2015 Denali Team 7 - Summit Day

Expedition Dates: June 14 - July 4, 2015.

Dispatch 11 received June 28th.

Guides:

Richard Riquelme
Shelby Carpenter
Jim Mediatore
Wyatt Evenson

Climbers:

Brian Lentz

Michael John Read

Richard Baker

Razia Anwar

Kamaldeep Kaur

Kam Dhiman

Stuart Shipp
Rolphe Oosrta

Stuart, Mike, Kamal, and Rolphe reached the summit today. The others turned around near 18K due to altitude issues and cold hands.  Everybody now safely back at High Camp resting, hydrating and preparing for the descent down to Base Camp over the next few days. Way to go Team 7!

Update: Richard has turned off his In Reach to conserve battery after reaching the Summit on June 28th. They have begun their descent.

Where is Team 7?  Locate them at any time by following Guide Richard Riquelme's InReach satellite locator.

2015 Denali Team 7 - Dispatch 10

Expedition Dates: June 14 - July 4, 2015.

Dispatch 10 received June 28th.

Guides:

Richard Riquelme
Shelby Carpenter
Jim Mediatore
Wyatt Evenson

Climbers:

Brian Lentz

Michael John Read

Richard Baker

Razia Anwar

Kamaldeep Kaur

Kam Dhiman

Stuart Shipp
Rolphe Oostra

Team 7 is going to make their summit attempt today. The weather is looking great this is their window!

Where is Team 7?  Locate them at any time by following Guide Richard Riquelme's InReach satellite locator.

2015 Denali Team 7 - Dispatch 9

Expedition Dates: June 14 - July 4, 2015.

Dispatch 9 received June 23rd.

Guides:

Richard Riquelme
Shelby Carpenter
Jim Mediatore
Wyatt Evenson

Climbers:

Brian Lentz

Michael John Read

Richard Baker

Razia Anwar

Kamaldeep Kaur

Kam Dhiman

Stuart Shipp

Team 7 has made it up to High Camp. A little bit of cloud coverage helped keep everyone cool while climbing the fixed lines, however once up on the ridge the weather turned a little more challenging with some cold wind gust kicked in. 

Where is Team 7?  Locate them at any time by following Guide Richard Riquelme's InReach satellite locator.

2015 Denali Team 6 - Final Dispatch

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 19 received June 24th. 

Guides:

Andrew Yassso

Andy Stephen

Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski

Fiona Yard

Damien Roland Smith

Ross Veltman

Boris Lerner

Roman Meck

Richard Wilson

Safe and sound back in Talkeetna. The Team left Camp 3 at midnight and arrived at Base Camp 11:00am and caught a 12;30pm flight back to town.  Everbody is excited be back on green ground.

2015 Denali Team 7 - Dispatch 8

Expedition Dates: June 14 - July 4, 2015.

Dispatch 8 received June 23rd.

Guides:

Richard Riquelme
Shelby Carpenter
Jim Mediatore
Wyatt Evenson

Climbers:

Brian Lentz

Michael John Read

Richard Baker

Razia Anwar

Kamaldeep Kaur

Kam Dhiman

Stuart Shipp
Rolphe Oostra

At 14,200' the team took a rest day today since the weather was not very optimal. Tomorrow they will place their cache up around 16K' and get ready to move up to High Camp in the coming days.

Where is Team 7?  Locate them at any time by following Guide Richard Riquelme's InReach satellite locator.

2015 AMTL 4 - Dispatch 6

Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 4 - Little Switzerland

Expedition Dates: June 14 - June 26, 2015

Dispatch 6 received June 23rd.

On Monday Ian and Claysn walked down the glacier to a formation called the Hobbit's Footstool and hop on a route called AMS Ridge with 6.5 pitches of high quality rock. They returned to camp back up the glacier up at sunrise.

2015 Denali Team 6 - Dispatch 18

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 18 received June 23th. 

Guides:

Andrew Yassso

Andy Stephen

Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski

Fiona Yard

Damien Roland Smith

Ross Veltman

Boris Lerner

Roman Meck

Richard Wilson

After their summit day, Team 6 took a short few hour break at Camp 4, then returned down to Camp 3. Here they will take another few hours to rest and  refuel before descending all the way down to Base Camp.

2015 Denali Team 6 - Dispatch 17

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 17 received June 22th. 

