tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12083100175860881142024-02-19T21:04:27.932-05:00Climbing with Kristen KelliherKristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-42442464347346565042014-02-09T20:22:00.002-05:002014-02-13T23:38:27.492-05:00Success without a Summit?I know this post is written about a month later than intended, but sometimes it's difficult to be able to reflect well on experiences after they've just happened. Some time, distance, and space allow us to understand and more importantly justify our decisions. As I'm sure you've guessed, we did not summit Aconcagua or else I probably would have posted (bragged) about it sooner. But does a summit mean success?<br />
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That question epitomizes the feelings I've felt since our return to the US on Christmas day. Here are some thoughts I reported to the folks at Asolo after just getting back...<br />
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"We ended up not even getting above base camp unfortunately. One of my friends had never been mountaineering at altitude before (he had been mountaineering, and at altitude, but not together) and he was doing fine until our acclimatization hike up to Plaza Franzia. He's super strong/fit and just wasn't able to go slow enough and wasn't breathing often enough. Anyways, he started to get a headache which was fine. I assumed that overnight he would drink more water and continue to breathe so that it would go away. However, he also was having a hard time getting his O2 sat to where it needed to be. The medica that signed our permits at Confluencia was kinda iffy with his number (84-88) for being so low down.<br />
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The next day - our move to base camp should have only taken 6-8 hours, but his headache hadn't gone away and hiking uphill certainly wasn't helping. The rest of us ended up splitting up the belongings in his back pack and letting him carry practically nothing at all. As it was nearing dark, the 2 other group members went ahead to set up camp and I stayed back with him. Finally, 11.5 hours later we got to Plaza de Mulas (base camp). Luckily the next day was our rest day and we hoped that he would start to feel some what better.<br />
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The following afternoon we had another doctor's appointment and his O2 was in the low 70s compared to our low 90s reading so he wasn't allowed to carry to Camp Canada the next day like we had planned. I decided that another rest day wouldn't be the worst thing for us so we could spend some more time scouting the route and trying to get as acclimatized to 14.5k as possible. However, Jordan wasn't getting any better. In fact he started to feel nauseous and was unable to get up without a throbbing head even after taking ibuprofen. Another concerning problem was that he was starting to develop some fluid in his lungs on the lower right side. The whole next day the doctors kept monitoring him, but his breathing at night was terrible - rasping shallow breaths with intermittent rales.<br />
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Since he had a history of asthma, they tried to give him lots of albuterol with his inhaler at 15 min intervals for several hours but it unfortunately had no effect.The doctors kept saying that we could probably keep waiting to see if he would get any better, but I felt it seemed unlikely and really his best option was to head down and this is where we hit a dilemma. The rest of us were doing very well and were eager to keep going, but I wasn't ok with letting him go down on his own especially in a country where he didn't speak any spanish, he didn't have a phone, and had limited funds. Now in the WFR handbook it explicitly says that someone with AMS should NOT go down alone, and I definitely agreed. Although he wasn't doing terribly, it still was a 20 mile walk in the hot sun and at significant altitude to go down.<br />
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After a lot of discussion I decided to turn us around. I know that lots of people climb Aconcagua solo all the time, and if one person went home with Jordan two could keep going, when I planned this trip I wanted 4 people as the bare minimum number. That way if anything went wrong we could still keep the buddy system. Since we were only at base camp and hadn't started any of the harder stuff I didn't want to have such a small group. We could have waited longer, but poor Jordan was miserable - having a headache for 5 days would not be fun, not to mention he had to sleep at a 45 degree angle so that his rales didn't get any worse. And if we had waited one more day at base camp then there was supposed to be three days of bad weather with el viente blanco with significantly colder temps higher on the mountain which could limit our movements or even keep us at base camp. Then we would have only had 1 day to summit assuming that we could descend from high camp all the way to the park entrance.<br />
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I think my trying to justify it. To reassure myself that I made the right decision. I know the mountain will always be there and I'll probably have another chance to go down there but I was the one who made the call to go down. I'd been working on saving up for this trip for 14 months and it's crazy that it ended so abruptly and not at all in the way I anticipated. It was especially difficult because I could see the summit, the trail up to camp 2, and the Canaleta from my tent at base camp. It was so close and so feasible but I keep replaying the situation over and over and I know I'd made the same decision again without hesitation."<br />
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The more I look back on that experience the more I realize how I absolutely made the right decision to turn us around. There is no sense in trying to push any higher when the safety of the team could be compromised. It's just not worth it. I also realized that part of why this is so difficult for me is that there is no one I can "blame" for this. As the leader of this expedition and the one who decided to turn us around I can't put this on anyone else. When I've done other mountains that were guided and we didn't reach the summit, even though I knew it was weather, I also put the responsibility of the turn around on the guides. But this trip was different. This one is on me.<br />
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So the question still remains, how was I successful? Well, everyone returned home in one piece, which is the most important thing so that was a success. But looking back on WHY I decided to attempt Aconcagua in the first place helped me really solidify my success. In an email I sent to a friend about my decision to head south and tackle this mountain was for the following reasons:<br />
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1. organize and do all the logistics of a complicated and lengthy expedition<br />
2. plan a route and research the best way to attempt a mountain<br />
3. push my comfort limits to try a mountain that is on the cusp of what I'm comfortable with<br />
4. experience another culture and see another part of the world that I'd never even considered before<br />
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Reaching the summit was never my first priority. Sure it would have been awesome, and my school would probably have loved the publicity, AND I would have had a sweet profile picture on Facebook, but I accomplished all of the goals that I set for myself. Therefore I was successful.<br />
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This was an interesting learning opportunity for me to really think about how I define success and how the traditional definition of success is not something that I should compare myself to. I am capable of creating my own idea of what it is and then acting upon it accordingly. I don't need anyone else to tell me what success is and that is probably the most important thing I've taken away from this experience, and for that I'm grateful.<br />
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So thank you to my family, friends, Asolo, and Patagonia for not only supporting me with the trip preparations but for providing me with this wisdom and insight that will help me to be a more independent and self-defining individual.Kristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-57083796603079681862013-12-17T10:23:00.002-05:002013-12-17T10:23:35.145-05:00Aconcagua tomorrow!!Well, we made it to Argenina with only a slight delay in Santiago, Chile yesterday mid-day. That afternoon we attempted to get our permits, got breakfast, lunch, and additional dinner foods. After organizing the food last night and eating a delicious steak dinner we went to bed. This morning, Nicolas from Grajales Expeditions - our mule service rescued us and we got our permits, but not without additional hassle with the banks. We spent our morning today packing and organizing. This afternoon weŕe taking a bus to Los Penitentes where were staying at the Ayelen Hotel. And tomorrow weŕe hitting the trail!<br />
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The lastest we will be back is January 6th. I might be able to get internet access at Plaza de Mulas depending on the price. If not Ill be sure to give a more detailed description when Iḿ not using a keyboard in Argentina.<br />
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Until then, hasta luego!<br />
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KristenKristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-52984851705947701022013-11-11T22:04:00.001-05:002013-11-11T22:04:19.001-05:00Presenting at the 19th Annual Ouray Ice Festival Not only do I have the opportunity to present for the Appalachian Mountain Club in Boston, but the day after I get back from Aconcagua I'm flying to Ouray, Colorado to give a presentation at their 19th Annual Ice Festival! On behalf of Asolo, I'm presenting about my ten year journey of climbing the tallest mountains in each of the 50 states.<br />
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The Ouray Ice Festival is a four day event of presentations, ice climbing clinics, and of course a mixed ice and speed competition sponsored by Asolo and Rock and Ice Magazine. I've only ever been to one ice festival before, the Mount Washington Ice Festival, but there wasn't an ice climbing competition. I'm very excited to watch what I'm sure is going to be a fantastic demonstration of athleticism and skill.<br />
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My presentation is the first night of the extravaganza and I'm honored to be asked to present. Other speakers include Adrian Ballinger one of 70 IFMGA/AMGA certified guide with multiple 8,000 meter peak ascents, Ueli Steck - famous Swiss mountaineer with his most recent accomplishment of a solo ascent up the south face of Annapurna, and Aaron Mulkey an adventurous ice climber and kayaker in Wyoming and surrounding areas. I'm so excited to meet Ueli Steck especially, but the line up of presenters looks awesome!<br />
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Not only am I presenting at the ice festival, but I'm talking to the local high school Friday morning. Asolo offers a scholarship to a graduating senior who plans to continue their education in some sort of outdoor focused area. I'm not sure if I'm more excited to present to the athletes or the students. I feel like I could have a bigger impact on the students in getting them engaged in the outdoors whereas the athletes have already realized how special the mountains are.<br />
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After the festival ends on Sunday, I'm flying back to Maine so that I can go to school the following Monday. Even though I'm missing the first week of classes, Aconcagua and the opportunity to present as an event as big as the Ouray Ice Fest are 100% worth it.<br />
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Here's a link to the Schedule of Events for the ice festival:<br />
http://ourayicepark.com/ice-festival/schedule-of-events/<br />
<br />Kristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-72272851882446341872013-11-07T01:22:00.001-05:002013-11-07T01:22:20.944-05:00The Appalachian Mountain Club's 138th Annual SummitOne of my speaking engagements for this winter is as keynote speaker for the Appalachian Mountain Club's Annual Summit at the Norwood Hotel and Conference Center in Norwood, MA. This weekend event is taking place January 24th and 25th.<br />
