Most Popular Entries
Posted by: Mike Walter, Nikki Champion, Ben Luedtke
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,200'
Tuesday, June 22, 2021 - 4:45 pm PT
We "slept in" to a normal hour today; being up at 11,200' we no longer have to be on an alpine start schedule, traveling at night when the glaciers are frozen. The sky was clear above us as I fired the stoves at 6am, and clouds filled the glacial valleys below. After coffee and a Pop Tart, we headed back downhill to retrieve the cache of supplies we buried a couple of days ago. A quick jaunt downhill and forty minutes of climbing back up hill, and we were back at camp with all of ours supplies. We enjoyed a big leisurely brunch of eggs, hash browns, bacon, and, of course, more coffee. Meanwhile the clouds that had been below us earlier had risen up to our level and it began to lightly snow. That was fine by us, as the rest of the day we lounged in our tents, resting, napping, and reading.
If the weather cooperates, we plan to put in a cache up above Windy Corner tomorrow, somewhere above ~13,600'.
We'll be in touch tomorrow and let you you know how it goes.
Posted by: Andy Bond, Grayson Swingle, Cal Smith
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,541'
Seth Waterfall calls in from the Roof of Africa, Kilimanjaro.
On The Map
How exciting for you all. It must have been breath taking. Hope you got some pictures Mark. Much love Mom
Posted by: Cornelia Miller on 8/13/2013 at 8:55 pm
Awesome! You made it. Hope you got some pictures from the top, and at sunrise—how special. MA
Posted by: Mary Ann on 8/12/2013 at 10:11 pm
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Mike King, Zeb Blais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,200'
On The Map
Erik can cook?
Posted by: Kurt Nelson on 7/3/2013 at 7:25 pm
Hope the weather improves so that you guys don’t have to stay cooped up in tents on the side of the mountain. Hopefully the avalanche transceiver training will be for naught, but glad that you have it.
Posted by: Vicki on 7/2/2013 at 4:45 pm
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Mike Bennett, Ben Luedtke
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
-640x480.jpg)
Friday, June 20, 2025 10:02pm PDT
You must go up to go down, and go down to go up.
The team started the day with a simple yet efficient breakfast of cereal and coffee before donning their crampons, roping up, and beginning their walk out of camp at roughly 8:30 a.m.
The climb out of 14 Camp quickly gains elevation, built up by rolling slopes that offer brief stretches of reprieve before reaching the base of the fixed lines. A steep and icy headwall, the fixed lines provide both access to the upper mountain and a formidable challenge to anyone seeking passage. Installed each season by climbing rangers and maintained by guides, the fixed lines serve as a two-lane highway to Denali’s flank—the West Buttress.
The team made great progress, gaining elevation quickly as they found a rhythm in the often awkward and unfamiliar technique of fixed-line travel. After nearly 1,000 feet of “jugging” up various rope sections, the team broke through to the ridge, rounded a corner, and found shelter at the base of the Buttress—the high point for the day. Sheltered by rocky outcroppings, the team took a well-earned break while the guides collected gear to be left behind and dug out a cache.
Once the gear was stashed, the team turned and began the quite different, yet equally challenging, descent down the lines. Using arm wraps and steady footwork, they made their way down in a timely and stylish fashion.
Good snacks, a cozy tent, and the promise of a rest day awaited them upon return to 14 Camp.
RMI Guide Michael Bennet & Team
New Post Alerts:
Mt. McKinley Expedition June 9, 2025
Such an amazing experience and kudos to the climbing rangers and guides who install and maintain the fixed lines (had to look up what that is). 14,200 ft!! All your hard work and preparation is paying off and we cannot wait to hear more and see photos.
We’re all so proud of you, Mikayla and team!
Love,
Tante Mary
Posted by: Mary McKinley on 6/22/2025 at 1:14 am
Hi dad -
It’s me wells. I’ve been missing you so much. I love you. I’m proud of you for doing hard work. It’s good that you’re okay. I’m about to go to bed, but I wanted to leave a quick comment. And I love you.
Love wells
Posted by: Wells hal on 6/21/2025 at 10:01 pm
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
Monday, January 2, 2023
Aside from the to be expected issues from sleepy at 14,000' feet for the first night of the trip we are all enjoying a rest day at Plaza Argentina.
Lots of packing and sorting on the guides end and the climbers too.
The meals continue to impress here at Grajales’ basecamp. The remainder of the day will have to team taking a short hike and enjoying the hours of sun on camp. Apologies for some of the delays in these, had a mistyped email address for yesterday’s post. Thanks for following along.
Michael & Steven Roy…safe climbing!!
Posted by: Gerald Roy on 1/4/2023 at 5:22 am
Hi Ali! Great to see you in person, wow technology is amazing! Nearly better reception than at our home in Woodland!
Sounds like you’re really get up high into elevation, so glad the weather has been holding pretty well. I’m sure a bit of snow won’t bother you, you’ve got the gear.
Wander & Gracie play every day, well Wander plays, Gracie lies on the floor and lets her!
We still have the tree up. I’m going to try to hold out taking it down until you are home, it’ll be good to have help, but that’s a long way out and we may have nothing but branches without needles if I stick to this plan, haha.
Sending our love and cheers to everyone in your camp! XOXOXO Momma & Dad
Posted by: Momma & Dad on 1/3/2023 at 12:10 pm
Posted by: Avery Parrinello, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Seminar
Saturday, May 14, 2022 - 10:21 pm PT
Today was full of highs and lows, ups and downs, success and failures, proud moments and embarrassing ones. It started with warm sunshine hitting our camp by 7am, and we soon after headed up towards 747 Pass. After some glacial navigation and steep climbs we crested the saddle. We quickly gained the west ridge of Mt. Dickey and began ascending upwards. After a couple hundred feet it became apparent that the snow pack had changed dramatically. After seeing some red flags and investigating further, it was concluded that we shouldn’t continue. Considering the terrain and remoteness of the climb meant we had little margin for error and the unstable conditions pushed us past our safety margin. The entire team was disappointed but only momentarily as we all decided the summit was not worth it and the view from up high was down right spectacular. We had a safe and enjoyable descent back to camp where we ate snacks, told stories and laughed a great deal. Tomorrow we shall start migrating back to the airstrip for our departure on Monday.
Posted by: Mike Haugen, Chase Nelson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Hi Mark!
What a fantastic experience. We’ll hear more from you when you return.
Love, Mother & Daddy
Posted by: Maury & Evie on 8/16/2014 at 4:08 am
On The Map
Fatima and Pete..You are heading to Summit day. Savor every moment….Say HI to Casey. Deb
Posted by: Debbi on 9/8/2013 at 4:41 am
You’re doing a Wicked Good Job!!!
Posted by: John Ehntholt on 9/8/2013 at 4:14 am
I am following to see progress, my good friend Rob Millman is part of this adventure.
Posted by: Anthony Walker on 6/24/2021 at 7:13 am
Whoop whoop!
Posted by: Emilee on 6/23/2021 at 8:55 pm
View All Comments