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Everest Base Camp Trek: Tucker and Team Enjoying a Rest Day

March 28, 2012

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek

Elevation: 13,950'

Hello! I finally get another chance to get a word or two in. Today was a rest day and we tried to do just that. . . rest as much as we could. We did a short hike in the morning that took us to the ridge line above us. There we could see three of the 8,000 meter peaks: Makalu, Cho Oyo, and Lotse. We also saw our first glimpse of Island Peak. It looks very steep, high, and cold. Our hike took us to 14,500ft, which is higher than any peak in the continental United States. So, it was an exciting moment for us. Later in the day we attended an information session presented by the Himalayan rescue association on the effects of altitude on the body. Besides learning about AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) and HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), we learned about HAFE (High Altitude Flatulence Expulsion). The latter one is very real to us as John has been suffering from it for days. Actually, I have been doing the suffering since I have been walking behind him on the trail. John claims the food is to blame for his HAFE. So, I will share a bit about our eating experiences thus far. The tea-houses offer a similar menu for the most part. For lunch or dinner, the typical choices are some sort of rice (fried, steamed, or curry), some sort of noodles ( fried or with a tomato sauce), some sort of potatoes (boiled or fried), soup, or dal baht. Dal baht is a Nepalese meal of rice and a sort of lentil soup that is poured over the rice. It appears that the Sherpas traveling with us eat dal baht at every meal. Occasionally, the tea-house will have chicken. When that is the case, we order a special treat called chicken chile. It is a spicy chicken dish that is delicious. All of the food is very good, but the menu lacks diversity. The dessert is especially interesting and I have come to like it very much. They offer Snickers or Mars pie, which is just a deep fried Snickers or Mars (Milky Way) candy bar. Sometimes they also have a deep-fried Bounty (Mounds), which is my favorite. Mmmm, delicious. --Kim P.S. A big shout-out to Mrs. Hartman's 3-5 classroom.

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Hello from Mrs. Hartman’s class!! We miss you but are excited to read your blog!! How high is Island Peak? Ranish wants to know if you like the curry. Are you staying warm? Are you having fun or wish you were back home? Is it really snowy where you are now or is there ice there? Are the yaks carrying your bag? Have you been wearing your harness or using your ice axe yet? Please keep us posted about how you are doing. We think your pictures are awesome! Are you staying well? We are thinking of you! Love, Mrs. Hartman’s class

Posted by: Lori Hartman's class on 3/28/2012 at 2:40 pm

Hello from Ms. Jerome’s 4/5 science class. WE miss you Ms. C. We have some questions for you.
How high are you? How are you feeling?
Which is higher Everest Base Camp or Island Peak?
How many tea house have you been too? What is your favorite dish to eat for dinner and lunch?
WE think you totally rock! Keep going!
Over and out! Ms. Jerome’s 4/5 class. xoxoxo

Posted by: Pam on 3/28/2012 at 11:38 am

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Denali Expedition: Smith and Team Make Quick Work of Setting up Camp

June 12, 2022

Posted by: Hannah Smith, Kiira Antenucci, Daniel May

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,800'

Saturday June 11, 2022 – 9:13pm PT

Greetings from the Kahiltna,

Snow pitter pattering on the tents lulled us to sleep before disappearing as our alarms rang out. Midnight came far too fast, but the snow had stopped and the clouds lifted.

The first mornings are a little hectic trying to find our groove, our routine in packing up. But with some yummy bagels topped with cream cheese and lox to fuel us, we were ready to take on the day. Our cache buried, sleds loaded, and legs ready, we hit the trail.

Luckily, the first part is downhill, a nice ease into the heavy loads. We will have to climb this hill at the end but that's for another day. The Kahiltna glacier is impressively large with giant crevasses. This glacier goes for 36 miles, and we are going to walk the beginning of it. Several hours of walking brought us to our camp. We made swift work of flattening some spots and setting up.

The afternoon was filled with warm naps, music, and reading. Everyone is enjoying all the naps and snacks. The snow danced its way back in and has been the sound of the evening. We are hoping it quits once again in time for us to begin our walk tomorrow. This trip is all about flexibility so we shall see what tomorrow brings. For now, it's off to bed to stay dry and warm.

Goodnight all,

Hannah and Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hey Nick this is totally awesome. I’m so glad to be able to follow this blog. Y’all be careful and know we are rooting for you. Can’t wait to see you in September and hear all about this trip from you. Love you and please be safe.

