RMI Expeditions Blog
May 27, 2023
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Devin Guffey, Erika Birkeland
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,000'
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It's us again,
Today we slept in and had a casual breakfast before gearing up to retrieve our cache of gear at 13,500'. It was a quick walk downhill. Clouds came and went, and the sun poked out to warm us as we repacked our packs to head back to camp. By the time we were close to camp, the temperatures dropped, and snow began to fall. The afternoon got away from us and before we knew it was dinner time. Ramen filled our bodies, along with hot drinks, and the clouds cleared off for a view of both Hunter and Foraker. The winds are calm compared to last night.
Tomorrow we shall be lazy and enjoy a rest day hopefully with some more good views. Teams are gearing up for moves to high camp. Soon enough it will be our time. For now, we will be patient and enjoy 14,000’ Camp.
Goodnight, all,
RMI Guides Hannah, Devin, Erika, and Team
May 27, 2023
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Henry Coppolillo
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,000'
It was another relatively slow day at 14,000’ Camp. As promised, there were some strong gusts that shook the tents last night into this morning, but the wind settled, and it continued to snow through most of the day. We did laps of camp, socialized, laughed about the army barracks of RMI tents that are now up here as we have four RMI Expedition Teams at 14,000’ camp. One climber asked for street signs, since he got confused, took a wrong turn, and tried to enter the wrong tent.
The team got a solid Start on an igloo, and a couple of folks in camp got rad new haircuts designed for speed. The forecast is giving us some hope that this weekend will give us a chance. We will be up early tomorrow to look uphill and see if things look good enough to launch. If so, our summit push will start.
RMI Guides Pete VanDeventer, Henry Coppolillo, Tatum Whatford and Team
Watching the weather and crossing fingers and everything else for good news! Can’t wait to hear about the whole grand adventure!
Posted by: Chris's Mom on 5/27/2023 at 4:07 pm
Be safe we love you Brian Goltry
Posted by: Lettie Kirk Goltry on 5/27/2023 at 11:58 am
May 27, 2023
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Bryan Mazaika
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Dave Hahn and Bryan Mazaika reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 7:15 am today. Dave reported excellent conditions and the Ingraham Direct route is in great shape. The teams spent about an hour on the summit celebrating and enjoying the views. They are on the descent and will reach Paradise later this afternoon.
Congratulations Team!
May 26, 2023
Posted by: Mike Walter, Abby Westling, Emma Lyddan
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,000'
Friday 5/26/2023 3:15 PM PT
Clouds and light snow are making a perfect atmosphere for a lazy rest day here at 14k.
Strong winds high on the mountain are occasionally visible through breaks in the clouds. The warmth of our tents is conducive to lazing, reading, listening to music, and occasionally drifting off into a dreamy state of consciousness.
Meanwhile, we're hoping that favorable weather allows us an opportunity to climb higher and push for the summit soon.
Until then, we're embracing the tranquility of the mountains.
Mike
Go Team! Make it happen! It’s going to be epic!!! You got this!!!! Perseverance and Patience….goal in sight! Hoping for some solid blue sky and perfect climate!!! Cheers from Talkeetna!!! Susan
Posted by: Susan on 5/27/2023 at 9:39 am
May 26, 2023
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Leif Bergstrom, Lauren Macklin
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,000'
Thrusday 5/25/2023 10:57pm PDT
What a beautiful day for a rest day. We had a leisurely brunch of breakfast burritos before spending the afternoon building our kitchen for the next few days and learning all the skills necessary for the fixed lines. The weather looks a bit gross tomorrow, so we prepped camp by battening down the hatches and building snow block walls. We are hoping to carry to the top of the fixed lines as soon as weather allows. We will wake up tomorrow and see if that is the day.
RMI Guides Nikki, Leif, Lauren & Team
Hey Kevin! I hope you and the team got some great rest to prepare and refuel to go high! I am sending thoughts of strength and stamina your way!!! All the best weather wishes too!!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 5/28/2023 at 3:07 am
Positive vibes for amazing weather.
