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Denali Expedition: Champion & Team Retrieve Cache, Return to 11 Camp

May 21, 2023

Posted by: Nikki Champion, Leif Bergstrom, Lauren Macklin

Categories:

Elevation: 11,000'

Saturday, May 20, 2023 - 11:18 am PT

We woke up to snow lightly falling at camp this morning, and slow rolled into a warm breakfast of toasted bagels and bacon. After enjoying a second cup of coffee, we rigged the empty sleds to our backpacks, roped up and headed out from 11,000' Camp down to our cache at 9,900'. Making quick work with empty packs, we arrived at the cache in just under a half hour. We dug up the cache, divvied up the group gear, re-rigged our sleds and traced our steps from yesterday back to 11,000' Camp. It was short, but hard stretch to roll back into 11 Camp. We spent the rest of the afternoon in and out of snow storms, and enjoying the afternoon to recover. After a few hours of down time, we had a festive dinner of beef burritos with salsa verde and then prepared to potentially carry tomorrow. We will see what the morning brings, check in tomorrow!

RMI Guide Nikki Champion

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Keep us updated!! Climb Strong Kevin!!!

Posted by: Dave Kestel on 5/22/2023 at 3:33 am

Love the updates! Such an epic adventure!! Cheering you all on from Seattle!

Posted by: Mary Upton on 5/21/2023 at 10:34 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Okita and Team Transfer to Talkeetna, Alaska

May 20, 2014

Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher, Nick Hunt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 348'

May 20, 2014 - 8:29 pm PT We are closing in on Talkeetna enjoying the unseasonably warm weather, being driven by our shuttle driver Louisa. It's nice to finally be all together and underway after so much anticipation and preparation. No lost luggage or late planes. Now all we need to accomplish is to unload our gear at the hanger, check into our wonderfully quirky hotel run by our friends Pam and Al, before heading out for a bite and a beer or two. If first impressions mean anything, I think were going to have a good time on this expedition. Cheers! RMI Guide Brent Okita

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Go Dr. Bruce Terry!

Wishing you and your team good luck on your expedition!

Your Friends over at Lionville Dental Associates!

Posted by: Lionville Dental Associates, LLC Doctors and Staff on 5/28/2014 at 10:02 am

Have a great climb - it looks like a great group!

Posted by: susan scanlon on 5/24/2014 at 11:03 am

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Mt. Everest: Dave Hahn and Team Rest Day in Namche Bazaar

March 29, 2014

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Billy Nugent, JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Elevation: 11,200'

This was our easy day in Namche. No big hikes, no packing, no training... this one was for resting, for catching up on personal business and for exploring the Sherpa capital at one's leisure. Above this point in the trek/climb, we won't have such ease of communication and certainly not the opportunity to shop for good climbing gear. There was some important business to attend to though as Chhering Dorje, Lam Babu and I went to the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee office to review procedures and policies for getting garbage down the mountain. We signed our sincere intention to play by the rules. Some of the team traveled several hundred feet up in altitude to the Namche suburbs in order to visit the fine Sherpa Culture Museum with its fascinating Everest history exhibit. Some went for massages and cheeseburgers downtown. As the gang assembled for dinner in the early evening, we were pleased to find that Apa Sherpa was sharing our Tea House for the night. Apa, the all-time leader in Everest summits -with 21- is bringing a trek in to explore the Khumbu. All of the RMI climbers and guides are healthy and well-rested. Tomorrow we'll hit the trail and go higher once again. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team

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Nicole, greetings from beautiful NJ.(Im lying weather sucks) I am very proud of what you have done so far and you are about to do. we all miss you and love you. be careful and safe. Take pictures when you can

See you soon
Elpidio

Posted by: Elpidio Cruz on 3/31/2014 at 6:07 am

Faitma, I know you’re enjoying all that hiking and beautiful scenery. Looks spectacular. You and the team are so lucky! Wish I was there with you all.
Peter

Posted by: Peter Williamson on 3/31/2014 at 3:42 am

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Mt. Rainier: September 4, 2013

September 4, 2013

Posted by: Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 12,300'

RMI Guide Billy Nugent led the Four Day Summit Climb to the top of Disappointment Cleaver this morning before encountering strong winds, low visibility, and precipitation. The teams have safely returned to Camp Muir and are getting ready to descend back to Paradise. We are excited to welcome the teams back in Ashford early this afternoon.

