Entries from Denali

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Still Headed Home

June 30, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Hannah McGowan, Gloria Roe

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 11,200'

Saturday, June 30, 2018 - 8:25 pm PT The weather clearing did not happen until late last night, so we could not make a break to Basecamp. The clear weather did make for a great rest day at 11,000' camp. We slept in and enjoyed the sunshine while we gathered our strength for one long and final push to the the snowy airstrip. The team is in great spirits and ready to get back to summer and away from days filled with snow! Keep your fingers crossed for clear, flying kind of weather for us tomorrow! RMI Guide Mike Haugen and Super Crew 6

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We’re on our way to Colorado! Finish strong, David and Super Crew 6! So ready to hear your stories and toast to your amazing journey.

Posted by: Nancie Summerlin on 7/1/2018 at 10:37 am

Come on home Super Crew!!! We miss you Shannon nd can not wait to hear your voice Love you Mom

Posted by: Linda Walsh on 7/1/2018 at 5:12 am

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Denali Expediton: Haugen & Team Moving Down the Mountain

June 30, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Hannah McGowan, Gloria Roe

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 11,200'

Saturday June 30, 2018 12:54 AM PST We are headed home... Slowly. We woke up to pretty big winds and blowing snow at 17k camp this morning. Our desired early start turned into an afternoon departure when the weather finally gave in enough for us to descend. We had a great climb down to 14k camp where we crossed paths with Dave Hahn and his crew. It was great to see them and we hope they get the same kind of summit day that we got to experience! After picking up some cached gear and food from 14k, we made our way through some snowy weather to 11k camp. The Super Crew did a great job keeping it strong on this very long day! Even though the weather does not look to cooperate with us for a Basecamp dash tomorrow, we are in positioned to make it there when it is time to fly! I think I can speak for the entire Super Crew 6 when I say we are sick of snow! RMI Super Crew 6

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Proud for your accomplishment…...What an adventure, something that some people only dream about !

You had a Great Team of Mountaineers to be able to stay the course.. Have a safe trip home..

Grams

Posted by: Barbara Jones on 6/30/2018 at 10:11 pm

I’m so awed by this accomplishment. I plan to share the blog with my English students in the fall when they read the novel, “Peak.” Godspeed for the journey down the mountain.

Posted by: Laura Seasongood on 6/30/2018 at 8:47 am

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Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Take a Snow Day

June 30, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 14,000'

Friday, June 29, 2018 9:53 PM PST We weren’t feeling it today. Although we’d prepared to carry up onto the West Buttress, the morning weather didn’t look all that inviting. We watched and waited and ate breakfast, but then declared a rest day. The forecasts had predicted a snowstorm coming onto the mountain and we figured they were getting it right this time. Luckily though, it came in slowly enough for Mike Haugen and his team to climb down from 17 camp. We were certainly happy to see them pass through 14 in the latter part of the afternoon. The really heavy snow began to fall just as they were leaving to go a little lower. It seemed to be coming down at about three inches an hour while we were eating dinner in our well fortified dining tent. The good news is that it is coming down without any wind... so far. By bedtime we could hear avalanches beginning to pour down regularly on the steep -and thankfully distant- slopes surrounding our flat basin. We’ll each be taking turns digging out the camp tonight. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team

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That is a lot of snowfall. Back in the lower 48, a one inch per hour qualifies as a snow emergency. Stay safe all of you and hopefully by the time you read this, you will on your way again.

Posted by: Roger Coffey on 7/1/2018 at 8:02 am

So proud of all of you and happy things are going well! Wish I was there. It won’t be long now before you’re all standing on the Summit!
Love,
Sue

Posted by: Sue Mamer on 6/30/2018 at 10:07 pm

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Return to High Camp After Summit

June 29, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 17,000'

Friday, June 29, 2018 - 1:09 AM PT RMI Super Crew got to the summit of Denali around 6 pm today. The weather was amazing all day and we all walked to the top in just base layers, which you would imagine is rare when climbing big mountains in Alaska. Mountaineers don't cry... everybody knows that. However, all of our eyes were awfully sweaty when we reached the top and saw the spectacular scenery below! We had a very safe climb back to high camp and a are currently working on getting into our sleeping bags for some well earned sleep. RMI Guide Mike Haugen & Super Crew

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Congratulations ! ! ! The song “I can only imagine” comes to mind…... Another dream has come true, achieving this is such an accomplishment.. Cudo’s to a strong team, that overcame and conquered ! Love to you all ....Have a safe trip descending.. Wish I could be there to greet you and to celebrate with you…..

