Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Elevation: 12m,300'

Hi there this is Seth checking in for the Mt. Elbrus Northside Expedition. Our friend the wind finally gave us a break today! At around 2 am the big gusts died off and by sunup everything was calm. Everyone was stoked to get up and finally get on the glacier. By 9:00 we were cramponed up and climbing. The route was great and JJ set a nice pace. We made it to our high camp in 4.5 hours. We dropped off some food, fuel and a little gear there and then boogied back down to Camp 1. If the weather allows we will move up to high camp tomorrow! RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

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Im so glad to hear the weather is clearing up for you guys. Keep it up!

Posted by: Rachel Kayatin on 8/31/2012 at 9:59 am

Mt. Elbrus: Team Waiting Out the Wind

August 30, 2012

Posted by: Seth Waterfall, JJ Justman

Elevation: 12,500'

What to do when the wind is blowing 70 mph at Camp 1 on Mt. Elbrus? That is the question. And the answer is tough filled with so many choices. Read my book? Nope, forgot it at base camp. Read Seth's Harper magazine? Done. Drink hot drinks? Check! The team was productive today at Camp 1. We secured our tents for the heavy winds and during a lull we went down and retrieved our cache at 11,500 feet. We now are sitting on a stockpile of food and fuel so Bring it On wind! Everyone is feeling great at 12,500 feet. And a little adversity does a body good. I just hope my iTunes movie hasn't expired on my iPhone! RMI Guide J.J. Justman

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Stay warm Louie. Emma and I are thinking of you everyday!

Posted by: Rachel Kayatin on 8/30/2012 at 4:45 pm

Mt. Rainier: August 30th Summit!

August 30, 2012

Posted by: Adam Knoff, Geoff Schellens

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Guides Adam Knoff and Geoff Schellens led their teams to the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The Four Day Summit Climb August 27 - 30 teams reported clear skies and chilly temperatures with winds blowing 15-20 mph. The team were approaching the crater rim at 7:30 a.m. After spending some time on top they will descend to Camp Muir to repack and rest a bit before continuing down to Paradise this afternoon. We look forward to seeing the teams back in Ashford this afternoon. Congratulations to today's summit climbers!

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Brian way to go I am so proud of you way to go cannot wait to see the pictures

Posted by: Wanda Manderson on 8/30/2012 at 7:11 pm

Way to go, Brian! Can’t wait to see the pix and hear all about it!!

Posted by: Aunt Denise on 8/30/2012 at 4:11 pm

Mt. Rainier: August 29th Summit!

August 29, 2012

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Mike Walter

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb Teams August 26 - 29 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning led by RMI Guides Dave Hahn and Mike Walter. Dave Hahn reported clear skies above and light winds with a cloud deck below at 9,000'. The teams were walking into the crater at 8:15 a.m. and will spend some time on top before starting their descent to Camp Muir and continuing to Paradise. We look forward to seeing them at Rainier BaseCamp later today. Congratulations to today's teams!

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Way to go Adrian and your team!!!

Posted by: Rick H. on 8/31/2012 at 10:36 pm

Brian if this is your team I hope you make it to the top of the mountain safely you are in my prayers.

Posted by: Wanda Manderson on 8/29/2012 at 7:08 pm

Mt. Elbrus: Team Moves to Camp One

August 29, 2012

Posted by: JJ Justman, Seth Waterfall

Elevation: 12,300'

Hello from Mt. Elbrus, It wouldn't be an expedition without a little bad weather. Today we awoke to rain and thunder showers. However, it wasn't really that bad so we packed our bags and hit the road for Camp One. The team did great carrying heavy packs that only got heavier with all the rain. We made it into camp mid afternoon, got our camp set up and just finished a hot gourmet meal by yours truly. Tomorrow we are going to wake up late, enjoy some Starbucks coffee at 12,500 feet and then head down to 11,500 feet to grab the rest of our gear. We hope everyone is enjoying our blog. Take care and we will touch base again soon. RMI Guide J.J. Justman

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So fun to be able to follow you and your fellow travelers on this blog, Matt. Appreciate the updates and photos. I sent the CBS interview website to Gr. Aunt Reet in NJ….she loved it! Also sent to Mathis family in K.C. Sending prayers for good weather and safe footing!

Posted by: Rita Redfern Morrett on 8/29/2012 at 10:59 pm

If this is Ryan Eddy’s team….God speed and have fun!

Posted by: Ryan Santos on 8/29/2012 at 1:48 pm

Mt. Elbrus: Team Carries Gear Above Base Camp

August 28, 2012

Posted by: JJ Justman, Seth Waterfall

Elevation: 8,500'

Hi everyone, This is the Mt. Elbrus North-side Expedition checking in from our Base Camp. Today we carried a big chunk of our gear up to about 11,500' before returning to 8,500'. The summit was socked in today but the lower slopes had mostly sunny skies which was perfect for us. Our group is 100% healthy and strong and everyone is having fun. We're going to spend the afternoon relaxing and prepping for our move up to Camp 1 tomorrow. RMI Guide J.J. Justman

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What an exciting adventure! Love the awesome photos of the climbing teams’ smiling faces and beautiful scenery:-) Have a great trek up and down Mt. Elbrus Ryan and see you soon.

