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Posted by: Eric Frank, Geoff Schellens
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 16,400'
On The Map
Posted by: Seth Burns, Jackson Breen, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 14,000'
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Sunday, May 25, 2025 - 9:48 am PT
We are all set up at 14,000 Camp acclimating and waiting for our weather window. After a breakfast of bagels and bacon we went and picked up our cache at Windy Corner. The next few days look to hold plenty of rest as we expect some weather to move in.
RMI Guide Seth Burns
New Post Alerts:
McKinley Expedition May 13, 2025
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Mike Bennett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 11,800'
To catch up anyone following along with this trip, we are now at the lower hut for Cayambe. We are nearing the end of our dedicated acclimatization portion of the trip and preparing to start making attempts on big mountains. Yesterday, we did one more warmup hike circumnavigating Laguna Cuicocha. It is a beautiful lake hike, located within the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. HIking around the lake, the terrain is undulating with a few long hills, but all on well-maintained tread. As you move through different elevation bands, you observe a variety of different flora, which interestingly includes the wild Taxo, a passionfruit-esque plant. In the photos, it is the bell-shaped plant with an orange-ish flower. Our lovely hike was followed up with a relaxing night at the Intiyaya Residences, where the scrappy hacienda dogs put on their best show and try to earn some people food.
Today, we left the hacienda and are now at the lower Cayambe hut, following a stop at the Otavalo market and a cafe for lunch. The market is always quite the spectacle, especially on a Saturday, which is dubbed "market day" - the day that the greatest number of vendors bring goods. The normal textiles, jewelry and art are on display and in addition, on Saturdays there are a variety of fruits, vegetables, spices and breads. It made for a nice day experiencing Ecuadorian culture before turning our focus to Cayambe. We now are reviewing some skills on the grass outside the hut and will very soon watch the sun set on the western slopes of the mountain.
Thanks for following along from wherever you are! We are all feeling ready to go climbing and having a great time so far.
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar January 7 - 21, 2025
Wishing you all safety, good weather and joy as you tackle this first mountain. Don’t underestimate my old man. He travels at his own pace, but he’s a beast.
Posted by: Lisa Banov on 1/12/2025 at 5:10 am
Hey Dustin!!!
Sending you and your team best wishes for Perfect weather!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/12/2025 at 2:39 am
Posted by: Mike King, Avery Parrinello, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 348'
Enjoying following the blog. Safe trip and have an amazing time love marie xx
Posted by: Marie Pope on 6/6/2019 at 12:48 pm
GoodLuck! to all the team as you start your Alaskan adventure on Denali. Sue and John Rogers.
Posted by: Susan Rogers on 6/5/2019 at 12:15 pm
Congrats to all on a successful summit! Each trip report I read deepens my desire to attempt the summit myself. Someday.
Posted by: Greg on 5/11/2019 at 9:14 pm
Never get tired of seeing Hahn and Knoff celebrating a summit. Way to go!!
Posted by: Jane Knoff on 5/10/2019 at 9:47 am
Posted by: Mike King, JT Schmitt, Ben Ammon
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,000'
On The Map
Wishing clear skies boys! All the best, Yeagers
Posted by: Dave Yeager on 6/22/2018 at 7:16 pm
JT-
Woo hoo! Looks like you may get a break in the weather soon? No recent JT type 2 adventures to report.. Thinking of all you guys on the homestretch! Hopefully you’ll be on that summit soon. Hugs!
Madeline
Posted by: Madeline Emmer on 6/22/2018 at 1:18 pm
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Christina Dale
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,500'
WOW!.... have a safe and a fabulous climb!
Posted by: Wyatt Lucy J. on 6/11/2018 at 6:48 am
I was very impressed with your leadership during our difficult situation with the storm. Thanks for a memorable and safe experience!
Posted by: Harrison Filler on 6/9/2018 at 11:44 pm
Posted by: Mike King, Jess Matthews, Nick Scott
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 19,600'
On The Map
Congratulations Virgil what a great climb. What aw inspiring Beauty. See you back at sea level.
Posted by: Len currier on 1/16/2018 at 5:09 am
Wonderful news. Enjoy that summit viewing, Dave, I am so happy for you and for all the things you have accomplished and the new ones to come. Donna
Posted by: Donna Bernier on 1/12/2018 at 10:32 am
On The Map
Wishing Ray, Nikolai and Aleksandr a fun and successful climb to the summit tomorrow. We’re all looking forward to the stories and picture back here at USC. Good luck!! Angela
Posted by: Angela Walker on 7/21/2017 at 7:16 am
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Chase Nelson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
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Many thanks to Pete, Peter and Jordan for guiding us to the summit. It was was a great reward for our journey that began in January with “small” hikes!
Cheers,
Daryl
Posted by: Daryl on 7/3/2017 at 12:23 am
Pete, Pete, Chase, and Jordan-
You guys were the best. Thank you all for taking care of me, my closest friends, and family. Adventure of a lifetime.
I hope to do this again next year.
Thanks again guys.
Jim
Posted by: Jim Fick on 7/2/2017 at 9:19 am
Kimmer!!! Y’all are amazeballs!!!! Way to go!!! I must quote Dr. Shelly now “things are getting very exciting”!!! Marina & Sophia say hello and give you kisses!! Have you made a Pringles, pb&j quesadilla yet???
Xoxoxo
Lora
Posted by: Lora on 6/10/2015 at 11:51 am
Hi Kim, Great update! We are all so pleased that you & the team are on the “move”! Wow…16,400’ for the carry! Now lets all hope the weather “breaks” soon & you have a great “window” that will allow the team to take the next big “step”! Travel safe & stay well!! Love, Dad
Posted by: SHEL on 6/10/2015 at 8:39 am
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