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Posted by: Dave Hahn, Dominic Cifelli, Matt McEttrick
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
Saturday, July 3, 2021 - 9:15 pm PT
There was still a big cloud cap on Denali this morning, but at 6AM the winds didn’t seem too bad. There were clouds in every other direction as well, but we were mostly looking up at the West Buttress as we ate breakfast and pondered a carry. It seemed worth a shot. We pulled the trigger and left camp just after 8 AM. It was colder this morning than it had been… not extremely cold, but colder than we’ve yet experienced on the trip. Our tracks -and anyone else’s- from yesterday were gone, so we had the added challenge of trail breaking in a few inches of new snow. Even so, we made steady progress upward. But the cloud cap made steady progress downward, so we were bound to come together. We were in murk and light but cold winds by the base of the fixed ropes. Which all made for a cold intro to climbing the steep, icy rope section. Thankfully, the winds were blowing from behind us and so we stepped into much needed calm at our destination, which was just perfectly in the lee and sheltered by the crest of the West Buttress. It was wonderful to hit our 16,200 ft target, but the clouds hid the grand views. We quickly cached supplies and geared up for a descent facing into the cool wind. A careful descent got us to 14,200 ft camp just as the sun came out there at 2:30 PM. The afternoon and evening were calm and easy with occasional snow showers. The storm is definitely easing, but of course they are predicting that another will follow. We’ll rest tomorrow in any case.
Posted by: JJ Justman, Jake Beren
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Dominic Cifelli, Tatum Whatford, Seth Burns
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Mt. McKinley
Sunday, June 19, 2022 - 11:29 p.m. PDT
We got a lot done today! Lots and lots of work to get gear checked and ready for loading on airplanes, but it was the kind of labor that -- when you get it behind you -- makes you realize that fun is just about to start. It was rainy and drizzling in Talkeetna today, and there wasn’t any airplane traffic to and from Kahiltna Base Camp. The pilots we spoke to said it was only their fourth “down day” of the season -- which is a pretty remarkable testament to the good and stable weather that climbers have enjoyed.
We got started with a fine breakfast “meeting” at the hotel, introducing ourselves to one another. But then we moved out to the hangar to give gear checks and get sorted. We received our briefing from the National Park Service and caught up with current events on the mountain. Finally we weighed and labeled all the loads and with everything ready to go we quit for the day and had a nice relaxing outdoor dinner at the brewery in town.
Forecasts suggest we’ll get lucky in the morning.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn and team
Posted by: Dave Hahn, JJ Justman, Billy Nugent
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest
Elevation: 8,700'
On The Map
Nicole,
You are an inspiration! It was hard for you to leave but it will be so worth it.
I admire your discipline, hard work ethic, motivation and determination to succeed.
Enjoy the beauty, peace and serenity of the climb one step at a time.
I found…St. Bernard, patron saint of mountain climbers. A blessing.
Lord, we beg you to bless Nicole and crew, these ropes, staves, mattocks, and these other tools, so that all who will use them in scaling the mountains’ heights and precipices, in ice and snow and raging storms, may be preserved from all accidents and catastrophe, Safely reach the summits, and return unharmed to their homes; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
You are blessed and admired. God bless you on this special journey.
Peace,
Mary Grace
Posted by: Mary Grace on 3/31/2014 at 1:27 am
Cheering you on from New Jersey! Xo T
Posted by: Tatiana Burgos on 3/27/2014 at 6:27 pm
Posted by: JJ Justman
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside
To William - we’re all rooting for the “old man” with the heart of a lion and the perseverance of a mule. Can’t wait to see you and, hopefully, lots of photos. Hope all goes well and that you’re enjoying (?) the challenge.
Much love from J, C & J.
Posted by: Judy on 2/11/2012 at 8:48 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL. Stay safe. We all love you and will celebrate when you come home. Love Mom
Posted by: Joyce on 2/11/2012 at 7:04 am
I will be praying Jim, for you and your team, that you have a safe trip.
Love Always,
Ann
Posted by: Ann Boyko on 5/6/2011 at 8:11 pm
Posted by: Mike Walter, Abby Westling, Emma Lyddan
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,000'
Friday 5/26/2023 3:15 PM PT
Clouds and light snow are making a perfect atmosphere for a lazy rest day here at 14k.
Strong winds high on the mountain are occasionally visible through breaks in the clouds. The warmth of our tents is conducive to lazing, reading, listening to music, and occasionally drifting off into a dreamy state of consciousness.
Meanwhile, we're hoping that favorable weather allows us an opportunity to climb higher and push for the summit soon.
Until then, we're embracing the tranquility of the mountains.
Mike
Go Team! Make it happen! It’s going to be epic!!! You got this!!!! Perseverance and Patience….goal in sight! Hoping for some solid blue sky and perfect climate!!! Cheers from Talkeetna!!! Susan
Posted by: Susan on 5/27/2023 at 9:39 am
Tuesday, January 11, 2022 - 10:22 am PT
Our acclimation day at Confluencia Camp started with a hearty breakfast and clear skies. We then began our day hike to see the South face of Aconcagua. The ascent was beautiful and paralleled a glacier as we approached Aconcagua. Finally we reached the view. Even with the upper portions of the mountain obscured by clouds, the face looked impressive. On our way down, we found a little rain, but thankfully it let up once we returned to camp. Now our attention turns to preparing to move to basecamp tomorrow.
Hooray Andy! Very excited for you!
Nope…I don’t feel lazy at all down here at sea level.
Posted by: Elsie on 1/12/2022 at 1:00 pm
Making progress! Hope everyone stays safe and has fun.
Posted by: Ruth Baldock on 1/11/2022 at 11:06 am
Happy Fourth of July, Hahn team!
Did you bring a few fireworks?
Marion & I hope your weather conditions cooperate.
Marion and Joe McEttrick
Posted by: Joseph P McEttrick on 7/4/2021 at 7:47 am
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