Guides:

Andrew Yassso

Andy Stephen

Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski

Fiona Yard

Damien Roland Smith

Ross Veltman

Boris Lerner

Roman Meck

Richard Wilson

Team 6 arrived back down at Camp 4 at around 3am this morning. Tuckered out after their big, successful summit day. Everybody is tucked away in their sleeping bags catching up on some much deserved rest.  They will start their descent on Tuesday. 

2015 Denali Team 7 - Dispatch 7

Expedition Dates: June 14 - July 4, 2015.

Dispatch 7 received June 21st.

Guides:

Richard Riquelme
Shelby Carpenter
Jim Mediatore
Wyatt Evenson

Climbers:

Brian Lentz

Michael John Read

Richard Baker

Razia Anwar

Kamaldeep Kaur

Kam Dhiman

Stuart Shipp
Rolphe Oostra

Wyatt Evenson called in to report the team has moved up to Camp 3. It was quite warm but they all made it up in about 6 hours.  They finished off their evening with burritos made by Jim. On Monday the will go down a bring their cache up to Camp 3.

2015 AMTL Part 4 - Dispatch 5

Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 4 - Little Switzerland

Expedition Dates: June 14 - June 26, 2015

Dispatch 5 received June 21st.

Ian called in from the Pika glacier. Two days ago they took a much needed rest day to fuel up and take care of some around camp chores.  Yesterday they made an attempt on the Troll Traverse, three peaks near camp. The weather was fogging in the morning, but cleared as they climbed the routes. They were able to climb above the clouds on South Troll and got some great views. At the saddle before the last peak of the traverse the warm sun on the snow made for less than ideal conditions, so they turned around and head back to camp from here.

2015 Denali Team 6 - Summit Day

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 16 Part 1 and 2 received June 20th. 

Guides:

Andrew Yassso
Andy Stephen
Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski

Fiona Yard

Damien Roland Smith

Ross Veltman

Boris Lerner

Roman Meck

Richard Wilson

Summit Day......

2015 Denali Team 7 - Dispatch 6

Expedition Dates: June 14 - July 4, 2015.

Dispatch 6 received June 20th.

Guides:

Richard Riquelme
Shelby Carpenter
Jim Mediatore
Wyatt Evenson

Climbers:

Brian Lentz

Michael John Read

Richard Baker

Razia Anwar

Kamaldeep Kaur

Kam Dhiman

Stuart Shipp

Team 7 woke up to some fresh snow, but not too much to keep them from placing their cache at 13,400' above their current location of Camp 2.  They hope to move up to Camp 2 on Sunday.

Where is Team 7?  Locate them at any time by following Guide Richard Riquelme's InReach satellite locator.

2015 Denali Team 6 - Dispatch 15

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 15 received June 20th. 

Guides:

Andrew Yassso
Andy Stephen
Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski

Fiona Yard

Damien Roland Smith

Ross Veltman

Boris Lerner

Roman Meck

Richard Wilson

Team 6 took a rest day today at High Camp. This will give everybody a chance to rest up and acclimatize before the big push to the summit. 

2015 Denali Team 6 - Dispatch 14

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 14 received June 19th. 

Guides:

Andrew Yassso
Andy Stephen
Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski

Fiona Yard

Damien Roland Smith

Ross Veltman

Boris Lerner

Roman Meck

Richard Wilson

Team 6 has arrive at Camp 4 17,200'.  To keep the load light, they left all the individual tents cached and took only the cook tent for eating and sleeping in.  If weather continues to be favorable, they might make a summit attempt on Saturday.

2015 Denali Team 7 - Dispatch 5

Expedition Dates: June 14 - July 4, 2015.

Dispatch 5 received June 19th.

Guides:

Richard Riquelme
Shelby Carpenter
Jim Mediatore
Wyatt Evenson

Climbers:

Brian Lentz

Michael John Read

Richard Baker

Razia Anwar

Kamaldeep Kaur

Kam Dhiman

Stuart Shipp

Rolphe Oostra

Team 7 is at Camp 2. The weather has been good, almost too good, so today's cloud coverage was much welcomed.  The team will take a few hours today to place a cache above Camp 2 then return here for the night.

Where is Team 7?  Locate them at any time by following Guide Richard Riquelme's InReach satellite locator.

