Mt. McKinley Expedition: Knoff & Team Start Long Descent
June 3, 2015 - 10:10 am PT
Yesterday proved to be a bit bitter sweet for all of us. Despite having the almost euphoric sense of accomplishment for summiting Mt. McKinley, the work left to be done is astounding. Many people may think that when the top is reached it is all downhill from there. In a literal sense that is true, in the big picture that is like saying once you plant a garden food will just appear on your plate.
Nothing is easy at 17,000', especially motivating to pack up the entire camp after only getting six hours of restless sleep coming on the heels of what most of the team considered the hardest summit day they have ever experienced. But as always they impressed me with there drive, attitude and willingness to do what needed to be done. That fact right there is why they all succeeded in this climb.
So after camp was broken, the long tricky climb back down Washburn's ridge began. After those obstacles were over we then needed to descend the fixed lines, stomp down the remaining slopes to camp, dig up the cache and then rebuild a new camp. All while being sleep deprived, hungry, thirsty and utterly exhausted. On top of all that, it is supposed to snow two feet by tomorrow. Ahh, the true colors of this mountain are being revealed.
We will keep you posted on our progress.
Liam, daddy is on his way home soon. I can't wait to see you!
RMI Guide Adam Knoff
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Comments (16)
Congrats Shannon !!!! Awesome Job!!!!!
Posted by: Tony on
Congrats Greg! You’re probably already down and on your way home. No where? I would hope somewhere hot!
Posted by: Rick & Tracy on
To Greg Barber
Hi Greg, congratulations on the summit - fantastic achievement - have a safe descent!
All the best, Bruce and Joyce
Posted by: Bruce Tocher on
Greg:
Congratulations dad! Come home safe!
Love you!
Nic and Jek
Posted by: Angelica on
Congratulations Shannon and Team!!! Looking forward to hearing about your journey! Safe travels home. Rob
Posted by: Rob on
Please note the previous message was for Greg Barber
Posted by: Lorissa on
I’m writing this for Lee because he doesn’t like you enough to waste his energy communicating with you. He wants you to have a safe trip home and be advised that he has been squatting at your place for the last two weeks. He would appreciate it if you would have left more food and booze as there is none left.
ps: he also wanted me to inform you that he has soiled your bed many times
Posted by: Lorissa Johnson on
Congratulations Greg and all your teammates on summiting Mt. McKinley. Now have a safe trip down. Look forward to hearing all about it when you get home. mom and dad
Posted by: Dawn on
Congrats Shannon and team. Your determination is paying off. Stay warm and know we are all thinking of you. Looking forward to the next post.
Posted by: Patty on
Stay warm and hope the weather clears up for all of you. Rest, eat and then make your way carefully back down the mountain. Can’t wait to see pictures and welcome you back to summer!! Congratulations Nicholas, and to the rest of the team once more. Stay safe.
Posted by: Connie Whitley on
Good going Will and to all of the team. Will your glass wall is now the Where In The World Is Wilbur Wall! Be safe we are tracking you!
Posted by: Sherril Jarosch on
Congratulations Shannon! Have a safe descent. I can’t wait to hear all about the adventure.
Posted by: Bush on
Congratulations on the half way mark. Wishing you all a safe descent.
Posted by: TK on
Congratulations Dr. Yoon!! You are such a rockstar mountain climber! So excited for you and your climbing team! Can’t wait for you to get back, candy jar is still empty. Have a safe trip back!
Theresa and Karen V.
Posted by: Urology Team on
Get some rest and take your time. Can’t wait to talk to you soon!
Posted by: Jessie on
Congratulations, Uncle Joe. So happy you made it to the summit! Safe trip back down. We cannot wait to hear all your stories about the climb.
Posted by: Jedrek & Guthrie on