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Here's a link to the AMC's website: http://www.outdoors.org/about/annualsummit/<br />
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Not only am I the keynote speaker for the dinner the night of the 25th, but I'm also giving a presentation that day in which I will talk in depth about my climb up Mt. McKinley. It's going to be a wonderful weekend, with great meetings and workshops to attend so make sure to book your tickets in advance!Kristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-41744558343357776082013-10-11T01:56:00.001-04:002013-10-13T13:18:45.161-04:00Tickets are Booked! Officially, I can now say that I'm going to attempt Aconcagua this winter. Tickets were booked last night before the prices could get any higher! I've been an avid follower of the price fluctuations on 6 major airline booking companies, and decided that it was time. We are flying out of Boston on December 15th with two connecting flights; one in Miami and one in Santiago, Chile before finally arriving in Mendoza, Argentina a mere 22 hours later...<br />
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Now that the tickets have been purchased, the reality of my trip has completely hit me. I can't believe that this is actually happening! It still seemed like a cool idea, but an impossibility until I got the confirmation email. From a crazy idea to going to South America is amazing!<br />
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I've set a picture of Aconcagua as my background on my computer so I have more some motivation to stay active and get psyched for this trip!<br />
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A hora tengo que practicar mi español para comprender y hablar con los argentinos! (or is it por comprender...) Yikes, I'd better hit the books!Kristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-11622169448133753212013-10-05T17:17:00.001-04:002013-10-05T17:17:14.014-04:00October UpdateSo since my last post, a plethora of new and exciting things have developed!<br />
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From where I left off last time, my family and I had a successful ascent of Mt. Katahdin despite horrible rainy weather, but at least we got some fantastic pictures! Following our hike, we spent the evening in Millinocket, ME at the Highpointers' Konvention where, I was recognized with an official plaque of my high pointing accomplishment! There were a number of 50 state completers, but I was the only female of the group!<br />
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The rest of my summer was spent working as much as I could and hitting the gym trying to get prepared for Aconcagua. I worked as a camp counselor, babysitter, house and alpaca sitter, ironer, painter, and customer service rep for my uncle's company! My summer culminated with a trip out west to Mt. Rainier with 2 other members of my Aconcagua expedition: my stepdad Bill and friend Jono. Since Jono had never been to altitude before, we thought Rainier would be the perfect place, especially since Bill still had to climb Rainier to get his 48th high point. The trip was wonderful and even though I forgot my liner socks, which led to horrible blisters, Bill and Jono were able to summit! I got to the crater rim and let them go to Columbia Crest - the <i>true</i> high point. We had planned to then attempt Mt. Adams, but my feet weren't up for it so we toured around Washington and Oregon until flying back home.<br />
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After arriving back in Vermont, I had a filmmaker come to my house for the day and interview me and my family about our high pointing experience. Gary Wolff (former NatGeo filmmaker) and his wife Kathy are producing a movie about high pointing and they though that we would be good to highlight.<br />
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Now, I'm back at school and still working just as hard this summer. I have four jobs at school because I still need to earn some more before our trip this winter. On top of that, I'm taking four rigorous classes, I've officially declared my major as Environmental Chemistry, and I'm still trying to stay active in clubs.<br />
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In terms of my progress for Aconcagua, I have just recently finalized my team! There will be four of us, my stepdad, two friends from school: Jono and Jordan, and myself. We are departing from Boston on December 15th, just two days after finals end and flying to Mendoza. We've budgeted 21 days for our ascent including 6 or 7 extra days for weather or whatever else may arise. We should summit (hopefully) right around New Years and then be back home Wednesday January 8th.<br />
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Then, the next day (Thursday), I'm flying out to Ouray, CO to give a presentation for Asolo at the Ouray Ice Festival. Ouray is an incredible outdoors ice climbing park and the festival is the biggest one in North America, I'm honored to be asked to speak! After giving a presentation at the festival, I'm also giving one to the Ouray high school, where I hope I can inspire kids, both male and female to learn about goal setting, self-discipline, persistence, and to love the outdoors as much as I do.<br />
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That's all for now, but I encourage you to check out my new picture album covering my summer adventures!!!<br />
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KristenKristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-58103130868427405672013-07-17T14:54:00.000-04:002013-07-17T14:54:00.203-04:002013 Annual Highpointers ConventionEach year the location of the annual Highpointers Convention changes among the fifty states. Last year it was Oregon, the year before Ohio, both places that aren't too easy or inexpensive to get to. However, this year, the convention is in Maine, a breezy 7.5 hour drive away!<br />
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Tomorrow afternoon, my Mom, Bill, Billy, Danny, and I are piling into our minivan with the trunk packed with gear to make our way to Mt. Katahdin, the tallest point in Maine. We'll arrive late tomorrow night and Thursday morning begin the hike into Chimney Pond. We've given ourselves plenty of time if there's afternoon thunderstorms because as of right now things could get exciting in the afternoons later this week.<br />
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Last time I was at Mt. Katahdin was this February as a member of Wilderness Rescue, a Search and Rescue team based out of Grey, Maine. We spent a week going of winter skills and completing mock rescues scenarios. But the last time my family was at Baxter State Park was in July of 2005! That was before Billy and Danny were allowed above tree line (no one under 6 is allowed above tree line) so Ryan, Bill, Mom, and myself had to execute a "divide and conquer" technique. That was where Bill and I went to summit, while Mom and Ryan stayed at Chimney Pond with Billy and Danny. After we had reached the summit, we swapped with Mom and Ryan and let them summit too.<br />
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A very distinct memory of our trip in '05 was that there were tons of moose! Bill woke up one night and heard a strange munching sound a few feet away from the end of our lean-to. He shone his flashlight on the noise, and a giant moose was having a snack less than 10 feet away from us! Bill woke us all up so we could watch him and it was wildly exciting! I'm hoping we'll get to see some more interesting wildlife this weekend, but I won't mind if it's from more of a distance.<br />
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Wish us luck!Kristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-34614561815810961412013-07-10T16:06:00.000-04:002013-10-12T17:42:39.040-04:00July Update and Pictures<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Be sure to check out the "Pictures" page in the orange nav bar to see my expedition up Denali last spring!!</span><br />
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<span class="s1">So I've finally posted the pictures of my ascent of Denali last spring, it only took me a year. I've captioned most of the images so you can correlate where I was in relation to the mountain. The views were incredible and every time I look through them I long to head back. Maybe in a few years, but who knows...</span></div>
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<span class="s1">In other news, my flight is set to head out to the Cascades this August. I'm planning 8 days to finally get Bill to the top of Mt. Rainier so he can finish his 48 high points. With the extra time we're thinking about climbing other peaks such as Mt. Baker, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Saint Helens if weather and time allows.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">In order to say on budget for my trip to South America this winter I've been busily working a my town's Recreation Department running a summer camp, babysitting, painting my house, ironing, house sitting, and working in my dad's office. It's been tough for me juggling so many jobs and the rainy weather to get out and go hiking or climbing, especially since I just got my wisdom teeth out but I've been good at going to the gym.</span></div>
Kristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-15709887887757836322013-06-18T02:54:00.004-04:002013-06-18T02:54:38.029-04:00Back in ActionAfter quite the hiatus from blogging, I've realized that quite a few things have happened since last August and I'd like to share them. I've recently revamped my web page as well as my climbing ambitions, check it out!<br />
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Last June, after I reached the summit of Mt. McKinley, and while my high school constituants were preparing for graduation, my ten year saga drew to a close. I was tired, frostbitten, and sore. Initially I had no intentions of climbing anything in the near future, sure I'd accompany my step dad up Rainier so he could complete the 48 contiguous high points, but that was it. Well, we went to Washington and stayed with a former guide of mine, whom I now know not only as a mentor, leader, and role model, but as a friend. Over dinner I again confided in him that it would be dream come true for me to guide for RMI on Rainier, and to work with him. He helped me realize that I need more experience doing unguided climbing before both he and I would be confident in my abilities. I wondered how I'd be able to prove myself, to go above and beyond the unexpected. The initial thought about doing more mountaineering and ice climbing in the winters in New England was appealing, but hardly inspiration; until he uttered the word Aconcagua.<br />
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Some of you may recognize that name, as a mountain included in the Seven Summits. For those of you who don't, Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in South America, rising 23,841 feet. It is the tallest mountain outside of the Himalayas.<br />
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<img src="http://www.skimountaineer.com/ROF/SoAm/Aconcagua/Aconcagua.jpg" style="-webkit-user-select: none;" /></div>
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I knew I'd have a way better shot at getting hired next year if I was able to say that I organized, funded, and lead an expedition up one of the Seven Summits. But how would I be able to pull off a stunt like that? I got lucky with McKinley, but I couldn't take a semester off of college...<br />
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Throughout my first year at college in order to continue to hone my potential guiding skills, I joined a Search and Rescue Team (http://wildernessrescue.org/newwebsite/), became an active member of the Bates Outing Club, took an AIARE level 1 class, became a certified Wilderness First Responder, and threw myself into academia.<br />
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But throughout the year I felt something was missing. There was no big high pointing adventure to plan and I began to think about what came next in terms of mountains and I felt lost. I had done the highest mountains in the fifty states and everyone I talked to kept asking, "so what's next." Each time I heard that question I never had a suitable answer, I might jokingly respond, "survive college" or "replenish my bank account." But, the more I heard that question I realized that I needed to have answer more for myself than for them.<br />
