Entries By mike king
July 14, 2021
Posted by: Mike King
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guide Mike King reached the very top of Mt. Rainier early this morning. The team had clear weather, a solid route, and climbed strong to reach the Summit. They are back at Camp Muir and will be returning to Ashford Basecamp to celebrate their success this afternoon.
Congratulations to Today's Team!
July 10, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Jack Delaney, Tatum Whatford
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guide Mike King and the Four Day Climb July 7 - 10 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning at 5:20 am. Mike reported really good route conditions and clear skies. There are many climbers on the mountain today and the team made good time. After spending about an hour in the crater the team began their descent. Once back at Camp Muir they will take a short rest before descending the final 4,500' to Paradise.
Good work today team!
Congratulations to my oldest son, Christian Rainier! Summiting your namesake middle name. What an accomplishment. We look forward to greeting you down at Paradise on your return from Camp Muir. Thank you to Lead Guide Mike, and Guides Tatum, Jack, and Liam.
Posted by: Geoff Culbert on 7/10/2021 at 10:46 pm
July 4, 2021
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, David Price, Liam Weed, Mike King, Seth Burns, Axel Ryd
Categories:
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI's Four Day Climb teams for July 1 - 4 led by RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer & Mike King reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning at 5:40 am. Pete reported a nice day with light winds, really nice climbing conditions and a great route. The climbs spent some time in the crater enjoying the views and getting all the photo ops. They began their descent from the crater rim around 7 am. Once back at Camp Muir they will repack and continue down to Paradise to conclude their climb.
We want to give a shout out to RMI Guides Henry Coppollilo and Leif Bergstrom who spent a long day on route work earlier this week and really worked hard to improve the route. Thank you!
Congratulations to today's climber
Congratulations, what a great accomplishment!
Posted by: Jeff Means on 7/4/2021 at 9:02 am
« Bravo à toute l’équipe », congratulations to all of you, from France !!!
Posted by: Philippe Deiss on 7/4/2021 at 7:49 am
July 2, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Taylor Bickford, Luke Wilhelm, Erika Birkeland, Tatum Whatford, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Mt. Rainier Climb, led by RMI Guides Mike King and Taylor Bickford, were on the summit at 4:20 am! The team had good weather with winds at about 10 – 15 mph and blue skies. They are currently descending back to Camp Muir.
Congratulations to today's summit teams!
Congrats to everyone - what an awesome adventure!!! So proud of you all!❤️
Posted by: Stephanie on 7/2/2021 at 2:39 pm
Congrats to everyone! Amazing accomplishment.
Posted by: Cara on 7/2/2021 at 8:05 am
June 28, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Andy Bond, Jack Delaney, Luke Wilhelm, Josh Hankin, Leif Bergstrom
Categories:
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day Climb teams for June 24 - 28, 2021 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier led by RMI Guides Mike King and Andy Bond. The teams reached the crater rim at 5 am, happily reporting cooler than expected temperatures for today. Blue skies and beautiful views were enjoyed from the summit before the teams began their descent. They are making their way back to Camp Muir where they will stop for a quick break and to repack their gear before continuing their descent to Paradise this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's Five Day Climb teams!
Congratulations! Great job Hannah Herbig
Posted by: Cyndi Herbig on 6/28/2021 at 7:46 am
June 12, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Alex Halliday, Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 20,310'
Update: Friday, June 11, 2021 - 9:47 pm PT
We woke to a clear and "warm" by 17K Camp standards morning and decided to get out in front of the inevitable hoard of climbers that would be attempting the summit today. With cold hands and toes warming up by the time we got to Denali Pass we kept breaking trail in spots and resting on what was the warmest and windless summit day I’ve been a part of. Some of the group had just a base layer and light weight gloves on at 19,500'. Everyone in the group, 9 climbers and 3 guides stood on top of the tallest peak in North America. We got some good views of the surrounding glacier and mountains. We even had 2 returning climbers who got turned around 2 years ago due to bad weather. Your loved ones will have all sorts of stories to share, know that they are safe in camp and taking care of themselves after an arduous 14-hour day. We will plan to descend to 14K Camp tomorrow and perhaps lower if the weather cooperates. While the objective we all set out 2 weeks ago has been accomplished, we still have a lot of terrain to navigate so we can get to the airstrip for flights on Sunday or Monday (weather permitting). Thanks for following along!
Friday, June 11, 2021 - 4:00 pm PT
We received word this afternoon from RMI Guide Mike King that his team was on the summit of Denali with 100% of their team members. We wish them a safe descent and a hearty congratulations for all their hardwork!
Way to go team!
Congratulations to all! Way to go, Huw!