Posted by: Aunt Lesa and Uncle Blake on 6/15/2022 at 11:52 am

John and I are reading this blog and rooting for you Nick! I know you’ve been training for and looking forward to this adventure. You can do this! Now it’s up to Mother Nature to cooperate and give you good climbing weather. Love Ant Christie

Posted by: Christie Guydish on 6/12/2022 at 3:04 pm

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Vinson Massif: Hahn & Team Back in Punta Arenas

November 25, 2013

Posted by: Dave Hahn

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Vinson Massif

We ended our pre-climb road trip today, cruising back to Punta Arenas from Puerto Natales. Things haven't progressed a great deal on the logistical front. We were invited around to a social gathering at the offices of ALE, where we met and mingled with the other passengers on our hoped-for flight. In addition to the climbing teams, there were several groups intent on going overland to the South Pole by various means. We were hosted by the friendly staff and directors of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions. One of the directors, Mike Sharp, gave a brief talk and slideshow as to the weather outlook and the chances for flying in the next few days. There are possibilities. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Fly onto the Kahiltna Glacier

June 28, 2013

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Zeb Blais, Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,300'

Thursday, June 28th, 2013 We enjoyed a final, but ample breakfast at the Roadhouse and then hurried out to the airstrip to get ready for flying. Sure enough, conditions were favorable and so we loaded up in two big and beautiful K2 Aviation ski-equipped Otters. There was some smoke in the skies from forest fires and a little cloud as well, but we had magnificent views of forests, rivers, lakes... and then eventually of nothing but gargantuan mountains and glaciers. Our pilots, Randy and Jeff, had us into the Southeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier and safely landed by 9:00 AM. After unloading and a few handshakes, they were off and we were left in our breathtakingly beautiful new home. We set to building camp and then spent a lazy afternoon reviewing rope techniques and getting set for glacier travel. We ate an early dinner under the intense Alaskan summer sun, did a few more last chores and then turned in. It was good to touch base, via radio, with the other RMI teams on the mountain and to feel like we'll soon be joining in the fun. The plan is to be up at 1 AM if the weather stays fine and we'll hope to be on the march a few hours later. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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The Christofferson family is sending our best to Anders and the rest of the team. We love all the pictures and updates! Looking forward to hearing how you are all doing after carrying all those heavy loads “on your march” today!

Posted by: Judy Christofferson on 6/28/2013 at 5:51 pm

Hahn Team
To Mike & Max - we are grateful to be able to follow you on this blog and will enjoy watching your adventures. Thinking of you and wishing you good weather and a safe climb.
Bill & Caryl Reese

Posted by: Bill & Caryl Reese on 6/28/2013 at 11:48 am

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Mt. Rainier: Expedition Skills Seminar Camp Muir Update

May 23, 2013

Posted by: Adam Knoff, Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 10,200

The Expedition Skills Seminar – Muir led by Casey Grom and Adam Knoff made the prudent decision to remain at Camp Muir last night. A foot of new snow fell at Camp Muir overnight in addition to 10 inches yesterday. Casey also reports the temperature is hovering around 10 degrees which is keeping everyone busy staying warm. The Seminar is planning to head up to the Ingraham Flats this morning. The team wraps up their training and time at Muir tomorrow.

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I did the winter seminar in January with Adam and we were pounded with snow. Didnt get to summit either. Still had a blast! Built a massive snow wall.

Posted by: Todd on 5/24/2013 at 4:32 am

awesome picture!!

hope you all get a chance at the summit! but either way, it sounds like such a blast so far (snow and all!)

take pictures brian!!!!

Posted by: whitney miller on 5/23/2013 at 2:58 pm

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Mt. Rainier: July 28th Summit!

July 28, 2012

Posted by: Win Whittaker, Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Guides Win Whittaker and Seth Waterfall topped Mt. Rainier in very calm winds and beautiful skies. The teams checked in at 7:15 a.m. and had already began their descent from the crater rim. With the cloud layer just below Paradise, they have been enjoying the view since sunrise and the weather should stay in their favor as the sun continues to shine upon them. Congratulations to today's teams!

MT. McKinley: Nugent & Team Arrive at Kahiltna Base Camp

June 5, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,300'

Hey there, it's, Billy calling just wanted to give you guys an update and let you know where the crew is. After our summit day we descended from 17 down to the 14 camp and ended up spending the night there. Then got an early this morning and made the march all the way to base camp. Right now, everybody is sitting pretty at Kahiltna base. We have set up the tents. It is kind of socked in and cloudy so we are just hoping for planes at some point tomorrow morning. Forecast is kind of iffy so,we’ll see. We may be sitting here for a couple of days. But everyone is down safe and sound. So, will call and check in again one more time when we get back to town and off the mountain. RMI Guide Billy Nugent

RMI Guide Billy Nugent checks in from Kahiltna Base Camp.