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Immediately I turned to Nepal. I had read Ed Veistur's <i>No Shortcuts to the Top</i> about him climbing the fourteen 8,000 m peaks; the infamous mountains and like any climber, I too was drawn to them. Realistically I knew that I was no where near experienced enough to even begin to consider it. So, instead I began to look all over the world, from the Alps, to the Himalayas, the Mexican Volcanos and every where in between. Until I stumbled on something closer to home, Canada.<br />
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The tallest mountains in each of the thirteen provinces and territories that make up Canada and not dissimilar to some of the ones in the US. However, many of them are more remote or more technically difficult but there were fewer of them. For instance, Mt. Logan in the Yukon Territory is not unlike Mt. McKinley in Alaska. It is the second highest mountain in North America with the same dangers of crevasses, avalanches, and altitude. However, due to it's remoteness, its proximity to the Pacific ocean, and its lack of climbers it can be a much more dangerous mountain. Now, not all the Canadian high points are like that. On the other extreme, the highest point in Prince Edward Island is in a potato field, much like Indiana, or Iowa.<br />
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The only way that I would be capable and confident to begin to lead some of the bigger Canadian mountains would be if I had previous experience leading an expedition of my own. And this is where Aconcagua came into play. If I can successfully lead a group of people to and on the tallest mountain in South America, then I am confident that with planning and increased knowledge and practice I too will be able Canada.<br />
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The fun fact about that Canadian high points is that only one other person has completed the highest peaks in both the US and Canada, and he was male. If I were to complete my challenge then I would be the first female and the youngest to do so.<br />
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And so, even though I haven't been blogging, I've still been plotting my next adventure...<br />
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More updates to come!<br />
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KristenKristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-28807568650316571522012-08-25T22:29:00.003-04:002012-08-25T22:29:43.533-04:00The Boston Globe and The 30 ShowWhoops, I've fallen behind on my blog again! Since my last post I've been featured in The Boston Globe again, this time as an interview in the "G" section. Here's the link:<br />
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http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/style/2012/08/06/force-interview-kristen-kelliher-youngest-female-highpoint-all-states/svpue3g4TLNsQ60WYPKGSK/story.html<br />
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Also, I returned to WCAX's 30 show for an interview. Here's that link:<br />
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http://www.wcax.com/story/19278319/vt-teen-climbs-into-the-record-booksKristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-70000804068593423002012-07-26T10:27:00.002-04:002012-07-26T19:26:54.621-04:00CBS TVLast night I was featured on CBS during their One Last Thing segment. Here's the link:
<a href="http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/07/25/vt-teen-climbs-50-highest-points-in-us/">http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/07/25/vt-teen-climbs-50-highest-points-in-us/</a>Kristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-17304955561529844162012-07-25T21:43:00.000-04:002012-07-26T19:27:01.917-04:00VPR LinkAs promised, here is the link to hear me live on VPR: <a href="http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/95187/teen-climber-summits-mt-mckinley/">http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/95187/teen-climber-summits-mt-mckinley/</a><br />
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I've been in contact with The Boston Globe, and their article about me is scheduled to run on July 31st, check it out!<br />
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Today I donated blood to the American Red Cross. It's for a really great cause and I encourage you to contact the Red Cross to find a donor location near you. It doesn't take very long and you could save a live with your donation.Kristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-87343492493984216062012-07-16T22:24:00.000-04:002012-07-26T19:27:04.954-04:00VPR and The GlobeSo I've finally gotten my act together and started reaching out to the media. After I had my first live interview on VPR this past fall where I talked about the 48 high points, they asked for me to check in once I finished all 50. So tomorrow at 12:30 I'll be interviewed live on Vermont Public Radio! If you don't get a chance to hear me, I'll post the link a soon as they have it on their website.<br />
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Also, tomorrow at 9 am I'm being interviewed by Joe Khan, a reporter for the Boston Globe. Stay tuned for when that article will run!Kristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-27115944671043678572012-07-13T12:05:00.001-04:002012-07-13T12:13:16.960-04:00Mt. McKinley Complete!!!! So I finally did it, woo-hoo!!! After my summit on June 13th, I became the youngest female to highpoint all 50 states by 12 years, 7 months, and 15 days! A bit shout out to all my sponsors, without their help it wouldn't have been possible! Thanks: Asolo, Smartwool, Stoic, Gregory, Julbo, Komperdell, Mountain Hardwear, Darn Tough Socks, AAA, Global Rescue, and the Norwich Lions Club! While we were climbing my team was able to blog every night and give updates on our progress. Here are the posts from oldest to newest (courtesy of www.rmiguides.com/blog):<br />
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<span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/05/24/mt._mckinley_okita_team_ready_for_expedition"><span style="color: #0a4b94; text-decoration: none;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA & TEAM READY FOR EXPEDITION</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| May 24, 2012</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 358'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">What a day!<br />A team meeting over breakfast followed by our</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress/#itinerary"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">park service orientation</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">was just the beginning. The real work started at the hanger of our flight service, K2 Aviation. It was here that the tedium of going thru our gear, both personal and group stuff will pay off hugely when we get to the mountain and are stuck with the equipment we’ve chosen. REI has yet to set up shop on the Kahiltna Glacier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">As we wind down the day a great meal sits in our bellies and we look forward to a final night luxuriating in a real bed where a hot shower and toilet lie but a few carpeted paces away. Tomorrow will be different!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">With luck we’ll be flying onto the glacier at 9:00am to start our trip… One that we have all been working so hard and dreaming about for so long. And we start it as a group of individuals already well on our way to being a team of climbers and, more importantly, friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">I know that we’re all excited to get under way. I know too that I’m excited to climb with this very impressive group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Well, all for now from the cozy little town of Talkeetna.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/brent-okita">RMI Guide Brent Okita</a></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/05/25/mt._mckinley_okita_team_smooth_sailing"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA & TEAM SMOOTH SAILING</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| May 25, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 7,800'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">What a day! Right from the start everything fell in place perfectly. Our last breakfast at the Roadhouse was savored before we made our way to our air service, K2 Aviation, who were great about getting us off the Tarmac ahead of schedule. This set us up to walk out of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress#itinerary"><span style="color: #0a4b94; text-decoration: none;">Basecamp</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>at a reasonable hour, which allowed us to reach camp at 7,800’ by 5:30.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">But the real highlight of the day was just how well everyone climbed and dealt with what is usually a pretty tough day. I’m impressed. I must say, though, that the weather cooperated today too. Warm temperatures, blue skies and calm winds might have had us perspiring just a tad, but I didn’t hear much complaining about it. Although some evening clouds formed while we were having dinner, I think we might have a good day tomorrow as we make our way up Ski Hill to 9,500’ camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Talk with you then.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/brent-okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">RMI Guide Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/05/26/mt._mckinley_okita_team_at_9500_camp"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA & TEAM AT 9,500’ CAMP</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| May 26, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 9,500'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Today marked our last day pulling full loads, and I think we’re all pretty psyched about that! Our five hour climb began after waking up to three inches of snow and white-out conditions. But such conditions are certainly not unusual on the Kahiltna, and so after a hearty breakfast of fried bagels, cream cheese and bacon we tackled Ski Hill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Pulling huge sleds and shouldering monstrous packs is a given when climbing<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Denali</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">, but is no small measure of character and sheer physical tenacity of the climber who accepts that challenge. And it is by meeting that challenge today that this team has really demonstrated a strength of will that will serve them well on this trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Tomorrow begins the time in the trip when we start splitting up our loads and ferrying them up the mountain in stages. We’re looking forward to this, but I know that these first two days have only made us stronger, and in the end, better prepared for the demands that lie ahead. We’ll move camp up to 11,200’ camp tomorrow and finally enjoy setting up a camp where we’ll be for at least three days. I think the crew is going to welcome finally being able to build a ‘proper’ mountain home, replete with protective walls around the tents and enclosed commodes. What an energetic and motivated team. I’m a lucky guide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/05/27/mt._mckinley_okita_team_do_well_on_move_to_11200_camp"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA & TEAM DO WELL ON MOVE TO 11,200’ CAMP</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| May 27, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 11,200'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">With packs lightened down after leaving a cache at 9500’, the team made easy work on the climb to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress#itinerary"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">11,200’ camp</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">today. Our three and a half hour jaunt was made all the nicer by bluebird skies and sunny warm temperatures. To top things off we moved into a nice campsite that required minimal work. Although its snowing lightly again, we are looking forward to another easier day tomorrow, where we will retrieve our cache from 9500’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">That’s all from 11,200 feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">RMI Guides<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/lindsay-mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/leon-davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/brent-okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/05/29/mt._mckinley_okita_team_carry_above_11_camp"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA & TEAM CARRY ABOVE 11 CAMP</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| May 29, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 11,200'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Awakening early this morning we were surprised at just how warm and windless it was. At first our views were obscured by thick clouds, but moments later we could recognize the faint outlines of the ridges above us and realized that in fact we were at the top edge of a thick cloud bank enveloping the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress/"><span style="color: #0a4b94; text-decoration: none;">Kahiltna</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>below us.