2015 AMTL Part 4 - Little Switzerland - Dispatch 3

Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 4 - Little Switzerland

Expedition Dates: June 14 - June 26, 2015

Dispatch 3 received June 18th.

Claysn and Ian climbed the Munchkin and then did a traverse between the Munchkin Peaks with some mixed climbing. They are planning on taking a rest day on Friday.

Photo courtesy of Mountain Project

2015 Denali Team 6 - Dispatch 13

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 13 received June 18th. 

Guides:

Andrew Yassso
Andy Stephen
Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski

Fiona Yard

Damien Roland Smith

Ross Veltman

Boris Lerner

Roman Meck

Richard Wilson

On their way to High Camp 17K'.  Team 6 sends messages back home...

2015 Denali Team 6 - Dispatch 12

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 12 received June 18th. 

Guides:

Andrew Yassso
Andy Stephen
Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski

Fiona Yard

Damien Roland Smith

Ross Veltman

Boris Lerner

Roman Meck

Richard Wilson

Team 3 took a rest day after their cache placement yesterday above the Fixed Lines. After a leisurely morning of sleeping in, and eating a hearty breakfast they will take a walk over to the "Edge of the World" for some photo opportunities. The plan is to move up to High Camp on Friday to take advantage of the great weather window predicted for the next few days.

2015 Denali Team 6 - Dispatch 11

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 11 received June 17th. 

Guides:

Andrew Yassso
Andy Stephen
Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski

Fiona Yard

Damien Roland Smith

Ross Veltman

Boris Lerner

Roman Meck

Richard Wilson

Andrew reports the team worked really well as a group and cruised up the fixed lines during their practice run and cache carry.  Everybody is doing great and staying healthy.

2015 Denali Team 7 - Dispatch 4

Expedition Dates: June 14 - July 4, 2015.

Dispatch 4 received June 17th.

Guides:

Richard Riquelme
Shelby Carpenter
Jim Mediatore
Wyatt Evenson

Climbers:

Brian Lentz

Michael John Read

Richard Baker

Razia Anwar

Kamaldeep Kaur

Kam Dhiman

Stuart Shipp

Rolphe Oostra

Team 7 moved up to Camp 1 yesterday. Today the plan on placing a cache above camp around 10,400' and will come back down to Camp 1 for the night.

Where is Team 7?  Locate them at any time by following Guide Richard Riquelme's InReach satellite locator.

2015 Denali Team 6 - Dispatch 10

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 10 received June 16th. (Updated June 18)

Guides:

Andrew Yassso
Andy Stephen
Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski

Fiona Yard

Damien Roland Smith

Ross Veltman

Boris Lerner

Roman Meck

Richard Wilson

Team 6 spent the day bringing their lower cache up to Camp 3 and practicing skills they will need on the fixed line portion of the climb.  6/18: This dispatch has been updated with additional team member's messages back home which were cut off in the original version.

2015 Denali Team 5 - Dispatch 11

Expedition Dates:  May 31 to June 20, 2015

Dispatch 11 received June 17th, 2015

Guides:

Higinio Gonzalez

Britt Ruegger

Zach Lovell

Climbers:

Philip Simonet

Scott Frederiksen

Markku Hyvonen

Patrick Richards

Jessica Richards

Daniel Khouri

Alexander von Cramm

Bob Bhania

Team 5 has all made it back in Talkeetna and celebrating their final days together.

The guides will be sending in a write up to recap the trip, which we will add here shortly. 

2015 AMTL 4 - Little Switzerland - Dispatch 2

Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 4 - Little Switzerland

Expedition Dates: June 14 - June 26, 2015.

Dispatch 2 received June 16th.

Today Claysn and Ian climbed Middle Troll under clear blue skies.  From the peak they had views of Denali and her neighboring sisters and can't wait to get on more routes. 

Photo courtesy of AAI. 

2015 Denali Team 5 - Dispatch 10

Expedition Dates:  May 31 to June 20, 2015

Dispatch 10 received June 15th, 2015

Guides:

Higinio Gonzalez

Britt Ruegger

Zach Lovell

Climbers:

Philip Simonet

Scott Frederiksen

Markku Hyvonen

Patrick Richards

Jessica Richards

Daniel Khouri

Alexander von Cramm

Bob Bhania

Team 5 reached the summit with 5 team members:Scott, Alex, Jessie, Pat and Dan. The others stayed at high camp The weather was good and the wind was mild. The whole team will descend down in the next day or two. 

