Entries from Denali
May 18, 2023
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Leif Bergstrom, Lauren Macklin
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 7,800'
Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - 11:46 pm PT
We woke up to an early call from K2 that said chances looked good to fly, so after a quick cup of coffee we rushed over to the hangar. After a few hours of hurry up and waiting, we were able to get out on a flight and land on the Kahiltna glacier in beautiful conditions. We unloaded all the group gear, organized everything for moving, and made our way to our first camp for the night. After six long hours, we finally pulled into the base of Ski Hill. Set up camp, and made a quick dinner of Mac and cheese under the clear skies. We are set up to carry tomorrow, but might sleep in a little bit first.
Check in tomorrow,
May 17, 2023
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Abby Westling, Emma Lyddan
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 11,000'
Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - 7:54 pm PT
The forecast was for this weather system to begin to clear out today, and when we got up this morning we were hopeful that the trend was going in the right direction. We could see down below, had sunshine in camp, though it was still plenty windy. We dragged our feet to make sure it kept getting better by making a blueberry pancake breakfast. As we enjoyed that we listened to the wind get stronger and watched the tent get darker as clouds pushed up and we lost the sun. We continued to kick the can and see if we would get a chance to head downhill and grab our cache, but it continued to deteriorate. Eventually we pulled the plug and went to our weather day rhythm of tent hang, reading, cards, etc. Over dinner the sun finally poked back out so hopefully this system is finally moving out and we'll get our shot tomorrow.
RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer
May 17, 2023
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Tatum Whatford, Henry Coppolillo
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 11,000'
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 - 7:40 PM PT
Our life inside the snow globe continued today but got more comfortable as we dug in more completely. We dug our cooktent down further this morning so that standing puts us level with ground. Down that deep the wind cease to matter as much and we have sealed ourselves into a quite cozy spot. We moved through breakfast before retreating to the tents for the majority of the day. We made a lot of progress on our reading lists and did a fair bit of napping and eating to pass the time. We are hopeful that the trend will improve tomorrow and allow us to jump back down to 9,600 to retrieve our cache. Then we will have more exciting news to report, but for now, we are warm, fed, and happy, patiently waiting for the mountain to say we may pass.
Which team is Bethany Gray on?
Posted by: Jan L. Gray on 5/17/2023 at 7:58 pm
May 17, 2023
Posted by: Mike Walter, Abby Westling, Emma Lyddan
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 9,400'
Tuesday, May 17, 2023 - 4:07 PM PT
Our team is still hunkered down at 9,400' in a blizzard. At least 2 feet of snow has fallen,with lots of drifting. Visibility is near zero. We're safe and trying to remain positive from the confines of our tents. The weather forecast hints at a break in the storm tomorrow. Our fingers are crossed that things ease up and we'll be able to make some upward progress soon.
We'll keep you posted!
The sun came out today- so I am hoping you were able to climb! Keep going! Thinking of all of you! Sending some serious good vibes toward the mountain! Be well! Susan
Posted by: Susan on 5/17/2023 at 7:07 pm
All the Rotarians from Lee’s Summit Sunrise Sunset Rotary Club are cheering the entire Walter team including fellow Rotarian, Scott Crist. Conquer the mountain….stay the course….get home safely.
Posted by: Elaine Metcalf on 5/17/2023 at 10:38 am
May 16, 2023
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Leif Bergstrom, Lauren Macklin
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 348'
Monday, May 15, 2023 - 8:02 pm PT
The May 14th Denali has officially begun!
After a long day of travel yesterday, the entire team made their way to Talkeetna and spent the day packing, organizing, weighing, repacking, and finally getting all the gear weighed, set up and ready to fly.
While the weather doesn’t look promising, the entire team is primed and ready to go as soon as a weather window opens. We will wake up tomorrow morning with the goal of flying and see what the skies bring.
Until we fly, we will continue to eat warm food, drink cold beer, and enjoy all the amenities we will soon miss.
Dramatic pics with lots of smiles. Best of luck to all.
Posted by: Marcia Mikolaj on 5/18/2023 at 7:31 am
Hi, I wish You good luck, perfect wether, a safe tour. Return healthy! Enjoy each moment.
