our souls. The West Buttress was windless and by far provided us with the best views and exposure the team has faced. The clear day gave us views over 10,000' below to the lower Kahiltna Glacier, while Denali stood proud and urged us higher. It was as good as it gets; in fact several folks said it was their best day climbing ever. We climbed for more than six hours so the the team is definitely enjoying some down time while trapping some evening heat in the tents. With a bit of luck from the weather and wind we will shoot for a summit in the AM on the 17th. Thank you all for the warm wishes - the team has greatly enjoyed all the comments. Keep the positive vibes. We will report back soon. RMI Guide Tyler Jones and team!

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Great news about the bluebird sky and good luck on the climb for the summit. Craig just to let you know Emma has been following you and the crew and now her 6th grade class are following your adventure and you and your team are included in their daily “special intention” prayers. The class will be following you on this blog. Good luck we are all so proud of you.

Posted by: The Doyles on 6/17/2011 at 7:54 pm

Congratulations to the whole team on reaching the summit. a special congrats to Tim and Justin. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you on your descent.
Love Pat and Lori

Posted by: pat and Lori Halls on 6/17/2011 at 7:48 pm

View All Comments

Mt. McKinley: Haugen & Team on the Mountain

June 16, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,300'

After waiting at the airstrip in Talkeetna all morning due to socked in conditions at basecamp, the sky cleared and off to the mountain we flew. We arrived to beautiful weather at our basecamp on the Kahiltna Glacier. We set up camp, did some crevasse rescue practice, ate dinner, and prepared our sleds. Currently, we are tucked away in our tents trying to sleep through the midnight sun before our very early departure up the frozen glacier to 7,800 ft. RMI Guide Mike Haugen

On The Map

Mt. McKinley Expedition: Beren and Team at 14,000’

June 16, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Hello, this is Jake Beren with the RMI Mt. McKinley Expedition calling from 14,000’ camp. We arrived here yesterday and are happy in our brand new home and happy place. Before moving camp we made a carry the day before with our gear. The team is looking great, very strong as we climbed yesterday. We arrived late afternoon and set up shop. Today we are going to do a little bit of training and potentially make a back carry to pick up our cache. So all's well here, it’s a beautiful sunny day here in the Genae Basin. We are looking up at the fixed lines. The RMI Team lead by Tyler Jones made their move to 17,000’ camp this morning and are just doing great and heading up the West Buttress as we speak. So, that's all from 14,000’ on Mt. McKinley. It's great to be here with a good crew. We'll be checking in the future. This is Jake, Mike, Gilbert and team standing by at 14,000’.

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Enjoy my bredren and sistren. positive vibes to you.

Posted by: jason thompson on 6/17/2011 at 7:08 pm

Hey Jake and your team!! It is so exciting to watch the progress of your expedition. Please tell Clay Gilliland that all of his friends in Hot Springs are keeping all of you in our prayers for a successful and safe trip.
Tom Baird

Posted by: Tom Baird on 6/17/2011 at 5:03 pm

View All Comments

Mt. McKinley Expedition: Mike Haugen & Team Ready in Talkeetna

June 16, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 348'

Hello from Talkeetna, Alaska, Our McKinley Expedition June 14th team met in Anchorage on Tuesday, June 14th, since then we have spent time shopping, packing food, gear, and other necessities, and meeting with the National Park Service. Our gear is organized and packed and we are all set to fly tomorrow (Thursday, June 16th). The weather has not been clear for several days so there are many teams waiting to fly to/from the Kahiltna Glacier. The weather has not begun to clear and planes are flying. Our chances look good to fly onto the mountain tomorrow. Wish us luck! RMI Guide Mike Haugen

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Thanks for blogging. Looking forward to following your progress. Have fun. See you soon!

Posted by: The Koch Family on 6/18/2011 at 4:30 am

Go Patrick! Denali waits for no man.

