The Mt. Elbrus team had an amazing day hiking on Peak Cheget. It was sunny all day...don't take our word for it...check out the video!!!
RMI Guide JJ Justman
Today's blog is brought to you by the team:
July 27, 2015: Peru, South America with a group of Americans...
Our rest day today proved to bring out the restlessness in these children (yes, us). Promptly following coffee in bed and a two course breakfast, the team took to sun bathing. Once the Vitamin D production quotas were met for the day, the team selected their bathing suits and headed for the lake! A quick 20 minute hike led us to the alpine lake and picturesque view. Testosterone quickly kicked in when the team hit the rocky beach and noticed the glacier that was feeding ice into the lake. It took mere minutes for the team to jump in. Robert took a little convincing but peer pressure won the day. After an unforgettable day of bonding, we all feel blessed to have each other's company and grateful to be sharing this experience in such a majestic place. What happens on the mountain...gets posted to the blog.
Oh yea, almost forgot, we rode icebergs in a glacial lake! Who else can say they did that in July?!
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens and Team
Did someone say iceberg lettuce? Sorry, I couldn’t resist the produce pun John. Sounds like an amazing place and a truly memorable experience. Continue to enjoy and be safe! - Kim R.
Posted by: Kim Reddin on 7/28/2015 at 5:23 pm
Stenderup!!! What did you do with the WG Market update? I can’t find it!!! ... just kidding .. :)
Hope you are doing well and having fun! The Gowdy clan is pulling for you and praying for safety for you and the whole team. All the best brother! - Luke
Hello everyone and welcome to RMI's third Kilimanjaro's trip of the season -
The team arrived late last night after our very long and tiring flights from the U.S. We were greeted by the wonderful staff from the Dik Dik lodge with warm smiles and a little champagne to toast our arrival.
After a short and quiet ride to our lodge we had a quick dinner then headed off to bed to catch up on some much needed sleep.
The team met this morning at breakfast with fresh fruits, homemade bread and jam, and plenty of good Tanzanian coffee.
We then got together for a formal round of introductions and a overview of the upcoming adventure. We discussed our plan for the climb and made sure everyone has all the necessary gear to keep us safe and warm on Kilimanjaro.
We then took a short break and went for a stroll on the beautiful grounds hoping to catch sight of some of the monkeys that often visit. Then we did a little packing and caught up on a little more sleep to help get adjusted to the big time difference.
We finished the evening with an amazing 5 course meal with great conversations, and everyone is squared away and looking forward to hitting the trail tomorrow as well as getting a little exercise.
RMI Guide Casey Grom
Our team left the hustle and bustle of Moscow early this morning and made our way to the mountains. We had a long day of flying and driving to get here and we are excited to be in the Baksan Valley at the base of Mt. Elbrus. Everyone is in great spirits so we are going to just relax thus evening and listen to the thunderstorms roll on through. Tomorrow is another day and sun or no sun...it's great to be in the mountains!
RMI Guide JJ Justman
RMI Guide Billy Nugent and his Five Day Summit Climb Team reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning along with Mike King and the Four Day Summit Climb. Billy reported clear skies and cool temperatures for their climb. Both teams began their descent from the crater rim a little after 9 am PST. The teams will return to Camp Muir and then continue their descent to Paradise. We look forward to seeing both teams back at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's Summit Climb teams.
Is there any word on the group that will summit Tuesday night/Wednesday morning that includes my husband Russell Frederickson? Wishing everyone a wonderful climb!! Jody
Posted by: Jody Frederickson on 7/28/2015 at 5:58 pm
“Cool”????? Billy, you are the MASTER of understatement, haha!
I’m so sorry that I couldn’t hang with you to the summit, but I very thankful to you for keeping us all safe. You are a true professional, and I have the utmost respect for you, Katrina, Blake and the entire RMI team.
Posted by: Barbara Beatrice on 7/28/2015 at 4:48 pm
Good evening all, the team is doing great. Today we carried up to Moraine Camp, 16,300'. After a leisurely pancake breakfast, we packed our climbing gear under blue skies and started hiking around ten o'clock. Unfortunately high clouds rolled in and by mid morning, though this made for a less-impressive view, we were glad for the cooler temperatures as we made our way up the rocky slopes to Moraine Camp. Everyone did a great job with the moderate loads and the new altitude, 16,300 feet. After caching our gear we made our way back to Base Camp for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. Tomorrow we will sleep in and enjoy a full rest day.
Thanks for following along,
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens and the Alpamayo team
Today's Four Day Summit Climb team lead by RMI Guide Mike Haugen reached the summit of Mt. Rainier shortly after 7 am. Mike reported calm winds and great climbing. They will spent a bit of time on top before beginning their descent. Once they return to Camp Muir, they will take a quick break, repack their gear and continue their descent to Paradise.
We look forward to seeing the team at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's Summit Climb team!
Hello from Moscow -
Our second RMI Team has gathered in Moscow to begin our trip to Mt. Elbrus. New beginnings for me and a new adventure for all. Today we had a beautiful sunny day here in Moscow and spent the morning exploring the beautiful sites on a great city tour. Check out the video to see what we saw!!
RMI Guide JJ Justman
Today we awoke to blue sky's and light wind, coffee in bed followed by a fantastic breakfast. After breaking camp we helped load the donkeys and continued hiking up the beautiful Santa Cruze valley. With every step more sunning mountain seemed to reveal themselves, truly an awe inspiring place. After a couple hours of hiking we turned north and climbed some switchbacks before sauntering into our Base Camp at 14,200'. We all got our first look at Alpamayo, one of the most beautiful peaks I have ever seen. Shortly after arriving to our Base Camp lunch was served, soup and pasta, quite tasty. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing and bathing in the river.
The team is doing very well and we are all excited to be here.
Thanks for following along with us
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens and the Alpamayo team
Donkeys? Unnecessary. Don’t you guys from the East Coast (VT and NY) know that the CA boys (Jesse and John) are going to get soft if you don’t work them. Load them up! Trudge on John.
Posted by: Kent Stenderup on 7/25/2015 at 10:28 pm
Greetings from Huaraz!
The team finished the expedition yesterday, arriving safe and sound to the capital of the Ancash district of Peru, but also the capital of Andean climbing. Our descent to the trail head at Cashapampa, with the help of horses, was an extraordinary experience. We took our time to enjoyed for the last time the views of the massively snow fluted peaks and turquoise lakes down valley. Right on time for a shower and a celebratory dinner, the arrival at the hotel marked the end of our climbing adventure. We'll spend the day today relaxing in Huaraz and enjoying a Pachamanca, typical Peruvian meal cooked underground, with our local guide and outfitter's family, before packing for tomorrow's departure to Lima and flights back home.
Thanks to all for following and cheering for this team during our climb! We just say bye now until next year's expedition, wishing best of luck to Geoff's Schellens' team, who's currently starting the 2nd RMI Alpamayo climb this season.
RMI Guide Elias de Andres Martos
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Did someone say iceberg lettuce? Sorry, I couldn’t resist the produce pun John. Sounds like an amazing place and a truly memorable experience. Continue to enjoy and be safe! - Kim R.
Posted by: Kim Reddin on 7/28/2015 at 5:23 pm
Stenderup!!! What did you do with the WG Market update? I can’t find it!!! ... just kidding .. :)
Hope you are doing well and having fun! The Gowdy clan is pulling for you and praying for safety for you and the whole team. All the best brother! - Luke
Posted by: Luke Gowdy on 7/28/2015 at 3:47 pm
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