Entries By avery parrinello

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Fly to Kahiltna Base Camp

June 21, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 7,300'

Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - 9:52 PM PT This is one lucky team of climbers. We woke in Talkeetna under cloudy skies... pretty much the same cloudy skies that had kept anybody else from flying during the past six days. It sprinkled rain on us as we ventured out for breakfast but by the time we’d eaten, our pilots surprised us by announcing that basecamp was in the clear and that it was time to fly. We geared up, loaded the planes and lifted off by 9:15. The ski equipped DeHaviland Otters got us through to Kahiltna Base Camp by about 10 AM. Views while flying weren’t stupendous since there was still plenty of cloud hiding the big peaks, but as we got into the center of the range, the lower parts of the big peaks were stupendous enough in their own rite. Basecamp at 10 AM was a very busy and bustling place after a week of no-fly days. Tyler Jones and his RMI team loaded onto the planes we vacated. They’d finished a storm plagued trip and hadn’t been able to move to high camp or summit but they appeared happy and healthy just the same. We built camp and spent the day reviewing glacier travel techniques and sorting gear and supplies. The team seems pretty at home in this world already. We’re hopeful this break in the weather will last... that said, now -at 9 PM- it is snowing lightly. So much recent snow has sure been a good thing for healing up the lower glacier. Word is that open crevasses are few and far between and sketchy bridges are scarce. Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Hi sue. Watching your climb! You go girl. Jim and patty

Posted by: Patty on 6/24/2018 at 1:24 pm

Job and Margaret, everyone back home is pulling for the two of you! God speed!

Posted by: Frank Romano on 6/22/2018 at 6:51 am

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Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Prep in Talkeenta, Ready to Fly

June 20, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion

Categories:

Elevation: 348'

Tuesday, June 19, 2018 - 11:28 PM PT It was a full and busy day for our gang in Talkeetna. We met for the traditional breakfast at the Roadhouse where formal introductions were made and the plan and possibilities for the next few days were discussed. Then it was over to the Talkeetna Ranger Station where we greeted longtime friends in the National Park Service. Roger Robinson -who has been active on Denali since 1975- gave our safety briefing and orientation slideshow. We then made our way across town to the airstrip and the hangars of K2 Aviation, our flight service. Skies were cloudy, and we hear that it is still blowing and snowing hard all up and down Denali, but in town today, life wasn’t too bad. It never rained and there were even some spells of blue sky and sunshine in the afternoon. We spent almost the entire afternoon in the hangar though, conducting equipment checks and sorting tents, stoves, ropes, pots, pans, shovels and piles upon piles of food and clothing. By 5 PM it was all in order, weighed and inventoried... ready to be loaded on planes in the morning. The team got together one more time, for a relaxing dinner at the Twister Creek brew pub. After dinner, we strolled over to the river bank to watch the mighty Susitna boiling past town and to look over to where Denali was hiding in the storm. We broke up for the evening, with everybody intent on taking advantage of a final night -we hope- of Internet, telephone and comfy beds. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Time to nail this one Sue. We will be rooting for you and the team from ringside!

Posted by: Russ Frederickson on 6/21/2018 at 4:22 am

Tom it looks like you are with an Awesome strong group of climbers. Climb high ! Climb Strong Brother!
Dave

Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/20/2018 at 6:28 pm

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Denali Expedition: Dave Hahn & Team Arrive in Talkeetna, Alaska

June 19, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 348'

Tuesday, June 19, 2018 - 12:29 AM PT Victory!! Eight climbers and four guides made their way -with heaps of luggage- from various far away places in the “lower 48” to Talkeetna, Alaska. We met this afternoon down in the Anchorage airport and boarded the venerable Denali Overland van for a three hour commute to Talkeetna. Of course we broke things up a bit with a last stop for provisions in Wasilla. Not much in the way of spectacular views today as the Alaska Range was cloaked in cloud, but there was plenty of pretty scenery a little lower down and closer in to the highway. We’ll dial down on lots of details tomorrow as we get oriented, prepped and packed for Denali. Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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The Curtes Crew is with you in spirit every step of the way. Go Hirschy and Magpie - We love you guys!