2015 AMTL Part 4 - Little Switzerland - Dispatch 1

Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 4 - Little Switzerland

Expedition Dates: June 14 - June 26, 2015.

Dispatch 1 received June 15th.

Guide Ian called in the first dispatch from Little Switzerland at 55K'. Claysn and Ian's adventure started before they even stepped foot onto the glacier. A wild fire had caused the main road from Anchorage to Talkeetna to be close. With some quick itinerary changes and an unscheduled night in Wasilla, the dynamic duo was able to hop a train and made it into Talkeetna in time to catch a flight onto the glacier. 

The routes look like they are in great condition. Clayton and Ian are excited to see what they can bag in the next 10 days. 

Photo courtesy of AAI collection. 

2015 Denali Team 7 - Dispatch 3

Expedition Dates: June 14 - July 4, 2015.

Dispatch 3 received June 15th.

Guides:

Richard Riquelme
Shelby Carpenter
Jim Mediatore
Wyatt Evenson

Climbers:

Brian Lentz

Michael John Read

Richard Baker

Razia Anwar

Kamaldeep Kaur

Kam Dhiman

Stuart Shipp
Rolphe Oostra

Team 7 spent the day at Base Camp working on skills like crevasse rescue, team glacier travel and rigging sleds,  They had a early dinner and plan to go to bed early. The goal is get up early, break camp, and move on up to Camp 1(7,800') while the temperatures are still cool and snow is crisp from the cool night air. 

Where is Team 7?  Locate them at any time by following Guide Richard Riquelme's InReach satellite locator.

2015 Denali Team 6 - Dispatch 9

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 9 received June 15th.

Guides:

Andrew Yassso
Andy Stephen
Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski

Fiona Yard

Damien Roland Smith

Ross Veltman

Boris Lerner

Roman Meck

Richard Wilson​

Andrew called in while the Team took a break on their way up to Camp 3.  The sun is hot reflecting off the snow and but everyone is doing well and staying hydrated and covered up from the intense rays.   

2015 Denali Team 7 - Dispatch 2

Expedition Dates: June 14 - July 4, 2015.

Dispatch 2 received June 14th.

Guides:

Richard Riquelme
Shelby Carpenter
Jim Mediatore
Wyatt Evenson

Climbers:

Brian Lentz

Michael John Read

Richard Baker

Razia Anwar

Kamaldeep Kaur

Kam Dhiman

Stuart Shipp
Rolphe Oostra

Team 7 was able to leave Talkeetna and fly on to Base Camp late Sunday afternoon. Weather is looking great for the next few days, so they hope to make good time getting up to Camp 1. 

Where is Team 7?  Locate them at any time by following Guide Richard Riquelme's InReach satellite locator.

2015 Denali Team 7 - Dispatch 1

Expedition Dates: June 14 - July 4, 2015.

Dispatch 1 received June 14th.

Guides:

Richard Riquelme
Shelby Carpenter
Jim Mediatore
Wyatt Evenson

Climbers:

Brian Lentz

Michael John Read

Richard Baker

Razia Anwar

Kamaldeep Kaur

Kam Dhiman

Stuart Shipp
Rolphe Oostra

Preparations are nearly finished and Team 7 is about to leave for the mountain. Great weather is looking good, so they all have their fingers crossed they get the go ahead to fly up to Base Camp on Sunday. 

Where is Team 7?  Locate them at any time by following Guide Richard Riquelme's InReach satellite locator.

2015 Denali Team 6 - Dispatch 8

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 8 received June 14th.

Guides:

Andrew Yassso
Andy Stephen
Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski
Fiona Yard
Damien Roland Smith
Ross Veltman
Boris Lerner
Roman Meck
Richard Wilson​

Last night was windy one, the awesome tents kept everybody toasty and sheltered, but the flapping and whipping of the fabric made for a noisy night. Despite being a sleepless team, everyone rallied together to get a the next cache placed up the mountain. By they time they got to on top of Motorcycle hill the wind had died down and the sun came out and they couldn't have asked for better weather. They placed their cache around Windy Corner (18,500') and came back down to Camp 2 for the night.

2015 Denali Team 6 - Dispatch 7

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 7 received June 13th.

