Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Grounded
Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher, Nick Hunt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
June 7, 2014 - 7:23 pm PT
The past day and a half have been a whirlwind. Awakening early at 14,200' the skies had cleared spectacularly, a very nice change from the snowy weather we had getting to camp. With new snow on the ground climbing back down to 11,200' camp was easy.
We picked up our cache and visited with friends and some fellow guides before heading down glacier to Basecamp. Because the glacier was in great shape we could travel during the day without needing to get on to a nighttime schedule to walk when the snow is cold and crevasse bridges stronger and safer.
Six hours later we were at the airstrip on the southeast fork of the Kahiltna Glacier. An hour later the great pilots at K2 had landed and were whisking us back to civilization. It was a rush to get in a shower before the restaurants closed.
But we made it and gorged on some wonderful food and cold beverages. A visit to the infamous Fairview Inn to celebrate our trip led some to hydrate to excess into the wee hours of the morning, but incredibly all made it to breakfast at 8:00.
And now we've split up and are going our own ways. Part of the team are going fishing and enjoying this great state some more, while the rest of us are flying home.
Leah, Nick and I are among those going home, opting out of fishing this time so we can see our loved ones, and take a well deserved rest.
Thanks for following along on our great adventure. See you next year!
RMI Guides Brent Okita, Leah Fisher and Nick Hunt
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