Entries By pete van deventer

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Take Rest Day at 14,000’

May 21, 2016

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Jess Matthews

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 14,000'

May 21, 2016 - 1:18 am PT For most of today it huffed and puffed and the snow fell heavily. We haven't been able to see much, and the wind has been gusting pretty strongly. We made the easy choice to take today as a rest day and fortify our camp, which proved to be the right decision as the gusts grew stronger as the day went on. Instead, we ate a great brunch of smoked salmon and bagels, then set to work reinforcing our compounds with big walls (some wondered how much of a rest day it was carrying a couple hundred 20 pound blocks of snow). With our camp solid, we retired to the tents for naps and rest, before a delicious dinner of Mac and cheese with bacon. It's still snowing hard, though the winds are starting to calm. We're expecting to still wake up to some snow, but hopefully the winds abate, the visibility improves, and we take a quick walk back to retrieve our cache. If not, we still have plenty of delicious food up here and we'll continue to acclimate and get strong in the thinner air of 14. Best RMI Guides Pete, Robby, Jess, and our stellar team of high altitude athletes

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Geez, you all seem to be eating well! Scott I hope you’re getting some good many ideas for our next climb—no more of those just-add-water instant dinner thingies! ;-)

Be safe y’all, and enjoy the journey.

Posted by: Chris Beaudette on 5/22/2016 at 1:02 pm

Mac and cheese Justin??? I feel bad for your tent mates!!!!!!! Hopefully the storm will relent soon enough. This past week, we finally had a nice stretch of sunny weather here in Colorado and I am missing you on my hikes. I almost stepped on a rattlesnake and realized I really need to review my WFR notes ...

Posted by: Patrice La Vigne on 5/21/2016 at 3:35 pm

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Make Move to 14,000’ Camp

May 20, 2016

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Jess Matthews

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 14,000'

May 20, 2016 - 12:24 am PT Stupendous day here on Denali! We fought saucy winds through the aptly named Windy Corner, but the sky stayed pristinely azure, and the team ducked their heads into the chilly breeze and powered around the corner, where the winds promptly died. We rolled into 14 looking like a fresh pair of socks, and started building our own fortress next to that of Mike Walter's crew. As the temps dropped, we ate a hearty dinner and retired to the tents. We have a light day on tap tomorrow, returning to our cache to retrieve food and fuel and fully move into 14. Best from our new abode, RMI Guides Pete, Jess, Robby, and team

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Well Lisa looks like u and team r making good progress to the top and avoiding the bad conditions that can pop up in a moment , incredible journey for u and team Van Demvender keep posting ur moves , be safe and strong Climb On,

Posted by: Joe& Patty on 5/21/2016 at 3:08 am

Magnus,
Seems like you’re all doing fine in the incredibly beautiful landscape. I understand you are maintaining a physically tough trip, but as long as your packing is under control, no need to worry! Wish you a nice go with the final passage up to the top. Inger says hello too. Love, Maria.

Posted by: Maria Hedlund on 5/20/2016 at 10:58 pm

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Cache Gear Above Windy Corner

May 19, 2016

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Jess Matthews

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 11,200'

May 19, 2016 - 12:07 a.m. PDT Today was a beautiful day to go for a walk, so we grabbed our already packed packs from yesterday and headed up Motorcycle Hill. A thin layer of high clouds kept it from getting too hot, and we cruised across a smooth, and relatively crevasse free, Polo Field to Windy Corner, and then around to our cache site at 13,500.' After folding a shovel in half trying to dig through a surprisingly thick ice layer, we found and abandoned cache hole that had blown in and excavated that instead. With food and fuel buried, we made short work of the return trip to 11,200'. Should the weather be fair in the morning, we plan to pack up camp and head up to 14,200' to join Mike Walter's crew. With luck we'll be checking in tomorrow from our new camp! Do your favorite weather dance for us, RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Jess Matthews, and Robby Young, and Crew

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Any birthday cake today brother

Posted by: Mats Carlehog on 5/19/2016 at 2:57 pm

Yeah Tay!! We are all thinking about you (and in the groupchat) back in SB and how much fun you are having up there. Can’t wait to hear your stories and see your photos!

