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Tonight we climb!
After a beautiful day spent carrying our gear up to high camp along the dusty and rocky trail, we are ready for our summit push of Izta. We have the mountain to ourselves today and enjoyed the solitude. It was just our climbing team, the mountain, and of course a few dogs to keep us company. After fueling ourselves with quesadillas and water, we tuck in and prepare for an alpine start.
Posted by: Mike King
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Torres del Paine
Today was a double activity day for some. Three of us started the day with a morning kayak tour in Lago Grey. Despite the winds up high the conditions on the lake were great. We were able to kayak up and get a look at the Grey Glacier from the water. We’ve now seen the glacier from above on the trail, from the surface during yesterday’s glacier walk and from the water!
We all took the walk from Refugio Grey to Refugio Paine Grande. The rain chased us but didn’t catch us. It was very windy up high but otherwise a dry and nice walk. This was one of the shorter days and a good way to get back into the groove after the long day over the pass and the recovery day. After arriving at Paine Grande a variety of treats were enjoyed at the bar while looking out over the lake.
RMI Team Member Mark Nelson
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Dominic Cifelli, Luke Wilhelm
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 8,681'
Wednesday, July 21, 2021 6:20 pm PT
Hi Everyone -
We ALL made it to the top of Sahale Mountain at 3:15 pm today! We are on the descent now, off rock and back to glacier. The team is doing great! We will be back at camp soon, ready to get some rest and trek out tomorrow morining!
RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer & Team!
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Dustin Wittmier, Devin Guffey
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,000'
Hey-O,
A day of rest and preparation was what we needed. We started the day with a casual breakfast of breakfast burritos and coffee followed by a lot of down time. If we weren't napping, eating, or reading we were going through our gear and food separating it into piles, one that would stay with us and one that we would cache higher up. It is always a hard decision trying to decide what food to part ways with but it is always a fun moment when you are reunited in a couple days. Later in the afternoon we reviewed some cramponing techniques before heading to dinner. One of the highlights of the day was the evening entertainment, watching skiers manage their sled down motorcycle hill...lets just say there were some wipeouts but the skiers were all good sports as they skied into camp knowing they were the reality TV show of the night. As the sun started to hide behind some swirling clouds the temps dropped and it is time for bed. Tomorrow we will carry to 13,500' to off load some of our gear to make our move to 14,000' Camp lighter.
Till tomorrow,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and team
Hey Sami/ Hector
Is nice to hear all is going well with the team. I hope you are enjoying all that beauty. I wish I could be there.. perhaps one day.
Devin and the kids went backpacking this weekend to the Adirondacks they were going to be thinking on you so they said.
Father’s Day is approaching so hopefully Sunday gets to be an awesome day for you up there. Stay strong and listen to your body.
Sending you a big hug of strength .
Your sister !
You know which one .
Love you !
Posted by: Priscila Hernandez on 6/18/2021 at 4:31 pm
Great work Team Smith! It’s so worth all of the suffering, keep your eye on the prize!
Best wishes for great weather!
Ron Richmeier
Posted by: Ron Richmeier on 6/18/2021 at 1:23 pm
Posted by: Mike King, Alex Halliday, Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
Saturday, June 5, 2021 - 8:22 pm PT
We had another calm and cold night here at 14,200’. The need for a rest day allowed the team to get some skills refreshed on fixed line travel and running belays. Both of which will let us go up on the West Buttress tomorrow to cache some food and fuel for our summit attempt. The Team went out to the Edge of the World viewpoint for some pictures and views of the N.E. Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier. Warm tents and lots of sun have the team enjoying some time out of their boots and hopefully getting a nap in. We will see what the weather holds over the next few days. We might get 3-4 weather days starting Monday which would allow for some more acclimatizing before heading to high camp at 17,200’. So far everyone is healthy and happy to be in such a beautiful part of the Alaska Range.
Hey Tom and Mike!! Sending Sunny warm thoughts and Strong legs and lungs!! I am with you in spirit Buddy!!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/7/2021 at 2:29 am
Keep going Michael, so proud of you! What a beautiful experience!
Posted by: Michelle on 6/6/2021 at 4:28 pm
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Matias Francis, Chase Halbert
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,000'
Saturday, May 29, 2021 - 10:25 pm PT
The weather that was forecast to show up, came in the late morning. Everyone enjoyed quality tent time with movies, cards, and even some song writing. Stay tuned for the artists debut. We see improving weather conditions in the forecast, and are hoping to make some moves in the coming days.
RMI Guides Matias, Chase, Pete, and team
Praying for better weather to continue your journey. Praying for you, Luke and all of the team!
Posted by: Rae Wilson on 5/30/2021 at 7:19 pm
I have been following the blog everyday with growing excitement when you have a climbing day. Sounds like everything is going good. Be safe. Mom
Posted by: Becky smith on 5/30/2021 at 1:17 pm
Great job all of youo for achieving your goal!
Posted by: Don Haase on 7/13/2013 at 6:35 pm
Tom & Molly, you take my breath away! What an adventure! What an accomplishment!
Can’t wait to hear all about it! I am so proud of you & love you more than you will ever know! Your sister Colleen—in Portland
Posted by: Colleen Keenan D'Arcy on 7/11/2013 at 10:25 am
Go “Old man” William! We want to hear that you’ve conquered Aconcagua ... and miss you at tennis! For the others, make certain to help out this old guy- if he needs it!
xxx
Paul and Margie
Posted by: Paul Taylor on 2/13/2012 at 6:23 pm
The view from above the base camp is remarkable. From what I’ve seen of thepictures, the team is in for quite a scenic reward upon reaching the summit. Keep your eyes set on the top! Best to all.
Posted by: Sharon Clarke on 2/8/2012 at 6:27 am
Billy talks about their walk out to basecamp
Congrats to everyone!
The walk out to the road is long, but the Malbec is calling you from Mendoza. Enjoy the rest of your time in Argentina!
Posted by: Dan Meleason on 2/16/2011 at 3:22 am
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Devin Guffey, Josh Geiser
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 20,310'
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Good evening readers,
The team did it! At 620pm on Wednesday we stood on top of Deanli! The weather held with mostly clear skies and winds no greater than 20mph. It was a cold cold day. We wore most of our jackets and multiple layers on out legs. It was a long, hard day. We had the summit to ourselves. Tomorrow we head downhill to lower elevations where everyone will feel much better. We still have some big days ahead of us but the end is near. We would like to thank everyone for the good weather vibes and positive vibes! And for all the support from back home. Y'all are amazing!!
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and Team
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition June 2, 2024
Congrats on the summit to the TMac attack and the rest of the team. Have a safe trip down. Sending good vibes and much love.
- Harold Pitt M.D.
Posted by: Harold Pitt on 6/21/2024 at 5:26 pm
Congratulations everyone on making it up!! Way to go Shane. Stay safe heading back down.
Posted by: Sonny Digiovanna on 6/21/2024 at 8:13 am
Kayaking to the glacier looks AMAZING! Great photo. xoxo Joan
Posted by: Joan Nelson on 2/14/2023 at 3:11 pm
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