Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Denali Team 3: May 15 – June 4 Dispatch #13 . . Summit Reached


Denali Team 3: May 15 – June 4
Guides: Tom Kirby, and Matt Erpelding

Climbers: Allen Borgardts (Missouri), Robert “Alex” Borgardts (Missouri), Jonathan Fischer (Colorado), David Haimsky (Virginia), Jeffrey Gephart (Michigan), Helle Dam Sorensen (Denmark), Brandon McNalley (Washington), Ryan Canfield (Washington)

Mat called at 9:30am on May 31st with this dispatch: 

"Hello! Good news! We summited yesterday! It was a long, 16 hour day. Sorry we didn’t call yesterday – the summit proper was very crowded and by the time we got up to the top, we really needed to turn around because of the time."

"Eight of us made it (that includes Tom and me – Helle, Brandon, and Jon went down earlier)." 

"Right now, we're at high camp and the crew is still in their tents napping and resting up. My tongue is totally sunburned! We’re really looking forward to getting back to civilization, especially hot cinnamon rolls. Our goal is to get back to 14,000 feet today." 

"My next call will be from base camp, so I’ll talk to you soon!"
.

20 comments:

Derek said...

YES!!!

Great job everyone!

Thanks for watching after the old Yooper while this was going on. I'm glad you guys made it and we are ready for a big party when you get back!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Helle said...

Congratulations to all of you - I'm very happy that you made it safe up and down. Keep safe and take care. All the best, Helle

brandon said...

GO GUYS GO!!!! WAY TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!!! So excited for you!!!! Wishing i could have been there with you but it is what it is. Im safe back home and will be going to the doctor tommrow. Enjoy the hike out and have a beer or 10 for me in talketna!!!

Brandon

Michele said...

Congratulations!! What an amazing experience I am soo proud of you Ryan and can't wait to see you when you get home!! I love you!

Anonymous said...

OMG OMG couldn't believe it the first time I read it. Congrats to everyone...what a huge accomplishment and we look forward to your safe return down the mountain and into the arms of your family and friends that await you!
Love Ladybug

Anna said...

Congratulations to everyone and safe trip down to the team members still on the mountain.

Anna said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Congratulations to all from Susan and Bill

Rosalie said...

Excellent!! Nice work! Hurry home! so happy for you all.

Brian said...

The old Yooper better be up for a leisurely trip to Selkirk. Safe travels down and way to go!
Fred, Brian, Bobby and Lorinser
(whereever he may be at the moment)

Larry said...

Congradulations to the big dog from Marquette! Stay safe on the way down...no rush for that hamburger

James said...

Congratulations Jeff! I am happy for you and for all of your fellow climbers. Can't wait for the debriefing in Marquette. Stay safe.

Jim C

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to everyone! I am so proud of you David!!! All this hard work! I love you and miss you! I cannot wait to see the pictures and relive the moment with you! Thinking of you, Becky

Shawna McIntyre said...

Congratulations Al and Alex! (and everyone on Latitudes Team)great job on reaching the summit, what an amazing feat, we are so proud of you!be safe on descent,talk to you when you have service..lots of love-Idaho McIntyres

Jeff and Barb said...

Fantastic news! What a great accomplishment. Can't wait to hear all about it. Blessings, Jeff and Barb.

Chuck Weinrick said...

YOU DA MAN Jeff!!!
A hearty congratulations on conquering the mountain. You managed to check a major one off the bucket list without actually kicking the bucket (Haf ta say Ya had us somewhat concerned at times.
This joyous occasion demands the smoking of a fine cigar and toasting with a tall glass of Long Island Tea (or should I not mention ice for a while)
Looking forward to seeing you back in the U.P. and hearing all about it. Chuck!!!

Irena said...

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU! You have reaped the results of your incredibly hard work, and have all earned some serious bragging rights ;-) David, I'm proud of you. That memory you've made at the summit is yours for a lifetime now, and I can't wait to see all the beautiful pics. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Matt and Tom; the success of the team would not have been possible without your strategic planning and commitment to safety. GO TEAM 3!!

Flynn said...

Phroat! Smoking bishop for you.

Anonymous said...

Congrats Great Job Dr.Gephart !!! IDS/Sally

AMAZING!!!Congratulations! We are all anxious to hear the details! Vickie

Dr G. Great job!! we were following you via Dr Merz . What an amazing accomplishment. Patti

Janine says, Great Job! I hope you brought something up there to have a shot on the mountain!!!

Mac and Marion said...

Allen and Alex...and Team 3. Wow, we are in awe of your safe climb and reaching the top! You'll all have great "What I did this summer" stories! We're looking forward to the pictures and stories. Give us a call when you can. Idaho In-laws and grandparents