Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: King & Team Rest Day at 14K Camp

June 12, 2019

Posted by: Mike King, Avery Parrinello, Dominic Cifelli

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Wednesday, June 12, 2019 - 4:45 PM PT After 7 days of work the Team wanted 10 hours of sleep/tent time and the guides were happy to wait until the sun hit our tents before we had a casual breakfast of hash browns, scrambled eggs and bacon. There’s not much going on today since it’s our first full rest day. People have been reading, writing in journals and walking around camp. We are just back from some fixed line rehearsal on the little hill outside of camp. This practice got everyone tuned up for a potential carry of gear on the West Buttress tomorrow morning. To gain the Buttress we ascend a moderate slope and then get on the fixed lines with our ascenders. There is some snow currently falling through a thin cloud that is making the tents an optimal temperature for napping so with that we’ll check in after our cache tomorrow. Thanks for following along. RMI Guide Mike King

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

We’re enjoying reading the daily blogs on your progress Gareth. Well done to you and all the team. Keep safe. Lots of Love from Mum and Les xxxxx

Posted by: Christine Jones on 6/13/2019 at 1:22 pm

Glad you all are doing well! Tell Gareth I’m getting his messages keep up the good work!! And me and the kids miss you!

Posted by: Meagan jones on 6/13/2019 at 11:27 am

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

June 12, 2019

Posted by: Robby Young, Nick Scott, Joe Hoch

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

Tuesday, June 11, 2019 - 9:47 PM PT Greetings from 17,000' Camp! We made great time during a beautiful sunny day moving from 14,200’ to our High Camp here at 17,200’. The team did exceptionally well, and made quick work of building camp in the old confines of JM’s Denali Team. Some afternoon rest was had and some dehydrated high mountain food was tolerated. We’ve got a decent forecast for tomorrow...but we know that this mountain will have the final say tomorrow when we wake up. We’re hopeful for some calm winds and hopeful to make an honest go at the summit tomorrow. The team has put a ton of work into this expedition thus far, and we’re all ecstatic to be in the position we are here at 17 Camp. We’ll let you know how it goes! RMI Guides Robby, Nick, Joe, and Team Prepped’n Ready

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Hi z your almost there….so excited….safe climbing :)

Posted by: Jennifer Graham on 6/12/2019 at 5:32 pm

Hey Steve. Pulling for you all the way. Be safe and I hope you get to enjoy that summit view!
Keith

Posted by: Keith hoelker on 6/12/2019 at 12:27 pm

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Denali Expedition: King & Team Bring Up the Rest of Their Gear

June 11, 2019

Posted by: Mike King, Avery Parrinello, Dominic Cifelli

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Tuesday, June 11, 2019 - 5:56 PM PT We woke up and it was cold! Our bodies aren’t accustomed to the colder temps of 14,200’ but that will change as we take a few rest days. The views of Mt Hunter and Foraker have been exceptional. Several teams moved up to 17,200’ this morning and a few are scheduled to head up tomorrow. The weather has continued to hold and looks to be improving over the weekend. We enjoyed a late breakfast of cream cheese and bacon bagels. Everyone is having some lunch in their tents and hopefully a nap to best utilize this active rest day. This evening we will build some snow walls to reinforce our camp should the weather take a turn for the worse. Not much happening at 14 Camp and that’s just fine with us. RMI Guide Mike King

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The chill sounds great! 93° here in Portland for high, and 79° right now with a starry sky and 3/4 moon. Beautiful night. But, y’all must have amazing vistas up there. Lucky you! Photos are too perfect.

Posted by: Susan Moore on 6/11/2019 at 11:34 pm

The views look amazing! I hope you’re having a fun time Birkan! The kitten and I miss you! Can’t wait to hear all about it!

Posted by: Kayla on 6/11/2019 at 6:06 pm

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Denali Expedition: Young & Team Rest and Enjoy Views from Edge of of the World

June 11, 2019

Posted by: Robby Young, Nick Scott, Joe Hoch

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Monday, June 10, 2019 - 9:38 PM PT On the thirteenth day, Team ‘No Leftovers’ rested. And boy did we enjoy it. It was another beautiful day here at 14,000' Camp. We’ve been in a cycle of morning sun and afternoon clouds for the last few days, so we planned accordingly. We woke in the shade for some early morning coffee, and then made our way to the Edge of the World for some unbelievable morning views of the Alaska Range. This perch is located at the edge of Genet Basin and looks down approximately 6,000’ below onto the Kahiltna Glacier. We followed that up with a big brunch of eggs and hash brown burritos that stretched us until 1pm. Naps and packing took the rest of our day before another delicious veggie curry dinner. Needless to say, no leftovers were had. This team is now batting 1.000 when it comes to finishing every bit of every meal. A truly impressive feat on any expedition. We’re tucked in now, turning all that food into fuel, ready for a move to 17,200’, if the mother mountain Denali allows, of course. We’ll let you know. Wish us luck and good weather vibes! RMI Guides Robby, Nick, Joe and Team ‘No Leftovers’