Posted by: Austin on 6/17/2011 at 10:01 am

View All Comments

Mt. McKinley Expedition: Jones & Team Rest at 14,000’ Camp

June 15, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,00'

Climbing a mountain like Denali is different than smaller peaks. On shorter trips to lower altitudes, climbers can push to their physical and mental limits, with slightly less potential consequences. Here, though, it's imperative that climbers be at their peak strength, and that they are mentally prepared for the challenges of the cold, the altitude, and the difficulty of the route. With those considerations as well as a less than ideal weather forecast, we decided to take a rest day at 14,200' today. While the team performed well on yesterday's carry, we all could benefit from some more chilling and sport eating. So we started our day late, with a bodacious breakfast of egg, bacon, and cheese burritos with salsa and hot sauce. Hot coffee rounded out our top-flight mountain café experience. The team is currently resting in the tents and working through excess lunch food, playing cards and reading. So we sit and wait in a state of relaxed anticipation, ready to spring into action as soon as we have ideal weather. Send us your vibes for more sunny, calm days! Until tomorrow, Tyler Jones, Garett Stevens, Erik Endert & the crew

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Ty - Seeing if you can bring me back one of those breakfast burritos you wrote about. They sound delicious. Good luck to you and your team. Be safe and have fun. Bryce T.

Posted by: Bryce on 6/17/2011 at 10:33 am

DEAREST BEN, A VERY HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO YOU AND
ALL PAPAS IN YOUR TEAM. HEARD FROM BEREN THAT YOU ARE
MOVING TOWARDS 17,000’ CAMP. CONGRATS, SUMMIT ALMOST
THERE. LOVE TO YOU AND ALL YOUR TEAMMATES.

Posted by: carmen keegan on 6/17/2011 at 6:32 am

View All Comments

Mt. McKinley: Jones & Team Carry Gear in Prep of Summit Bid

June 15, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Armed with last night's forecast, we woke early this morning for our planned carry from camp here at 14,200' to the top of the fixed lines. By 7:15, we were underway, and within 2 hours we were climbing the most technical terrain so far. Using our ascenders and solid climbing techniques, we gained ground quickly and without incident to 16,200ft, where we stashed some of our luggage for the upcoming push to high camp. Even though the weather today hasn't been as nice as previous days, it was still a good day for moving on the mountain. Light winds, light snow, and high clouds kept the temps fairly low, but everyone's hands and feet stayed warm and toasty as we made our way up and back to camp. The crew continues to impress with the strength and motivation they display, and we're all fully stoked to be in position to launch for the upper mountain as soon as we have the ideal weather window. For the remainder of the day today, though, it's resting and recovery after the morning's climb. Thinking warm thoughts from 14,000ft... RMI Guides Tyler Jones, Erik Endert, Garrett Stevens and the team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Great work! Hope the team enjoyed the rest and relaxation to get ready for higher ground. Josh, are you beating everyone at your favorite card game?! Good luck on the rest of this week!

Craig, thinking of you all the time. Miss you

Susan

Posted by: Susan on 6/15/2011 at 9:31 pm

Good luck to the entire team! You are almost there, keep up the energy.

Josh, I am so proud of you. You are always in my thoughts. I love you.

Craig, stay strong. I know you are loving this journey!

Sonia

Posted by: Sonia on 6/15/2011 at 6:05 pm

View All Comments

Mt. McKinley: Jones & Team Rest Day at 14K Camp

June 14, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Today we slept until the sun crested the West Rib of Denali, quickly warming the zero degree nip of the night. Another great bacon, bagel and coffee breakfast with stories around the posh house quickly lead to the post noon hour. The team had a few hours to rest and hydrate. The afternoon brought training for the fixed lines and running belays we'll encounter on our final carry tomorrow. The crew is very excited to be in the final preparations leading to our summit bid, hopefully a few days from now. The weather continues to be absolutely wonderful. Keep the positive vibrations coming our way and we'll be in touch soon. RMI Guides Tyler Jones, Garrett Stevens, & Erik Endert

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hello ALL mountaineers… Folks send their admiration.. Tim and Justin. Thinking of lots of questions to ask ...such as ...see any wildlife along the way?, see the aurora borealis lights? are you sunburn? This must be a life altering experience as you move upward toward the Arctic.