Guides:

Andrew Yassso
Andy Stephen
Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski
Fiona Yard
Damien Roland Smith
Ross Veltman
Boris Lerner
Roman Meck
Richard Wilson​

Team 6 was able to retrieved their cache and bring it up to Camp 2 today.  It was a beautiful day with clear skies and sunshine with forecast is predicting more of the same.  Team 6 hopes to take advantage of the bluebird days ahead and make good time moving up to Camp 3.

2015 Denali Team 6 - Dispatch 6

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 6 received June 12th.

Guides:

Andrew Yassso
Andy Stephen
Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski
Fiona Yard
Damien Roland Smith
Ross Veltman
Boris Lerner
Roman Meck
Richard Wilson​

Team 2 has arrived at Camp 2 at 11,200'.  Everyone got up around 7am, had a nice breakfast, and despite the wind broke down camp to start their move up the mountain. The wind blew the first few hours of the climb up, but this also help blow the clouds from the sky so everybody was finally able to get a good view Denali and her gorgeous neighbors. They arrived at Camp 2 around 5pm and quickly set up camp. Dinner was being cooked at the time of the dispatch.  Everyone is doing great.

2015 Denali Team 6 - Dispatch 5

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 5 received June 11th.

Guides:

Andrew Yassso
Andy Stephen
Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski
Fiona Yard
Damien Roland Smith
Ross Veltman
Boris Lerner
Roman Meck
Richard Wilson​

Andrew updates us that the 1-2 feet of predicted snow ended up only being just a few inches. This allowed Team 5 to use the day to place a cache of gear and supplies up around 10K'.

2015 Denali Team 5 - Dispatch 9

Expedition Dates:  May 31 to June 20, 2015

Dispatch 9 received June 10th, 2015

Guides:

Higinio Gonzalez

Britt Ruegger

Zach Lovell

Climbers:

Philip Simonet

Scott Frederiksen

Markku Hyvonen

Patrick Richards

Jessica Richards

Daniel Khouri

Alexander von Cramm

Bob Bhania

Team 5 was able to place their cache above the fix lines. They are still at Camp 3 waiting for the weather to improve. They are hoping they get their window on Saturday or Sunday to move up to Camp 4. Team member Daniel sends a message home.

2015 Denali Team 4 - Dispatch 10

Expedition Dates: May 24th - June 13th 

Dispatch 10 received June 11th

Guides:
Paul Ivaska
Jared Drapala
Jeremy Devine

Climbers:
Josh Skibba
Candice Creecy
Steve Jacobs
Guy Manning
John Moorhouse
Arrak Bhattacharyya
Ben Magid
Anis and Shahrom

Team 4 called in to report they plan on descending from High Camp all the way to the air strip today. They hope to catch a plane to Talkeetna tomorrow.

2015 Denali Team 4 - Dispatch 9

Expedition Dates: May 24th - June 13th 

Dispatch 9 received June 10th

Guides:
Paul Ivaska
Jared Drapala
Jeremy Devine

Climbers:
Josh Skibba
Candice Creecy
Steve Jacobs
Guy Manning
John Moorhouse
Arrak Bhattacharyya
Ben Magid
Anis and Shahrom

Team 4 turned around from 17K' this morning.  They were not able to make the summit and with the forecast of 1-2 feet of snow in the coming days they decided it was time to make their way back down. The team will stay at 14K' until the weather clears.

2015 Denali Team 6 - Dispatch 4

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 4 received June 10th, 2015

Guides:

Andrew Yassso
Andy Stephen
Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski
Fiona Yard
Damien Roland Smith
Ross Veltman
Boris Lerner
Roman Meck
Richard Wilson​

Team 6 is still hunkered down at Camp 1 well prepared for the 1-2 feet of snow is predicted to fall in the coming days. They are making the best of it by adding home improvements around camp, sharing books, and getting to know each other better. Everyone is staying well fed and hydrated and looking forward to moving up when the weather breaks. 

2015 Denali Team 5 - Dispatch 8

Expedition Dates:  May 31 to June 20, 2015

Dispatch 8 received June 10th, 2015

Guides:

Higinio Gonzalez

Britt Ruegger

Zach Lovell

Climbers:

Philip Simonet

Scott Frederiksen

Markku Hyvonen

Patrick Richards

Jessica Richards

Daniel Khouri

Alexander von Cramm

Bob Bhania

Team 5 was able to go up to the fixed lines for some practice and acclimatization. They are still at High Camp and will hunker down there for the next few days as some snow fall is in the forecast.