Grams

Posted by: Barbara Jones on 6/30/2018 at 5:40 am

Congratulations Josh, Rusty, Craig and the entire crew! Can’t wait to hear all about your amazing adventure!

Josh, love you and can’t wait to see you!

Posted by: Sarah Levy on 6/29/2018 at 3:38 pm

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Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Retrieve Carry and Train at 14,000’ Camp

June 29, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 14,000'

Thursday, June 28, 2018 - 10:32 PM PT Our first night at 14,000' Camp was quiet and calm. The tent fabric didn’t stir even once with breeze. We were up at around 8AM even though things are still a little shadowy and cold here then. After breakfast, Avery Parrinello led the day’s carry, or more accurately the back carry, since we were going back down to 13,500 ft to bring home the cache we walked past yesterday. It only took about 20 minutes to walk down, but perhaps 90 minutes to come back up with heavy packs. As usual, it clouded up and began snowing on us before we’d gone too far, but that wasn’t much of a problem. The snow continued through the afternoon, but by then we were lounging in our tents. Just before dinner we did a little training session to discuss techniques we’ll employ to climb the “fixed ropes” that lead to the crest of the West Buttress. Throughout the day we touched base with the only other RMI group on the hill, Mike Haugen’s team who were going for the top. It all made our preparations a bit more meaningful to know we’ll be up there knocking on the door soon ourselves. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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J and M-

Thinking of you guys often from sunny/hot Wisconsin. While we soak up the lake views we imagine the mountain scapes before you. (We also think about getting some fresh turns in that powder.)

Enjoy the challenge and the sounds of nature. Wish you the best.

The Merkleins

Posted by: Merklein family on 6/30/2018 at 5:59 am

Hey Tom! Awesome job so far! I’m torked up to hear about the fixed lines when you get to the next camp. I wish I was on your team brother!

Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/29/2018 at 5:34 pm

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Call from The Summit!

June 28, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Hannah McGowan, Gloria Roe

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 20,310'

Thursday, June 28, 2018 - 7:11 PM PT Hi - this is Mike Haugen with RMI Super Crew. We just summited Denali! We are standing at over 20,000 feet with zero wind, 0 miles per hour, 5 degreess Fahrenheit. Every single one of us is up here in our base layer. Views are incredible. Wish you were here! We love all of you and thanks for your support. We are going to have a fun trip down and we will be back in camp at 17,000'. Congratulations to Mike Haugen & the RMI Team!

RMI Guide Mike Haugen calls from the summit of Denali.

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My heart continues to swell with pride for all that my son SCOTT has accomplished this past 12 months

Posted by: Roger Coffey on 6/29/2018 at 7:54 am

Congrats you all, that is super exciting. Enjoy and soak up all the goodness of your time together as a kick ass team on your decent.

Posted by: Sabrina on 6/29/2018 at 7:22 am

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Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Pounce on the Opportunity to Move to 14,000’

June 28, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 14,000'

Wednesday, June 27, 2018 - 10:11 PM PT Hey from 14K. We got an excellent day for moving up. When the 6 AM alarm went off down at 11,000', we peered out to see clear skies and no signs of wind. We pounced on the opportunity, hitting the trail at 9 AM. Hannah Smith led the charge today, bringing the team expeditiously up Motorcycle Hill, The Squirrel Hills and then the Polo Field. Just like when we carried, it began to cloud up as we approached Windy Corner and to snow as we went around. We moved right on past our cache site, which appears to be resisting the ravages of the ravens (we buried it deep in the snow). Hannah got us into camp at 14,000' in a very respectable 5 hours and 45 minutes. The tents went up fast and easy and about the time we’d completed setup, the snow quit. As we ate dinner, the clouds melted away and when we emerged from our deluxe dining shelter, we were treated to new and spectacular views in every direction. Foraker and Hunter, the other two giants of the Alaska Range were visible -for the first time- in all their glory. But it was the view of Denali, rising straight up in front of us for a vertical mile and more that took our breath away. Our world is now bound on the left by the West Buttress and on the right by the West Rib... which covers a lot of fascinating and historic... and slightly intimidating terrain. Just before bedtime, we listened to the weather outlook, broadcast via radio from Basecamp and more importantly to the trivia question for the night. Did you know that there are 21 bears for every human in Alaska? Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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‘Enjoying the updates, wishing you continued safe travel and good weather! ‘Looking forward to hearing about your adventures in person when you return to WI!