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Gibert:
I want to congratulate you and your team on successfully summitting Mount McKinley. No matter what hemisphere you are adventuring ... you seem to make it all the way to the top. Congratulations! What’s next?!
Fred Klingbeil
Aconcaqua (January 2012)

Posted by: Fred Klingbeil on 6/6/2012 at 11:22 am

Hi- Bran and team..
U must have had been so thrilled when u reach the summit!! I know I was so thrilled and so was Dad, I think I txted and called everyone.. Now it time for u and the team to celebrate!!! Thanks Bill Nugent, u r a awesome Guide..
Love Mom & Dad

Posted by: beverly bailey on 6/5/2012 at 4:23 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team - High Hopes, Low Camps

July 16, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,800'

7800' Kahiltna Glacier We had high hopes this morning at 14 Camp. The sky was clear and although we could see signs of wind up high on Denali's South Peak, we believed we could finally get up to 17,200'. At least we felt that enthusiasm until just after breakfast when I used the satellite phone to track down the weather forecast. It called for snow. It actually called for lots of snow... Like 30 inches in the next 24 hours. This was difficult information to reconcile with the sparkling blue sky and brilliant sunshine we were then enjoying. And it was particularly hard to reconcile such a possibility of big snow with our diminished food supplies. I gathered the team and gave them the hard conclusion the four guides had reached: we could not go up with such a prediction on our 17th day of a 22 day trip. If the forecast were even half right, we'd be trapped at 17,000 ft waiting for avalanche conditions to stabilize and by the time we were on our way down the mountain we wouldn't have enough food to deal with any further setbacks to our progress. In mid-July with no Park Service personnel on the mountain and with no well-worn track in the snow and with plentiful crevasse puzzles to solve down low on the glacier, we needed to anticipate further challenges to our descent of the mountain. We could no longer look up the hill. In fact, we couldn't even sit at 14 Camp long enough to see if the dire snow predictions came true since such a snowfall would set up a significant avalanche hazard threatening our route down to 11,000'. It was a tough thing then to let go of our summit ambitions while the sun was shining and while we still had food and fuel and while the remaining teams on the mountain reached seemingly opposite conclusions as to how to deal with the storm. But we packed up anyway and started carefully down the mountain. Ever so slowly, the clouds moved in, but we still had great views from Windy Corner and excellent traveling conditions down through 11 camp. It got a bit murky and mushy as we pushed down onto the main Kahiltna Glacier and we needed to be careful of sagging snow bridges on the crevasses of Ski Hill, but that all worked out fine. In just over six hours we reached 7800' and called a halt to the day's march. Time for dinner and some rest in our tents. The glacier surface is soft, soggy and not terribly supportive and the light is flat... Not ideal conditions for taking on complicated crevasse fields. We ate dinner and got in our tents as the snow began to fall. Our focus is now on completing the final push to the airstrip, but on our terms -when conditions are favorable. RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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To Dave and the team, Sending warm wishes for a safe return down the mountain. I have infinite thanks to Dave and the team for maintaining safety as the number one priority. To all of the climbers (especially John M)- we are all so proud of you. Though your summit bid plans had changed, I am inspired by the journey you took to get there. I can imagine this being a memorable experience for each and everyone of you. I applaud you all for your inspiring patience, outstanding discipline, and stellar persistence in moving up Mount McKinley. Cheers to you all!!

Posted by: Jennifer on 7/16/2011 at 10:22 am

Dear Daddy and Dave and team
We know you weren’t just there to tick off a box we know that you were just there to have fun!!!!!!You’re the best dad ever and you’re very brave
From Claire and Sietse

Posted by: Claire and Sietse on 7/16/2011 at 9:58 am

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Mt. Rainier: Emmons Seminar Led by Andy Bond Reaches Summit

June 24, 2021

Posted by: Andy Bond, David Price, Seth Burns, Emma Lyddan

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons led by RM Guide Andy Bond reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The team got an early start from Camp Schurman and reached the summit around 5:30 am. They will return to Camp Schurman for their final night on the mountain. Enjoy these photos from RMI Guide David Price taken from the summit crater of Mt. Rainier this morning.

Congratulations to today's Emmons team!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Doug and Erik — you went, you saw, you conquered! Revel in it!
Rich

Posted by: Rich on 6/24/2021 at 8:20 pm

Congrats Giorgio Kulp on checking off climb one in the ole bucket list. We are proud of your determination and the accomplishment. Can’t wait to hear the story of your adventure. Congrats to the entire team!

Posted by: Debbie Snyder and the Kulprits on 6/24/2021 at 6:23 pm

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Mt. Rainier: June 12, 2013 - Summit!

June 12, 2013

Posted by: Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guide Billy Nugent reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Billy reported clear and beautiful skies, but cold temperatures with winds of about 10 - 15 mph form the northwest. The team has started their descent and are en route back to Camp Muir. Congratulations to today's team!

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Most Popular Entries

Everest Base Camp Trek: Tucker and Team Enjoying a Rest Day

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Smith and Team Make Quick Work of Setting up Camp

Vinson Massif: Hahn & Team Back in Punta Arenas

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Fly onto the Kahiltna Glacier

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Mt. Rainier: Expedition Skills Seminar Camp Muir Update

Mt. Rainier: July 28th Summit!

MT. McKinley: Nugent & Team Arrive at Kahiltna Base Camp

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team - High Hopes, Low Camps

On The Map

Mt. Rainier: Emmons Seminar Led by Andy Bond Reaches Summit

Mt. Rainier: June 12, 2013 - Summit!

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