Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: Beren & Team Move to 17,000’ Camp

June 14, 2017

Posted by: Jake Beren, Steve Gately, Megan Budge

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,000'

June 13, 2017 Hello, this is Jake Beren calling in from 17,000' Camp on Denali. The team made it up today, it was pretty windy in the morning but the wind tapered down, and we were able to make it up to camp safely. Now we are snuggled up with full bellies and hot drinks. We are just going to wake up in the morning and see what the mountain offers us. Wish us luck! We need some low winds for our summit bid. We are prepared to spend a few days up here but we are hoping not to. That's all from 17 Camp. Hope everybody in the lowlands is doing well. RMI Guide Jake Beren

RMI Guide Jake Beren calls in from 17,000 ft with an update.

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Go James!! Mountain man! We’re all amazed and thrilled with your progress! Holy Toledo!
Barry

Posted by: Barry Sternlicht on 7/1/2017 at 4:49 pm

Hey Jim, good to see you and team are making good progress, sending you all the encouragement and success, love from the Morrison’s

Posted by: Paul Morrison on 6/29/2017 at 1:53 am

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Move to High Camp

June 14, 2017

Posted by: Tyler Jones, JM Gorum, Bryan Mazaika

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,000'

June 12, 2017 Hello from our new camp at 17,000 ft on Denali! The team had an early start pack up camp and departed around 7 am. The winds picked up on the West Buttress as we neared the first break. The team had some amazing dance moves as we waited an hour or so for the morning winds to subside. The team climbed strong all the way to high camp in optimal weather. We worked for a few more hours to build camp. The climbers crawled in to have a rest as the guides worked to melt snow and tidy camp. We are now eating big bowls of Annie's Mac and cheese with bacon and soup. The hydration and eating up here never stops. Tomorrow with high hopes of good weather and light wind the team will shoot to stand on top of North America. Send us good vibes! RMI Guide Tyler Jones

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Matt - Hoping to hear news of a summit soon! Stay safe. Sending love and good vibes for fair weather!! Daisy and I are trying to be patient waiting for you to get back. We miss you so much!!

Love, Colleen

Posted by: Colleen on 6/15/2017 at 6:32 pm

@ John Gunn and team,

you got this!!! hope it all goes well getting to the tippy top! stay safe and hopeful!!! you’ll be down here sitting around the table telling all your stories and eating a home cooked meal from momma in no time!

love you!

Alyssa

Posted by: Alyssa Gunn on 6/15/2017 at 3:40 pm

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Prepared to Move to 17K Camp

June 13, 2017

Posted by: Tyler Jones, JM Gorum, Bryan Mazaika

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

The team was on standby this morning to potentially move up to 17K camp. But the early morning "now forecast" looking out of the tent wasn't as good as we were hoping for with snow and building clouds that ended up developing all day. We once again got to spend the day at 14K camp preparing the rest of our gear to go up to 17 and stretching our legs. Tomorrow morning we hope to move up and that the forecast holds true for a summit bid in the next few days! Stay tuned! RMI Guide Tyler Jones

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

praying for a safe summit tomorrow! can’t wait for you to be home and tell all your stories.

-Alyssa Gunn

Posted by: Alyssa Gunn on 6/13/2017 at 9:48 pm

Tym, Tyler, and Team,

You all get an award for patience and persistence! My fingers are crossed for you for 48 hours of good weather. Best wishes, and thinking of all of you. GO TEAM GO!!

I hope you paid your kitty sitter until you return,Tym, or you will have two very hungry felines.

And Tym…Satoshi says, $2779.00

Love Mom and Zeppelin

Posted by: Kristi Kennelly on 6/13/2017 at 6:57 pm

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Brent Okita & Team Signing Off

June 12, 2017

Posted by: Brent Okita, Christina Dale, JT Schmitt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

