Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Mt. Elbrus: Tucker & Team Train on Mt. Elbrus

July 7, 2013

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside

Elevation: 15,000'

Our night's stay in the Garabashi Hut (12,000') on Mt. Elbrus went well. We were up early for a quick breakfast and then headed out onto the mountain with our crampons and ice axes to do some training and review while the snow was still firm. The team did well and we climbed up 15,000' which also helped with our acclimatization. Around noon we started our descent and after a few hours arrived back to our camp. We enjoyed soft snow on our way down and perfect weather. Once back at the hut we gathered for a nice lunch. We have spent the afternoon resting and drying out our gear. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Looks like an awesome trip; can’t wait to hear more next month. Rigorous art book training is paying off!

Posted by: Mary Leslie on 7/8/2013 at 8:09 am

Looks like you guys are fitting in well with the Cossacks up there! Gosh, RMI really went all out and organized a mega-group climb for you all—a “barrel” of fun! They know how much we love a party. Any shopping on this mountain?

I spent the weekend at the beach - sunny and warm and thinking of you guys. Take care, go slow, and listen to Mr. Tucker! Xoxo. Renee

Posted by: Renee on 7/8/2013 at 7:19 am

View All Comments

Mt. Rainier: Summit Climb on Top July 7th!

July 7, 2013

Posted by: Brent Okita

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guide Brent Okita reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning with 100% of their team members. Brent reported perfect conditions with light winds and clear skies. They started their descent from the crater rim shortly after 7 a.m. and will return to Camp Muir for a short break before continuing down to Paradise. we look forward to seeing the group at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon. Congratulations to the entire Four Day Summit Climb June 4 - 7, 2013 Team!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Way to go Ian and Jack and the entire team. Such a wonderful accomplishment. mom

Posted by: pat white on 7/7/2013 at 5:04 pm

Congratulations Matt & Scott & the entire team! What an awesome achievement!

Posted by: Anne Kinate on 7/7/2013 at 10:45 am

View All Comments

Mt. Elbrus: Justman & Team Enjoy Rest Day

July 7, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside

Elevation: 12,000'

It is a rest day for Team 1 on Mt. Elbrus. I wish I had some really exciting things to report. However, rest days are filled with the continual search to beat the boredom of camp life. Activities like cards, dice, reading, people watching, drinking coffee, eating food, etc...are a few of the things we have partaken in so far today. I'm not gonna jinx it but our summit day tomorrow may require a constant supply of sunscreen and cooling mist machines! It's normal for team members to be a little nervous before summit day. But I'm telling ya...if I were to place a Las Vegas bet, it would be 100% to the top. Wish us luck! RMI Guide JJ Justman

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Looks like it will be more fry than freeze. Good Luck with the summit bid! You always get 100% to the top.

Posted by: elsie on 7/8/2013 at 5:32 am

Way to go! You did it!
And thank God for the weather.

Posted by: Julie Marx on 7/8/2013 at 5:17 am

View All Comments

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team On The Move

July 7, 2013

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Zeb Blais

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Saturday, July 6, 2013 14 K at last! But we had to fight our way up here, it didn't come easy. Back down at 11,000 ft in the early hours of the day, it looked as though we might get decent weather. At least, if one was looking up at the West Buttress, there was good visibility and not much sign of wind, if one turned and looked West, however, there was still a massive flow of cloud, as there had been all week, often overflowing and engulfing camp. We ate breakfast and packed, it seemed especially difficult to get going after having become so deeply dug in for the best part of a week, but we managed. Naturally, as we roped up and and got ready to walk, the clouds swept in and the wind came up. We came full on into strong, steady winds as we topped motorcycle hill and it seemed we found even stronger winds at the crest of squirrel hill. All of this was while inside a big white freezing cloud, so we were getting rimed up and frosty as we leaned straight into the storm to climb higher. On the polo field, we still had wind but we were getting occasional sun breaks. Windy Corner lived up to its name today. Getting past it was the key battle of the day, but we knew if we could pass the corner we could leave the wind and cloud behind. Sure enough, as we reached our cache from yesterday, we'd found a calm and sunny glacier. It took another ninety minutes to get into "Genet Basin" which we reached at 3:30 PM. We were happy to rejoin the teams we'd shared 11 camp with. There were plenty of empty camp sites with good walls, so building our nest at 14,200 ft was made slightly easier. The team was a little weary after pushing through such harsh conditions, but all were excited to be back in the game, to have new and awesome views and to have beat the forecasted "next storm". Yes, that is right, we are in for another one. The western sky was full of wind sculpted wave clouds, as if a fleet of flying saucers were attacking Mount Foraker. By the time we finished dinner, Denali was cloud capped as well and the snow was starting to fall at 14,200. Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Yea, ravens at 13,000 ft?!? Those must be some bad ass ravens