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Everyone was excited, and perhaps just a bit anxious about the climbing ahead. After all, we were to face our steepest terrain yet.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Now, in our tent after a wonderful meal of pasta followed by blueberry cheese cake, all I can say is how proud I am of how this team climbed today! Everyone handled the loads and the climbing really well. About as well as I’ve seen. This sure bodes well for later.<br />We really appreciated the early start being over an hour ahead of any other team. It felt like we had the mountain to ourselves, and we did. That is, until we descended and saw the throngs of humanity ascending the slopes we had passed long before. At dinner many in the group reflected on what they saw and asked, “Did we look like that?” referring to the hunched over postures of people battling altitude, steep terrain and a notable lack of technique and training. We were delighted to say, “no, you guys are climbers!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">RMI Guides<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/brent-okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/leon-davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">&<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/lindsay-mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/05/30/mt._mckinley_okita_team_reach_14_camp"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA & TEAM REACH 14 CAMP</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| May 30, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 14,000'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">We awoke this morning early again, trying to take advantage of another windless day. With blue skies overhead we were optimistic of our chances of getting to camp at 14,100’<br />The crew had breakfast and struck camp as quickly and well as I’ve seen. Obviously they were some pretty motivated climbers.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />A slight breeze kept us wrapped up in most of our layers, and we even put on face protection climbing through Windy Corner. But the team climbed even better today than yesterday. However, leaving our high point of yesterday and ascending the final 700’ to camp reminded us all of the big jump in elevation we were making. Although everyone climbed really well, even the strongest of the team struggled a bit with the last bit of elevation gain.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />But all this is expected and a normal part of the acclimatization process. An easy day tomorrow will find the team feeling better as our bodies adjust to the altitude. We’re looking forward to it.<br />Getting into camp early today allowed us to establish a nice camp, dry out sleeping bags packed in haste this morning, and settle in to our new home before the sun disappeared behind the ridge. Our bags will be especially welcome tonight.<br />Talk with you again tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">RMI Guide<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/brent-okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/leon-davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/lindsay-mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/05/30/mt._mckinley_okita_team_back_carry_and_train"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA & TEAM BACK CARRY AND TRAIN</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| May 30, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 14,200'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">What does normal feel like at 14,200’? Certainly not what it feels like at home. At least not at first. The headaches and weariness that some felt last night evaporated by morning and it was nice to see smiles on everyone’s faces at breakfast. Yet still, we are not fully adjusted to the elevation. This becomes obvious when some normally easy things like shoveling snow or even walking to the ‘bathroom’ cause our respirations and pulse to surge a bit. But, it’s getting better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Today we retrieved our cache from 13,500’ and did some training in preparation for the most challenging climbing yet. Becoming comfortable with the mechanical ascenders that we will use for protection while ascending the steeps of the fixed ropes leading to the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress/"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">West Buttress</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">is critical for our safe and efficient ascent. Next, being proficient in dealing with running belays used for protection on our climb up the exposed and most beautiful ridge of the Buttress is essential. And I’m happy to say that everyone is well prepared for tomorrows climbing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Good news from our friends, RMI 2, led by Billy Nugent, who are now at 17,200’ camp, is that there are plenty of supplies at camp there, so our packs will be fairly light on our first foray up to 16,000’ or 17,000’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Our climbing tomorrow serves two purposes. We do need to get food and fuel up to our next camp. But more importantly, tomorrow will serve to heighten our acclimatization greatly, allowing our bodies to feel even more normal up here. And the more ‘normal’ we start feeling here at 14,200’, the more prepared we will be for our eventual move to high camp at 17,200’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">But that’s jumping ahead a little. For now we’ll just concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other for a few hours and see if we can’t get a cache in somewhere above us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Goodnight from 14,200’ camp where our expected low temp tonight will hover around 0 degrees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">RMI Guides</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Brent Okita, Leon Davis, and Lindsay Mann<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/06/01/mt._mckinley_okita_and_team_rest_at_14000"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA AND TEAM REST AT 14,000’</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| June 01, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 14,000'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Breakfast was early this morning as the night was fairly warm and if we were to make a carry we wanted to not be caught up in the sometimes crowded scene that happens on the fixed ropes later in the day. But a quick survey of how everyone was doing at breakfast confirmed our suspicion that the day would be better spent resting and fortifying our camp from windy, nasty weather that can happen at any time. After all, we’d been going strong for six days straight. So, we enjoyed a leisurely meal of western omelette, bacon and bagels, followed by some warm pop tarts. And the best part of the morning was when Roberto Pellegrino took over and started turning out some killer pancakes leftover from another days breakfast. The morning amounted to a relaxed time just enjoying each others company. But of course my mind is always spinning and after my third hot drink I thought it might be worthwhile to at least get some food up to our high camp, and perhaps even see our friends Billy, Geoff and Gilbert. So, off Lindsay and I went. It was her first time actually on the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress/"><span style="color: #0a4b94; text-decoration: none;">Buttress</span></a>itself, and it made for a fun trip. And visiting with our other team at 17,200’ was great too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Tomorrow we plan on all climbing up the fixed ropes and on to the Buttress. How far we just don’t know. But, we’ll be sporting nice light packs, a very welcome change for us all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">We’ll be in touch tomorrow night as long as we get back early enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/brent-okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">, Leon and Lindsay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/06/02/mt._mckinley_okita_team_cache_in"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA & TEAM CACHE IN</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| June 02, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 14,200'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Today the team succeeded in getting our cache all the way up to 17,200’. What an achievement! Another early start had us beating the madding crowds up the fixed ropes and allowing us to enjoy our climb on the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress"><span style="color: #0a4b94; text-decoration: none;">Buttress</span></a>with a peaceful solitude.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">At<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress#itinerary"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Washburn’s Thumb</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">everyone was climbing well, but we decided to send one team on up to high camp while the rest of us conserved our strength and descended back to camp from 16,600’. After all, we had reached the highest point many of us had ever climbed to and were doing well. Our team of go-getters who went on higher even carried some of our personal caches with them so that all our cache would be together at our next and final camp. I’m still so impressed by how this team pulls together and helps each other out in times like these. It should be noted that seldom do any teams make the effort or have the strength to carry all the way up to 17,200’ camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">What we experience while climbing the terrain between the fixed ropes and 17,200’ is nothing short of awesome. And for most of us this is the most exciting climbing we have ever done. Steep, exposed and beautiful. What more could we want.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Back at camp now everyone is resting well and looking forward to a real rest day. We’ll sleep in and dine on smoked salmon, bagels and cream cheese. And maybe after that we’ll get into something else. It will be a well deserved day of rest!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Until next time…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">RMI Guides</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Brent, Leon and Lindsay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/06/02/mt._mckinley_okita_and_team_walk_to_the_edge_of_the_world"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA AND TEAM WALK TO “THE EDGE OF THE WORLD”</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| June 02, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 14,000'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">“Its a miracle, I lit the stoves!” Exclaimed Roberto as he woke up the team this morning. When we entered the cook tent Roberto and Brent had laid out a spread of bagels, cream cheese and smoked salmon. Roberto was quite the Italian gentlemen this morning running the stoves and serving hot water, while insisting everyone enjoy their morning coffee and cider, and even giving us a short Italian lesson. A big grazie to Roberto, our favorite Italian chef at 14,000 feet!