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We are so proud of you, Doug. All your hard work and training has paid off. Can’t wait to hear all about your adventure! Mom and Dad Hicks

Posted by: Byron and Nancy on 9/5/2013 at 6:54 am

Way to go Jack and Beth!!! Sorry to hear you couldn’t make it all the way to the top, but way to get to 12,300’!!! Can’t wait to hear more about it next week!

James Rogers

Posted by: James Rogers on 9/4/2013 at 5:23 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Return to Talkeetna - Trip Complete!

July 17, 2013

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Mike King, Zeb Blais

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 358'

The alarm was set for 11:30 PM at 8000 ft on the Kahiltna Glacier. The rain began at 10:00 PM and continued on and off until 11:20. Rain wouldn't be considered a good thing if you were laying in your sleeping bag hoping that the glacial surface would freeze up in the night to permit safe and easy passage to the Southeast Fork and a possible airplane pickup. So at the appointed wakeup time, we had a soggy glacier, groggy climbers and a murky vision of the world. Although it is still light for twenty four hours in this part of Alaska in mid-July, it isn't very light between about midnight and four. But we made the decision, along with Rob Gowler's AMS group camped nearby, to make a break for the airstrip before the storm got worse. We were on the move by 2:00 AM and stumbling along on snowshoes in the gloom. Surprisingly, it rained no more. It was slow going at first, hitting big crevasses broadside, without being able to see them ahead of time and take evasive action. But conditions improved as we got further down glacier... there had been a great deal of new snow (bridging crevasses) the sky overhead was clearing and the snow surface was consequently freezing, and it was getting lighter. It was a great help to be backed up in route-finding by Rob and the AMS team. Together, as the last climbers on the mountain, we worked through the early morning hours. By seven, we'd solved all significant problems and found ourselves at the foot of "heartbreak hill". We climbed the Southeast Fork to the airstrip and called in the ski-planes. Conditions overhead were good, but it took a few hours until our planes could even get into the range. The bigger storm was still coming in, but all passes into the mountains were already clogged with cloud. We considered ourselves lucky to be flown out in the afternoon. What followed was a whirlwind of drying/sorting gear, connecting with the outer world again and showers and shaves. We enjoyed a fabulous West Rib victory dinner celebration, a summit certificate awards ceremony and copious amounts of laughter over our shared experiences of the past three weeks. Day 20... Trip done... all we could possibly have hoped for in defining a fine expedition. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

Mexico’s Vocanoes: The Trip Begins

February 13, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico

Elevation: 7,300'

Last night our entire crew met in the lobby of our Colonial-era hotel in the heart of Mexico City, right on the Zocalo or main square. We all introduced ourselves and began the process of turning into a team by all going out to a local restaurant where we ate great authentic food and were serenaded by a squad of Mariachis. This morning we had a quick breakfast before finishing up our packing and heading down to meet Rogelio, our long-time transportation guru here in Mexico. He will help us travel to La Malintzi where we will begin our acclimatization process by hiking up to 13,000 feet on the old volcano of La Malinche. Here we go! RMI Guide Jake Beren

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Happy Valentine’s Day. Be safe and have fun.

Posted by: Teresa on 2/14/2011 at 5:31 am

Have a great time… and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Posted by: Gena on 2/13/2011 at 9:39 pm

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Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Complete Climb and Celebrate

July 23, 2019

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Camp was all up and getting organized at about six this morning. It always amazes me how well the body responds to solid rest. The dramatic difference between last night and this morning was a welcomed one for sure. Everybody showed up smiling to breakfast and enjoyed a delicious imported cake that was carried up the hill in celebration of the 30th wedding anniversary of two of our team. The date was actually yesterday, one heck of away of commemorating, congrats Rhonda and Robin! Before leaving camp we held our goodbye ceremony with our mountain staff. We tipped them, which is merely normal practice when 52 men have worked their tails off to help you accomplish your dreams. Packs were shouldered one last time for the 4,000 ft and three hour descent to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. After checking out with the park service we left the mountain with the summit in our heart and a certificate in our hands. A couple hour drive brought us back to the lodge where it all started. Cleaned up, fed and repacked for safari tomorrow has us all giddy and excited with what's has happened and what lay ahead. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

Mt. Rainier: August 16th Summit!

August 16, 2014

Posted by: Ben Liken, Brent Okita, Leon Davis

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

With the freezing level at 13,500', the Mount Rainier summit climb teams reached the top just after 6:00 a.m. RMI Guide Ben Liken reported light winds and sunny with a cloud deck below Camp Muir. They spent over an hour on the summit taking in the views and crossing through the crater to Columbia Crest, the highest point in Washington. By 7:45 a.m. both teams had crested back over the crater rim and began their descent to Camp Muir. Congratulations to today's summit climbers!