Posted by: Jay Curtes on 6/20/2018 at 5:32 pm

Wishes for a safe climb for your entire team. Special shout out to Margaret & Jon, keep your eye on the prize! Praying the weather clears for you!

Posted by: Donna Elmer Weber on 6/20/2018 at 4:34 pm

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Aconcagua: Tucker & Team End Trek, Return to Mendoza

January 31, 2018

Posted by: Mark Tucker, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

The team did great on the mountain one last time. We started the stoves at 6:30 am and by 8 am we headed down valley and out of Aconcagua National Park. Our vehicle transfers went well thanks to our fantastic support on and off the mountain by Fernando Grajales Expeditions they were spot on with support throughout this expedition thank you so much, we could not have had such success without you. Our team just finished a nice celebration dinner here in Mendoza. We are cleaned up, well fed and now looking forward to a nice bed for rest. Tomorrow some will start the journey home, others a meat cooking tour, wine tour, golfing or just some time by the pool. I will enjoy the little bit of rest and recharging getting ready for big Sunday in support of my tribes' alliance to Foxboro, go Pats! RMI Guide Mark Tucker

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Wow,this takes me back to the most adventure I have ever had in my life and it started with you and me and old reliable Miss Vickey!
When you lived with mom and dad in Huntington Beach, I had met you from my best girlfriend Barbra and your friend can’t member his name yet, I had just split from my husband and was having a hard time since my small son was in the picture, anyway you were on your way to Utah and I kinda just thought that was going to be my next move sort ya speak anyway you were a gentleman in every sense of the word you were galant and shiverous and you made sure no one ever bugged me, all five of my boys were placed in my life at that time so I could see the BEUTIFUL part of the world,I will forever thankful and very blessed to have you Mark Tucker and my four boys who were and always be my family and in my heart thank you for the love and being there when my Grandma died,I know this is a shock and would love to here from you and introduce my fabulous family and wonderful husband who puts up with my weirdness and still loves me lol!if you have time drop me a line I would love that! Take care of yourself MR.Tucker and Family so good to see your face and all of your unbelievable life!! I hope you have wrote a book you must have seen
Miricals…..Thank you agin Mark… love and admirations…..Cindy Ellis
2819 n.Arcadia St.Colorado Springs,Colorado,80907

Posted by: Cindy Ellis on 3/13/2018 at 1:07 pm

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Aconcagua: Tucker & Team Retrace Their Steps Through the Vacas Valley

January 30, 2018

Posted by: Mark Tucker, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

RMI Guide Mark Tucker checked in from their last trek camp. After reaching the summit on Saturday morning the team returned to high camp, the following day they descended to Aconcagua Base Camp. With a good nights rest in the thick air of 13,800’ they packed all their gear, loaded mules and retraced their steps through the Vacas Valley. Tomorrow they will complete their trek and arrive at the end of the trail. By afternoon they plan to be showered and ready for a hearty dinner celebration in Mendoza. Congratulations to the team!

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Congratulations Mark and Company! John Branchflower and I summited with Ilan Zeimer of Grajales on Jan 23 and then returned to Penitentes via Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, so we didn’t see you on our way down. I managed to buy an air mattress from one of the Canadian climbers at Plaza Argentina who was heading back down to replace the one that blew up on me, or I think it would have been heading down myself. See you in Ashford this summer! Craig Falkenhagen, Atherton, CA

Posted by: Craig Falkenhagen on 1/31/2018 at 5:13 pm

Congrats! Safe travels.

Posted by: Mo on 1/31/2018 at 5:41 am

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Aconcagua: Tucker & Team Summit!

January 28, 2018

Posted by: Mark Tucker, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 22,841'

Original Post: Well hello. This is RMI Aconcagua Tucker Team. And we're standing on top. Light breeze; chilly, chilly day. Team did wonderful. When you look around it kind of looks like everybody that started is on top. So if you're wondering who made it, they all…[broken]…a long ways to go still but everyone's doing well…[lost call]. RMI Guide Mark Tucker Update, January 28th 4:35 p.m. Pacific RMI Guide Mark Tucker called to report that the team has safely descended to Camp 3 where they will spend tonight. They will continue their descent tomorrow.

