Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Today we visited the famous Ngorongoro Crater, believed by many to be the 8th wonder of the world. It is a two million year old collapsed caldera that is home to more than 25,000 large mammals, and has a dense population of lions. We spent nearly the entire day driving around looking at all the animals and waiting at times for either the wildebeest, or zebras to get out of our way. We saw about a dozen lions, a far off black rhino, thousands of pink flamingos and many others. I'm pretty sure everyone had a great day. We finished off the day with a quick visit to a working Maasai Village to see how this semi-nomadic group of people still live the way they have for thousands of years. Hopefully tomorrow we'll catch a glimpse of a cheetah and leopard to round out the safari. RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

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Words cannot describe my envy, but so happy at the same time for these experiences for you. Love and miss you (and Gig ‘Em)!

Posted by: Tasha on 9/14/2013 at 7:34 am

WOW. Just like on Wild Kingdom. “Jim, jump down and get that lion”. ( showing my age here). Waiting on giraffe pictures.

Posted by: Tracy O. on 9/13/2013 at 8:44 pm

Mt. Kilimanjaro: The team visits Lake Manyara

September 12, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

On our first day of safari we headed south to Lake Manyara, which is know for its colorful flamingos and tree climbing lions. It wasn't long before we spotted our first of many elephants to come. In fact we stopped just short of a mother and her baby and watched them cross between our two safari vehicles. It was surreal to see them so close and feel as if we could almost touch them, while they barely noticed us. We then headed off to our normal lunch spot but had to find another place as several lions had beaten us there. We think we counted 5 all together, two young males and a few females, but it was a little tough to tell as they were trying to stay cool in the bush. After a nice hot meal provide by our traveling chef Michael, we headed off to see other animals and a quick visit to the hippo pond. Along the way we spotted a huge Monitor (giant lizard) in a creek and spotted many zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, bush bucks, and a few warthogs too. All in all it was a pretty rewarding first day on safari. We are spending the night overlooking the lake in a nice tented camp called Kirurumu. Everyone is doing great and excited for what tomorrow might bring. RMI Guide Casey Grom and Crew

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Incredible. What an experience…but come home now. Can’t wait to see pictures.

Posted by: Tiff on 9/12/2013 at 4:07 pm

WOW!! What an awesome day! Thanks for putting up the pictures. Can’t wait for the stories..

Posted by: Tracy O. on 9/12/2013 at 3:34 pm

Mt. Rainier: Expedition Skills Seminar Reaches the SUMMIT!

September 12, 2013

Posted by: Mike Walter, Jake Beren

Elevation: 14,410'

Our Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir led by RMI Guides Mike Walter and Jake Beren reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. The team reported great route conditions, warm temperatures and clear skies. The team is now en route to Camp Muir and will spend the spend the rest of their time at Camp Muir training before returning to RMI Basecamp tomorrow. Congratulations to today's team!

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Job well done!!!! Not too many people can say they did this. Congratulations…. from the other Eileen & Ty

Posted by: Eieen on 9/16/2013 at 6:29 am

YEAH! Great News Thrilling… what an accomplishment.

Love Mom, Ty ( Bluefin Tuna Fishing on Cape Cod) and Kate!!!

Posted by: meg on 9/12/2013 at 6:12 pm

Mt. Rainier: Expedition Skills Seminar Training At Camp Muir

September 11, 2013

Posted by: Jake Beren, Mike Walter

Elevation: 10,080'

The Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir September 9 - 13 led by RMI Guides Jake Beren and Mike Walter continue their training at Camp Muir. The teams ascended on Monday from Paradise to Camp Muir. They have been working on their mountaineering skills including cramponing, rope travel, running belays and ice axe arrest. The teams have been enjoying beautiful weather and spending time on the mountain. They plan to make their summit attempt this evening. We wish them luck!

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bet you don’t miss the I-phone… gr8 job.

Posted by: emerold on 9/15/2013 at 6:22 am

Eric - Awesome accomplishment!! Wishing you continued good weather on your descent. Be safe!

Posted by: Susan and jim on 9/13/2013 at 6:11 am

Mt. Kilimanjaro: Climb Ends Safari is About to Begin

September 11, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

After a short hike today we finally arrived at the exit gate of Kilimanjaro National Park and meet up with more of the Dik Dik staff who had prepared a wonderful lunch for us. It took about two hours to reach the Lodge where we greeted by all of the lodge staff outside awaiting our arrival singing and dancing. It was a very warm welcome and left everyone with big smiles. As you can guess there were hot showers for all and a few naps too. We finished the evening with a celebration dinner and handed out summit certificates to everyone. Now it's time to enjoy the success and do a little animal watching! Safari starts tomorrow! RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

On The Map

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That certificate will be framed and hung in a place of honor!
So proud! Have fun on your safari! Love you!