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">After a leisurely breakfast we took a walk out to the edge of the world. The edge of the world got its name because it drops away 6,000 feet below you. Allowing us to see our<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress/#itinerary"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">previous camp</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">at 7,800 feet and giving us fantastic views of the Alaskan range.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">That was our big event of the day, and now we are resting and preparing for our move to 17,000 foot camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Other exciting news was that RMI Guide Gilbert Chase on the McKinley May 15th Expedition checked in this morning as RMI Guide Billy Nugent and team were making their summit bid. We expect to hear from them later on tonight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Sitting strong at 14,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">RMI Guides<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/lindsay-mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">, Brent and Leon and team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/06/03/mt._mckinley_okita_team_climb_to_17000_camp"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA & TEAM CLIMB TO 17,000’ CAMP</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| June 03, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 17,000'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Hi, this is Brent along with Leon and Lindsay calling from 17,000’ camp on the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress/#itinerary"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">West Buttress</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">here on Mt. McKinley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">We have just gotten up to our high camp here today after a grueling but a great climb in which everyone climbed super well. Right now it’s about 10 o’clock and the guides are just getting into their sleeping bags after getting dinner and filling up water bottles and all that good stuff. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Currently the conditions are pretty good, a little windy just 20 mph winds. We are in a bit of a white out, a little snow blowing but not too bad. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />We are up here now, the forecast isn’t for horrible conditions but not bluebird, perfect conditions either. And that’s ok for us because we wouldn’t mind a rest day after our big climb up from the 14,000’ camp this morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">We’ll be waking up early to check the weather just in case we have a perfect day. If that’s the case and there’s no wind then we are going to go for the summit tomorrow morning. So wish us luck on that. Otherwise we’ll be here and we have plenty of supplies to last us through any storm that might come our way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">That is all from 17,000 foot camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/brent-okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">RMI Guide Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/06/05/mt._mckinley_okita_team_rest_at_17200_camp"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA & TEAM REST AT 17,200’ CAMP</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| June 05, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 17,200'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">We fared well on our first night at 17,200’. Any little headaches of the day before vanished come morning and everyone was in good spirits by the time I ‘woke’ them up at 10:30. Needless to say we didn’t go for the summit this morning. It was somewhat windy and cloudy all day with snow falling occasionally. Just another day at 17,200’ camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">After rather prolonged brunch we got after building some respectable walls for our tents and Posh House. Unfortunately, we ran out of time to build a nice boudoir to house our CMC (clean mountain can). But, there’s always tomorrow should we not get a chance for the summit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">The weather forecast is not promising for the next couple of days, but considering that they are as often wrong as right up here, that doesn’t bother me. I’ll be getting up in the cold morning hours regardless to see for myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Everyone is feeling good and doing well up here in this rather inhospitable world of cold and high elevation. And when it came time to crank out the block cutting and wall building this team went after it. That said, we all sure appreciated getting out of the gusty winds and snow when the time came to finish for the day. Lunch in the Posh and some horizontal time in the tents never felt better.<br />Finally, we all want to shout out a big Happy Birthday to Phil. Phil. we miss you dearly and wish you were up here with us, cutting blocks and eating dehydrated meals. Now tell me, can you beat that down there? I didn’t think so.<br />Let’s hope for a change in the weather. It doesn’t seem quite so windy right now, so ...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Goodnight from 17,200’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">RMI Guides Brent, Leon and Lindsay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/06/06/mt._mckinley_okita_team_build_throne_at_17200"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA & TEAM BUILD THRONE AT 17,200’</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| June 06, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 17,200'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">No. I’m afraid there were no royal celebrations of summit success for us today as we began the morning getting up with guarded optimism that the clouds and wind above us would dissipate just enough to allow us to get in a summit bid. But that did not happen, and instead we retreated back to our tents after prolonging our time over breakfast in the Posh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Unfortunately the clouds descended and eventually we were enveloped in wind and snow that just took some of the energy and motivation we needed to work on camp. So, instead we spent a restful morning in our tents, snug and warm from the elements just beyond the thin nylon fabric we rely so vitally on for our comfort and survival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">What do we actually do during these times while waiting for the weather to improve? Of course, reading, listening to music, playing games all come to mind, but simply catching up on sleep is huge. With winds buffeting our tents during the night, coupled with the excitement and anxiety that affects us all before a possible summit day, we can all use the downtime. In fact, it’s the climber that deals with this forced inactivity well that tends to be the better climber. A capacity for patience is a hallmark of good expedition climbers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">But, I never thought that spending an entire day in the old fart sack helped you out much in terms of adjusting to the altitude, so when we got a nice break in the weather we went out and built the nicest bathroom on the mountain, walled and roofed, and ready for whatever the mountain throws at us. At least we’ll take comfort knowing that, when that inevitable time comes, we’ll be able to answer that call without sheets of wind blown snow covering our clothes and all too vulnerably exposed parts of our anatomy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">As for tomorrow, though the forecast calls for high winds what I’m seeing right now makes me think we have a chance. The winds have calmed and it’s sunny and beautiful, with simply gorgeous views of the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress/#itinerary"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Alaska Range</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">from our perch here just below the summit of the tallest peak in North America. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">And now, some closing words from the poet laureate of the arctic, our own Lindsay Mann:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">At 17 we stay<br />Wishing the wind away<br />Cutting blocks and sawing snow<br />People see out camp and say wow!<br />A ceiling for our bathroom was done<br />To give us privacy from everyone<br />Stories over dinner we share<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />cause team morale is still there<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Hoping to get the summit<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />As soon as these winds plummet<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />But for now we sit tight<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />And wish for a beautiful night<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Good night from<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/brent-okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">, Leon and Lindsay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/06/07/mt._mckinley_okita_team_make_home_improvements"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA & TEAM MAKE HOME IMPROVEMENTS</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| June 07, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 17,200'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">This morning we woke up to clear skies and beautiful views. Unfortunately, as we sipped on our morning coffee the clouds began to grow and the wind picked up. Today was not our<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress/#itinerary"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">summit day</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">, instead we got the team moving around and doing more home improvements. I can positively say that RMI Okita has the best looking camp at 17.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Today’s renovations included lowering the floor of the posh ( or cook tent) and revamping the kitchen scene. After these improvements were made everyone enjoyed some reading and napping before a delicious dinner of tortellini served with a cream garlic sauce and sun dried tomatoes. The conversation was flowing over dinner, with stories of bike racing, pets, hunting and books.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Again we are optimistic about tomorrow’s weather, which is calling for a high pressure system to move in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Wishing the wind away,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">RMI Guides</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/lindsay-mann"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;"> </span></span><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">, Leon, Brent and team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/06/07/mt._mckinley_expedition_okita_team_waiting_patiently"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY EXPEDITION: OKITA & TEAM WAITING PATIENTLY</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| June 07, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 17,200'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Good things come to those who wait…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">At least that is what we must remind ourselves of. Another day of marginal weather had us scratching our heads about the possibility of a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress/#itinerary"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">summit bid</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">while other teams have had enough and are headed down. But with a fortified camp and a weeks worth of food and fuel, we plan to exercise patience and optimism. As storm days stack up, it is all too easy to let altitude and lethargy tear a person down. Exercise is the best remedy, and so this afternoon we climbed the first hour of the autobahn to stretch the legs and open the lungs. With new snow covering the route, we worked hard breaking new trail up to 17,700 feet, and the pickets that protect the steep slopes had to be dug out. To be sure when our time comes to go for the top, our team will be the most acclimated and best conditioned team at high camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">High and Mighty at 17K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/brent-okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">RMI Guides Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">, Davis & Mann<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/06/09/mt._mckinley_expedition_okita_and_team_at_17k"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY EXPEDITION: OKITA AND TEAM AT 17K’</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| June 09, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 17,200'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Day 6 at<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress/#itinerary"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">camp 17</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">! Woke up to a foot of fresh powder around noon. Had a late brunch of leftover cereal, oatmeal, and soup. After some posh time we hit the shovels and dug out our tents. The rest of the afternoon we’ll be reading and eating, two of our favorite pastimes in the comfort of our tents. We’re cautiously optimistic that tomorrow will bring a summit bid! We’re in good spirits and have plenty of resources to stick it out for another couple days!