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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Lacie Smith, Will Ambler
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,200'
Friday, June 13, 2025, 10;01pm PDT
We’ve made it to Camp 17 and are settling in for the night. Despite my usual reservations about this camp, tonight has offered a surprisingly calm and beautiful evening—one of those rare moments that makes you pause and appreciate where you are. Spirits are high, and the team is feeling strong. We’re planning to push for the summit in the morning. Conditions look promising, and we’re ready for what lies ahead.
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier & Team
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Mt. McKinley Expedition May 29, 2025
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Devin Guffey, Erika Birkeland
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7,200'
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June 1, 2023, 9:14 pm PDT
Hello all!
After a a quick nap of a couple hours we woke at 10:00 pm and packed up our camp. Just before midnight we began our walk out. During our nap the clouds faded away and gave us a beautiful view out. The air was crisp and so were the views. The moon light the dusk sky and hues of pink and purple faded in and out. We were the only team walking on the Kahiltna. As we took our final steps uphill on Heartbreak Hill we were greeted by a sea of tents at basecamp. Many hopefuls waited to check in and try to fly out. We had a couple hours before check in so we grabbed our sleeping bags and took another quick nap. As teams awoke you could feel the anxious and desperate energy of teams wanting to get off the glacier. Unfortunately, none of the RMI teams were able to fly. One plane even got stuck here at basecamp unable to fly out with the clouds engulfing camp so quickly. Our once clear morning turned into a wet afternoon. We are now curled up in our tents trying our best to stay dry and optimistic as we wait for weather to improve to we can off. A celebratory beer cached at basecamp has helped the mood. If we close our eyes we can pretend we are showered and sitting at the brewery. Weather is suppose to improve by Saturday so fingers crossed for clear skies both here and in Talkeetna. As for now, after only some naps we are pretty sleepy from our walk out.
So goodnight all,
RMI Guides Hannah Smith, Devin Guffey, and Erika Birkeland, and Team
Posted by: Mike Walter, Abby Westling, Henry Coppolillo
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7,600'
May 12, 2022 - 10:08 am PT
We had great weather yesterday and were able to fly in to Kahiltna Base Camp. We hit the ground running and took advantage of the weather to move to the base of Ski Hill. Light cloud cover kept temperatures perfect for climbing, and the Kahiltna Glacier was in remarkably good condition, which made for a pleasant day in the mountains. Our packs and sleds were heavy, but our team did great getting to camp and establishing camp. This morning the good weather is continuing, and we're getting ready to head off on a carry, establishing a cache up above Ski Hill. We'll be in touch and let you know how it goes.
Posted by: JT Schmitt, Alan Davis, Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,200'
Thursday, June 10, 2021 - 4:56 pm PT
Today was not a super nice day, but it was nice enough! We cached additional food and supplies at 13,500 and felt great. This puts us in position to move to 14,000' Camp when we are ready and weather allows. It looks like the weather should be decent tomorrow before the next round of storms come in. Stay tuned to follow our progress tomorrow!!
Nick, you’ve always been an inspiration and role model, which is why I want to tell you that I will be taking my talents to Alabama. Roll Tide.
Posted by: Kool-Aid Mckinstry on 6/12/2021 at 4:02 am
Posted by: Mike King, Taylor Bickford
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Today's Mt. Rainier Summit Climb Team, led by RMI Guides Mike King and Taylor Bickford, are on top! They radioed from the top reporting windy and clear conditions. Their descent back to Camp Muir will begin soon with a celebration at Rainier Basecamp to commence this afternoon.
Congratulations to the team!
Good job everyone. Have a safe trip down!
Posted by: Carla Clemmer (Trey’s Mom) on 5/17/2021 at 1:26 pm
On The Map
Congrats Greg and fellow team mates. Happy that you all made summit but happier that you all did it safely. Way to go. Mom and dad.
Posted by: Mom on 7/28/2013 at 12:14 am
Go, G! You inspire!
Nice work team - a summit and everyone is back safely!
Posted by: The Pit Crew on 7/27/2013 at 8:59 pm
Woohoo!! Conquer that mountain guys! <3
Posted by: Roz on 2/5/2013 at 8:01 pm
Tim and Frank, my super-charged awesome inspirations: come home safe and happy and with lots of good pics. Can’t wait to hear all of your fun stories and see your smiling faces. We are all so proud, and love and miss you guys tons. HIGH FIVE!!! XXOO
Posted by: Dusty on 2/5/2013 at 6:22 pm
On The Map
Hi - glad to hear that all is well and that you are enjoying the mountain!! Photos look great too!
Posted by: Cindy Papp on 7/11/2012 at 10:40 am
Posted by: Billy Nugent, Geoff Schellens
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
Best of luck to the entire team! I play Pickleball in southern Florida with John Corona. I just returned from Seattle with beautiful views of the mountainous area in Washington. Can’t imagine your strength and courage to climb! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers that the weather continues good and you have a magnificient climb! Peace to all! Mary
Posted by: Mary Cormier on 5/15/2022 at 6:01 am
Hey !!!! Best of luck on the climb Mike! This grey-bearded old man is headed to Rainier this week and will be ready for you to lead me to 20,310’ in May ‘23! Be safe. Godspeed & Good Weather. If you have any questions about the weather, ask your rock.
Posted by: Tim Morris on 5/12/2022 at 3:50 pm
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