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Congratulations on your summit, you all are awesome. Stay strong, stay safe and enjoy this amazing journey. Love you Shannon Long. Patty and Mark

Posted by: Patty Fisher on 1/30/2018 at 7:30 pm

Congratulations, Will and the rest of the team! Looking forward to celebrating with you!

Posted by: Stacy on 1/29/2018 at 4:47 pm

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Aconcagua: Tucker & Team Check in from High Camp

January 27, 2018

Posted by: Mark Tucker, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories:

Elevation: 19,600'

Hello down there. Mark Tucker checking in from our High Camp on Aconcagua. Climbers are all tucked in and we are here hanging around our stoves for another bit of time. It's a challenge to get water, we are melting snow now, and it is chilly. Everyone is doing very, very, well. We came in looking strong and we're going to leave looking strong. (Lost call). RMI Guide Mark Tucker

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Congratulations to the team on a successful summit!

Posted by: Bob & Dottie on 1/28/2018 at 10:42 am

Wishing you all strength and great conditions on your trek toward the summit!

Posted by: Diane O'Connor on 1/28/2018 at 7:23 am

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Aconcagua: Tucker & Team Rest Day at Camp 2

January 26, 2018

Posted by: Mark Tucker, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

Buenos Dias amigos! Not a whole lot of news to report today. We rested at Camp 2 and went on a small hike around camp. Everyone is fine tuning their kit for our move to Camp 3 tomorrow. Today is our last chill day. Every day from here on out will be go go go till we are back in Mendoza enjoying warm showers. Next time you hear from us we will be getting ready for our summit push. RMI Guide Mark Tucker and team

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I can feel the excitement building even in Watertown, WI

Posted by: Geri Kuehn on 1/27/2018 at 6:46 am

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Aconcagua: Tucker & Team Make Their Carry to Camp 3

January 25, 2018

Posted by: Mark Tucker, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

Today we went higher up the mountain, carrying gear up to Camp 3 at 19,600'. For a few team members this is their new altitude record. After Camp 3, each step will be their new highest and soon will be the whole team's highest point. The team arrived strong and made good time walking downhill back to Camp 2. The weather cooperated with only a bit of a breeze and a clear sunny sky. In the next day or two we will move up to Camp 3, positioning ourselves for a shot at the summit. For right now, we patiently wait for the water to boil for hot drinks and dinner. Have a lovely evening everyone. RMI Guide Mark Tucker and team

Leave a Comment For the Team (1)

Sounds like this is a great climb. Weather has cooperated for the most part. Stay strong!!! Onward and upward. I’m so proud of each and every one of you.

Posted by: Geri Kuehn on 1/25/2018 at 9:12 pm

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Aconcagua: Tucker & Team Rest at Camp 2

January 24, 2018

Posted by: Mark Tucker, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

Today we woke to a windy, chilly morning at Camp 2 on Aconcagua. Snow swirls danced down the mountain and through camp as we waited for our water to boil. We enjoyed hot cups of Starbucks Vias and sugary bowls of Cinnamon Toast Crunch for breakfast. Today we rested to let our bodies adjust to our new altitude. The afternoons activity consisted of a casual stroll uphill, getting a glance at our path to camp 3. The tippy top looks cold and windy as we look towards the summit. Fingers crossed Mother Nature gives us a warmer window for our summit bid. For now, we will focus on taking care of ourselves and enjoying the beautiful views. RMI Guide Mark Tucker and team

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Fingers crossed for better weather this go round. Looks beautiful!

Posted by: Ashley on 1/25/2018 at 6:02 am

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Entries By avery parrinello

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Fly to Kahiltna Base Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Prep in Talkeenta, Ready to Fly

Denali Expedition: Dave Hahn & Team Arrive in Talkeetna, Alaska

Aconcagua: Tucker & Team End Trek, Return to Mendoza

Aconcagua: Tucker & Team Retrace Their Steps Through the Vacas Valley

Aconcagua: Tucker & Team Summit!

On The Map

Aconcagua: Tucker & Team Check in from High Camp

On The Map

Aconcagua: Tucker & Team Rest Day at Camp 2

Aconcagua: Tucker & Team Make Their Carry to Camp 3

Aconcagua: Tucker & Team Rest at Camp 2

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