Posted by: Traci Gentry on 6/14/2021 at 11:05 am
Mike King, Alex Halliday, Abby Westling
Thanks for getting your team and our son safely back to sea level, we enjoyed the daily Blog and was excited to hear that all the team members reach the summit safely, Thanks again.
Mom and Dad Fortier
Posted by: Robert Fortier on 6/13/2021 at 6:22 pm
June 11, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Alex Halliday, Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 17,200'
Thursday, June 10, 2021 - 4:48 pm PT
We finally got turned in around 11 pm last night after building camp and getting some food and water in us. The night was calm and cold. The weather pattern is supposed to be breaking up through the day so if we get some visibility and lighter winds above we’ll try for the summit tomorrow. The Team is doing well and getting a little anxious about whether the conditions will cooperate. We built some wind walls out of snow as our activity today. Some light snow and solar on the tents allow us to focus on hydration, food and keeping our gear dry so that we are ready to launch in the morning....if the weather and mountain allows. That’s all from 17 Camp.
Hey Tom! I am with you every step of the way!!! Sending prayers for Strong Climbing!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/12/2021 at 2:41 am
So excited camp that y’all secured high camp! We cannot wait for updates over the next couple days. Thinking of you all, cheering you on, and crossing our fingers for clear weather for your summit bid. Keep on keeping on! Yeehaw! (Love you, Abbs!)
Posted by: Rae on 6/11/2021 at 9:45 am
June 10, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Alex Halliday, Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 17,200'
Wednesday, June 9, 2021 - 10:42 pm PT
The weather forecast has been calling for a tapering of the wind and clouds above 17,200’ beginning late Thursday. After being camp and tent bound for almost a week we decided to move camp. The weather was warm, cloudy, windy, hot and cold all over the 7ish hours it took us to move. There was some uphill and downhill traffic that we dealt with. The climbing on the West Buttress is by far the highlight so far. With expansive views of the Peter’s glacier and the black rock of the North Summit the team kept their heads down and did the hard work. We are safe in camp working on dinner and drinking water. A rest day is likely tomorrow as Friday seems to be the day for a summit attempt. Thanks for following along.
Awesome job you guys!
Posted by: Roger Rood on 6/11/2021 at 9:37 am
Very glad for all that you were able to make the change of camps as you prepare for your climb to the summit. Praying for good weather and a beautiful day. Congratulations to Rob
Posted by: Tío Kleberg on 6/10/2021 at 7:38 pm
June 8, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Alex Halliday, Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,000'
Tuesday, June 8, 2021 - 2:52 pm PT
The weather front that was forecasted finally arrived in camp last night. While the winds and snow were light the weather above 14,000' Camp looked foreboding. We are planning on a move to 17,000' camp on Thursday unless the weather breaks in the morning. With the last push up in sight the team is busy playing cards, engaged in spirited debates on various issues and enjoying walking around camp meeting other climbers.
Mike Fortier would like to wish his wife a happy birthday!
RMI Guide Mike King
Hoping for clear weather, and continued high vibes for the crew! So stinking proud of y’all. Love you, so big, Abby!
-Rae
Posted by: Rae on 6/9/2021 at 7:00 am
Sabom, 94 degrees and 91% humidity in SoTex. The Mosquitos in the OP are healthy and active. Cars are selling like candy bars. Steady as she goes, my friend! See you soon!
TS
Posted by: Thomas Stephens on 6/9/2021 at 5:37 am
June 7, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Alex Halliday, Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Denali
Elevation: 14,200'
Monday, June 7, 2021 - 2:31 pm PT
We got some more snow last night and woke again to calm and clear weather. After yesterday’s trip up the fixed lines we figured another night at Denali's 14K Camp would help people acclimate and sleep better before moving to high camp at 17,200’. We are expecting a low pressure weather system to roll in this evening. If it does then we will likely be at 14 for a few more days. If it doesn’t appear then we will likely move up to high camp tomorrow. Time and weather will tell. Until then, warm tents and some card games will keep us occupied. The team is healthy and happy but looking forward to moving up. Thanks for following along.
Sounds like a great vacation to me at 14k! Thanks for the updates Mike. Good luck and good weather ahead to all!
Posted by: Darcy Murnaghan on 6/8/2021 at 2:06 pm
Not exactly my idea of R&R conditions, but it sounds like from Mike that the weather is primo for your climb. Getting excited about the summit! Best to Rob and team.
Tita and Artie
Posted by: Martha Sabom on 6/8/2021 at 12:41 pm
Congratulations to the team! Success!!
Posted by: Tracey Inman on 7/15/2021 at 3:38 am
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