Les and DC groupchat

Posted by: Les Morales on 5/19/2016 at 1:44 pm

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Take a Snow Day

May 17, 2016

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Jess Matthews

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 11,200'

May 17, 2016 - 6:02 p.m. PDT We declared a snow day today. We woke to what could be described as a heavy fall of snow, and our hopes of heading uphill diminished. An hour later as we ate breakfast, the sky cleared, the sun came out, and our hopes rose. Just as quickly, the clouds, snow, and blustery gusts returned, and convinced us that today was a day to remain indoors. And so we have, napping, snacking, reading, and watching movies. The weather hasn't relented either, reinforcing our decision. The low pressure that seems to be moving over us is hinting at moving out over the next few days, so we hope that tomorrow gives us a better opportunity to head up to Windy Corner and cache. In the meantime, we'll take the opportunity to rest up and get ready for another round of big days. All for now from snowy 11 Camp. Thanks for following! RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, and Jess Matthes, and team

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hipp hipp hurra, ha den äran idag käre Thomas!! Happy Birthday!!
Grattis från hela familjen här hemma.
Äppelträden blommar, små vackra blommor kommer upp i gräsmattan…sommaren är på väg efter några svalare dagar.
Önskar Dig en fin dag och fortsatt upplevelserik expedition! Mycket mod, kraft och kärlek, älskar Dig.

Posted by: Sinikka on 5/19/2016 at 6:50 am

It has been a miserable few days in the east, Weather 46-54 and drizzle, You guys surrounded by visual splendor are in the right zip code. Saying some prayers to pull your nasty weather away! Go git’em, when it’s right! Happy Trails Lisa! - Greg

Posted by: Greg Hurley on 5/19/2016 at 3:55 am

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer and Team Retrieve Cache

May 17, 2016

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Jess Matthews

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 11,200'

May 16, 2016 - 11:45 p.m. PDT We woke this morning from a deep, deep night of sleep to sunny skies and a thin coat of snow over everything that sparkled brilliantly white. It was a gorgeous morning that energized everyone as they glanced up at Denali, down the Kahiltna, and across at Foraker. We had a leisurely breakfast of hash browns and eggs, listening to teams pack and walk out for carries to Windy Corner or moves to 14. We eventually made our own move, returning to our cache of food and fuel at 10, and hauling it back up the hill to camp. We reviewed some climbing techniques that we'll need above here, then crawled into the tents as the clouds crept up glacier to rest and relax. Tomorrow we hope to make our own carry up to Windy Corner if conditions allow. Until then, we'll eat more food, tell some tall tales, and catch several more hours of deep, deep sleep. Best from 11, RMI Guides Pete, Jess, Robby, and Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

I love it when you talk about holing up to sleep and eat. It means your out of danger’s way. Windy Corner sounds uninviting. Wish there was a way around it. A mother is a mother, no matter the age of the child.

Be safe!!!!

Posted by: leanne fosbre on 5/17/2016 at 3:58 pm

We’ll keep sending those good weather vibes your way, especially for Windy Corner!!! Keep up the great work everyone!

Posted by: Patrice La Vigne on 5/17/2016 at 2:53 pm

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Check in from 11,200 ft Camp

May 16, 2016

Posted by: Jess Matthews, Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 11,200'

May 16, 2016 - 1:31 am PT Howdy to everybody from 11,200 feet! We had a great move up the Kahiltna, experiencing every type of weather along the way: smoking hot sun, thin clouds that turned on the microwave, thicker clouds that cooled us off, snow with wind, and finally snow without wind. Despite all of that, our travels were very smooth, and we walked into camp in the late afternoon. Move days are a lot of work; not just the climbing, but once at camp, we have to construct a whole new camp with platforms, walls, and kitchen. All told it's a lot of digging and a lot of snow to move, but this crew's teamwork was exemplary, and with a couple of hours of pounding away, we have a solid new place to call home for a few days. We'll say hi tomorrow, RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Jess Matthews and team

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Well done team ,looks like ur making good progress moving on up to ur next plattoe it looks awesome from up there the team looks like they r enjoying this venture be safe, keep us all posted, ur friends from “The Downs"xo

Posted by: Joe&Patty; on 5/17/2016 at 3:20 am

Good job! You’ve got a lot of people rooting for the team from Denver! That’s a lot of snow. I guess you better get used to it! Keep on trekking and good luck. I know the team can accomplish its goal!

Posted by: Jamie on 5/16/2016 at 7:57 pm

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer and Team Enjoy Rest Day

May 15, 2016

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Jess Matthews, Robby Young

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 10,400'

Saturday, May 14th - 3:32pm PST We put our intention to move to 11,000' on hold today and decided that after a couple of big days with big loads, a rest day was in order. A leisurely wake up and breakfast led to naps and lunch, which led to more naps, photography sessions, and dinner. All together, the perfect rest day. Tomorrow, we'll wake, pack up this lovely camp, and make the move to 11,000'. This has been a great home but everyone is excited to move on and check out some new scenery. We'll check in tomorrow. Best, RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Jess Matthews, and team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Go Hitesh!!! We’re with you in spirit!

