Entries from Denali
June 9, 2021
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Dustin Wittmier, Devin Guffey
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Denali
Elevation: 348'
Wednesday, June 9, 2021 - 7:22 pm PT
Hello everyone,
We woke this morning goal oriented and optimistic. We knew if we wanted to fly we had a lot of chores to get done to be ready when the pilots said it was time. As we packed our duffels and packs and rearranged gear we all kept a hopful eye on the clouds above, hoping they would clear and give us the window we wanted. Unfortunately our patience did not pay off and our window for flying closed. But the day was not lost as we are now ready to try to tomorrow. So with dinner time approaching we will enjoy hopfully one last dinner at a table and fly in the morning.
Cheers,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith & Team
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 8, 2021
Posted by: JT Schmitt, Alan Davis, Kiira Antenucci
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 11,000'
Tuesday, June 8th, 2021 - 3:34 pm PT
We slept in till ten today, then enjoyed a delectable brunch of bagels and lox. Seems like an interesting dichotomy to be eating such luxurious meals in such an inhospitable place.
We are spending the remainder of the day resting, eating and stocking up on calories and sleep to give us the strength we need to hopefully carry to just below 14,000' Camp tomorrow.
RMI Guides JT, Kiira, Alan and the RMI team
June 8, 2021
Posted by: JT Schmitt, Alan Davis, Kiira Antenucci
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Denali
Elevation: 11,200'
Tuesday, June 8, 2021 - 1:54 am PT
We’ve been working quite hard to do our due diligence to get all moved to Denali's 11K camp before the forecasted storm moved in. And today we did just that. As we were returning from our cache at 9,800' the storm hit in full force, but that was no issue for us as we had a fortified camp built and now have all our supplies with us at 11K camp.
We are currently hunkered in our tents listening to the wind blow and the snow pile up. We are all eagerly anticipating a much deserved rest day tomorrow.
RMI Guide JT Schmitt and the RMI team
Pulling for all of you to get where you need to be! And remember, the sooner you fall behind, the more time you’ll have to catch up! (Sorry, stupid parent joke) Jack, just pretend you don’t know us.
Posted by: Barb and John The Parents on 6/10/2021 at 6:49 pm
Watching your progress and hoping for good weather and safe travels!
M
Posted by: Ellen on 6/10/2021 at 6:14 pm
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
June 7, 2021
Posted by: JT Schmitt, Alan Davis, Kiira Antenucci
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 11,000'
Monday, June 7, 2021 - 5:38 am PT
We made it to 11,000' Camp last night! Even though our packs were lighter after our cache yesterday, the walk uphill wasn’t easy. The team put in the work to make it to camp before flurries of snow started to fall. Making it to camp was only half the work and we worked into the early hours of the morning setting up tents, melting snow for water, and cooking dinner. The team is settled into our new camp and we couldn’t be more excited to crawl into our sleeping bags!
RMI Guide Kiira Antenucci and the RMI team
Come on, sport! Let’s driiiiiink
Posted by: Craig on 6/8/2021 at 6:28 am
Neva send a threat on the internet just to prove a point
Posted by: NLE Choppa on 6/8/2021 at 4:47 am
June 6, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Alex Halliday, Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Denali
Elevation: 14,200'
Sunday, June 6, 2021 - 3:43 pm PT
We got an early start from Denali's 14K Camp. The route up to the fixed lines was in the cold shadow of the mountain. This let the team feel how cold their toes and fingers will be on summit day. We climbed up the fixed lines that allow us to access the West Buttress of Denali. The weather was clear and calm at the top. We got some pictures and decided to cache there and head back to camp instead of dealing with descending traffic later in the day. Another active rest day has us enjoying warm tents and sport eating to decrease the amount of food weight we down carry. We’ll likely rest tomorrow and see what the forecast says about a move and summit attempt mid-late week.
Please send our best to Rob. We are following along the trip and enjoying all the updates and pictures. What an amazing trip! We can’t wait to hear all about it when Rob gets home! Safe travels up- Manuel & Melissa
Posted by: Melissa Zuniga on 6/7/2021 at 8:30 am
I wish I was on your team Tom!!! Climb Strong Buddy!!! Take in every Incredible memory!!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/7/2021 at 2:33 am
June 6, 2021
Posted by: JT Schmitt, Alan Davis, Kiira Antenucci
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Denali
Elevation: 9,800'
Sunday, June 6, 2021 - 6:57 am PT
We woke up this afternoon after a delightful day of sleeping, and once again avoided the heat on our carry to 9,800 feet. We are now all prepped and ready to move to Denali's 11,000-foot camp as soon as weather permits!
RMI Guides Alan Davis, Kiira Antenucci and JT Schmitt
Vano HATES the sun
Posted by: Heater on 6/7/2021 at 7:22 am
Outstanding stuff! Good luck and be safe! Godspeed gents.
Posted by: Greg on 6/6/2021 at 9:20 am
June 6, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Alex Halliday, Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Denali
Elevation: 14,200'
Saturday, June 5, 2021 - 8:22 pm PT
We had another calm and cold night here at 14,200’. The need for a rest day allowed the team to get some skills refreshed on fixed line travel and running belays. Both of which will let us go up on the West Buttress tomorrow to cache some food and fuel for our summit attempt. The Team went out to the Edge of the World viewpoint for some pictures and views of the N.E. Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier. Warm tents and lots of sun have the team enjoying some time out of their boots and hopefully getting a nap in. We will see what the weather holds over the next few days. We might get 3-4 weather days starting Monday which would allow for some more acclimatizing before heading to high camp at 17,200’. So far everyone is healthy and happy to be in such a beautiful part of the Alaska Range.
Hey Tom and Mike!! Sending Sunny warm thoughts and Strong legs and lungs!! I am with you in spirit Buddy!!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/7/2021 at 2:29 am
Keep going Michael, so proud of you! What a beautiful experience!
Posted by: Michelle on 6/6/2021 at 4:28 pm
June 5, 2021
Posted by: JT Schmitt, Alan Davis, Kiira Antenucci
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Denali
Saturday, June 5, 2021 - 10:49 am PT
After a couple of relatively inactive days, we left base camp like a bunch of caged animals who had recently tasted freedom for the first time.
The crew walked across the Kahiltna with confidence and strength under a clear Alaskan night sky, only a few clouds hanging like ornaments from the peaks of Denali, Foraker, Crosson and the Kahiltna dome.
We made it to camp one in great time, the snow having frozen to a beautiful supportable crust that felt more convenient to walk across than a city sidewalk, and the temperatures were ideal for carrying heavy loads.
We are now hiding from another boisterous Alaskan sun, watching the snow melt and looking forward to some much needed and deserved rest before we wake up this evening to hopefully carry tonight.
RMI Guides JT Schmitt, Alan Davis, Kiira Antenucci and Team
BREAKING: Tom Brady has was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers early Sunday morning after the NFL concluded that he will be stripped of his prior 6 rings due to more confirmed allegations of cheating.
Posted by: Adam Schefter on 6/6/2021 at 6:51 am
TRAPPIN OUT DA WRAIF IN DA WINTA
Posted by: Likka on 6/5/2021 at 7:09 pm
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Fidel says, “I love you!” All of Wellsville is cheering for you. Love you lots.
Posted by: Anna Haring on 6/11/2021 at 6:59 pm
Pulling for you all and the weather to clear up so you can get in there! Also, I swapped my Rainier 4 day for the Aug 30th 5 day. Hoping one or both of you are guiding it. Be safe and good luck!
Posted by: Shane Summers on 6/10/2021 at 8:56 pm
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