I am enjoying all of the updates. Many thanks!!

Sharon

Posted by: Sharon Halls on 6/14/2011 at 8:26 pm

Hey Steve, Ashleigh, Mom and I took a walk at 10pm Tuesday night just to get out and see the full moon. Just like the movie “An American Tale” we were looking at the moon possibly when you and your group were. How cool. Keep your nose to the grindstone and you’ll succeed. Bye for now. Dad

Posted by: Nick Doinidis on 6/14/2011 at 8:04 pm

View All Comments

Mt. McKinley Expedition: Beren & Team Ready for Move to 14,000’

June 13, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,000'

Hello, this is RMI Guide Jake Beren checking in from 11,000' on Mt. McKinley. Today we re-traced our steps and went below camp to retrieve our cache. With all of our gear now at 11,000' we are re-organizing and re-packing. Our plan is to move a load of gear tomorrow towards our next camp at 14,000' and place a cache. We are hoping to make our move to 14,000' camp in the next few days if the weather cooperates. All's well here. Our team is strong and doing great, so we'll be checking in from higher up the mountain. RMI Guide Jake Beren

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Best of luck, Dave! We’re all watching your progress!

Posted by: Joseph Kimsey on 6/17/2011 at 1:15 pm

Hi Dave,
Thanks for sending us the RMI websites. We have signed up for the daily emails and have enjoyed following your trip up the mountain. It sounds like you and your team are doing great! We hope that you stay warm, safe, and healthy and that everything continues to go well for you, as you head toward the summit. We will keep you in our prayers. Love Mom & Dad

Posted by: Larry & Sandy Welles on 6/15/2011 at 10:49 pm

View All Comments

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

June 12, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Even though this mountain has a reputation for fierce weather, we have been enjoying gorgeous days during the last week. The team had another sunny, windless day on our move to 14k today. We arrived, after four plus hours of walking, to a deserted camp sight fixed with 4 great tent platforms and a nice mountain business station. While we'll have a little bit of buffing out to do to bring camp to our 5 star standards, it's still nice to just walk right into ready-made platforms. The team climbed strong today, and is currently resting after getting settled in to the tents. Tomorrow will be dedicated to the art of mountain chilling, and hopefully the small snow squall that just recently moved over camp will clear out and give us the up close and personal views of Denali's west face. The group seems to be acclimating well and should be set for the upcoming carry and move to 17k camp in the next few days. Have a great rest of the weekend! RMI Guide Tyler Jones

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Keep up the great work team!

Josh, Chopper and I miss you and can’t wait to hear all about your trip! Be safe and have fun on your next adventure up to 17k. Btw, thank you for the flowers, they are beautiful. Only you would pre-plan to have flowers delivered to me in the middle of our trip. I love you.

Sonia

Posted by: Sonia on 6/13/2011 at 7:33 pm

I am so excited to follow your progress! Sounds awesome. I’m so excited for you.

Posted by: Sharon Rubin on 6/13/2011 at 7:26 pm

View All Comments

Previous Page Next Page

Check Availability

Entries from Mt. McKinley

Mt. McKinley: Haugen & Team Carry Heavy Loads

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Jones & Team at 17,000’ Camp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Haugen & Team on the Mountain

On The Map

Mt. McKinley Expedition: Beren and Team at 14,000’

Mt. McKinley Expedition: Mike Haugen & Team Ready in Talkeetna

Mt. McKinley Expedition: Jones & Team Rest at 14,000’ Camp

Mt. McKinley: Jones & Team Carry Gear in Prep of Summit Bid

Mt. McKinley: Jones & Team Rest Day at 14K Camp

Mt. McKinley Expedition: Beren & Team Ready for Move to 14,000’

On The Map

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

On The Map

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

New Post Alerts:Expedition Dispatches

New Post Alerts:
Expedition Dispatches