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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team at 8,000’ Camp

July 15, 2013

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Zeb Blais

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 8,000'

Monday, July 15th, 2013 It was still very calm at 14K camp this morning, but it was obvious that the next storm system was moving in. So we moved out. At 9:15 we pulled out of Genet Basin and dragged our sleds to Windy Corner. The going was easy as others had plowed a nice trough through the recent snows. There has to be some advantage to being the very last team to come off the mountain. We made it around the corner, down the Polo Field, across Squirrel Hill and down Motorcycle in about two hours. At 11,000' we dug up our cache of food, snowshoes, and miscellaneous gear and took about an hour to reorganize. Then it was down to the main Kahiltna Glacier in excellent condition for travel. It only took us two hours to make the bottom of Ski Hill. By that point, however, glacier surface conditions were getting soggy and slushy -as expected. So we built camp to wait for the cool of night before going the last few miles to the airstrip. We need the freeze to firm up about a thousand snow bridges over crevasses between here and Basecamp. It is a relief to be low again. Our first time in over two weeks to be taking in so much oxygen with each breath. And we aren't even remotely cold after conditioning to the frigid heights of Denali. There is a downside, of course... there are smells again. The one in the guide tent has been described as "hot garbage." Perhaps we will make it to Talkeetna and showers tomorrow morning. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Descend to Basecamp

December 17, 2012

Posted by: JJ Justman, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Hello everyone! It's Team One on Aconcagua. Well, it's a bitter sweet. For the good news, the entire team is safe an sound in base camp. For the not so good news Aconcagua is angry. I don't think we did anything to offend her but it is clear she is not in a good mood. For two days our team survived restless hours in the wind at 18,000 feet. Yesterday, the winds calmed to 35 mph allowing us to climb to 20,118 feet. When we returned the forecast that was given to us came true. The wind picked up again and it was time to batten the hatches. Our plan was to do our last acclimatization day yesterday, which we did. Then to rest today, then move to high camp, then summit. The winds on the summit currently are close to 100 mph and they are predicted to be stronger through the 23rd. Well past our window of opportunity. Our team made the decision to head toward safer and calmer territory. We are all in basecamp after a tough day carrying heavy packs downhill. It may seem disappointing but when the mountain says No, you have to accept the fact there is nothing you can do about it. The team is in great spirits and we are thankful we are down out of the hazardous wind and bitter cold. RMI Guide JJ Justman

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Mt. Rainier: July 24th Summit!

July 24, 2012

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Mike Haugen

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: Summit

Our Four Day Summit Climb led by Dave Hahn and our Five Day Summit Climb led by Mike Haugen reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today. The teams reported clear skies with lots of sunshine and very little wind. The teams were able to spend some time on the summit and are now en route to Camp Muir. Congratulations to today's teams!

Denali Expedition: Cifelli & Team Relax After Yesterdays effort

June 29, 2023

Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Seth Burns, Daniel May

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Wednesday, June 28, 2023 - 10:39 pm PT

Our climb yesterday earned us a well deserved rest day. After sleeping in we were awoken to some delicious extra cheesy breakfast burritos. This was followed by a musical production of “These Boots Were Made For Climbing” by the soon to be famous Denali 10 (look for us on TikTok). Stay tuned for our upcoming show “Dancing on Denali”, which will include some tasteful nude scenes as well. The rest of our day was spent relaxing as we look forward to beginning our summit push either tomorrow or Friday.

RMI Climber Mark Kulow

Aconcagua: King & Team Enjoy Another Rest Day At Basecamp

January 4, 2023

Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

We got a nice wake up call from the park helicopter flying in cool and calm air. Sun hits the tents around 7:30. Our team was anxiously awaiting coffee & breakfast, which is a good sign that they are acclimating well, good appetites are what the guides want to see.

Some took naps, showers and did crosswords. The Grajales team here at Plaza Argentina has been incredibly helpful and supportive. The blue skies with scattered clouds continue to dominate the horizon, new snow from earlier in the week is melting and the warm tents make for some excellent downtime.

We will head out for a walk towards the base of Ibanez in the broad and flat drainage that once held a massive glacier. Tomorrow we’ll move to Camp 1 and begin our 8-10 days up high. Fingers crossed for clear skie when we want to move and snow when we have rest days. High camp has been dry so the possibility of carrying water to 19,600’ for 13 people weighs heavy on the guides….especially their lumbago, pun intended.

Thanks for following along.

RMI Guide Mike King

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

So excited to have this blog to follow your journey Alex! Uncle and I read it every morning. Lifting you all up in prayer. Can’t wait to hear all about your adventure in February! Much Love!

Posted by: Kim Peltier on 1/5/2023 at 9:13 am

It sounds amazing and it must be incredibly beautiful. Take it all in for the rest of us….
Thanks again for updates….

Posted by: Dee on 1/4/2023 at 3:39 pm

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Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Rest at 17,200ft Camp, Hoping for Summit bid

June 1, 2021

Posted by: Mike Walter, Avery Parrinello, Luke Wilhelm

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

Tuesday, June 1, 2021 - 11:26 am PT

Snow and wind moved in last night, so both RMI Denali Expeditions led by RMI Guides Mike Walter & Pete Van Deventer are resting, tent bound at 17,000' Camp. The weather is not violent, but it is miserable outside of our tents with lots of blowing snow. On the upside, it’s pretty warm for 17,200’.