A leisurely, big breakfast of eggs, bacon and hash browns was had after sleeping in fairly late yesterday. When we finally got out of the posh we were surprised to find that planes might be flying soon. Yes, we were keeping an eye on the weather, but it wasn't really that good yet. At first we couldn't really believe it and the team indulged in some leg wrestling antics (which the women handily won).Then we heard the words, "RMI Okita, two Otters are in the air for you".So we went from slow mo to go go as we tore our tents down and packed in a matter of about twenty minutes! I think some folks were motivated to leave. As we brought the last of our stuff the fifty yards to the glacier landing strip we saw the planes come into view. By 1:00 we were in town, unpacking group gear and trying to dry stuff that was soaked from the unseasonably warm temps and rain. We'll not discuss our evening affair in much detail except that the food was good and the libations rather excessive. We're on our way to the airport now, twenty three days after flying on to the mountain. No summit to boast of this time. But looking back on it all, it's the people we climb with and share adventures with that inspires me to live the life of my dreams. Summits may be nice but are somewhat ephemeral. Friendships formed while climbing mountains last a lifetime. Thanks to the wonderful group of climbers with whom I've shared the past three weeks. You're the best! And now they are on their way back to you, with stories to tell and memories to share. Indulge their eccentricities. Should they reach for their pee bottle in the middle of the night or ask for a "swirl" after dinner, don't worry. They'll recover from these mountain habits in time. Thanks for joining us these past three weeks! Goodbye, RMI Guides Brent, Christina and JT

Denali Expedition: Beren & Team Take a Weather Day

June 12, 2017

Posted by: Jake Beren, Steve Gately, Megan Budge

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

We woke up in the wee hours of this morning, hopeful to see our summit window open up. The weather, however, had a different idea. As the skies became cloudier and the snow began to come down, we decided that another slow morning was in order. We gorged ourselves on bagels and plenty of bacon while we sipped our coffee. The afternoon was filled with lots of rest. We are steeling ourselves for a move up to 17k tomorrow, if the weather forecast holds true. Everyone is doing well and looking forward to the chance to move closer to our summit goal. Thanks for keeping up with the team! We will check in tomorrow, hopefully from our new camp at 17k! RMI Guide Jake Beren & Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Che-che I miss you!

Please post pictures of you sipping whiskey at 17,000 feet.

-e

Posted by: erin on 6/14/2017 at 9:31 am

Stephen
You can do it
Many prayers and a lotsof guardian angels ( especially grandma and grandma/ my grandson the Dr) are with you
Do me a favor no more escapes for awhile
I need to recoup
So proud of what you accomplished

Posted by: Mom and Dad zabinski on 6/14/2017 at 6:48 am

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team See Sunshine in the Forecast

June 11, 2017

Posted by: Tyler Jones, JM Gorum, Bryan Mazaika

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

June 11, 2017 Today has been a good one. We have been treated to some sun here at 14,000' Camp. This has allowed us to prep and dry all our gear. There are sunny days on the horizon, we are just waiting to see how strong the winds will be. We are drinking and eating well in hopes of moving up tomorrow or on Tuesday. Fingers crossed! That's all for now! RMI Guide Tyler Jones

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Tym, Tyler, and Team,

Looks like some well-deserved sun will end your wait and hopefully allow you to safely reach your goal. Best wishes as you move ahead for this highly anticipated day. I think I am as excited as you are! Anxious for your success and for your return to sea level. Thanks for the great pictures and daily updates.

Warriors took the championship tonight with a win over the Cavs. And Satoshi says, $2664.00.

Love Mom and Zeppelin

Posted by: Kristi Kennelly on 6/12/2017 at 9:03 pm

Babe,

Great news that the sun is out! Hope that means you will be able to move forward. Keeping my fingers and my toes crossed for you and the team!!! Miss you and love you so much!!!

xoxo
Mo

Posted by: Amanda Gunn on 6/12/2017 at 9:41 am

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Beren & Team Explore the Edge of the World

June 11, 2017

Posted by: Jake Beren, Steve Gately, Megan Budge

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

June 11, 2017 Today was another rest day here at 14,000' Camp. After a long brunch and some wall renovations, our team settled in for a little rest. By the afternoon, some visibility presented itself and our team geared up for a stroll to the "Edge of the World," a vantage point where you can peer nearly 7,000 feet down to the lower Kahiltna Glacier. It is a truly stunning view and a treat to see a little bit of this amazing Range after living in a snow globe for a few days. With any luck this week will offer us a few days of decent weather to venture higher. The team is ready and when it is safe to climb, we will be happy to do so. RMI Guide Jake Beren

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Okita & Team Reach Base Camp

June 11, 2017

Posted by: Brent Okita, Christina Dale, JT Schmitt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,200'

