Entries By robby young

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team - Happy To Be Home

June 6, 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 were able to fly off the Kahiltna Glacier around 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 3rd. After 24 days long days on the mountain, the team rushed off for showers, greasy burgers, and real beds. The team's patience paid off with a successful summit of Denali but everyone is excited to be returning home to their loved ones. Congratulations climbers!

The last few weeks have been pretty spectacular. Was fortunate to stand on top of the "Great One" with an amazing, hard working @rmiexpeditions crew. The AK Range officially has my heart.

A photo posted by Jess Matthews (@jess_matthews2) on Jun 5, 2016 at 9:06am PDT

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Check In on Their Descent

June 2, 2016

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

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 14,200'

June 2, 2016 - 3:45 p.m. PDT Pete Van Deventer called the office to check in this afternoon. The team is at the 14K Camp and plans to continue down to 11K or 7k today. It is currently snowing, and wind-free at 14,000 feet. They met up with Brent Okita's team and wished them luck as they prepare for their upcoming Denali summit bid. RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Summit!

June 2, 2016

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

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 20,310'

June 1, 2016 - 11:47 p.m. PDT Summit days don't get any better than what we had today. There wasn't a breath of wind, and the warm temperatures let us leave early and get out ahead of other teams. It was the warmest summit day any of the guides remember, and the team did spectacularly. Seven and a half hours of climbing had us standing on the summit taking photos, and then we boogied back to camp. It was well worth the wait and we certainly did our penance and deserved a day like today. With the summit achieved, everyone is more than ready to get back to town and home. We'll pack camp tomorrow and get down to warmer, thicker air, and with luck be at the airstrip first thing the day after tomorrow. But first we'll sleep tonight, and dream of the highest summit in North America. Best, RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Jess Matthews, and team

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Lisa - So proud of you! Simply incredible. What a stunning day on the summit, we can’t wait to see you back in NYC!!

Congratulations,
Your Robin Hood Team

Posted by: Megan on 6/4/2016 at 7:15 pm

Congratulations to all on the team, big accomplishment!

Posted by: David Clemmons on 6/3/2016 at 5:55 am

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Waiting for the Winds

May 31, 2016

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

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 17,000'

May 31, 2016 - 8:15 pm PT Today turned out to be the perfect day to take a rest day at 17 in preparation for our summit attempt. Sometimes the forecast is correct, and sometimes not. Sometimes it's wrong in a helpful direction (like yesterday) and sometimes not (today). Winds were cranking out of the East this morning over the summit, and gusting through Denali Pass as well. Clearly not a summit day, we rested in tents and recovered from yesterday's big loads and tough camp building effort. Luckily, we were pretty protected from those East winds, so we had a relatively warm calm day. A field trip to the vista that overlooks 14 let us stretch our legs and get some frame worthy shots. Things look promising for tomorrow, so we're going hit the sack early and be ready for the morning. We'll be dreaming of summits. Best, RMI Guides Pete, Jess, Robby, and team

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Thinking of my nephew Michael Adams and his team of adventure seekers. You are all being prayed for each day - for a wonderful and safe journey. Each day is new…make it great!

Posted by: Aunt Susan (Susan Lawrence) on 6/2/2016 at 7:03 am

Lisa -
Summiting Denali is upon you.
Your opted in for another breathtaking chapter to the story of YOU.
“One does not climb to attain enlightenment, rather one climbs because he is enlightened” - zen master futomaki

❤️ Pamela

Posted by: Pamela on 6/1/2016 at 2:31 pm

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Move to 17,200’ Camp

May 31, 2016

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

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 17,200'

May 31, 2016 - 1:17 am PT It's finally happening! Light snow fell overnight and the morning skies were blue, without anything moving up high. We packed up our camp, left a cache of extras, and went for round two on the fixed lines. With sunny skies and calm winds, we got the experience the air under our feet that comes with climbing the West Buttress. Exhilarating! 6.5 hours of climbing brought us to 17,200' where we had to build camp in the thin air. With tents up and walls built, we're tucking in for the night with the hope of going to the summit of Denali tomorrow. Best, RMI Guides Pete, Robby, Jess, and team

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Godspeed

Posted by: Walter Glover on 6/1/2016 at 5:29 am

Denali winds, please REST!!
So exciting! Be careful team, patience has served you well.

Posted by: Greg Hurley on 6/1/2016 at 2:59 am

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Train at 14,200’

May 30, 2016

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

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 14,200'

May 29, 2016 - 10:36 p.m. PDT Our stint at 14,200' has started to stretch for a bit, but we think we see the light at the end of the tunnel. Winds are forecast to drop starting Tuesday, and that looks to be the start of our window. We'll look at moving up tomorrow, depending on winds, but if not, one more rest day won't hurt before our big push. In the mean time, we've been keeping ourselves entertained by brushing up and sharpening our crevasse rescue skills, and today our avalanche rescue skills. Fourteen Camp on Denali provides a stunning backdrop for a classroom! While we've steadily improved our compound here into a quite comfortable home, we won't be sad to put it in our rear view. We'll let you know what tomorrow brings. Best, RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Jess Matthews, and Robby Young, and team

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You can do it! I’m sending you all beautiful warm weather from where I am right now, Croatia!

Posted by: Jamie on 5/30/2016 at 1:41 pm

So glad to hear that you are perfecting your skills for the last push. It terrifies me to think of what you might do tomorrow in order to reach your goal - crevasse, avalanche, rescue - these are scary words. Be safe and know that you’ve accomplished a great deal already.