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Sounds like a gourmet food trip
So far so good
Hope this continues
Prayers and good wishes for all
Steve we will make eggplant parmigiana when u get home
On our way to Graces bday party
Can’t wait until you get home

Posted by: John Zabinski on 6/12/2019 at 2:55 pm

Woohoo! Good luck! God speed! Good vibes! And all that jazz! Safe travels to 17!

Posted by: Annie Kawasaki on 6/11/2019 at 10:48 pm

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Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Back at 11,200’

June 10, 2019

Posted by: JM Gorum, JT Schmitt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Monday, June 10, 2019 - 8:05 PM PT We broke down camp quickly this morning. As quickly as anything happens at 17,000 ft. We’re in our tents at 11,000 feet now. It’s a long, hot day getting down here with all of our gear, but we’re one step closer to the airstrip. We’ll take a quick nap here, wake up around midnight, and then walk the rest of the way in the morning, hopefully landing us in position for a flight out around 8am. RMI Guide JM Gorum

Denali Expedition: King & Team Move to 14,200’ Camp

June 10, 2019

Posted by: Mike King, Avery Parrinello, Dominic Cifelli

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Monday, June 10, 2019 - 6:58 PM PT The good weather train continues to roll on Denali. If your looking at the forecast, it’s been inaccurate aside from the calm wind speeds. The Team got a good workout today as we packed up camp and moved to 14,200’ and while we did well, the higher altitude, calm air and insane heat reflecting off the glaciers gave us a good challenge. We have been moving gear, food and fuel uphill for 6 straight days and tomorrow will be no different. We will sleep in, eat a big breakfast and then need to descend 800’ and retrieve our cache. Now that we are at “Denali City” there are lots of climbers, great views of the West Buttress and the greater Alaska Range. We’ve been eating good, burritos, buffalo chicken wraps, salmon cream cheese bagels, etc. Everyone is feeling some minor aches and pains from the hard work but they are smiling and happy to be at 14 Camp to begin the climbing above here once our bodies acclimate and the weather and mountain give us the thumbs up to headed to High Camp. Thanks for following along, more from Genet Basin and the 14 Camp hang to follow. RMI Guide Mike King

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Sounds like a great adventure and challenge! Enjoy. Joe Parrinello

Posted by: Joe Parrinello on 6/12/2019 at 8:58 am

By God thats a lot of snow! Let’s go birkan!

Posted by: AlexK on 6/11/2019 at 11:29 am

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Denali Expedition: Young & Team Climb to 16,700’ Prepare to Move to High Camp

June 10, 2019

Posted by: Robby Young, Nick Scott, Joe Hoch

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Greetings all! Onward and upward! We had an absolute beautiful day on the mountain today. Sunny skies and warm temps allowed to get up and attem early for a 9am departure from 14,000' Camp. We made it all the way to the base of the Washburn Thumb at 16,700’, where we cached some food, fuel, and gear for our future move to 17,000’. It was great to stretch the legs and set some new altitude records for some of our team members. The views from that height were exceptional today...a true highlight of the trip for some. We could see all the way down the Kahiltna Glacier and the neighboring Mt. Foraker and Mt. Hunter in all their glory. A truly great day to go climbing in the Alaska Range. We’re planning a rest day for tomorrow so maybe some views from ‘Edge of the World’ are in order. We’ll let you know how it looks! Until then, night y’all. RMI Guides Robby, Nick, Joe and Team Feast

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Nick Scott, My best to you and your team for a successful summit. I love you! Dad

Posted by: John Scott on 6/11/2019 at 11:40 am

Hey Rahim,

Suki and I are sending lots of positive energy. Kick some butt!! We miss you!!

Posted by: Anisha on 6/11/2019 at 8:01 am

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Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Summit!