Elisabeth
Posted by: Elisabeth on 5/18/2023 at 5:00 am
May 16, 2023
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Henry Coppolillo, Tatum Whatford
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 11,000'
Monday, May 15, 2023 - 8:00 pm PT
It was a windy, snowy day at 11,000' Camp. The kind that had us happy to linger in sleeping bags until late. Eventually we rose and put some energy into solidifying camp before we plowed through a bunch of hot breakfast burritos. Weather days are for spending in tents so we spent a fair amount of time horizontal, welcome after yesterday's effort. As the afternoon wore on we were ready for movement so we got to building some walls to deflect the wind and make life a bit more pleasant. Much like building with adult legos, made out of snow. So now we have quite a habitable spot, a good thing since this weather system may stick around for a few more days.
May 16, 2023
Posted by: Mike Walter, Abby Westling, Emma Lyddan
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 9,400'
Monday, May 15, 2023 - 5:00 PM PT
We've been tentbound all day today in a storm, so not much to report. We delivered delicious breakfast burritos to our climbers in their sleeping bags, and we're all safe and comfortable in our tents. That's all the news to report from the Kahiltna Glacier!
Hello Scott! LS Sunrise is all behind you on what sounds to be a very intense journey.
All good things to you and your party and we are pulling for you all. Hoping the summit is all you dreamed of and worked so hard to achieve.
Posted by: Bob Paradise on 5/16/2023 at 6:11 pm
Plz post breakfast burrito recipe!
Posted by: Brian W. on 5/16/2023 at 10:47 am
May 15, 2023
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Tatum Whatford, Henry Coppolillo
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 11,000'
Sunday, May 14, 2023 - 9:49 pm PT
The mountain reminded us how strong she is today and have us a good fight. We woke to sun and warm temps in camp and the beginnings of a beautiful day. We packed up camp and started moving uphill again to 11. At first we moved with better vis, views, and a little jump in our step. But as we walked the clouds from yesterday moved back in with a stiff wind and a lot of blowing snow. Quite quickly we had little visibility and following the tracks of previous climbers became quite difficult. But the team was warm, had all the gear we needed to move in the weather, so we marched on with the help of GPS. After a good battle and a longer day than anticipated, we made it to 11,000' Camp. Tents were a welcome sight but the battle wasn't over. We still had a few hours of camp constructing to do before we would be in our shelters. The team worked really well together and rallied it out, and now we are sitting snug In tents and sleeping bags, reminiscing about the day.
RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer
Grateful for these updates. Sounds like a strong group. Sending you all lots of positivity!
Posted by: Chris's mom on 5/15/2023 at 9:28 pm
Thanks for the updates. Good to know that all is well.
Posted by: Louise Kennedy on 5/15/2023 at 6:37 pm
May 15, 2023
Posted by: Mike Walter, Abby Westling, Emma Lyddan
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 9,400'
Sunday, May 14, 2023 - 7:40 pm PT
Today started out sunny & beautiful but it didn't turn out that way. Above Ski Hill a full blown arctic blizzard blew in fiercely. Navigating by gps in a full white out, wearing parkas and goggles, we even struggled to find our cache from yesterday. Setting camp was epic, but we did it. So we're safe in our tents now and we'll weather out the rest of the storm here if need be.
Full on Alaska!
RMI Guide Mike Walter
Greetings from Oklahoma!! A huge birthday shout out to my awesome brother, Scott Crist!! Hope you’ve had an amazing day. Prayers for a continued safe climbing adventure and journey to the summit!! Can’t wait to see pictures from the top!!
Posted by: Danna Littau on 5/15/2023 at 3:17 pm
May 14, 2023
Posted by: Mike Walter, Abby Westling, Emma Lyddan
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Sunday, May 14, 2023 - 10:13 AM PT
Just a quick note this morning to wish all of our mothers a happy day today! We'll check in again from our next camp.
RMI Guide Mike Walter
Happy birthday, Scott Crist! Best birthday, ever, on the side of a mountain! Wishing you and the team a sunshiny, beautiful day of climbing.
Posted by: Cynthia Anderson on 5/15/2023 at 5:32 am
Wish the team a great adventure. May all luck and good weather be on your side.
Posted by: Susan Losonsky on 5/15/2023 at 3:59 am
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Get it done Dawny!!! Watching you!!!
Posted by: Tiff on 5/19/2023 at 9:47 am
You got this Dawn! We are all thinking about you down here and cheering you on!!
Posted by: Kendyl and James on 5/19/2023 at 5:18 am
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