June 10, 2017 The sleep of the dead finally hit me this morning just after my last post. An hour later JT asks, "Should we get up? It's 1:04 am and the alarm on my phone hasn't gone off!" The night hadn't brought the hoped for cooling, but it was time to leave and make that trip to Base Camp. Breakfast and hots were served in the remains of our old Posh site, sans the actual Posh, then we were off. As we turned the corner at 10,000' heading down the Kahiltna we were treated to the amazing view down glacier of the jewels ad the Alaska Range. Hunter, Foraker, Crosson and other peaks were starkly defined in shades of black and white, along with some other hue that seemed hard to place. Unusually dark clouds prevented the pinks and reds we often see at 3:30-4:00 am, but this view I've never seen before, and may have been even more spectacular. 6+ hours of hard walking finally brought us back to Base Camp. Reflective of the poor snow year in the Alaskan mountains this year, there were a number of sketchy crevasse crossing to be negotiated. Then white out conditions kept us from seeing the landmarks that would otherwise tell us exactly where we were, but the track in the snow of others gave us something to follow. Then, low and behold, the tents of Base Camp popped into view and we knew we were done. Unfortunately, these same clouds have prevented planes from flying and landing here, so we are again captive of the weather gods and just waiting to be released from Denali to return to civilization where we might wash the twenty one days of toil off us and sit in chairs at a table and eat food that requires more than just a spoon. I just hope that, when we do get to that restaurant, some social graces return to folks and we don't see them licking their bowls clean in anticipation of the next course. I'll of course advise everyone to bring a pee bottle to their hotel room, and perhaps even a CMC (clean mountain can), because some habits might just be too difficult to break after these twenty one days. Goodnight from 7200' camp, where I hear the snow hitting the tent walls in increasing intensity. Oh well, at least we need walk no more, for now. RMI Guides Brent, Christina, JT & Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

What an Awesome adventure, Summit or not…An Awesome Adventure! Congrats to everyone!

Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/12/2017 at 4:36 am

It sounds like quite an adventure to 17K. From what Ive read everyone’s bailed off 17 Camp in the last few days. Quite a year for crevasse falls too. Glad you guys made it safely back to camp! Now to chill out and sip some Alaskan brews until the ride shows up. Have an Ice Axe for me when you get back to TK!

Posted by: Keith Gates on 6/12/2017 at 12:28 am

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Stretch Their Legs and Lungs

June 11, 2017

Posted by: Tyler Jones, JM Gorum, Bryan Mazaika

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

June 10, 2017 Hello from 14 Camp. We had a mix of bagels, cheese and Cheerios with a side of bacon for breakfast. Then we suited up for a walk in calmer and warmer weather than what we have be experiencing lately. Our team climbed to the base of the fixed ropes to clear our minds from tent time. We also were glad to stretch the legs and lungs! Our vibe is lifted for the future. The forecast for tomorrow is looking like new strong wind with snow. The weather could turn the corner early next week. The team is doing every well and poised to go higher soon. RMI Guide Tyler Jones & Team

Denali Expedition: Beren & Team Carry to 17K Camp

June 10, 2017

Posted by: Jake Beren, Steve Gately, Megan Budge

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

June 10, 2017 7:46 pm PST Today we may very well have nailed it. Waking early for an extended weather viewing to establish any discernible trend, we left camp with reasonable visibility. The team did great as we broke trail up to the base of the fixed lines. We rested at the base of the lines as the weather slowly deteriorated and our friends from RMI 4 joined us in solidarity on a fitness walk. Once we were a big party and the cache was established, we descended back to 14 Camp for some rest before dinner. The winds and snow picked up nearly as soon as we got home and we are now poised to go to 17K once the weather allows. It has been pretty squirrelly in the weather department lately, but the team is hanging tough, waiting for our time to shine. RMI Guide Jake Beren

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hope the weather cooperates for the safe completion of your climb. for poet William Blake"Great things are done when men (/women) and mountains meet.” Continued safety for the Team! from Darren D

Posted by: Darren D on 6/12/2017 at 1:27 pm

keep up the great work, kenny. i have faith that your team will make it. we are all rooting for you back at home. love, anne

Posted by: anne lawler on 6/11/2017 at 5:48 pm

View All Comments

Previous Page Next Page

Check Availability

Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: Beren & Team Move to 17,000’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Move to High Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Prepared to Move to 17K Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Brent Okita & Team Signing Off

Denali Expedition: Beren & Team Take a Weather Day

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team See Sunshine in the Forecast

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Beren & Team Explore the Edge of the World

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Okita & Team Reach Base Camp

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Stretch Their Legs and Lungs

Denali Expedition: Beren & Team Carry to 17K 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

On The Map

New Post Alerts:Expedition Dispatches

New Post Alerts:
Expedition Dispatches