2015 Denali Team 6 - Dispatch 3

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 3 received June 9th, 2015

Guides:

Andrew Yassso
Andy Stephen
Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski
Fiona Yard
Damien Roland Smith
Ross Veltman
Boris Lerner
Roman Meck
Richard Wilson​

Team 6 reports from Camp 1. Everybody arrived yesterday despite the challenging conditions of blowing snow and hard wind, they pushed through and the conditions improved as they moved up the mountain.

Update 9/10: Andrew called in another dispatch when the first call was cut short. The second message has been added to the end of the original message below.

2015 Denali Team 5 - Dispatch 7

Expedition Dates:  May 31 to June 20, 2015

Dispatch 7 received June 8th, 2015

Guides:

Higinio Gonzalez
Britt Ruegger
Zach Lovell

Climbers:

Philip Simonet
Scott Frederiksen
Markku Hyvonen
Patrick Richards
Jessica Richards
Daniel Khouri
Alexander von Cramm
Bob Bhania

Guide Britt called from High Camp at 14K'. The weather was pretty warm with sun breaking in between cloud coverage.  Team 5 was able to retrieved their cache from below and bring it up to 14K' with them. They plan to place a new cache above the fixed lines in the next few days.  The team is staying strong and making good time moving up the mountain.

2015 Denali Team 4 - Dispatch 8

Expedition Dates: May 24th - June 13th 

Dispatch 8 received June 9th

Guides:
Paul Ivaska
Jared Drapala
Jeremy Devine

Climbers:
Josh Skibba
Candice Creecy
Steve Jacobs
Guy Manning
John Moorhouse
Arrak Bhattacharyya
Ben Magid
Anis and Shahrom

Team 4 called the office with an update: if they get a break in the wether on June 10th they will make a summit attempt. If they do not get the weather break they will instead begin their descent down from High Camp.  

2015 Denali Team 4 - Dispatch 7

Expedition Dates: May 24th - June 13th 

Dispatch 7 received June 8th

Guides:
Paul Ivaska
Jared Drapala
Jeremy Devine

Climbers:
Josh Skibba
Candice Creecy
Steve Jacobs
Guy Manning
John Moorhouse
Arrak Bhattacharyya
Ben Magid
Anis and Shahrom

Team 4 arrived at High Camp 17K' today. Guide Paul reports they will take a rest day or two while they wait for a break in the weather. They hope to make a summit attempt in the coming days.

2015 Denali Team 5 - Dispatch 6

Expedition Dates:  May 31 to June 20, 2015

Dispatch 6 received June 8th, 2015

Guides:

Higinio Gonzalez
Britt Ruegger
Zach Lovell

Climbers:

Philip Simonet
Scott Frederiksen
Markku Hyvonen
Patrick Richards
Jessica Richards
Daniel Khouri
Alexander von Cramm
Bob Bhania

Team 5 has made it to Camp 3 at 14K'. They moved up during the night on Sunday in a bit of wind and chill.  Everyone is enjoying good food and good company while they take a few rest days to wait out the weather.

2015 Denali Team 6 - Dispatch 2

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015

Dispatch 1 received June 7th, 2015

Guides:

Andrew Yassso
Andy Stephen
Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski
Fiona Yard
Damien Roland Smith
Ross Veltman
Boris Lerner
Roman Meck
Richard Wilson​

Team 6 has landed at Base Camp. The team efficiently unloaded the plane and set up camp for their first night of their expedition. Weather is mild with some cloud coverage blocking the intense sun, but not too chilly which makes for great travel conditions. The team plans to move up to Camp 1 on Monday.

2015 Denali Team 6 - Dispatch 1

Expedition Dates: June 7 to June 27, 2015
Dispatch 1 received June 7th, 2015

Guides:

Andrew Yassso
Andy Stephen
Tad McCrea​

Climbers:

Mark Styczynski
Fiona Yard
Damien Roland Smith
Ross Veltman
Boris Lerner
Roman Meck
Richard Wilson​



Guide Andrew calls in from Talkeetna with the first dispatch for Team 6. They have the go ahead to fly into Base Camp. Everybody is excited to begin their adventure in the Alaska Range!