Posted by: Terri Ellis on 6/29/2018 at 4:24 am

Your Swiss genes are showing in this hike and Fritz would be so proud! Stay safe and enjoy!

Posted by: Kathy Roelli on 6/28/2018 at 10:02 pm

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Move to High Camp

June 27, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Hannah McGowan, Gloria Roe

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 17,200'

Wednesday, June 27, 2018 - 8:39 pm PT As mountaineers, we tend to take things one day at a time. It just so happens that this was one of the best climbing days ever. After an early start, we climbed into the gorgeous sunshine that we have not had enough of this trip. The views of the glaciers below and the rocky ridge we were ascending made for stunning photos and memories we will not soon forget! We are pretty sure that Joe Horiskey scheduled a fly-by and wing wave from a F-35 fighter jet just as we topped out on the fixed line! Spectacular!!! We are currently residing at 17k Camp in the late evening sunshine. This camp stays particularly sunny since there is not much above us to block the Alaskan midnight sun. Our plan is to go to the summit tomorrow if the mountain allows us! I think the mountain may owe us a good weather summit day after all the Super Crew has been through so far. We will see if Denali agrees!? RMI Guide Mike Haugen & Super Crew 6

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Hope all the hard work and preparation paid off today with a successful “visit” to the summit.
Congrats to all for what you have accomplished.

Posted by: Molly Frishmuth on 6/28/2018 at 6:35 pm

Josh, rooting for you and the team for a great summit day. Very proud of you. Love following the team’s progress. Will talk soon. Much love from Mom and Dad

Posted by: David Levy on 6/28/2018 at 10:24 am

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Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Rest at 11,000’ Camp

June 27, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 11,000'

Tuesday, June 26, 2018 - 10:58 PM PT Ahhhh. We made it to a much deserved rest day. It kept on snowing lightly through the night with some restless breezes playing through in the morning, but we didn’t care much what it did. We slept in and did a long, slow, yummy bagel breakfast in our comfortable dining tent. The day was a mix of napping, reading, and visiting with other climbers. We watched a handful of neighboring teams pick up and move to 14,000' Camp, although it looked as though they’d have to deal with higher winds on the way. Weather got gradually better through the day and by evening it was just calm, sunny and nice. At dinner we went through plans for our own big move up to 14,000' Camp tomorrow. Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Hey Tom! I can hear you…“Hey Man I’m here on Denali living my dream” I can only imagine the God given beauty you all are experiencing right now. Best wishes and prayers for sunshine and light winds to the summit!!!

Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/28/2018 at 3:27 am

For David Collins - it has been wonderful getting to read your progress! So thankful that the weather has been great for you all! Be safe and have an amazing time! xoxoxo, Teresa

Posted by: Teresa on 6/27/2018 at 9:53 pm

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Enjoy a Rest Day at 14,000’

June 27, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Hannah McGowan, Gloria Roe

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 14,000'

Tuesday, June 26, 2018 - 8:54 PM PT Rest days are the best days! We slept harrrd after our long day of climbing yesterday. When we finally began rustling around we enjoyed a very leisurely pancake brunch and our whole team laughed and chatted with renewed energy. The afternoon was filled with napping, organizing, stretching, snacking, and enjoying the sunshine. Yes, you read that correctly, sunshine! We finally had a full day with no precipitation! It wasn’t exactly beach weather, but we soaked it up nonetheless, and the day moved at just the perfect pace. Spirits are high and bellies are full- and every member of the Super Crew would like to send a very warm thank you to Carol Clark for her excellent baked goods! They somehow held up very well in Craig’s pack and he was generous enough (or his pack was heavy enough

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I thoroughly enjoy receiving the Blog’s informing us of your progress.. The pictures are beautiful ! ! !
Stay safe and enjoy the journey.. May God be with you…. Love to all..

Grams

Posted by: Barbara Jones on 6/28/2018 at 5:52 am

Ah, thanks! Glad you all enjoyed Craig’s goodies along with the sunshine!!
Fortified and ready to summit! Love you Craig, Godspeed to all!

Posted by: Carol Clark on 6/27/2018 at 8:44 pm

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Entries from Denali

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Still Headed Home

On The Map

Denali Expediton: Haugen & Team Moving Down the Mountain

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Take a Snow Day

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Return to High Camp After Summit

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Retrieve Carry and Train at 14,000’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Call from The Summit!

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Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Pounce on the Opportunity to Move to 14,000’

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Move to High Camp

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Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Rest at 11,000’ Camp

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Enjoy a Rest Day at 14,000’

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