Posted by: Tiffany on 5/27/2023 at 5:39 pm
May 26, 2023
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Henry Coppolillo, Tatum Whatford
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,000'
Thursday 5/25/2023 10:00pm PDT
Another good rest/ weather day for us today. The snow, clouds, and breeze were in and out and it was an obvious day to sit. 14,000’ Camp on Denali is turning into a small city as more and more teams move up and run into the same weather waiting game. When we first moved up there were only a handful of scattered camps. Now 14,000’ Camp is continuous, and you can meander around, walking down alleys between snow walls.The team took on a variety of tacks to stay entertained. One intrepid member measured the perimeter of camp to be a quarter mile and did a 5k, jogging some of it. A few members even joined in at points. Others wandered around and chatted with other RMI Expedition Teams. And one member has now read the ingredient list of all their snack food!
Tomorrow looks to be more of the same and already the team has made plans to build an igloo, and perhaps more - the site plan is still being finalized. The 14,000’ Camp hang continues
RMI Guides Pete, Henry, Tatum & Team
May 26, 2023
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Devin Guffey, Erika Birkeland
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,000'
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Thursday, 5/25/2023 10:21pm PDT
Good evening,
It was up in the air if we would get to move today. The forecast called for isolated showers and some wind and you just do not know what will come of it. Fortunately for us we woke to calm weather. We made fast work of packing up and tearing down camp. Once again, we conquered Motorcycle Hill and Squirrel hill. By the time we got to the Polo Fields a light snow began but not much more. The storm clouds seem to be stuck on another peak. As we walked further and further uphill they stayed at bay, clouds came and went and slow lightly floated down. Windy corner held to its name, but we pushed through. It was a long and grueling day, but we made it to 14,000’ camp. It feels good to be here even with sore and tired bodies.
Tomorrow we will sleep in!
RMI Guides Hannah, Devin, Erika, and Team
Hoping the weather continues to play nice!
Posted by: Burley on 5/27/2023 at 12:42 am
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We had a long, but productive, day yesterday. We established our high cache at 17,200'. Wind and snow moved in while we were up on the ridge, making for a challenging day at altitude, and a long, arduous descent on technical terrain. All told, it was a 12 hour day, with a late dinner and late bedtime.
Today we are resting, eating, and rehydrating. We slept in and enjoyed a hearty breakfast burrito brunch that lasted until noon. We will be resting again tomorrow, as there is currently a high wind warning for the upper mountain. Hopefully, things mellow out soon and we can move to high camp for our summit attempt. Until then we are enjoying the relative comfort of 14,000’ camp. We will check in again tomorrow to update you on our status.
RMI Guide Mike Walter & Team
Yayy! Upward progress awesome!! You all are doing great, praying for good weather so you can Summit this weekend.
Happy Birthday to Rich, looking forward to seeing all the pics and stories he has to share. Love you son ❤️
Posted by: Kim on 5/25/2023 at 3:57 pm
May 25, 2023
Posted by: Jack Delaney, Joe Hoch, Evan Sather
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Our first Kautz seminar called in from the top of Mt. Rainier this morning! RMI guide Joe Hoch reported a sunny day despite the cold, windy weather surrounding them.
The team is on their descent to camp tonight and will return to Basecamp tomorrow afternoon.
Congrats climbers!
May 25, 2023
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Henry Coppolillo, Tatum Whatford
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,000'
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 - 11:14 pm PT
It was a good day for us to sit. Yesterday's strong effort meant everyone slept well, and long. We got up late, enjoyed our last bagels and smoked salmon, told stories, and generally enjoyed the rest day. Snow and clouds intermittently invaded camp, with some breaks of brilliantly strong sunshine. For a bit of movement and boredom cure, we built a bunch of walls to deflect the wind that may come tomorrow. Tomorrow, we will rest again, as the forecast calls for winds at 17,000' to elevate significantly tomorrow. We'll see how this weather system plays out, and it's good comfort for us to know that all of our pieces are in place and when the window opens, we'll be ready.
Go get that summit Adam! Can’t wait to hear about the whole adventure when you get home and hope to see you front and center in the picture at summit! Good luck everyone!
Posted by: Matt & Erica Warren on 5/25/2023 at 6:46 pm
Brian,
I’ve been following the daily updates with great interest. Patience appears to be huge part of a climbers’ requirements. Praying for your team safety and clear weather for your summit push.
Best Regards
Bruce
Posted by: Larabee Bruce on 5/25/2023 at 11:31 am
We’re tracking and rooting for you, Corey Nolan!! Love, Liz & Matt ❤️
Posted by: Liz Werenczak on 5/27/2023 at 3:23 pm
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