2015 Denali Team 5 - Dispatch 5

Expedition Dates:  May 31 to June 20, 2015

Dispatch 5 received June 7th, 2015

Guides:

Higinio Gonzalez
Britt Ruegger
Zach Lovell

Climbers:

Philip Simonet
Scott Frederiksen
Markku Hyvonen
Patrick Richards
Jessica Richards
Daniel Khouri
Alexander von Cramm
Bob Bhania

Team 5 got a break in the weather and was able to place their cache up around Windy Corner.  They returned to Camp 2 for the night. (This dispatch has a poor satellite connection,  much of it is indecipherable.)

2015 Denali Team 5 - Dispatch 4

Expedition Dates:  May 31 to June 20, 2015

Dispatch 4 received June 6th, 2015

Guides:

Higinio Gonzalez
Britt Ruegger
Zach Lovell

Climbers:

Philip Simonet
Scott Frederiksen
Markku Hyvonen
Patrick Richards
Jessica Richards
Daniel Khouri
Alexander von Cramm
Bob Bhania


Guide Quino reports today's dispatch. The weather has not been optimal, but the team is planning on moving a cache up to 13K' on Sunday. They are keeping a close watch on the weather in the coming days and hopefully can catch a good window. Team 5 members send messages back home:

2015 Denali Team 5 - Dispatch 3

Expedition Dates:  May 31 to June 20, 2015

Dispatch 3 received June 5th, 2015

Guides:

Higinio Gonzalez
Britt Ruegger
Zach Lovell

Climbers:

Philip Simonet
Scott Frederiksen
Markku Hyvonen
Patrick Richards
Jessica Richards
Daniel Khouri
Alexander von Cramm
Bob Bhania

Zach called in from 11,500' feet. They retrieved their cache from 10K'. The weather has been marginal but that hasn't dampened any spirits.  Team Members send some messages back home:

2015 Denali Team 4, Dispatch 6

Expedition Dates: May 24th - June 13th 

Dispatch 6 received June 4th

Guides:
Paul Ivaska
Jared Drapala
Jeremy Devine

Climbers:
Josh Skibba
Candice Creecy
Steve Jacobs
Guy Manning
John Moorhouse
Arrak Bhattacharyya
Ben Magid
Anis and Shahrom

Assistant guide Jeremy Devine called in this afternoon with reports for Team 4 on Day 12.

They attempted to make a cache on the West Buttress above the fixed lines, but the accumulating snow and strong winds caused an early turn around back down to 14 Camp and leaving their cache at 15,200ft.

They will possibly attempt again tomorrow or the next.

2015 Denali Team 3 - Final Disptach

Guides:

Chad Cochran
Aili Farquhar
Ian Mceleney

Climbers:

Keith Bunnett
Lee Leatherbarrow
Robert Kunc
Peter Alan Schultz
Mike Davies
Craig Crosse (SPUD)
Peter Cammell

Lead guide Chad Cochran called in to report that the team is still waiting patiently at Base Camp for the weather to cooperate so planes may safely land and bring them back to civilization.

They will all be home soon.

2015 Denali Team 5 - Dispatch 2

Expedition Dates:  May 31 to June 20, 2015

Dispatch 2 received June 3nd, 2015

Guides:

Higinio Gonzalez
Britt Ruegger
Zach Lovell

Climbers:

Philip Simonet
Scott Frederiksen
Markku Hyvonen
Patrick Richards
Jessica Richards
Daniel Khouri
Alexander von Cramm
Bob Bhania


Assistant guide Britt Ruegger called in this afternoon reporting that Team 5 has safely made it to Camp 2 (11,200ft). Everyone is doing well and is enjoying a well deserved rest after a big push.

Photos courtesy of AAI Archives.

2015 Denali Team 3 - Dispatch 14

Expedition Dates: May 17th - June 6th 

Dispatch 14 received June 3rd, 2015

Guides:

Chad Cochran
Aili Farquhar
Ian Mceleney

Climbers:

Keith Bunnett
Lee Leatherbarrow
Robert Kunc
Peter Alan Schultz
Mike Davies
Craig Crosse (SPUD)
Peter Cammell

Lead guide Chad Cochran and assistant guide Aili Farquhar called in this afternoon reporting that the group is back at Base Camp. There is some nasty weather down low on the mountain which has delayed their return to Talkeetna, but they are scheduled to be on the first two K2 planes that land.