Posted by: Fred on 7/7/2013 at 5:54 pm

Erik Nelson’s uncle and aunt here, following the journey eagerly. Proud, Praying, Positive! The Mariners’ Cove crabbing operation has been fun and successful. Hoping the same for your adventure, Erik and team.

Posted by: Jay and Carol Sigafoos on 7/7/2013 at 2:31 pm

View All Comments

Mt.McKinley: Van Deventer & Team Wait Out the Winds

July 7, 2013

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Geoff Schellens, Robby Young

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,000'

Saturday, July 6, 2013 It was a beautiful though somewhat blustery summit day yesterday and everyone did great! We woke this morning with the intention of moving downhill, but as we prepared, several other groups returned reporting high winds along the buttress. After assessing, we decided that it would behoove us to rest the day and recover from yesterday, and move down tomorrow in lesser winds. So we'll be in touch tomorrow, hopefully from significantly lower on the mountain! All for now, RMI Guides Pete, Geoff, Robby, and team

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hello Guapo,
Everyone is asking me how long the trip down is, but I honestly don’t remember.
On the 9th it will be three weeks…..seems like forever.
Looking forward to hearing all about it…everyone is!
We are all proud! Im glad you are resting and recovering.
xxoo
Mairon ad Maya

Posted by: marion and maya on 7/7/2013 at 3:54 pm

Good morning, Tommy! I am grateful you are well and resting. I miss you, but I am happy ya’ll are using caution as you come down. More than anything, I can’t wait to hear your voice! There was lots of excitement on Facebook once everyone learned of your success reaching the top. I can’t wait for you to read the posts and the messages and “likes” of those following you. I posted a special message to you on Facebook from me and your supporters today. To say I am proud seems like an understatement because I am so much more. I am humbled by your courage, strengthened by your strength, and inspired by your passion. We have such an incredible future ahead. Thank you for showing me what is possible. I pray for an awesome day and safety coming down. My love and thoughts are with you going down as they were going up. I am so excited thinking how close you are to coming home! I love you!
Rhonda

Posted by: Rhonda Kitchen on 7/7/2013 at 8:21 am

View All Comments

Mt. Elbrus: Casey Grom & Team Arrive in Moscow

July 6, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside

The adventure starts today! All team members have safely arrived in Moscow without a glimpse of Edward Snowden. After our long flights here we keep things pretty laid-back tonight with a light meet and greet, then headed out for a quick dinner. Not far from our hotel is a great little place that serves up some wonderful beef stroganoff, so that's where we went. We took a short walk to stretch the legs and get a little dessert and have now retired to our hotel to catch up on some much needed sleep. Stay tuned! RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Larry I hope you and the team have a great trip and climb!! I look forward to following your progress and seeing and hearing about this adventure!

Posted by: Paul Kinneberg on 7/7/2013 at 7:44 am

Looking good Larry in the pic…Sage / younger at same time…Ready to notch another…Go go go and Godspeed Walter…Tell the peak “hey”

Posted by: walter glover on 7/7/2013 at 7:08 am

View All Comments

Mt. Elbrus: Tucker & Team Check Into the Garabashi Hut

July 6, 2013

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside

Elevation: 12,000'

Well we are moving right along. Team is doing well after a couple of trams and a chair lift. Here we are at 12000', the Garabashi luxury dorm-type living. We are sticking with the normal program that has worked so well in the past. We did a nice three-hour hike, acclimatization is going well. Was under nice weather. We are just resting, hydrating, and nesting in our lovely barrel. We're waiting our turn in the dining area. There's a few other groups that are sharing our support crew up here and we're all getting along just fine. Although there is just one guy up here. I think he goes by JJ. You know there always has to be one of those in the bunch. So psyched the team is doing well. Should be another good night to catch up a little more on that jet lag. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

RMI Guide Mark Tucker calls in from the Garabashi Hut.

