Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Carry to Camp 2

February 12, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

Slogging and chugging away we ascended to Camp 2 in great style. I love when a team stays together every step of the way. It's motivating and it really creates a great team atmosphere. We arrived at Camp 2 at 18000 feet and cached more food, fuel and gear for the upper mountain. You can always tell how folks are doing by the expressions on their faces. Everyone was all smiles! And how couldn't you be with the spectacular views of the Andes that we enjoyed today. Now back at Camp 1 we are soaking in the sunshine and relaxing. A couple of climbing rangers stopped by and we share a round of mate and discussed weather. Katrina and I are about to start making the team quesadillas as a mid afternoon pick me up. RMI Guide JJ Justman and Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Bob
Happy Valentine’s Day

love you
janette

Posted by: janette on 2/13/2014 at 4:58 pm

Bob, what an amazing trip. It sounds like you and the entire team are doing great. I can’t wait to read bout e rest of your adventures. Love, Jeanette

Posted by: Jeanette McClurkin on 2/13/2014 at 10:48 am

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Kilimanjaro: Martin & Team Reach Shira Plateau

February 12, 2014

Posted by: Jeff Martin

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 12,200'

Hello from Shira Camp, It rained a little last night, but when we woke up this morning, the sun was trying to shine through the cloud cover. While the sun never completely came out, we had a dry day with perfect temperatures. The weather even cooperated so that we could have a nice lunch stop along the way to our camp. We got out of camp early today in hopes of getting a little head start and be in front of the other climbers and porters. But we weren't the only group trying this strategy, and we ended up having a fair amount of trail traffic getting up the first climb out of camp. It's a narrow trail, so we just took our time and enjoyed the views around us. On the section after lunch, we got to see quite a few flowers starting to bloom, thanks to the recent rains. Usually this is a pretty dry portion of the trail as we traverse west towards the Shira Plateau, but today there were numerous little streams which were all flowing with water. The mountain above us is still covered in the dusting of snow from a few days ago. It is really beautiful and is giving us lots of great pictures.Today was a short day of hiking and we made it to camp with plenty of time to enjoy the Shira Plateau. Of course we had popcorn and other snacks waiting for us when we arrived. And we spent a big chunk of the afternoon snacking, drinking tea, and sharing some stories. A perfect reward for the 2500' we climbed today. Tomorrow, we are going to set a bunch of new altitude records when we go to 14,900', at the base of Lava Tower. Stay tuned for our next dispatch from Barranco Camp. Best regards, RMI Guide Jeff Martin and Team

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Holly and Chris,
Just wondering if some of the stories included the torture you endured under my watch… kidding. Enjoy the continued beauty of your climb, I am jealous!
Adam W

Posted by: Adam on 2/12/2014 at 10:03 pm

Hey Chris….we have an open shift this week - wanna fill it??? NO, I didn’t think so!! Oh well, guess you’re stuck there having to enjoy the beauty, the challenge, and the awesome wife you have by your side!! Can’t wait to hear all the stories and see the pics!!
Candy

Posted by: Candy on 2/12/2014 at 1:40 pm

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team at Camp 1

February 11, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 9,000'

Boom, nailed it! First move day was successful. We are at Camp One, hydrating and replenishing our systems after the big climb from 13,800 to 16,400 feet. The team moved up in style and got to camp with plenty of time to get settled and enjoy the sunshine. The guides are indulging in Argentina's favorite drink, Yerba Mate, which JJ credits for his hulk-like strength while building rock walls at camp today. Check back tomorrow to see what we're up to! RMI Guide Katrina Bloemsma

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Please remind Bob Strode he owes me 25 pushups at the top
Thanks

Posted by: Theresa Edwards on 2/12/2014 at 7:00 am

Hi Brenda how’s your camera holding up? You better be filming your climb can’t wait to see your journey! Love you enjoy camp 2 Richie & Sea Jayntexpoc anxiety

Posted by: Richie larscheid on 2/12/2014 at 5:56 am

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Kilimanjaro: Martin & Team at the First Camp - Machame Camp

February 11, 2014

Posted by: Jeff Martin

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 9,800'