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">-Kristen and Gary<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/06/10/mt._mckinley_okita_team_take_walk_towards_summit"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA & TEAM TAKE WALK TOWARDS SUMMIT</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| June 10, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 17,200'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Well, we’re still here at<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress/#itinerary"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">17,200’, day 7</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">up here and no summit in sight. In my 22 years of doing this I’ve never stayed here over seven days. I guess there’s a first for everything.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />But the team is still strong and committed to tagging the summit despite our little weather delays. And it’s still only day 17 for us, so we’re still well within our time frame for these trip.<br />This morning was nasty, so we relaxed in our tents until 11:00am and had the brunch that has become all too familiar these days. At that time the wind and snow abated somewhat and I entertained for the first time doing an evening climb of sorts. With a bit of a cloud cap over the summit conditions were not ideal, but we had been having some rather consistent clearing in the afternoon and evenings, and with daylight throughout the evening, late starts are not unheard of.<br />So, we set out for the summit knowing full well that if we encountered worsening weather we’d simply turn back. The important thing for us was to get in some walking to maintain out strength, acclimatization, and mental health.<br />The route that we had punched in the day before was gone, so we had to plow through 1-2’ of snow to establish the route. Luckily the snow was quite stable and allowed us to reach almost 18,000’ before I made the tough call to turn back in the face of some increasing winds and certainly not improving conditions.<br />But, we had reestablished the route and gotten in a little exercise. And everyone had climbed well! We’ll be ready when the weather gods finally allow us to climb.<br />Back at camp over dinner we discussed just how long we might stay here at 17,200’ waiting for our opportunity. Wednesday seemed like a date that would be reasonable to make our last day here. We have food and fuel to go beyond then, but for those of you wondering when your loved one will be coming back, I would say a few days after that would be reasonable. That being said, we do have some on the team that are willing to stay on beyond then. And for them, I guess I’d have to say that I too would be willing to stick around.<br />But… Let’s not go there quite yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Kristen would like to wish Billy a happy birthday. And Gary would like to send Angela hugs and kisses from 17,200’ camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">All for now. Thanks for reading our dispatches!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/brent-okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">RMI Guides Brent</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">, Leon , Lindsay and the rest of the team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/06/11/mt._mckinley_okita_team_a_break"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA & TEAM - A BREAK!</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| June 11, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 17,200'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Last night we received another foot of snow, though it wasn’t nearly as windy as the previous night. Although it was a significant storm, come morning something about it felt different causing me to check the weather regularly. Sure enough, by the time we got up at 9:30 the skies had cleared and it was beautiful. Except for the winds blowing the new snow around<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress/#itinerary"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Denali Pass</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">and the ridge above.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">It was yet just a little too windy for us, plus all the trail breaking of the previous days was gone, so we hung out at camp and enjoyed our nicest day at 17,200’ yet. Another day for the snow to settle will help reduce any avalanche risk as well However, a report by another guide that poked his nose into the conditions affirms what we have been seeing already, and eases my mind considerably.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">After a breakfast of grits, Leon, Lindsay and I went down to 16,200’ to help out our next group led by Tyler Jones by bringing their cache of food and fuel up to 17,200’. This eases their move day enormously, and gets some provisions up here in case our already less than stellar luck with the weather turns south even further.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">And now, for the first time all trip, I’m very optimistic about our chances for the summit. Things seem like they are finally falling info place. Of course, tomorrow is another day ...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Right now it is warm and windless, and we are getting ready for dinner. Wish us luck!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/brent-okita">RMI Guide Brent Okita</a></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/06/12/mt._mckinley_okita_team_war_and_peace"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA & TEAM - WAR AND PEACE</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| June 12, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 17,200'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Held hostage by the fickle nature of the weather for ten (or is it eleven now?) days at 17,200’ my brain is in hardly any shape to draw all the parallels to that epic saga and our own story here. But some stand out:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Ours has become a very long story of the challenges we face when not all elements in our world are in our control. And in our struggle to deal with these challenges, we face a bit of an emotional roller coaster as optimism fades when a new reality asserts itself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">This morning the hope of a nice<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">summit day</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">came crashing down as we received heavy snow and high winds starting in the wee hours of the morning. Tyler Jones at 14,200’ camp reported over two feet of new snow and 50 mph winds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">So, once again we dug out camp with face protection, heavy gloves or mittens, and ski goggles on before breakfast. It was here that, given what we’ve been through up here, and the reality of just how long a human being can actually live at this altitude and harsh environment, we chose Thursday as our ‘up or down’ day. But, this still gives us a chance to summit. Tomorrow might not be perfect, but, Thursday has been forecasted to offer ‘light and variable’ winds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">I’m generally an optimist, but at this point even I can succumb to a heaviness in my outlook after having so many of my summit plans thwarted. But, as we discover in Tolstoy’s classic, sometimes what matters most is not some obvious achievement, but rather a deeper sense of accomplishment or understanding that comes with living life well, and to the fullest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Let’s hope tomorrow our dispatch will be a bit more succinct. Like just one word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Love, kisses and heavy thoughts from your<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/expedition/mckinley_w._buttress_5_22_12/desc"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">team at 17,200’</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/brent-okita">RMI Guide Brent Okita</a></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/06/14/mt._mckinley_brent_team_summit"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: BRENT & TEAM SUMMIT!</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| June 14, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 17,200'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Hi, this is Brent from 17,000’ on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress/"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mt. McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">and I just wanted to report that we did summit here last night and we actually just going to bed right now, [it’s] about 3:30 in the morning. It was a bit of an epic night with some trail breaking and some cold winds but everyone did really well and we are all safe back at camp. So congratulations to the team here, we will be descending down to probably 11,000’ [camp] tomorrow. Alright, talk to you later. Bye bye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">-<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/brent-okita">RMI Guide Brent Okita</a></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/2012/06/17/mt._mckinley_okita_team_on_their_way_home"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: uppercase;">MT. MCKINLEY: OKITA & TEAM ON THEIR WAY HOME</span></a><span style="color: #82898f; font-family: 'Trade Gothic W01 Bold', serif; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: normal; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Posted by:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/brent_okita"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Brent Okita</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/leon_davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/guide/lindsay_mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">| June 17, 2012<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Categories: *</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/17/expedition_dispatches"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Expedition Dispatches</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">*</span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/category/12/mount_mckinley"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Mount McKinley</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><b>Elevation: 358'</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">We all finally got off the glacier yesterday afternoon as our flight service, K2, did a wonderful job getting everyone out when conditions seemed like they might close in and shut down flights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">After a remarkable twelve days at<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/mt-mckinley/west-buttress#itinerary"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">17,200’</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">, we are all skinny and inhaled large portions of meat, fish, and beer last night. I write this last dispatch as we are riding to the airport to return home to loved ones, and put this remarkable trip behind us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Huge kudos go out to a very strong and committed team of climbers, and to two incredible guides,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/leon-davis"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Leon Davis</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/lindsay-mann"><span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">Lindsay Mann</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">, who worked so hard to make this trip safe and enjoyable, and who were there at the end when the climbing got really tough and the mountain could not have been harsher.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">That’s all for this year. I need to see my wife and play with the dog. And I’m sure the lawn needs mowing. Thanks for following us on this unprecedented trip. I’ll be back next year for a shorter, and less exciting expedition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0a4b94; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/about/guides/brent-okita">RMI Guide Brent Okita</a></span></div>
