Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Haute Route Trek - Dispatch #1

Haute Route Trek
July 21 - 31, 2010
Guide: Jeff Reis
Trekkers: Susan Roach, Mary Faini

"Greetings from Switzerland. The trek is going well. Sunday morning the skies cleared to give us a spectacular view of the Grand Combin with fresh snow on its majestic glaciers and icefalls. We had a close view just across the valley in a park while 8 ibex grazed nearby, keeping an eye on use as we took many pictures. We are meeting many interesting people from all over the world at the huts and hotels along the route. The food is amazing and we feel we have earned it with our long days of hiking. Wish you could join us. Cheers!"

- Jeff

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership - Part 3

Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership - Part 3
Dates: July 4 - 15, 2010
Guides: Danny Uhlmann and Alasdair Turner

Climbers: Jeremiah White, Charles Hawkins, Erica Dohring, and Tristan Neimier

Alasdair just sent in this picture taken near Index, Washington. The groups is learning aid climbing techniques today.


Update (as of 5:00pm): The group had a great day aid climbing. Each person got the opportunity to lead City Park, and they practiced some other aid techniques. The group will be heading into the Picket Range on Wednesday. They hope to complete the traverse in 7 days, and then head up to Mt. Baker to climb the North Ridge.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 1 - Dispatch #3

Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 1
Dates: June 21st - July 2 2010
Guides: Kurt Hicks and Kevin Hogan

Climbers: Chelsea Hermann, Gavin Hermann, Shashiraj Shanbhag, Brian Koehn, Paul Berggren, Mikko Salovarra, Daniel Arnold

Kevin called today with the following dispatch:

"This is KH squared, calling from the top of Mount Ruth. We’re in a bit of a white out up here and and it’s gnarley! Anyway, we’re heading down and we will see you all later this afternoon!"

-Kevin

Denali Team 5 - Dispatch #19

Denali Team 5: June 13-July 3

Guides: Paul Ivaska, Richard Riquelme, Kristen Looper
Apprentice: Andrew Yasso

Climbers: Walt, Ann, and Luke Hampton (Canton, Connecticut), Caitraiona Strain (Burnfoot, Ireland). Brendan McDyer (Glenties, Ireland) Skye O'Donnell (Sydney, Australia), Colin Stalnecker (Chicago, Illinois), Ryan Derrigan (Rickmansworth, England), and Stephen Williams (Oxon, United Kingdom)

Andrew called with quick update last night. They are back in Talkeetna and the hostel and everyone is safe! Everyone is celebrating. They will call again soon.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Denali Team 5: Dispatch #18

Denali Team 5: June 13-July 3

Guides: Paul Ivaska, Richard Riquelme, Kristen Looper
Apprentice: Andrew Yasso

Climbers: Walt, Ann, and Luke Hampton (Canton, Connecticut), Caitraiona Strain (Burnfoot, Ireland). Brendan McDyer (Glenties, Ireland) Skye O'Donnell (Sydney, Australia), Colin Stalnecker (Chicago, Illinois), Ryan Derrigan (Rickmansworth, England), and Stephen Williams (Oxon, United Kingdom)

Andrew called with quick update at 12:30pm Pacific Time:

"We're still at Base Camp. We waited all night last night to fly off, but the weather didn't improve. They got one small plane in, and a few people that have been here for several days got to leave. We did have a nice pasta dinner though! It looks like things are steadily improving, and we hope to fly later today or tomorrow. Looking forward to a big group dinner back in Talkeetna!"