Hopefully tomorrow’s forecast verifies and we’ll have a chance for a summit bid. In the meantime we’re trying to stay warm and dry, hydrated and fed.

RMI Guide Mike Walter

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hi Ben!
Hopefully you and your team are sitting on top of the world today! What a courageous and impressive challenge you chose. Looking forward to seeing your photos and hearing your stories. Stay safe!
Pat and Althea

Posted by: Althea Daley on 6/2/2021 at 5:32 pm

Hoping you all made it to the summit today. We can’t wait to hear how it went, especially Alex’s mom!

Posted by: Jackie Woolley on 6/2/2021 at 1:04 pm

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Mt. Rainier: 100% On Summit for the Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons!

July 3, 2019

Posted by: Pepper Dee

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

All of the climbers and guides on the Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons led by RMI Guide Pepper Dee reached the summit of Mt. Rainier via the Emmons Glacier route around 1:00 PM PT. Pepper reports 20 mph winds and clear skies on the summit. The team will descend to Camp Schurman where they will spend the night. Tomorrow the team will finish their descent and will return to Ashford. We look forward to celebrating with the team tomorrow. Way to go, climbers!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Chris and Bill - You guys are truly inspirational. Be safe and watch out for those crevasses (and the crevices).

Your ERPi Family

Posted by: Greg on 7/9/2019 at 4:32 am

Praying for good weather and safe climbing.

Posted by: Chris on 7/7/2019 at 11:44 am

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Mt. McKinley: Haugen & Team Still Chillin at Basecamp

July 4, 2013

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Mike Uchal

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,300'

Thursday, July 4, 2013 It has been like a sunny beach vacation...except if it were sunny we would have flown far away from this particular snowy beach days ago. The snow keeps coming a bit harder and the forecast says through Sunday now. Could be worse; we have plenty of food, fuel, and great conversations! RMI Guide Mike Uchal made almost five hours worth of pancakes in a continuous stream for most of the camp. We have a small backlog of climbers around us. There are not many new climbers in basecamp since the weather has prohibited much movement on the mountain from any of the different camps. RMI Mt. McKinley Summit Team 6

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hopeful for your getaway very soon! Keep us posted. Love, Mom and Dad Haugen

Posted by: Cindy Haugen on 7/6/2013 at 6:15 am

Missing you more every day. Good to hear your spirits are ok. Can’t wait to hear that planes can make it in. Got 3 holes in one today. Hug, mom and the guys. Ps did you put smiley faces on the pancakes?

Posted by: KAC on 7/5/2013 at 9:17 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer & Team Fly into the Alaska Range

June 21, 2013

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Geoff Schellens, Robby Young

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,300'

Thursday, June 20, 2013 We have begun! Talkeetna was warm and sunny this morning, with perfect weather for flying into the Alaska range. We had our last big breakfast at the Talkeetna Roadhouse, putting down heaping portions of eggs, toast, and reindeer sausage. Within an hour of finishing, we had the two Otters loaded up, and were climbing on board for takeoff. The scenery flying in is always stunning, and our excitement built as we watched the lush green swamp land give way to glacial toes, rocks, and finally, the steep and imposing walls of the Range. We had a great view of Denali, before banking sharply and descending to base camp. With record setting warm temps this week, we had to set camp at basecamp and wait to move until tonight to give the glacier time to freeze up. So we had a leisurely day of sorting gear, rigging sleds, and getting our kits dialed. It will be an early morning for us as we try to make it to the base of ski hill at 7,600 feet tomorrow before the sun turns on the heat! We'll be in touch! RMI Guides Pete, Geoff, Robby, and gang

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Buenas Guapo!
Looking forward to hearing how things went today.
The pictures are beautiful; so glad the sun is shining for your team.
We are thinking of you.
The Pets are all fine!
XO Guapa

Posted by: marion on 6/22/2013 at 7:09 pm

We’re eagerly awaiting more news about the climb. Michael, we’re thinking of you.
Mom & Dad

Posted by: Sara Doherty on 6/22/2013 at 4:36 pm

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Kilimanjaro: Teams Last Day on Kilimanjaro

September 19, 2011

Posted by: Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Hello from the village of Mweka! The group is all doing great. We started the day at our last camp, elevation 10,000 feet, with a great breakfast followed by a closing ceremony with our whole team. After that we hit the trail for a 3.5 hour hike down to the park gate. After signing out we had lunch and now we are riding in the truck back to the Dik Dik hotel. Everyone is psyched to hit the showers and start the celebration party. After tonight our trip will shift gears as we start our four days of Safari! That's all for now. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

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Most Popular Entries

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team at 8,000’ Camp

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Descend to Basecamp

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Mt. Rainier: July 24th Summit!

Denali Expedition: Cifelli & Team Relax After Yesterdays effort

Aconcagua: King & Team Enjoy Another Rest Day At Basecamp

Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Rest at 17,200ft Camp, Hoping for Summit bid

Mt. Rainier: 100% On Summit for the Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons!

Mt. McKinley: Haugen & Team Still Chillin at Basecamp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer & Team Fly into the Alaska Range

On The Map

Kilimanjaro: Teams Last Day on Kilimanjaro

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