</div>Kristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-79851690520066065352012-03-01T23:29:00.000-05:002012-03-01T23:29:17.568-05:0049 Down, 1 To GoI recently got back from my trip Hawaii, where I was able to summit Mauna Kea, my 49th highpoint! We were planning on going up on the evening of the 22nd to highpoint and to star gaze. Apparently, Mauna Kea is one of the best places in the world to star gaze!<br />
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Unfortunately, the day we were planning on going up, it snowed about 15 inches!! Well, even if it was canceled, that wasn't going to deter my plans of summitting. If I had been on an airplane for 12 hrs, and spent an entire day traveling, I wasn't planning on coming home with out that highpoint. <br />
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So, Thursday morning at 3 am we headed out to Mauna Kea. There's a road at the top that we were initially planning on taking, but due to the snow, the road was closed. I even talked to the park ranger, and he said it would be a better bet hiking up the road instead of the trail, due to deep snow drifts. The road is considerably longer than the trail, an extra 4 miles round trip. The visitor center that we parked at is around 9,200' and the top is 13,796'. <br />
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The road up was a long slog. The initial 4 miles were on a pretty gravely and uneven dirt road. But, the roads were in fantastic shape! Lots of government vans carrying astrologists to the 11 observatories at the top kept passing us. At 11,000' we saw our first signs of snow, but still the roads were fine. After the 4 mile marker, the road turned into the most beautifully paved road I'd ever seen. We could see the road winding back and forth up the side of the volcano.<br />
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When the sun rose, we could see across the island to Mauna Loa, the second highest mountain in Hawaii, and it was completely snow covered as well. A thick layer of clouds were constantly following us up as we hiked up the road. <br />
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Since we had been literally at sea-level for the past 5 days, the altitude had really been bothering me. I felt tired, had a headache, and felt waves of nausea. But, I couldn't turn around! When we had reached 6.5 miles and 13,000'. We flagged down a truck, (by then they had opended the road to the public, because there was no snow and ice on the road) and some nice Hawaiians gave us a lift up to the observatories. From there, we only had to hike another 1/4 of a mile to get to the true highpoint. <br />
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The surrounding landscape was mostly snow covered with rocks sticking out here and there, but my Julbo sun glasses really prevented the glare! And, unfortunately I forgot my hiking shoes, so I had to wear my sneakers! But my Darn Tough Socks kept my feet warm and dry all the way up!<br />
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Here is a picture of us at the top!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-x73vnc8M24elDEV_T499-edClvHfGQth-k5rQNzkOCqhTTV5KXn9TVS9qCbv1DQ22gZmy06yggjCDNHIIKbMSOd5OY1MnnEubrX4_s5khS9LbUljM4t0SVURdVKoluvwDRgJugOBjYcm/s1600/Hawaii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-x73vnc8M24elDEV_T499-edClvHfGQth-k5rQNzkOCqhTTV5KXn9TVS9qCbv1DQ22gZmy06yggjCDNHIIKbMSOd5OY1MnnEubrX4_s5khS9LbUljM4t0SVURdVKoluvwDRgJugOBjYcm/s1600/Hawaii.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I'm glad that I've completed Hawaii, it was an incredible trip in an amazing place!Kristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-7492186724610646862012-02-17T08:59:00.001-05:002012-02-17T09:00:12.923-05:00Sponsors and Highpoint 49As some of you may have noticed, at the top, left side of posts, I have a link to my sponsors. Originally I believed that it would be very easy to get sponsored. However, I kept getting negative reports from all the corporations I tried: Patagonia, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, Gore-tex, First Ascent, REI, EMS, Columbia, Isis, Black Diamond, Outdoor Research, Arc'teryx, Petzl, Scarpa, Nikon........the list continues. My skepticism started to grow, could I actually end up doing this? I had a TON of gear to buy plus the guide fee. <br />
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Luckily, a guidance counselor at my school had a sister-in-law who is CEO of <strong>Smartwool</strong>. I got her email and she was very helpful and kind. She sent me a package that arrived this week with long underwear bottoms, 2 long underwear tops, underwear, and socks. I have to say that after trying on some of their stuff, I'm officially a Smartwooler (if that's a word).<br />
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Another connection through my little brothers (go figure) lead me to discover <strong>Stoic</strong>. Their ski jumping coach's brother works at backcountry.com. Stoic is a new company that was started through backcountry.com. He gave me some awesome soft shells, both top and bottom, and a good hat. For a brand new business they sure can make some great clothes! <br />
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I thought that if I connected with Vermont companies then I might have more of a chance. I saved VT for last, was in the VT media..etc. I suppose that this tactic worked because <strong>Darn Tough Socks</strong> gave me the comfiest socks I have ever worn. Yesterday I went on a 22 mile bike ride and wore them, it was fantastic!<br />
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Another Vermont company that gladly helped me out was <strong>Julbo</strong>. I had never heard of them until this past summer where some of the guides had Julbo glacier glasses. Well, I got 2 pairs of glacier glasses and 2 pairs of regular sun glasses. It's very important to have the best glacier glasses for extended climbs like Denali. I'm very excited that they wanted to support my endeavor. <br />
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And last, but NOT least. It turns out that <strong>Asolo</strong>'s North American head quarters (boot company) happen to be in the town next to mine! I sent them an email and their general manager Bruce Franks was happy to help! He is giving me two pairs of mountaineering boots, so I can try the AFS 8000 and the Base Camp GV to see if I like hard or soft boots better. Also, they have agreed to help me get other equipment!<br />
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Now that I've got some sponsors lined up, and lots of equipment. I have been working at The Car Store in Norwich as a receptionist and at Umpleby's bakery in Hanover as a counter person. But, I'm taking some time off to go to Hawaii and to climb the penultimate highpoint! Hawaii's highpoint is Mauna Kea, 13,796', and the tallest mountain in the world. It's only the tallest because it goes underwater so much. I'm pretty excited to go to Hawaii!!!<br />
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KristenKristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-16303307435421029962012-01-14T16:54:00.000-05:002012-01-14T16:54:40.088-05:00Phase One of Climb Denali Complete!Well I've got a week left of High School and I'm so excited! On Friday night I made the rest of my payment to Rainier Mountaineering for an 8 day long winter expedition skills seminar. Check out the website: <a href="http://www.rmiguides.com/program/index.php?id=11">http://www.rmiguides.com/program/index.php?id=11</a><br />
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Through this course I will learn all the skills I'll need for Denali, and what could be a better place to practice than on Mt. Rainier's glaciers with exposure to altitude, weather, and temperatures similar to those found in Alaska. I'm very excited because the guides for the trip were just posted: Brent Okita, Jason Thompson, and Elias de Andres-Martos, all guides I've had before!<br />
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On the sponsorship front, I've made contact with Smartwool and La Sportiva and I may be getting either equipment or some money from them, but I don't want to be too optimistic because there are many qualified sponsorship candidates and competition for companies is tough!<br />
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I'll keep you posted!<br />
Kristen KelliherKristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-35699286171719804852012-01-02T15:29:00.001-05:002012-07-26T20:14:03.964-04:00Thank goodness for the internet!Now I realize that I probably should be posting more regularly, especially in light of more recent media coverage. My excuse is that my college apps were all due yesterday and I was frantically trying to write a million supplements...ahhh nothing like procrastinating, it really gets the adrenaline going!<br />
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There was a recent media surge probably due to Jordan Romero's recent success of becoming the youngest to summit the tallest mountain on each continent! Congrats Jordan! Whatever the case, I was recently contacted by ESPN and did a phone interview with them. My interview will be published in the spring issue of their magazine (comes out in Feb) in an 18 under 18 highlight of athletes!<br />
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I was also contacted by Vermont Public Radio and this morning I did a live interview (around 12:40). Even though it already aired, luckily for the Internet I have the link, enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.vpr.net/episode/52725/17-year-old-from-norwich-sets-mountain-climbing-re/">http://www.vpr.net/episode/52725/17-year-old-from-norwich-sets-mountain-climbing-re/</a><br />
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Happy New Year!<br />
Kristen KelliherKristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-11712512842518163782011-11-27T21:22:00.000-05:002011-11-27T21:22:04.230-05:00Cover Letter and ResumeHi All,<br />
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I've spent my Thanksgiving weekend indoors working on getting sponsored! So far I have applied to 15 different companies. I've decided to include my cover letter and resume on this blog so it might get more attention.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">To Whom It May Concern,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I am a 17 year old aspiring mountaineer from Vermont who has become the youngest female to summit the 48 highest points in each state in the contiguous US. I only have Alaska’s Mt. McKinley and Hawaii left to do to complete all 50, in order to finish these mountains and become the youngest female to climb all 50 “highpoints.” I am looking for sponsorship for my trip to Alaska in May 2012.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I have already been successful at getting media attention and I believe that I can get additional media exposure in continuing my quest. After my most recent accomplishment of youngest woman to do the lower 48 I have been in local and nationally recognized media: Television (CBS News, Vermont Channel 3 News, The 30 Show), Web (abcnews.com), Print (front page of The Boston Globe, Vermont Ski and Ride), Speaking (Lyons club), among many others.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This May I am hoping to hike Mt. McKinley in Alaska and I am writing to you to ask for potential sponsorship either through a monetary or equipment donation. I believe that [company name] has some of the best outdoor equipment that I need for McKinley’s harsh climate. I know that you’ve given equipment and money in the past and I hope I qualify for a sponsorship. I am trying to raise $17,000, and I’d appreciate sponsorship in the form of money, equipment, or both. I’ve made a list of items I feel I need: [list of equipment]. I am a medium and I’d greatly appreciate any of the above items. I am happy to promote your company within my community and abroad as I talk to schools and organizations in New England about my accomplishments. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Thank you for your time and interest in my goal. I would need to have either the money or equipment by March so I can cement my plans for my climb in May. You can reach me at (802) 649 – 8648. I look forward to hearing from you soon and I will follow up this letter with a call. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Sincerely,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Kristen Kelliher</span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /></span><br />
