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On The Map
Posted by: Seth Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
On The Map
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Seth Burns, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 9,500'
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We awoke to another beautiful day, although day has lost all meaning without night. The clouds had lifted and the mountain that yesterday’s correspondent described as a bride in her white gown, now looked even better without it. Carrying half our camp on our backs and in sleds, we climbed almost 3000 feet up the Kahiltna Glacier. All around hanging glaciers were spread like coats of icing, melting over the ridges. Long after our altimeters told us we were at the cache, Dom lead our caravan up a cliff, our sleds nearly swinging in the void beneath us. He claimed he had taken us further than advertised because we were such a “Strong Team.” Such praise from an RMI Guide is an almost certain indication of a Full Team Summit.
Our round trip was a little over 7 miles. Yes, you heard right, round trip. We’re now back in our camp at the bottom of Ski Hill to make the same climb tomorrow with the other half of our camp. Sisyphus didn’t complain so neither will we. Unlike other beasts of burden, we know that the journey is the destination, and we appreciate each step. So, we accept every challenge because that’s who we are. To paraphrase David Lee Roth: We’re not like this because we’re climbing Denali. We’re climbing Denali because we’re like this.
RMI Climber Kris Reitz
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition June 9, 2024
What an adventure!
Posted by: Nick Reitz on 6/18/2024 at 4:58 am
So exciting to read the posts And a picture! The spectacular solitudes you travel through must be so inspiring and give a sense of humbling amazement. You’re all in our thoughts ( envious thoughts in there too!). Marv Goossen
Posted by: Marv Goossen on 6/15/2024 at 6:01 pm
Posted by: Mike Walter, Solveig Waterfall, Billy Haas
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
Posted by: Leon Davis, Bridget Belliveau
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7,300'
On The Map
Will: looks beautiful. Stay warm and cozy in your tent. We’re all thinking of you. Mom
Posted by: Judy Kenyon on 5/18/2015 at 6:08 am
Tents??? I figured you guys would be sleeping in hand dug snow caves! Have fun Dad,it looks beautiful there!
Posted by: Johnnie Newland on 5/18/2015 at 3:06 am
Posted by: Solveig Waterfall, Chase Nelson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 12,000'
On The Map
congrats Will W. and team on a great climb, keep safe and enjoy!
Posted by: sherril jarosch on 2/18/2015 at 12:12 pm
On The Map
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Sam Hoffman, Sam Marjerison, Nick Sinapius
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,000'
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An easy-ish day at 14K. The weather stayed decent, a little cloudier, some snowflakes, but not really a concern. We ate a slow breakfast and then geared up. As expected, it was just 20 minutes descent to reach our cache and then an hour long slog to get it back up to camp. We napped through the afternoon and tried to catch up on hydration. Before dinner we did a short review of the techniques we'll use on the "fixed rope" section that gets us onto the West Buttress. If all goes well, we will carry up to about 16,200 ft tomorrow.
It was good to see Hanna Smith's RMI team come into camp this afternoon. They hit the top yesterday evening. We patted them on their backs and pumped them for info and tips on the route.
Best Regards,
RMI Guides Dave Hahn, Sam Hoffman, Sam Marjerison, Nick Sinapius & Team
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition June 11, 2024
Go Team! Sending lots of love and support to Tony and company as you work through this tough stuff at high elevation. You’ve got this!! See you soon to celebrate in Snowmass. xoxo, Jet
Posted by: Jet on 6/21/2024 at 4:17 pm
love the positive spin your guides place on your adventure - sure the reality is a bit more challenging!! however it does keep us less bold ones relieved! Keep up the great attitude and the top is in site!!!! lynn
Posted by: barbara theiss on 6/21/2024 at 2:25 pm
Today we left Quito and the city life is in our rear view. Yeah, the hotel is nice. Yeah, the coffee shop across the street knows my name and order. Yeah, the eucalyptus steam room is great. But we are here to climb, experience culture, be a little uncomfortable. All those other things are available everywhere else!
So, we turn our sights towards Cayambe. Today, we did one more acclimatization hike to Cerro Fuya Fuya and were once again fortunate to stay dry. Walking around in the high grasslands gave us a chance to breathe some fresh air and continue to work towards the physiological adaptations that will be advantageous for us on higher mountains. Tonight, we are enjoying a lovely rest in a classic Andean highlands hacienda before we head to the lower Cayambe hut tomorrow.
The team is in good spirits after reaching the summits of both acclimatization peaks. I seem to be the only person who is a bit chapped about missing the Super Bowl (once again) because we will be out of cell range. Oh well, I don’t actually care who wins, just as long as all the players have fun.
Anyways, it’s time to call it a night, keep us in your thoughts as we venture higher the next few days. Hopefully to 18,996’ by Monday morning!
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar February 6, 2024
Hey Dustin! Loving this bringing back Awesome memories! All the Beat as you more higher!
Hey Team…Just so you know Dustin Rocks!!! But you all probably know that already!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 2/10/2024 at 4:36 am
It will happen. The wait is tough but will be worth it. Good luck!
Posted by: Melissa on 2/11/2015 at 8:54 am
stay strong and keep your dreams!
Posted by: tina baker on 2/11/2015 at 6:54 am
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