Entries By brent okita

Elevation: 12,800'

Due to avalanche hazard, the summit climb teams, led by Brent Okita and Mike Uchal, were unable to summit Mt. Rainier this morning. Both teams topped out at 12,800,’ and are headed back down to Camp Muir. We look forward to seeing the teams back in Ashford this afternoon.

Mt. Rainier: Four Day Summit Climbs Reach the Summit

July 1, 2016

Posted by: Brent Okita, Zeb Blais, Steve Gately

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Guide Steve Gately radioed in from the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams enjoyed a beautiful morning with light winds. At 7:00 am PT both Four Day Summit Climb teams June 28 - 1 July, 2016 were beginning their descent from the crater rim.

Mt. Rainier: RMI Guides Lead Their Teams to the Summit!

June 27, 2016

Posted by: Brent Okita, Zeb Blais

Elevation: 14,410'

The Mt. Rainier Summit Climb teams, led by RMI Guides Brent Okita and Zeb Blais, reached the top this morning. Winds were in the 10-15 mph range and beautiful, sunny skies. After spending some time on the summit, the teams began their descent at 7:00 a.m.

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

I’m so proud of you guys, and I can’t wait to hear all about how you conquered the mountain!

Posted by: Addie on 6/28/2016 at 10:09 am

Well done Herndons! Congrats to you and everyone who made it ... this is truly fantastic. And I’m glad you’re back down off the mountain safely.

Posted by: Elisabeth on 6/27/2016 at 9:05 pm

Mt. Rainier: Four Day Summit Climb Reaches Summit

June 21, 2016

Posted by: Brent Okita

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Guide Brent Okita led the Four Day Summit Climb to the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Brent reported increasing winds speeds from light winds on their ascent to windy conditions on the summit. The team started their descent shortly before 8:30 a.m. We look forward to greeting the team in Ashford later this afternoon. Congratulations climbers!

Mt. Rainier: RMI Guide Brent Okita & Teams Summit!

June 17, 2016

Posted by: Brent Okita, JJ Justman

Elevation: 14,410'

The summit climb teams, led by Brent Okita and JJ Justman, tagged the top of Mt. Rainier at 7:35am this morning. They reported winds about 25 mph, a bit chilly, and a cloud cap forming. Both teams began their descent at 8:20 a.m. Congratulations to today's teams!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Congratulations Mark, Soleil, & Cabrina!! I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to hear all about it.
Love,
Janine

Posted by: Janine on 6/17/2016 at 9:20 am

Jeremy,

I don’t know you but everyone seems pretty pumped for you. Nice work, bud!

Posted by: Hayden on 6/17/2016 at 8:59 am

RMI Guide Brent Okita Summits Mt. Rainier for the 500th Time

June 8, 2016

Posted by: Brent Okita

Categories: Guide News Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

On Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 2:02 p.m. PDT, RMI Guide Brent Okita reached the summit of Mt. Rainier for the 500th time, becoming only the second person to reach this exclusive milestone. Brent; along with RMI Guides Leah Fisher and Christina Dale, Peter Dale and Aaron Mainer; ascended Mt. Rainier via the Disappointment Cleaver route. It was a windy day on the summit but the team took time to celebrate at Columbia Crest. After many hugs and photos were exchanged, they traversed to Liberty Cap for their ski descent of the Edmunds Headwall. Brent described his 500th summit and ski descent as “one of the coolest days of my life!” To put this in perspective, Brent has logged over 9,000,000 vertical feet on Mt. Rainier throughout his 30-year career. “Brent is a mentor, leader, and above all an inspiration to all mountaineers,” said Peter Whittaker, owner of RMI. “The fact that Brent has challenged himself on this mountain for 30 years and successfully summited Rainier 500 times is extraordinary. Even more amazing, Brent continues to climb at the pace of a 20-year-old guide and will likely climb Rainier another 20 times this summer...his endurance and fitness are unmatched.” Brent, 55, has worked at RMI since 1986 as a professional climbing instructor and guide, leading teams of climbers on ascents of Mt. Rainier. In that time, he has also reached the summit of Mt. Everest (via the North Side) and led over two dozen RMI guided parties up 20,310’ Denali in Alaska, the highest mountain in North America. Other ascents to his credit include Vinson Massif (Antarctica), and several expeditions to the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps (Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Jungfrau). Setting records is not Brent’s motivation; his 500 summits of Mt. Rainier are a natural consequence of his tenure with RMI and dedication to the sport of mountaineering. With no thoughts of retirement, Brent plans to continue guiding climbers on Mt Rainier and Denali for the foreseeable future. In the winter months he pursues his love of skiing, working for Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol. He and wife, Julie, make their home in Enumclaw, WA, where they enjoy bicycling and hiking. Congratulations Brent!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Well done, Big Bro!! The family is all proud of you ... again!