On The Map

Mt. Elbrus: Justman & Team Acclimatize to 15,200’

July 6, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside

Elevation: 15,200'

Swinging into full climbing mode, our team made a giant foray onto the upper slopes of Mount Elbrus. Hey everyone, this is JJ Justman with RMI and the first Elbrus team of the season. Of course proper acclimatization is key and everyone is doing very, very well. 15,200 feet was our max altitude that we reached today. Donning sharp crampons on our boots allowed us some good practice for our summit day. Now back at camp here feels a little thicker and once again, our cooks are pampering us with some of the best authentic Russian cuisine. After all I have a good saying that a well-fed climber is a strong climber and I do believe the one reason why Russian climbers are so strong, is a secret ingredient they put in the borscht, which is Russian homemade soup here. It's really delicious, our cooks are doing a great job. We're loving life up here on Mount Elbrus. But it is relax time to fully recover. As I mentioned, our team is doing really, really well. We are going to do a rest day tomorrow in preparation for our summit day, which as of right now, is looking like it is going to be Monday, so stay tuned. RMI Guide JJ Justman

RMI Guide JJ Justman calls in from Mt. Elbrus

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Godspeed, Bob Wang and RMI, Godspeed!

Rick de Dallas

Posted by: Rick Sims on 7/7/2013 at 2:29 pm

(Julie first removes pin hole glasses so not to type more errors)
TEXAS IS GETTING EXCITED FOR YOUR SUMMIT.
Amy, be sure to keep Ed in line. (what am I saying?) LIZ, keep both Ed and Amy in line.

Posted by: Julie Marx on 7/7/2013 at 9:55 am

View All Comments

Mt. Rainier: Update July 6th - Summit!

July 6, 2013

Posted by: Paul Maier, Lindsay Mann

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Mt. Rainier Four Day Summit Climbs led by Paul Maier and Lindsay Mann reached the summit at 6:30 a.m. Both teams were able to enjoy the bluebird views for over an hour before beginning their descent at 7:50 a.m. Congratulations to the summit climbers!

Mt. McKinley: Haugen & Team Back in Talkeetna!

July 6, 2013

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Mike Uchal

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 346'

Saturday, July 6th, 2013 at 1:50 a.m. PST We made it! We stomped a runway. Ate breakfast. Went like Vikings to raid a cache (unsuccessfully). Made two hours of quesadillas. Packed up camp for incoming airplane. Listened as incoming airplane went away. Made camp again. Made dinner. Packed up camp as planes came back. Flew back to civilization!! Pizza. Welcome home! RMI Guides Mike Haugen, Mike Uchal, Katie Bono and the RMI Summit Team 6

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Thank you RMI, Mike and team for keeping everyone safe and heading in the right direction! Congratulations to all! Have safe journeys home. Steve, I can’t wait to see you!

Posted by: Tania on 7/6/2013 at 3:53 pm

I spoke to Quinn early this morning when you made it down and he called again today. Thank you Mike and the team for taking great care of our loved ones. Have a great rest of the climbing season and God speed.

Posted by: George Landers on 7/6/2013 at 1:37 pm

View All Comments

Previous Page Next Page

Check Availability

Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Mt. Elbrus: Tucker & Team Train on Mt. Elbrus

On The Map

Mt. Rainier: Summit Climb on Top July 7th!

Mt. Elbrus: Justman & Team Enjoy Rest Day

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team On The Move

On The Map

Mt.McKinley: Van Deventer & Team Wait Out the Winds

On The Map

Mt. Elbrus: Casey Grom & Team Arrive in Moscow

Mt. Elbrus: Tucker & Team Check Into the Garabashi Hut

On The Map

Mt. Elbrus: Justman & Team Acclimatize to 15,200’

On The Map

Mt. Rainier: Update July 6th - Summit!

Mt. McKinley: Haugen & Team Back in Talkeetna!

On The Map

Contact Us

Privacy Policy

Translate

Log In

Register With Us

Check Availability

Entries from Expedition Dispatches

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

New Post Alerts:Expedition Dispatches

New Post Alerts:
Expedition Dispatches