Denali Expedition: Beren & Team Fly to the Kahiltna Glacier
Posted by: Jake Beren, Steve Gately, Megan Budge
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 7,800'
May 31, 2017
The team woke up this morning, ate one last home cooked breakfast and gathered at the hanger where our gear was waiting at K2 Aviation. The bad weather of the last few days cleared up over night and we anticipated being able to fly into the range early this morning. We all spent a few moments finalizing our backpacks and duffels when K2 gave us the thumbs up. We quickly loaded up two aircraft with everything we'll need for the next three weeks and before we knew it we were in world of flowing ice, snow and rock.
A 45 minute plane ride takes you from the comforts of town and puts you rather abruptly in a harsh environment and every year I'm always amazed at how I never quite get used to how quickly life changes in Talkeetna. For many decades starting in the early 1900's expeditions would start there journey with a week or more of toiling through the Alaskan bush just to reach where we have flown in under an hour. I'll take the plane please!
An hour spent repacking and gearing up had us walking down the Southeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier by noon. The skies were blue, the temps pleasant and the views massive. Only once in the last 4 years have I had the pleasure of walking up the Kahiltna Glacier with a view and the team did great readjusting to life in the range. Five hours of hard work brought us to our first camp at the base of Ski Hill at 7,800ft. We spent the afternoon setting up our camp. The team is now tucked in for the night getting some well earned rest. Tomorrow we will cache some gear at 10,000ft then return back to 7,800 to sleep. Forecast is calling for more good weather tomorrow and the team is excited to explore new terrain!
Thanks for following along everyone.
RMI Guide Steve Gately
On The Map
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Comments (7)
Hi!!! Thinking about you tons! Hope u r enjoying every minute! Can’t wait to hear all about it in person! Love Us
Posted by: Cosco Clan on
Good morning to all
Wish I could make you all my famous meatballs and homemade pasta
Be safe
You have hundreds of people sending you all good wishes and prayers
Love you Stephen
mom/dad - aka Tina and John
Posted by: Tina Zabinski on
You are on your way! Prayers for continued good weather!
Posted by: Mike and Pat Lurakis on
Hey Z and team be safe and have an incredible journey….see you when you get back
Posted by: Jenn on
Dr. Z
Hope all is well!!!! Miss my Tuesdays at Shore! Take care and be safe on that mountain!
Tiffany!!!!
Posted by: Tiffany Mnich on
DR Z you are used to working long hard hours. Sounds like conditions are getting better . Stay safe, healthy and enjoy the journey !
Kathy P
Posted by: Kathy P on
Thanks for the updates and I hope the good weather continues!
Posted by: Teresa on