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Posted by: Hannah Smith, Devin Guffey, Erika Birkeland
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7400'
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Thursday, May 18, 2023 10:55pm PDT
Hello from the Kahiltna Glacier!
What a busy day it was. We loaded planes and were in the air by 9am. It was chilly morning in Talkeetna, warmed by bour last Lattes and Michael but man was it hot on our walk. I thought it was cold in May. We took off downhill on what is called heart break hill. It is not heart breaking yet but it will be on our return. But that is a way away from now. Everything is so big around us you have little idea how far everything is. Is it close or is it miles away? We walked for 5.5 hours to reach our camp at the base of ski hill. It is a tough walk with heavy sleds and heavy packs. You really enter a pain cave to push through. One stretch is your quads, the next your hip flexors, the next your calves, something is always uncomfortable. But hey that is what we signed up for!
After setting up tents and moving in we gathered for dinner. We carried in pizza from Mountain High Pizza, and it was delicious. We topped off the night with a hot drink and the crawled into our sleeping bags. It’s a marvelous feeling to lay down and release the body. Tomorrow we will carry gear to just over 10k feet and then return to our camp for the night. The lighter loads will feel a lot better going up ski hill. Weather is moving in so fingers crossed it stays at bay till we return to camp or even better till the following evening so we can get to 11k camp. The team is looking good, and morale is high.
We are all excited to keep moving uphill.
Goodnight all,
RMI Guides Hannah, Devin, Erika, and Team
Posted by: Mike Walter, Abby Westling, Emma Lyddan
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 9,400'
Tuesday, May 17, 2023 - 4:07 PM PT
Our team is still hunkered down at 9,400' in a blizzard. At least 2 feet of snow has fallen,with lots of drifting. Visibility is near zero. We're safe and trying to remain positive from the confines of our tents. The weather forecast hints at a break in the storm tomorrow. Our fingers are crossed that things ease up and we'll be able to make some upward progress soon.
We'll keep you posted!
The sun came out today- so I am hoping you were able to climb! Keep going! Thinking of all of you! Sending some serious good vibes toward the mountain! Be well! Susan
Posted by: Susan on 5/17/2023 at 7:07 pm
All the Rotarians from Lee’s Summit Sunrise Sunset Rotary Club are cheering the entire Walter team including fellow Rotarian, Scott Crist. Conquer the mountain….stay the course….get home safely.
Posted by: Elaine Metcalf on 5/17/2023 at 10:38 am
Posted by: Mike Walter, Avery Parrinello, Luke Wilhelm
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,000'
Thursday, May 20, 2021 - 9:30 pm PT
We spent another day sitting out the wind and snow at 11,000' Camp. We killed time playing trivia for hours in the cook tent. We will continue to patiently wait for the best weather window to move up to our 14,000' Camp. Thanks for following along!
Best of luck to you all!
Happy Birthday Tom!
Posted by: Dennis Kinsey on 5/22/2021 at 7:24 am
Give Saint Rainier my love!!
Posted by: Tk Ito on 5/21/2021 at 10:00 pm
Posted by: Nick Scott, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
It’s day four of our Aconcagua expedition. Our first rest day for those at home following along. We all got a good sleep in and enjoyed an extended breakfast of eggs, pancakes, and lots of coffee this morning while discussing the itinerary of the next few days. Even though we call it a rest day, there is never a day on a mountaineering expedition when we are doing nothing. While the group enjoyed plenty of down time a good portion of the day was spent packing for our carry tomorrow, sorting group food, going on a short hike to stretch the legs and the lungs, and getting in our park-mandated doctor visit to make sure all climbers are adjusting to the new altitude appropriately. Spoiler alert! Everyone in the group passed their physical and the doctor gave us all the thumbs up to keep cruising up hill. Tomorrow will be the toughest day for the group so far as we shoulder packs and climb to Camp 1 at 16,400ft to cache some of our gear before descending back to basecamp to continue the acclimatization process. I have no doubt this determined group of climbers will perform their task without trouble. Everyone is feeling great and ready for more!
Best to you Mark. Reading what you all are doing. Praying that you all enjoy the trip. Love Mom
Posted by: Cornelia Miller on 1/28/2020 at 9:24 am
Mmm pancakes! Go Daryly Dooo, eat them up! We are all cheering for you in Coronado! Good job team! Hoping for good weather tmw!
Posted by: Katie on 1/25/2020 at 5:10 pm
Posted by: Nick Scott, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 10,550'
The second day of the trek took us ever higher into the desert valley on our way to Aconcagua Basecamp. The trail wound it’s way through the high desert of the Andes, past scrub brush, and the occasional Guanaco. Today also provided us with the first views of the mountain. It was a beautiful bluebird day and the upper reaches of Aconcagua were in full view as they towered over the surrounding peaks, including Amighino, a mountain that tops out at the same elevation as Kilimanjaro. Tomorrow we make the final push to basecamp at 13,800 feet and start acclimatizing for the upper mountain.
On The Map
Posted by: Robby Young, Alan Davis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Thanks again for for the experience! Not all the way to the top for me, but still an unbelievable view and great challenge. You guys are professional, empathetic, and caring of your clients, and one couldn’t ask for anything more. I’ll be back for the challenge, and we’ll get it done.
Thanks,
Tony.
Posted by: Anthony Brune on 8/12/2019 at 5:53 pm
Have you guys made it back to Paradise? It’s almost 9pm.
Posted by: Paige Cline on 8/9/2019 at 7:37 pm
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Chad Gaffigan, Luke Wilhelm
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,200'
On The Map
Posted by: Tyler Jones, Geoff Schellens, Pete Van Deventer
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Fantastic! So proud of you. Gave a safe descent.
Posted by: Lydia on 7/3/2014 at 2:20 pm
Congrats! So proud of you guys.
Posted by: Ellen Seib on 7/2/2014 at 1:59 pm
Remember Corey, the only thing to fear is fear itself. That and frozen pizza. Stay warm!
Anna + Bennett
Posted by: Anna Nolan on 5/19/2023 at 8:04 pm
Go Aunt Corey, Go!
Posted by: Jack McKenzie on 5/19/2023 at 6:55 pm
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