Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer & Team Conclude Their Expedition
Posted by: Josh Maggard, Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 348'
June 2, 2015 - 6:56 pm PT
The last few days of a trip always fly by. The summit, descent, and celebration in town all came together over the course of three days. Our summit day was spectacular, with blue, sunny skies, little wind, and balmy (0 degrees F) temps. We got up with the sun the next morning, which felt considerably colder, and packed our bags to descend. We originally planned to go as far as 11,200' Camp, picking up our cache at 14,000' along the way, but when we walked into 11k at 4.30 in the afternoon, and with plenty of energy to spare, we decided to keep the momentum rolling, rig sleds, and head to 7,600’ camp. The few hours of fighting with our sleds downhill proved well worth it. We got to camp at 8:30, where RMI Guides Geoff Schellens and Eric Frank with their Upper West Rib team were super nice and had stoves boiling for us already. We set a hasty camp since we were only going to be there for a few hours, and went to bed. We had our only real alpine start of the trip, waking at 2.30 am. The walk out the lower Kahiltna was one of the highlights of the trip. High thin clouds reflected the light of a not yet risen sun, and the alpenglow on the surrounding peaks burned a brilliant red. A wind at our backs pushed us towards Base Camp. The scene kept our eyes drifting to the sky, and it was impossible not to enjoy the walk despite the heavy packs and sleds. By 7:30 we were at the airstrip, ready for the first flights of the day to Talkeetna. In no time the incredible pilots from K2 descended in two Otters, we loaded the planes, and we were in town, taking in the scents of grass, flowers, and trees for the first time in weeks. We showered off the smell of 18 days on the mountain, and set about filling our bellies with something that we hadn’t carried on our backs. We spent the afternoon drying gear and packing bags for our inevitable separation, and then had a final celebration dinner at the West Rib, a restaurant that is synonymous with Mt. McKinley climbers. Now, we are beginning to part ways. Some of our climbers have left for Anchorage and flights home, while others are staying in Alaska for a bit longer, albeit as tourists. Jet boat adventures, bicycle tours, and road trips to the North side of the park all lie in the future. The guides will amuse ourselves tomorrow with some time on a boat, dropping lines for Halibut, before we also head South to the Mt. Rainier climbing season. The group did a spectacular job on the mountain, climbing smoothly and safely, and we were rewarded with a truly fine summit and 100% of our group on the summit. The guides thank the whole team for their efforts, laughs, and incredible chemistry; it was a really memorable trip for us as well! Thanks to everyone for following along. Now its off to a boat, where someone else baits the hook for us and the fish can’t help but bite!
RMI Guides Pete, Robby, Josh, and Team.
×
Comments (14)
Well done Renee!! Amazing achievement.
Posted by: Michelle T VEC on
Wow Renee!! Congratulations!
You are an example to us all!
Posted by: Kelly T on
CONGRATS TO THE ENTIRE PETE TEAM!!!! JOB WELL DONE AS IT SEEMS IN ALL THE GREAT POST UPDATES EVERYONE ALL SUCCEEDED IN THIS CLIMB.
I AM SURE I SPEAK FOR THE ENTIRE FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF 5-12-2015 TEAM THANK YOU PETE AND YOUR GUIDES FOR A SPECTACULAR CLIMB AN ACHIEVING THE GOAL. THANKS FOR KEEPING US WELL INFORMED, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS TO BRING EVERYONE HOME SAFE.
SINCERELY THANKS FROM A TEAMMATES MOM,
TERRI XX
Posted by: Terri on
Renee you are a shining star in my eyes.
Words can’t say how proud and happy I am.
Love you for always.
Mama xx
Posted by: Lori on
Congratulations to all of the team. Weather on summit was amazingly clear sky for you guys I think you might the luckiest team weather wise. Renee fantastic effort. Go girl. Enjoy the rest of your holiday and those warm showers, don’t use all the hot water!! Lv Maureen
Posted by: Maureen Lococo on
Well done Renee and team PJR. You made it Renee - way to go. Enjoy the rest of your holiday. Love Lou xxxx
Posted by: Louise on
Most of the time we office dwellers are jealous of anyone on holidays. Photos just make it worse. However in your case, I would not wish to change places with you .. my heart (as well as my physical fitness) would not cope. You are amazing .. what a lifetime achievement. Congratulations
Posted by: Glenda B. on
Renee!!! well done to you and the team for making it both ways to Mt McKinley! it should have been a very thrilling experience for you! I am having goose bumps just reading through the posts and articles! That selfie is a highlight! Awesome! We will wait to see you back in a few weeks and the have a big party!!
Cheers! xx
Posted by: Madhu on
Congratulations to you all on this amazing achievement!!! I have no doubt you are all beaming with pride. I hope you are all celebrating in style this incredible climb. Renee, I can’t say how proud of you I am my friend. You did good kid! Whoop whoop. I hope you have a fabulous time for the rest of your holiday and Jord spoils you rotten.
Love ya, Sarah xxx
Posted by: Sarah on
Amazing effort Renee and team - Congratulations. And wow, what a gorgeous view. Take care on the way down
Looking forward to seeing more pics when you get back.
Liz
Posted by: Liz on
Congrats on the amazing achievement! Looking forward to all the war stories. :D
Posted by: Brett on
You are a superstar little Duvo (Renee) I am so happy and proud of you. I knew you’d make it. Well done to all your team members and thank you also to the guides that got you to the top and back again safe and sound. Now the fun part! Go and enjoy the rest of your sightseeing tour and lap up all that Alaska and Canada has to offer. Love you heaps hun, take care and can’t wait to see your face again!
Love Kath xxxx
Posted by: Kathy on
Congratulations all for your fabulous victory! You made it. You deserve it every bit of that feeling that must be amazing one. Let’s celebrate…..
Renee we are so proud of you. Well done!!! Yayyyy
Now the next adventure starts so we hope you enjoy Alaska and don’t forget to send some pics please.
Te queremos mucho.
From all VEC Team
Posted by: Monica on
Way to go team PJR ! huge congratulations to all team members and the guides, support staff and pilots on a very successful climb up and back of Mt McKinley! Couldn’t be prouder of you all !
Duvolicious there is so much pride and admiration or you, in setting out and achieving your goal! Love love you my friend! Hope Jordy is spoiling you right now with FREE beers and lots of hugs n love on your achievement.. sad to see the end of the blog watching thou ;)Enjoy the rest of your holiday and get back to us safe n sound
Love ya Duvooooooooooooooo xxxxxxxx
The old guy in the corner pod seat ;)
Posted by: Paul on