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</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Kristen Kelliher</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">1190 Turnpike Rd</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Norwich, VT 05055</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Home: (802) 649 – 8648</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Cell: (978) 500 – 7925</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:Kristen.kelliher@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Kristen.kelliher@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Objective:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I began “highpointing” (trying to hike to the highest point in each US state) at age 9 and I have completed the contiguous 48 states. In order to continue my 8 year long quest, I am trying to obtain sponsorship through funding and equipment to climb Mt. McKinley in May, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2012.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Mountaineering Experience:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Youngest woman to summit the highest point in each of the contiguous 48 states,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>September 2011</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Successful summit of Gannett Peak in Wyoming, August 2011 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Successful summit of Mt. Rainier in Washington, July 2011, 3<sup>rd</sup> attempt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Successful summit of Mt. Hood in Oregon, June 2011, 2<sup>nd</sup> attempt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Successful summit of Granite Peak in Montana, August 2011, 2<sup>nd</sup> attempt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Winter camping on Mt. Hood, May 2010</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Winter hiking in the White Mountains in New Hampshire</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Education:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Anticipate Hanover High School graduation, Hanover, NH, January 2012</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">CPR/AED Certified</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Wilderness First Aid Certified</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Crevasse Rescue Training 2010 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Athletic Achievements:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Varsity Field Hockey, 4 years</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">State Champions 2009</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">MVP 2009, 2011</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Elected to First Team All State Field Hockey Team</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Elected to Twin State Field Hockey Team</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Varsity Crew, 3 years</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Varsity Basketball, 2 years</span></div><br />
*Here I included 4 pictures and captions of where they took place, but for some reason they aren't showing up on the blog*<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Video Highlights:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.wcax.com/story/16049145/reaching-the-highest-heights-in-the-lower-48"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">http://www.wcax.com/story/16049145/reaching-the-highest-heights-in-the-lower-48</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.wcax.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=6381561&at1=News&h1=Vermont+teen+is+in+the+record+books&flvUri=&partnerclipid=&rnd=81200698"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">http://www.wcax.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=6381561&at1=News&h1=Vermont+teen+is+in+the+record+books&flvUri=&partnerclipid=&rnd=81200698</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>Kristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-34943024420710790602011-11-16T21:39:00.000-05:002012-07-26T20:10:10.885-04:0030 Show LinkHere is the link to the 30 Show: <a href="http://www.wcax.com/story/16049145/reaching-the-highest-heights-in-the-lower-48">http://www.wcax.com/story/16049145/reaching-the-highest-heights-in-the-lower-48</a><br />
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Hopefully now that college apps and field hockey have quieted down, I can focus on sending out my sponsorship applications! I have a huge list of possible sponsors, ranging from patagonia to north face to la sportiva. Each company has their own specialized requirements for applying for either financial aid or free gear or both. We'll see what works!<br />
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Kristen KelliherKristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-56647075900242526932011-11-15T09:56:00.000-05:002011-11-15T09:56:17.395-05:00The 30 ShowHi all,<br />
<br />
Tonight I'm going to be on the 30 Show. Its on WCAX channel 3 news at 5:30. Bill and I will again head to Burlington, VT to go on air live between 5:30 and 6.<br />
<br />
Here's the agenda for the 30 Show tonight:<br />
<strong>Tuesday</strong><br />
<ul><li>Local farmers and good music. Chef Menard introduces us to the Vermont Fresh Network's Farmer Series Dinner. </li>
<li>Grade School and High School can be stressful enough for your child without bullying. An expert tells us how and what signs to watch out for. </li>
<li>Youngest peakbagger. Kristen Kelliher is the youngest woman to summit the highest peaks in the lower 48 states. </li>
</ul>Hope you can watch it!<br />
Kristen KelliherKristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-30750998979463600142011-10-25T16:08:00.000-04:002012-07-26T20:08:25.605-04:00More Media Madness!Last night Bill and I went to Burlington to do a brief on-air interview with the VT tv station wcax. Here is the link: <a href="http://www.wcax.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=6381561&at1=News&h1=Vermont+teen+is+in+the+record+books&flvUri=&partnerclipid=#.TqYlMtYwDN0.gmail">http://www.wcax.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=6381561&at1=News&h1=Vermont+teen+is+in+the+record+books&flvUri=&partnerclipid=#.TqYlMtYwDN0.gmail</a><br />
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Kristen KelliherKristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-52845620090400000702011-10-19T19:28:00.000-04:002012-07-26T19:53:55.354-04:00Media Snowball EffectMore exciting news! Abc news online did an article as well!<br />
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<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/10/vermont-girl-sets-mountain-climbing-record/">http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/10/vermont-girl-sets-mountain-climbing-record/</a><br />
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Kristen KelliherKristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-25468246558495710892011-10-14T12:20:00.000-04:002012-07-26T19:53:24.350-04:00Climbing into the News!Very exciting news; literally! I was featured in the Boston Globe this morning and the reported did a fantastic job! Feel free to check it out:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://bostonglobe.com/metro/2011/10/13/vermont-high-schooler-kristen-kelliher-becomes-youngest-female-climb-highest-peaks-states/cmvrjJBJTFQONSIPBTYsJK/story.html">http://bostonglobe.com/metro/2011/10/13/vermont-high-schooler-kristen-kelliher-becomes-youngest-female-climb-highest-peaks-states/cmvrjJBJTFQONSIPBTYsJK/story.html</a><br />
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Be sure to check out the pictures of me on top of all 48 highpoints!<br />
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Kristen KelliherKristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208310017586088114.post-53605563727984502922011-09-29T22:12:00.003-04:002012-07-26T19:51:19.031-04:00Not Just Tagging the Top: Vermont #48Hi all,<br />
<br />
Sorry I've been a bit behind in keeping this updated since my last post. Senior year is in full swing and I've never been busier! Well I got to the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highpoint on September 11, 2011. This was my 48th highpoint and it was spectacular. I hiked with about 30 friends and family members, taking the Long Trail to the top. At around 2:20 pm we reached the summit! There, 20 more people were waiting for me and cheering me on. It was fantastic to save my home state for last, and I did beat the record for youngest female to do the lower 48 highpoints! The previous record was 18 years and 4 days, but my new record is now 17 years, 4 months, and 13 days. <br />
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It couldn't have been a more pleasant day, warm and sunny with a few breaths of air at the top, and of course only minimal bugs. On top after I stood on the USGS marker (on the highest point) my step dad Bill took a 10 pound watermelon out of his backpack and we passed it around! It truly was a fantastic finale to a long saga of family highpointing. Unfortunately, my older brother couldn't be there, Ryan. He was off at college in New York. It marked the end of the most incredible, challenging, amazing, frustrating, eye-opening, and unique journey. My years of family highpointing were over. However, it was also a door to new and exciting possibilities. My last 2 highpoints.<br />
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Now that the continental 48 are done, I'm going to have to travel off the main-land: to extremely different climates. Alaska and Hawaii. My plan thus far is to go to Hawaii in February and Alaska in May. The only way I'll be able to climb Denali in Alaska is if I get sponsored because it is incredibly expensive between the training in Washington, the guide, the equipment, and the flight. I'm working on sponsorship applications, but it's hard to work on those as I'm starting to apply to college as well. If anyone has any outdoor company connections I'd love to get in touch. <a href="mailto:kristen.kelliher@gmail.com">kristen.kelliher@gmail.com</a> is the best way to reach me.<br />
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Thanks to everyone for all the love and support I received on Mt. Mansfield and throughout the other 47 states.<br />
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I was written up in a few local papers, here are 2 of the links: <br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.vnews.com/09122011/8034493.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.vnews.com/09122011/8034493.htm</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20110919/SPORTS/110919002/Kristen-Kelliher-Norwich-becomes-youngest-female-climb-highest-peaks-continental-U-S-?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cs" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20110919/SPORTS/110919002/Kristen-Kelliher-Norwich-becomes-youngest-female-climb-highest-peaks-continental-U-S-?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cs</span></a></span></span><br />
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Kristen Kelliher</div>Kristen Kelliherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343206310147223241noreply@blogger.com0