Photo courtesy AAI Archives.

2015 Denali Team 4 - Dispatch 5

Expedition Dates: May 24th - June 13th 

Dispatch 5 received June 1st, 2015

Guides:
Paul Ivaska
Jared Drapala
Jeremy Devine

Climbers:
Josh Skibba
Candice Creecy
Steve Jacobs
Guy Manning
John Moorhouse
Arrak Bhattacharyya
Ben Magid
Anis and Shahrom

Team 4 spent the day retrieving their cache from below Camp 3.  The day started out windy, but turned out to be beautiful. The plan on spending Tuesday going over skills needed for the Fixed Line section of Denali and hope to move up to Camp 4 in the next day or two. Anis and Shahrom send messages back home. 

Photos courtesy of AAI Archives.

2015 Denali Team 5 - Dispatch 1

Expedition Dates:  May 31 to June 20, 2015

Dispatch 1 received June 2nd, 2015

Guides:

Higinio Gonzalez

Britt Ruegger

Zach Lovell

Climbers:

Philip Simonet
Scott Frederiksen
Markku Hyvonen
Patrick Richards
Jessica Richards
Daniel Khouri
Alexander von Cramm
Bob Bhania

Guide Quino called in the first dispatch. On June 1st the Team flew from the town of Talkeetna to Base Camp and went straight up to Camp 1, arriving at 4:00am this morning.  A weather system is predicted to move in in he coming days, so they are hoping to place a cache between Camp 1 and 2 tomorrow while they still have their nice weather window.  The team is doing great and everyone has high spirits.

2015 Denali Team 4 - Dispatch 4

Expedition Dates: May 24th - June 13th 

Dispatch 4 received May 31st, 2015

Guides:
Paul Ivaska
Jared Drapala
Jeremy Devine

Climbers:
Josh Skibba
Candice Creecy
Steve Jacobs
Guy Manning
John Moorhouse
Arrak Bhattacharyya
Ben Magid
Anis and Shahrom

Team 4 has moved up to Camp 3. Everyone is feeling great and climbing strong.

2015 Denali Team 3 SUMMIT DAY 6/1/2015

Expedition Dates: May 17th - June 6th 

Dispatch 12 received June 1st, 2015

Guides:

Chad Cochran
Aili Farquhar
Ian Mceleney

Climbers:

Keith Bunnett
Lee Leatherbarrow
Robert Kunc
Peter Alan Schultz
Mike Davies
Craig Crosse (SPUD)
Peter Cammell

Lead guide Chad Cochran called in at 2PM today to report that everyone on Team 3 made the summit on Denali late Sunday evening under the light of the full moon.

They are currently at 17 Camp and will be moving down tomorrow and the coming days.

Congratulations to everyone on Team 3!

Photos courtesy of AAI Archives.

2015 Denali Team 3 - Dispatch 11

Expedition Dates: May 17th - June 6th 

Dispatch 11 received May 30th, 2015

Guides:
Chad Cochran
Aili Farquhar
Ian McEleney

Climbers:
Keith Bunnett
Lee Leatherbarrow
Robert Kunc
Peter Alan Schultz
Mike Davies
Craig Crosse (SPUD)
Peter Cammell

Chad announces after a full day of climbing up they have arrived at High Camp 17,200'!  The team if feeling strong. They are enjoying their evening downtime with good food and plenty of hot drinks. A summit bid is on the horizon.

Photos courtesy of AAI Archives.

2015 Denali Team 3 - Dispatch 10

Expedition Dates: May 17th - June 6th 

Dispatch 10 received May 29th, 2015

Guides:
Chad Cochran
Aili Farquhar
Ian McEleney

Climbers:
Keith Bunnett
Lee Leatherbarrow
Robert Kunc
Peter Alan Schultz
Mike Davies
Craig Crosse (SPUD)
Peter Cammell

Ian called in from Camp 3. After a chilly morning, the day began to warm up and the team was able to cache up to 16K' above the fixed lines before returning back down to Camp 3 for dinner and bed. The team will move up to High Camp at 17,200' in preparation for a summit bid on Monday. 

Photos courtesy of AAI collection.