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Saturday, February 12, 2022 4:09 AM PST
Hola Amigos,
We woke with an excitement in the air, today we were leaving the city. After a few nights in Quito it was time for us to head north to our next destination. Bellies full of continental breakfast, we gathered all of our belongings, squeezed into the tiny elevators and stacked our duffels in the lobby to await our driver, Hector.
A two-hour drive through the countryside was a welcome rest from yesterday’s hike. The van winded up cobblestone streets until the road was covered with water from the overflowing lake. We had made it to our activity for the day. It was time to stretch our legs up Fuya Fuya and get our heart rates up. Our bodies are working hard to adjust to the altitudes and be ready for the three volcanos awaiting us. Beautiful views, pretty flora, and mysterious clouds provided great backdrops.
Slippery grass and muddy steps led us to the top where we were greeted by a large group of Deutsch high schoolers. After snatching our summit photo, we made our way back down to the van, some with muddier butts than others. A few team members took the opportunity to take a cold dip in the lake because when at Fuya Fuya why not. Bellies growling, we made it back to town for some pizza before we loaded back in the van, up more steep cobblestone streets to our hacienda.
The hacienda is beautiful with a peaceful presence overlooking the town below. The team enjoyed some downtime before rallying together for some learning. Tonight’s entertainment before dinner was learning about knots and hitches, a building block for when we learn about crevasse rescue. A delicious dinner wrapped up the day before we all went back to our rooms to pack for tomorrow. Tomorrow we head to our first snow covered volcano.
With nerves and excitement surrounding us, we enjoy one final night with Wi-Fi before heading into the mountains.
Buenas noches,
Posted by: Brent Okita, Leon Davis, Lindsay Mann
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,200'
On The Map
Nice work Kristen, we’re all excited for you here in Norwich. Put some rocks in Brent’s pack and tell him Stu says hello.
Posted by: Stuart Close on 6/15/2012 at 5:52 pm
I am the mother of one of the climbers from Alpine Ascents who made the summit on Saturday, June 2—I think the last team to summit. He has been back home for a week now and you guys/gals are still up there (we hope). Just want you to know that we have all (son, father, mother, neighbors for goodness sake!) been following and cheering for your team and checking on you every day. You have provided immense entertainment—and inspiration. We think if you make the summit you are the team of the season. Our very best wishes…
Posted by: Sue Seitz on 6/14/2012 at 4:15 am
Posted by: Steve Gately, Ben Ammon, James Bealer
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
Posted by: Eric Frank, Grayson Swingle
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 12,200'
The Four Day Climb May 6 - 9 led by RMI Guides Eric Frank and Grayson Swingle ascended to Camp Muir yesterday. The team left from Camp Muir this morning and ascended to Ingraham Flats. More new snow and avalanche danger made this their high point but they did enjoy some blue skies and sunshine. The team left Camp Muir on their descent to Paradise. We will look forward to seeing them at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon.
Go MBK!!!
Posted by: ELLIS RICHMAN on 5/10/2022 at 5:54 am
Posted by: Elias de Andres Martos
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ama Dablam
RMI Guide Gilbert Chase checks in after a successful summit day on Denali.
Elizabeth and the Nugent team.
That’s just fantastic. So happy to hear you got a weather window to summit. Congratulations.
Posted by: james rozzelle, ann shepherd, Josie on 6/5/2012 at 10:38 am
Congrats Stuart!!! You did it! Can’t wait to hear al abut it.
Stay safe! Love Patti
Posted by: Patti Emmert on 6/4/2012 at 11:02 pm
Posted by: Mike Haugen, Jenny Konway, Grayson Swingle
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,200'
On The Map
I miss us baby! Please come back in one piece!
Posted by: Mackinzie on 7/2/2019 at 12:45 pm
I’m sending you all wishes for a safe and comfortable ascent ....go team go!!
Ask Meghan if she brought a celebratory bottle of red wine in her camelback!!
xoxo Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Miller on 7/1/2019 at 3:59 pm
Posted by: Peter Whittaker, Mike Uchal
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
great great fun hugs!!!you are the best1ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!-GRACE
Nice work, Hun! We love you! Have a safe drive home. Call when you can. -Cory
Posted by: Cory Hatch and Grace Hatch on 7/12/2019 at 3:51 pm
Woo Hoo!!! Way to go, all, and big hugs to Amy.
Posted by: Nancy on 7/12/2019 at 1:59 pm
Posted by: Christina Dale
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek and Lobuche
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Dominic Cifelli, Tatum Whatford, Seth Burns
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,200'
Saturday, July 2, 2022 - 8:56 pm PT
It was a rest day, although slightly less restful for taking place at 17,200'. Everything is a little harder up here. We were lucky to have a nice sunny day (again) which made it easier to relax. It was breezy from time to time, which was forecast. We’re hoping the winds quiet down, in keeping with those forecasts, for our summit day tomorrow. We ate and drank water and stared out at the amazing views. We made last minute adjustments to our packs and the gear we’ll rely on tomorrow. We talked strategy. We looked up at the “autobahn” -the route from 17,000' to Denali Pass and tried to judge its difficulty. After weeks of hard work to get in position, we are ready.
Best Regards
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
Sending best wishes for perfect weather Hannah , Adam and team!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 2/12/2022 at 2:03 pm
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