Posted by: Purvi on 5/16/2016 at 2:38 pm

Looking good team! Keep on keepin’ on!

Posted by: Chris B on 5/15/2016 at 10:47 pm

View All Comments

DENALI EXPEDITION: Van Deventer and Team Move to Kahiltna Pass

May 14, 2016

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Jess Matthews, Robby Young

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 10,400'

May 13, 2016 - 6:02 PM PST Progress in the mountains comes in small, incremental pieces. Today that meant moving 17 days of food and fuel, as well as the bulk of our lunch food, up to 10,400' at Kahiltna Pass. It was an impressive pile that went into our cache hole, and will make our loads much friendlier tomorrow for our anticipated move to 11k camp. It was a warm day, scorching even, when we lost the light down glacier breeze, but everyone did great, and cruised the return trip with empty packs and sleds. We had a sumptuous meal of quesadillas, and now everyone has crawled into sleeping bags to escape the chill that happens as soon as the sun drops below the mountains, reminding us that this is still May in Alaska. We'll let you know what adventures we find tomorrow. Thanks for following RMI Guides Pete VanDeventer, Robby Young, Jess Matthews, and Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Keep up the good work guys, and keep sending the pictures. It inspires those of us who want to do it.

Thanks

Posted by: Kevin Stone on 5/16/2016 at 11:56 am

Hi Lisa looks like ur making good progress on this adventurous climb, just to drop a line the Downs was tough yesterday with 25-30 mph came home in 36 though hit it real solid 2 birdies one on 18 for 78 not trying to rub it in but letting u know the Downs is calling u, everyone is asking for u so I’m filling them in on ur tough journey. Bill was asking for u as was Tom Sepp and the crew anyway be safe and climb on.

Posted by: Joe&Pat; on 5/16/2016 at 3:11 am

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Start up the Glacier

May 13, 2016

Posted by: Jess Matthews, Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 7,600'

May 13, 2016 - 1:34 am PT We've launched! After spending yesterday packing and repacking bags, double and triple checking lists, and culling and sorting gear, we were ready to roll. We woke this morning to blue skies and warm sunshine, so we made a beeline to the hanger. They were ready for us with the first two planes of the day. Soon we were airborne, churning our was towards Denali. Once we landed it was back to packing again, and then with tidied loads, we started up glacier. It's a long walk, with ridiculous loads, but everyone did great! We built a cozy camp at 7,600' and now we are tucked in for the night. Tomorrow we plan to carry a load of fuel and food to 11,000' camp, then return to 7600'. Wish us luck! RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Peter and team hope all is well and the weather is on your side for day 2 / 3500’ climb wow that’s a lot of snow be safe keep the pictures coming,

Posted by: Joe&Pat; Bolomey on 5/14/2016 at 3:27 am

From wet farmlands of IN Greetings + Godspeed to you amigo Pete + my bud Scott…Here’s to S2 ~ Safety + Summit…Waltero
Hey to Mike also.

Posted by: Walter Glover on 5/14/2016 at 1:40 am

View All Comments

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Fly Onto the Glacier

May 12, 2016

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Jess Matthews

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

The May 10th Denali Expedition led by RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young and Jess Matthews flew onto the lower Kahiltna Glacier this morning right on schedule. Pete and the team will check in throughout their expedition with updates on the team's progress. Stay tuned!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Homey…! so beautiful photos coming out of there. Hope you are kickin butt up there.!!!

Posted by: greg on 5/16/2016 at 11:58 am

God speed and all good blessings and energy, kick some ass Faulky!

Posted by: Ben Lav on 5/13/2016 at 2:14 pm

View All Comments

Previous Page Next Page

Check Availability

Entries By pete van deventer

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Take Rest Day at 14,000’

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Make Move to 14,000’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Cache Gear Above Windy Corner

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Take a Snow Day

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer and Team Retrieve Cache

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Check in from 11,200 ft Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer and Team Enjoy Rest Day

DENALI EXPEDITION: Van Deventer and Team Move to Kahiltna Pass

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Start up the Glacier

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Fly Onto the Glacier

Sign up for Expedition Dispatches

Contact Us

Privacy Policy

Translate

Log In

Register With Us

Check Availability

Entries By pete van deventer

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

Sign up for Expedition Dispatches