Posted by: Cheryl Kirwan on 8/29/2012 at 9:01 am

Dave, taught the Crafton Academy yesterday and met your son, I’ll keep an eye on him for you.

Stay safe,
Frank

Posted by: Frank de Boer on 8/29/2012 at 7:02 am

Mt. Rainier: August 28th Update

August 28, 2012

Posted by: Jake Beren, Pete Van Deventer

Elevation: 10,600'

The Four Day Summit climb August 25 - 28 led by RMI Guide Jake Beren and the Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise led by Pete Van Deventer were unable to reach the summit of Mt. Rainier today due to high winds. The teams waited at Camp Muir for a break in the weather and eventually started out on their summit attempt. Consistent high winds with gusts up to 60 mph turned the teams around at Cathedral Gap. The teams will start their descent from Camp Muir at approximately 8:30 am. The Expeditions Skills Seminar will continue their training at Rainier BaseCamp before concluding their week long adventure later this afternoon. We look forward to seeing the teams at BaseCamp this afternoon.

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I’ve been to Mordor (Tolkein modeled Mordor from Bloemfontein, South Africa, apparently), and this was worse.

Posted by: Suman on 9/13/2012 at 5:55 pm

The Camp Muir telemetry shows gusts to 80mph, but who is measuring wind speed when you are staring into the depths of Mordor! Speaks volumes about the leadership and confidence inspired by the guides. Great experience all around.

Posted by: Pete on 8/30/2012 at 12:20 pm

Mt. Rainier: August 28th Update

August 27, 2012

Posted by: Eric Frank

Elevation: 11,500'

The Four Day Summit Climb August 24 - 27 led by RMI Guides Shaun Sears and Eric Frank were unable to summit today. High winds kept the teams from leaving Camp Muir as scheduled. The Camp Muir Telemetry shows an average wind speed between 55 - 80 mph. over night. The teams did climb to Ingraham Flats later in the morning. The wind was still blowing approximately 40 mph and they began their descent from this high point just before 8 am. The teams returned to Camp Muir to repack and rest before starting their descent to Paradise shortly after 10 am. RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer and the Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise checked in this morning from the Paradise Glacier. The team will be breaking camp and moving to Camp Muir. They plan to do some additional training around Muir today and will be making their summit attempt tomorrow morning.

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Hey, do you guys have enough food to stay up there longer?
I Love you todd and amy.
Ben

Posted by: Ben Reeder on 8/27/2012 at 3:38 pm

oops i ment to say, i love you mom and dad
p.s. I LOVE YOU
BEN

Posted by: Ben Reeder on 8/27/2012 at 3:33 pm

Mt. Elbrus: Team Arrives North Side Base Camp

August 27, 2012

Posted by: JJ Justman, Seth Waterfall

Elevation: 8,300'

We have put the adventure back in adventure travel! Today our team made the arduous and breathtaking seat of your pants four wheel drive ride into Base Camp on the North side of Mount Elbrus. It really was smooth sailing but the road demands full attention. It's a rally car racers dream. We have set up camp in this beautiful Russian valley. We took an afternoon stroll to the mineral springs that bubble out of the ground (Perrier and San Pelligrino eat your heart out)! However no one had the guts to take a dip in the enclosed mineral pool. The water is a balmy 40 degrees! The team has packed the packs with group gear consisting of dinners and breakfasts for up high: ropes, pickets, fuel and personal clothing. Tomorrow we will carry to Camp 1 and return to base. I have to get going, tonight Seth and I rock/paper/scissored for who gets to make chow...I lost. Get ready for chili cheese hot dogs with southern quesadillas! RMI Guide JJ Justman

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Sitting here at the table with Rachel and Emma thinking of you Lou!

Posted by: Louis on 8/27/2012 at 4:09 pm

Mt. Elbrus: The Northside Team Bound for Mineralnye Vody

August 26, 2012

Posted by: JJ Justman, Seth Waterfall

Hello everyone, it's JJ and Seth along with the 2012 Mount Elbrus Northside Team! We packed our bags and headed out early this morning to catch our flight to Mineralnye Vody. It was then a full day of grocery shopping, sorting gear and packing all our expedition gear. We will have a long, adventurous drive to base camp on the north side of Elbrus. We will let you know how beautiful the drive is tomorrow. RMI Guides JJ Justman and Seth Waterfall

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Matt. Everyone is praying for your safety and successful expedition. We love you and look forward to seeing you soon. Mom & Dad.

Posted by: molly on 8/26/2012 at 1:06 pm