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That was the strongest experience of my life. I was overflown by emotions of so many kinds. Special and the hugest THANK YOU go to Brent, Ben, and Pepper - our guides who kept planting confidence and motivation in the team along all of these 4 days. It’s inspiring and uplifting to work with so passionate and professional people, I took quite a few learnings from you guys back to my normal life. Another thank you goes to the whole team – it’s amazing to experience how completely strangers become a tag team and overcome difficulties with the right leadership.

Posted by: Alik Levin on 8/17/2014 at 9:38 am

Just a note to express a heartfelt “THANK YOU!” to our awesome guides: Ben, Brent and Pepper. What an amazing climb! Ben, Brent, Pepper, you were so dedicated, patient and professional throughout our experience, I have no words to express how much I learned and how much I admire you.

Thank you so much!
Christian.

Posted by: Christian Molnar on 8/16/2014 at 9:40 pm

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Mt. Kilimanjaro: Justman & Team Camped Beneath the Barranco Wall

August 1, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 12,800'

Today was a fantastic day for the team as we achieved greater acclimatization. We entered the dry and rocky terrain of the Highland Desert Zone where large volcanic boulders dot the landscape. Our trail gently ascended the Shira Plateau and we the reached our high point near Kilimanjaro's Lava Tower at 14,900'. After a long break to soak up the thin air we descended into the Barranco Valley. We are now comfy and cozy in our SlingFin dining tent drinking hot tea and eating popcorn at 12,800'. Everyone is having a great time and we are looking forward to another great day on Kilimanjaro. RMI Guide JJ Justman

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Kalani and Dom-
We are watching your progress and ascent with great excitement! Wow- way to go!
Susan and LHPS

Posted by: Susan Clayton on 8/2/2013 at 8:01 am

Dom and Kalani, thinking of you every day, every step of the way!! Living vicariously through the two of you. Enjoy every magnificent moment! Hugs, Diana

Posted by: Diana Boyce on 8/2/2013 at 7:16 am

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Expedition Skills Seminar - Ecuador: Training at Altitude

January 6, 2013

Posted by: Adam Knoff, Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador

Elevation: 15,300'

Buenos Dias from the Cayambe hut. Today was the first "real" day spent training on our first "real" mountain. It always amazes me how a simple acclimatizing hike ten minutes from our hotel in Quito puts us well over 15,000 feet in a matter of hours accomplished in simple hiking boots and a day pack. So when I say "real" it must refer to something big. Our first mountain, Cayambe seems to fill those shoes. Sitting at 18,997', even the shortest climbers on the team will have the privilege of saying their throbbing noggins broke the respectable altitude of 19,000 feet. Breaking this psychological barrier should make climbing Cotopaxi, a whopping 400 feet higher, a walk in the park. This morning the group woke slowly having slept surprisingly well for the large jump in altitude. Our luxurious hut sits at 15,200', a casual one hour hike below the tongue of the glacier. Regardless of our groups strong résumé, we began hiking from the hut revisiting breathing techniques, rest stepping and minor drooling. After an hour hiking upward, we chose our high camp location and cached some tents, stoves and climbing headwear. After a brief rest we moved to the start of the glacier where we revisited self arrest, cramponing and rope travel. This three-hour exercise proved more taxing than expected so upon our return to the hut, eyes were closing sitting at the table so our next training skill was napping at altitude. So far the groups favorite skill to practice. We then practiced knots and hitches before sitting down for dinner. The altitude and full day caught up with all of us so we are looking forward to hitting the sack early. Tomorrow we move to high camp. RMI Guides Adam Knoff and Casey Grom

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We are so excited to read your blog! Thank you for keeping us posted on your adventure. Like Kris says, you never cease to amaze me, Adam. I have been searching for ice skates the last 2 days, with no success, as our little lake is frozen glass right now. Can’t wait to get out on it.
All of our Love and Prayers. Aunt, Ginni

Posted by: Aunt Ginni on 1/7/2013 at 9:44 am

Adam and crew, finally got on the blog to see how the trip is progressing. Looks like a great group and you are enjoying the “pain” of altitude! I’ll pray for safety for your group. It amazes me what you can do! Stillwater is warming up to a balmy 35 today and xc skiing has been good. I’ll keep reading your blog and keep typing it up Adam. Love ya, Aunt Kris

Posted by: Kris Bowditch on 1/7/2013 at 8:18 am

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