Posted by: Brad Okita on 6/15/2016 at 8:57 pm

Awesome Brent, I remember when you first started guiding for RMI. Congratulations on your alpine achievements, I wish I was there to ski the Edmunds with you, snow is going fast in the Tetons so will head to the Winds on days off. Peace and much Love, Bill Moe/ former Paradise/ Muir Ranger/ Teton Helitack USFS, Jackson Wyoming

Posted by: Bill Moe on 6/10/2016 at 10:26 am

Denali - West Buttress Expedition: Okita and Team Celebrate

June 5, 2016

Posted by: Brent Okita, Christina Dale, Chris Ebeling

We're off the mountain and diving to the Anchorage airport. Obviously, we flew off the glacier last night, just before dinner. After some thankless chores of sorting out gear that the team did without complaint, it was off to the Talkeetna Motel where we had to wait again as the owner cleaned out rooms. But still no complaints from one of the nicest groups of folks I've had the pleasure of climbing with. Dinner then drinks and merriment at the Fairview Inn. What went on in that fine establishment I'll leave unsaid. Just know that the two block walk back to the hotel seemed manageable and safe for all. That only half the group made it to breakfast at 9:00 might tell of the fun had that night. It's been a tremendous trip with people I'd love to climb with or at least see again. I hope you've enjoyed sharing the trip in this way with us. Maybe next time you'll be part of our group - it's an amazing experience in an amazing world. It will change your life and be with you forever. From Alaska this last time, so long. RMI Guide Brent Okita & Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Great to hear that everyone made it back to sea level safe! What an amazing trip you all must have had. Along with Joe, I cannot wait to hear the stories you must have! Great job Dawn, so proud of you!
All the best to all team members and keep on climbing those mountains for no one will remember those extra days you spent in the office!!

Cheers from Calgary,

Darcy

Posted by: Darcy on 6/8/2016 at 7:55 am

Congrats Team! Thanks for keeping us updated Brent; it was a blast (and much needed distraction) following you all up the mountain whilst day-dreaming of alpine starts and fresh Alaskan air from my office here in the gloomy SF! So stoked and proud of you Dawn, looking forward to reconnecting with you and the Rainier team soon and hearing all about your Denali adventure.

Joe

Posted by: Joseph Walker on 6/6/2016 at 9:36 am

Denali Expedition: Okita & Team Back at Kahiltna Basecamp

June 4, 2016

Posted by: Brent Okita, Christina Dale, Chris Ebeling

Elevation: 7,300'

June 4, 2016 - 4:31 pm PT Our last evening at 11,200' was all too brief. Walking this morning after what we hoped was our last in an open air Posh, we descended into clouds that lasted the morning. It felt great letting the feet stride out. By 11:00am we were at Basecamp, in a complete whiteout! So much for flying out this morning. Thankfully, our job of carrying these huge packs and moving is finally over. With no immediate optimism for a break in the weather to fly out, we did what just felt right, and set up the Posh Tent. Snacks were shared, but hugely, Geoff had cached a case of Alaskan Amber to celebrate our safe return. What a treat! After word from Basecamp Lisa of clearing conditions down glacier, we've rallied our gear in place, all except for our Posh. We're back here now, everyone sacked out and recovering from a short night and a few jam packed days. Conversation floats in for those of us not snoring away or fatigue, as does the sounds of the famed guide Vern Tejas' ukulele. Things are looking better around here. There's still hope we might have a big steak and fresh veggies for dinner tonight. I'm betting we'll be out for a late dinner and you'll be hearing from your loved ones soon. Until then, I might join my teammates in some much needed rest. A tout a l'heure, RMI Guides Brent, Christina and the team

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Okita & Team Summit!

June 3, 2016

Posted by: Brent Okita, Christina Dale, Chris Ebeling

Elevation: 20,310'

Hi, it's Brent Okita from the RMI Denali trip. I have good news to report. We are back in camp at 17K after a successful summit bid. We all did super well and conditions were feasible. We got a late start because we had some clouds and a little bit of snow last night. We managed to slip one in. It was a warm day and the wind was minimal, which was great. It followed us all the way to 17K from 14K, which was just beautiful. People are sacked out right now. It's about 1:30 a.m., and we just got the chores all done and excuse my gravely voice, it just gets that way sometimes. We're planning on heading down to 11,000 feet tomorrow. Get in a little bit of a nap and then changing onto a nighttime schedule and heading down to basecamp and hopefully fly off this mountain here soon. All right, I'll have more info when I get it. Bye-bye. RMI Guide Brent Okita

RMI Guide Brent Okita calls in after successful summit!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Congratulations to Mike and team! Awesome accomplishment! Glad you’re down safely and partaking in well-earned libations. See you soon, doc.

Posted by: Frank Marini on 6/5/2016 at 5:35 pm

Go Dawn, Brent, and Christina!!!! So proud of you all, and the rest of your team, too! We have been reading each post, enjoying this journey from NYC. You must be exhilarated and exhausted. Can’t wait to hear all about it. Safe return home. Congratulations!!!
Xo Lindsay and Steve

Posted by: Lindsay on 6/4/2016 at 6:51 pm

Denali Expedition: Okita & Team Move to High Camp

June 2, 2016

Posted by: Brent Okita, Christina Dale, Chris Ebeling

Elevation: 17,200'

June 1,2016 - 11:21 p.m. PDT Hi! We are checking in from our high camp at 17,200 ft. on Denali. We had a good move up here today and are hoping to make our summit attempt tomorrow. I'm going to keep it short because it's late and time to get some sleep so we can hopefully make it to the summit of Denali tomorrow. I will check in again tomorrow. RMI Guide Brent Okita and team

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Best of luck to you all. Stay safe.
Randy

Posted by: Randy Salo on 6/3/2016 at 7:49 am

Go Denali Dawn and team. We are all proud of you. Push the summit, give her your best go, she is calling you !

Posted by: Tom S on 6/3/2016 at 2:53 am