Posted by: leanne on 5/30/2016 at 10:48 am

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Wait for a Weather Window

May 29, 2016

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

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 14,200'

May 28, 2016 - 10:27 p.m. PDT We woke with a sigh of relief to blue bird skies and calm conditions, though the winds up above were clearly stirring up a magic potion. With the morning came just a little heat to help us continue drying out after the storm. We had a strange desire for breakfast burritos this morning so we acted upon the urge. Given the continued strong winds up high we "just got to be" as life at 14 Camp continues. Numerous other teams took the elevator up the fixed lines to cache in hopes of taking advantage of the potential coming weather window these modern times and technology allow us to anticipate. We'd like to thank Rob Young, Sr. and Katie Van Deventer for being our personal forecasters. With views straight to the summit from where we sit, we're staring at the gold on the ceiling patiently waiting for our time to climb. Until then, give your heart away. RMI Guides Jess Matthews, Robby Young, Pete Van Deventer, the Team and the Black Keys

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You’ve been so patient and it has to be so frustrating to see the prize just a short distance away! If it’s in the cards, you’ll summit. If not, better safe than sorry.

Justin, I filled Father Daniel in. He’s praying for your safety and your success.

Love,

Mom:)

Posted by: leanne on 5/29/2016 at 10:15 pm

You guys are SOOO close ... stretch out that food as long as you can! Justin, I’m all set for my travel arrangements, so take your time on the mountain (but stay safe and warm). I’ll be waiting for you in Anchorage when you get there!!!!

Posted by: Patrice La Vigne on 5/29/2016 at 3:19 pm

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team - Weather Day at 14K Camp

May 28, 2016

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

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 14,200'

May 28, 2016 - 12:06 am PT 'The Great One' once again showed her might. Another night of hammering winds kept us from deep sleep. Despite unrelenting gales, Denali Storm Evans finally gifted us with sunny skies this morning. Today was a day to lick our wounds, repair and fortify camp, and dry our clothes; wet from the rigors of battling the passing storm. It was a day to be grateful for the sun. Cinnamon Toast Crunch provided a dose of childhood nostalgia, followed up by Pete's world famous power dinner; quinoa, lentils, squash, beans, and mustard. Our bodies and our minds still await our chance to experience the upper slopes of this great mountain. With mother nature's cooperation, we're hopeful this shall soon come to fruition. Until then, Namaste. RMI Guides Robby, Pete, Jess, and Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Ditto what Leanne said ... we are all anxiously awaiting what’s next for you all and the news can’t come soon enough. Nine days at Camp 3. Is that a record? I know you are doing your best to keep your spirits up together and give it all you’ve got. Justin, can I promise you a foot rub for all your efforts? Hopefully that gives you just a little more stamina ...

Posted by: Patrice La Vigne on 5/28/2016 at 2:24 pm

Oh, the simple pleasures of life - sunshine, dry clothes, deep sleep. I hope all these things stay with you until you reach your goal and return home safely. Your friends in the lower half have been praying nonstop for your safety and health.

These blog posts are like letters from heaven. Thanks for keeping us informed. It’s our lifeline.

Posted by: leanne on 5/28/2016 at 10:37 am

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team - Apocalyptic at 14K

May 27, 2016

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

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 14,200'

May 26, 2016 - 11:29 pm PT Tonight's dispatch will be short courtesy of Storm Evans. Everyone is doing well but very occupied with shoveling out our tents every 45 minutes as the 60mph wind that is ripping through camp fills everything back in with spindrift. Not the most pleasant day, and we certainly didn't even entertain the thought of going anywhere. Hopefully the winds give us a reprieve and let us get some sleep tonight. We'll touch base tomorrow. RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer

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Hello Hitesh, best wishes from everybody at Home. hopefully, weather clears up tomorrow! take care.

Posted by: Paresh on 5/27/2016 at 9:16 pm

Hitesh. All is taken care of. Wishing you good weather!!!

Posted by: Rod Dubois on 5/27/2016 at 3:59 pm

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Compose Rest Day Poetry

May 26, 2016

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

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 14,200'

May 25, 2016 - 11:47 p.m. PDT The morning sun never showed at all, rather than views of "The Great One," all we saw was the inside of a ping pong ball. Blowing snow and midday brunch, spinach and egg burritos took us well past lunch. Life at 14 is cut and dry, we've prepped, we've cached, and we're ready to fly. Our eyes are fixed on the buttress above, we were surprised this evening by a tent dwelling dove. Coming high pressure may not be our best friend, but at least we'll have some views again. Toasted pop tarts keep our spirits light, we hope the summit is soon in our sights. ~~A poetic collaboration of RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Jess Matthews, and Robby Young

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If Smores pop tarts are what you guys had,
Life at the top,
Ain’t half bad.

Wishing you all a continued safe (and amazing) journey! (*Hi, H!!*)

Posted by: Yogita on 5/26/2016 at 12:58 pm

Lisa: The “porch crowd” eagerly awaiting your dash to the top .. tried to encourage George and Rob to start training .. not much success, so far

Posted by: Peter on 5/26/2016 at 11:47 am

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Entries By robby young

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team - Happy To Be Home

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Check In on Their Descent

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Summit!

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Waiting for the Winds

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Move to 17,200’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Train at 14,200’

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Wait for a Weather Window

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team - Weather Day at 14K Camp

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team - Apocalyptic at 14K

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Compose Rest Day Poetry

On The Map

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