June 9, 2019

Posted by: JM Gorum, JT Schmitt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 20,310'

UPDATE: Sunday, June 9, 2019 - 8:27 PM PT The team is all safely back at high camp. Everyone did an excellent job on the way down. - JM Sunday, June 9, 2019 - 5:24 PM PT This is John Michael Gorum, calling from the summit of Denali believe it or not, at long last and multiple attempts, we made it! Beautiful day, climbing in light layers and light gloves. [We are] taking photos and some snacks on top and about to head back down. I will send an email update when we get back to camp. All right, you'll hear from us later. RMI Guide JM Gorum

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Brit—

Congrats to you for a long, challenging and incredibly successful climb!

We could not be any more happy for you and the other climbers.

GREAT JOB!!

Tom and Becky

Posted by: Tom and Becky on 6/11/2019 at 8:29 am

Congratulations to all the team quite an achievement ;;well done beautiful photos beautiful clear skies ;my French man is right behind you guys they did a gear climb to camp 5 return to camp 4 .monday 10 th June ;so maybey a summit attempt in the next few days ; his satellite connection is not great so i have been following you guys ;;nice job;;;

Posted by: tracy mccall on 6/11/2019 at 1:51 am

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Denali Expedition: King & Team Cache Gear Around Windy Corner

June 9, 2019

Posted by: Mike King, Avery Parrinello, Dominic Cifelli

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 13,000'

Sunday, June 9, 2019 - 3:47 PM PT The calm and mostly clear weather continues to give our Team great windows to get our gear, food and fuel moved up Denali. This morning we got a good start with cold temperatures to avoid being out in the heat. The temps dropped slightly as we climbed motorcycle hill then squirrel hill and onto the lower polo fields (actual names of these landmarks, not hypoxia kicking in). Despite the steep aspects and heavy packs the Team crushed the difficult carry and was rewarded with a sunny and warm not so “Windy Corner” of Denali’s West Buttress. We could see teams moving up towards the fixed lines out of 14 Camp and got a chance to talk with RMI guide Robby Young as his team was headed up the fixed lines. The grand scale of the Alaska Range has kept people mesmerized along with the constantly changing scenery as we climb higher. We will rest for the remainder of the day and there’s bound to be more laughter once people get a nap in. It’s been a great group and trip so far. Tomorrow our plans are to pack up camp and move to 14,200’ and get our base camp hang dialed in so we can take advantage of the next favorable forecast window. RMI Guide Mike King

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Please tell Allan Oliver that Emily and I are thinking about him and can’t help but be super impressed that he is doing this! Amazing! Chris

Posted by: Chris Beecroft on 6/10/2019 at 12:49 pm

Hi Mike and team,
I couldn’t find y’all in the registry. Gorem and team coming down, while your behind Nick, et al. So happy for all to get better weather. What’s on the menu? And, how about a shot of Foraker please. Windy corner looks gnarly! Have fun, and step safe

Posted by: Susan Moore on 6/9/2019 at 7:47 pm

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Denali Expedition: Young & Team Enjoy Rest Day at 14,000’ Camp

June 9, 2019

Posted by: Robby Young, Nick Scott, Joe Hoch

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Saturday, June 9, 2019 - 10:08 PM PT Hello world, Checking in from 14,000' Camp here on Denali. All is well. Today, was all about one thing...supreme chill! A true rest day was enjoyed by all here at Camp under sunny skies and no wind. It was truly a glorious day to be in the Alaska Range. We were up and attem at 9:30am for a bagel, cream cheese, and salmon feast. Breakfast rolled into Gin Rummy, then into sun tanning, then into ‘Hot Drinks Poker’ and right into Buffalo Chicken dinner. It was just what the doctor ordered for this team today. Tomorrow, if the weather allows, it’s back to business. We hope to carry some food, fuel, and gear to the upper mountain tomorrow; probably to Washburn’s Thumb above 16,000’. The weather looks to remain nice for the next few days so we’re cautiously optimistic that we might be able to spend some more time on the upper mountain in the near future (knock on wood). For now, the sun is behind the ridge and we’re tucked in the sleeping sacks. We’ll check in with you all tomorrow. RMI Guides Robby, Nick, Joe and Team Poker Face

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Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: King & Team Rest Day at 14K Camp

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

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Denali Expedition: King & Team Bring Up the Rest of Their Gear

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Denali Expedition: Young & Team Rest and Enjoy Views from Edge of of the World

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Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Back at 11,200’

Denali Expedition: King & Team Move to 14,200’ Camp

Denali Expedition: Young & Team Climb to 16,700’ Prepare to Move to High Camp

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Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Summit!

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Denali Expedition: King & Team Cache Gear Around Windy Corner

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Denali Expedition: Young & Team Enjoy Rest Day at 14,000’ Camp

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