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Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Seth Burns, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,000'
Monday, June 17, 2024 - 12:50 am PT
We got to sleep in! At least what we consider… The day started with wake up at 6:30am and leave camp by 8am. The route today was 11,000' Camp up Motorcycle hill, up Squirrel hill, across/up the Polo Field, around Windy Corner and stop at 13,500 to bury food and other items that we won’t need until 14,000' Camp and higher. Then head back to 11k camp We got moving with a little chill in the air and some slight wind. Enough to make us all continue to question what layers of clothing should we wear? It’s a constant struggle in the mountains. I literally wore three different types of gloves today as the temps changed. We’re now wearing crampons and carrying our ice axes, so it feels like the climb has officially started! We started right off with a long steep uphill - Motorcycle Hill, which alone took an hour! It was certainly a good way to warm up! Since it is Father’s Day, I took the time during the climb to think about my dad. He and I came out a week before the climb and took a small tour of Alaska between Seward and Talkeetna. It was a blast to hang with him. I thought a lot about him telling me how proud he is of me for climbing Mt McKinley. After all, we carry the same former name as the mountain! Aside from today, I’ve spent the past few days reflecting on the encouragement from friends and family. The mental game of the mountains can be tough. We know it’s physically tough, but mentally it can take a toll on you as well. Self doubt, anxiety, overthinking can set in bad. What’s helped me the most is encouragement like this: “I am so incredibly proud of you and excited for you to have this opportunity. You are going to be great. Be safe, show ‘em what you got, stay tough like I know you can, and help others.” I’ve reflected a lot on that one piece of encouragement. That’s the kind of stuff that can drown out the doubt and keep me moving forward. If you’re reading this blog you’re probably one of those people, helping to push all of us along and suppress the negative thoughts that can come in this environment. We all can’t thank you enough for your support and love. And letting us leave for a month...
The sun came out and we moved at a gentle pace. We buried food and such and then made our way back down. The best part of the day was right before dropping Squirrel hill and Motorcycle hill when Nicole, the guide on our rope team pulled me aside and asked me to take the lead and guide our team down the two remaining steep hills. I was speechless. I wasn’t sure I could do it. My other two companions on our rope team spoke up and told me that I’d be great, and that they hadn’t seen such raw mountaineering talent since reading about Ed Viesturs in “No Shortcuts To The Top”. I looked at Nicole and asked, “Do you think I can do it?” She pulled down her sunglasses, looked me straight in the eye and said “Think? No… I KNOW you can do it, and that’s the RMI difference!” Of course, none of the is true. However, I did lead our rope team down, but that’s because the guides like to lead from the back when going steep downhills. All three rope teams did this. Our guides, Dominic, Nicole and Seth are fantastic. They do so much to make this experience the best.
All in all, we had a great day and are very excited to enjoy a rest day tomorrow at the 11,000' camp.
RMI Climber Dave McKinley
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Denali Expedition June 9, 2024
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Posted by: Leon Davis, Mike Walter
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Awesome job bro! im so proud! I bet it was amazing! GO JARYD U
Posted by: Parys Michelle Unangst on 8/1/2014 at 8:50 pm
Congratulations Jaryd & team on this tremendous achievement!! So happy you had the opportunity for this wonderful adventure Rad! Grampy wants to know what peak is next? Can’t wait to see you to hear all about it and see pictures. Be safe and love you! G’Pa and G’Ma
Posted by: C & C Mills on 8/1/2014 at 7:26 pm
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside
Best wishes to everyone! Enjoy and be safe!
Posted by: Les on 7/22/2013 at 12:51 am
Savor the Journey. Listen to the Mt. Enjoy!
Wish you all well! Thinking of u lots, G!
Posted by: The Pit Crew on 7/21/2013 at 8:10 pm
On The Map
Stan et al—Snow! I would love to see snow, right now! I hope you are not too bored and are able to read and rest! The scenery looks very nice. We are fine. Take care, love me
Posted by: Betsy on 6/26/2012 at 1:04 pm
We are watching and hoping for more sun and clear weather. Patience is a good thing…wish I had some but you are making great progress and soon you will summit! Love from your Vermont buddies.
Posted by: Helen and Mike Bridgewater on 6/26/2012 at 11:19 am
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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Northside
Posted by:
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest
Shira Camp!
We made it up to 12,400 ft and reached our westernmost camp. Actually, we climbed even a little higher before dropping down to finish the day. We left the big trees behind and ascended steeply through Giant Heather, eventually passing our first senecios and lobelias. We were above a sea of clouds—and sometimes below an upper deck of clouds as well. Conditions were pleasant: not too hot, not too cold, and not too windy.
Today, we got our hands on the rock in a few places. It was great to spice things up with the short rock steps we needed to traverse and scale. But ultimately, the best part of the day was finishing the climb and turning the corner at the edge of the Shira Plateau.
We had an easy afternoon in our new camp—eating, drinking, resting, and watching the sun set.
—RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team
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Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari August 5, 2025
Posted by: Tyler Jones, Kel Rossiter, Ben Liken, Sean Collon
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Way to go David! Your CrossFit OTR Family believes in you! We’ll be waiting for you with lots of ice cream upon your return! Kill it! (fist bump)
Posted by: Christina Roll on 6/19/2024 at 6:38 am
Proud of you for pushing the limits. Keep killin’ it!!!
Posted by: Bren on 6/19/2024 at 4:43 am
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