Posted by: Tracy O. on 9/12/2013 at 7:52 am

A JOB WELL DONE

Posted by: randy on 9/12/2013 at 5:29 am

Mt. Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team Summit!

September 10, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

Elevation: 10,000'

9/10/13 6:49 am PT Hello all - The team has finally made it all the way down to Mweka camp situated around 10,000' and are resting after such a big day. We had a wonderful day for climbing today with clear skies, moderate temps and very little wind. Everyone did a great job of taking care of themselves the entire day and really impressed me by making the summit in a little over 6 hours. We spent about a half hour taking in the spectacular views and getting the obligatory summit photos, then headed back down to high camp. After a brief rest we packed up and headed further down valley to tonight's camp. Everyone is doing well and I'm sure will sleep well tonight. Looking forward to hot showers and clean clothes tomorrow. RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew 9/10/13 3:10 am PT - Success! Our entire team reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro today. We have safely returned to high camp and are getting packed up for our descent. We'll try to update this evening.

On The Map

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Congrats Fatima, another fine accomplishment with great memories. Impressive girl! Casey rocks.

Posted by: Greg Barber on 9/11/2013 at 9:47 am

WOOO HOO!!! you made it…never doubted it.
Be safe!
Love and hot cocoa to all!!!

Posted by: Marilyn on 9/11/2013 at 9:34 am

Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team Preparing for Summit Bid

September 9, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

Elevation: 15,000'

Hello again everyone. Day 5 and we have arrived at Kilimanjaro's high camp, 15,000ft! The team once again did a great job of getting to camp in just under our 3-hour target time. It was another nice day here this morning and now we are sitting in the clouds, which will make for perfect napping temperatures. We have just finished another enjoyable lunch and have discussed the plans for our upcoming climb. Everyone seems excited and as usual, a little nervous too. Our plan is to wake up at midnight, have breakfast at 12:30 p.m., and hopefully start our climb around 1 a.m. If all goes according to plan, we should reach the summit somewhere around 7 - 9 a.m. EAT (5 - 7 a.m. PST). Wish us luck! RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

On The Map

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Jami & Heidi. We got your message. Congratulations! We have been watching your progress. Love you both, Mom, Dad and kids.

Posted by: Carrie Whitney on 9/10/2013 at 5:13 am

My Heidi Looks COLD…..Keep warm Girl! Miss You!!

Posted by: Mary Jo Sabo on 9/10/2013 at 3:51 am

Mt. Rainier: September 9th Update

September 9, 2013

Posted by:

Elevation: 12,300'

The Four Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guides Dave Hahn and Leon Davis reached the top of Disappointment Cleaver before route conditions forced them to turn around. When Dave called to check-in around 7:15 am, the teams were descending the lower third of the Cleaver en route to Camp Muir. They will be back in Ashford later this afternoon.

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I am so proud of all of you guys! You had a dream and went for it! You are my heros!!! Be safe and come home in one piece!

Posted by: Susan Angell on 9/9/2013 at 2:29 pm

Bummer guys! We had an issue with the route two days before as well. Next time!

Posted by: Jeff Marcoux on 9/9/2013 at 11:58 am

Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team Climb the Barranco Wall

September 8, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

Elevation: 14,500'

Hello all. It was a beautiful day here on Kilimanjaro today. Clear skies and relatively warm weather made for an enjoyable day. The team easily climbed the 1,000-foot high and intimidating Barranco Wall on our way to camp today. We made our way via a series of broken ledges and small steps and we were in awe of how easily the porters climbed this wall while still balancing their loads on their heads. We are currently resting at Karanga Camp, which sits above the great Karanga Valley and has views of the towns far below. Everyone is doing well and we are in good spirits! RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

On The Map

Mt. Rainier: September 8th Teams Thwarted by Winds

September 8, 2013

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Elias de Andres Martos

Elevation: 12,700'

The Four Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guide Billy Nugent and RMI Guide Elias de Andres Martos reached 12,900’ before high winds forced them to turn around. The teams were at Ingraham Flats around 7 am this morning en route to Camp Muir. From there, they will refuel and prepare to descend back to Paradise. We look forward to seeing them back in Ashford this afternoon. Way to climb teams!

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Quinn & I are back in Atlanta and missing everybody! I am homesick for that beautiful mountain, even if she did kick us off. Would love to stay in touch with all of you, and maybe we can schedule another summit attempt! Also, I failed with camera duty and would love any pictures y’all may have to share. Email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Thanks to our wonderful RMI guides for a challenging and unforgettable experience.

Liz

Posted by: Liz Wiedemann on 9/9/2013 at 9:40 pm

Hey Billy and Elias,

You guys really did a great job and pulled off a very memorable climb. I definitely will not forget the sight of that ladder bridge blowing in the wind at 12,900 ever! Look forward to catching up with you guys again, good luck on your upcoming climbs!

All the Best,

Dave

Posted by: Dave Flahive on 9/9/2013 at 9:01 pm