Greetings from Machame Camp, The missing bag finally showed up last night and we have one very happy climber. For the last few days the weather has been a little unstable, with some heavy rain showers in the lowlands. But this morning, just as we were approaching the mountain, the clouds started to thin and we saw Kilimanjaro for the first time. After people got over the initial surprise of how big it looks from a distance, it became obvious that the unstable weather we had in town, had covered the mountain with a white blanket of snow. Usually you have to look pretty hard to find snow on the mountain, so this was a pretty cool sight to see. It won't affect our climb though, as most of it will melt before we reach high camp. Having left our hotel this morning right on time, we were at the park gate before any of the other climbing groups showed up. We made quick work of taking care of the permits and registration. And after the final porter's bag was weighed, we were off and walking. The weather continued to improve all day and we had perfect temperatures all the way to camp. We walked into camp at 3:30 and got settled into our new accommodations at 10,000'. Everyone did great today on the trail. This group showed up well prepared, and ready for the challenge ahead. We'll send out another update tomorrow when we get to Shira Camp. Best, RMI Guide Jeff Martin

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hey Mom, when you have to carry Eric up the mountain, its best to use the fireman’s carry. It will center his weight above you rather than behind you if he is on your back. I’m sure you guys are doing great! I love you all, good luck over the next couple days!

With very much love,
Derek

Posted by: Derek Kraft on 2/12/2014 at 6:59 pm

First day completed - WAHOO!!! You all look great. Enjoy each day and take lots of pictures.

Posted by: Candy on 2/11/2014 at 11:25 pm

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Kilimanjaro: Martin & Team Spend the Day Preparing for the Climb

February 10, 2014

Posted by: Jeff Martin

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Jambo from the Dik Dik, We are still one bag down, but otherwise this group is ready to leave early tomorrow morning. We did spend the day going through all the details about our climb and what we might expect along the way as ascend the mountain over the next seven days. Next we focused on gear and equipment, discussing the difference between nice to have and need to have, as well as what to pack in our mountain duffel and what is carried in our day packs. This group did an excellent job in bringing all the right gear so we did not have to spend too much time doing the equipment checks and weighing our mountain duffels. It was raining most of the day, so rather than go out for an afternoon hike, we stayed indoors, with time well spent recovering from the eleven hour time zone difference, and sending out those last few emails before leaving behind the last of the wi-fi connectivity that we will have for the next week. We sat down for our four-course dinner, and had a special treat tonight. Two of our climbers are celebrating birthdays. The staff prepared a wonderful cake for this occasion and rolled it in on a cart after dinner with all the candles lit up and everybody singing. Our two climbers were definitely surprised. We have set our alarms for an early wake up, and hope to be driving towards Kilimanjaro National Park by 7:30 am. Tomorrow, we'll check in from our first camp on the mountain, Machame Camp. Best regards, RMI Guide Jeff Martin

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

How ya doin the Donster? getting some good cwoffee up there?
We’re rooting for you and the team!
Send us a YO! From the top!
Kisses…
E,D S….

Posted by: The Lahtinens on 2/10/2014 at 8:44 pm

Don—It’s your birthday too! Everydays your birthday—Happy Birthday! Have a great time. We are thinking of you. hugs, Ilene & Andrew

Posted by: Ilene & Andrew on 2/10/2014 at 5:29 pm

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Preparing for Move to Camp 1

February 10, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Ah, the rest day. The team is perfecting the art of chilling. Solar showers, siestas and samba lessons from JJ...just another day at base camp. We're fueling up in anticipation of our move to Aconcagua's Camp 1 tomorrow. Keep the comments coming! And pass along our blogs to friends and family who might want to follow our adventure as well. More to come from 16,400ft! RMI Guide Katrina Bloemsma

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Good morning Brenda hope you had a great night under a star filled sky!! The weather gods are really being nice to team 7. We’ll after a day of rest I’m sure you can’ t wait to hit the trail and get to the next spot. Stay strong and have fun and take lots of pictures. Love you , Richie & Sea Jay. Xxxxooox

Posted by: Richie Sea Jay on 2/11/2014 at 5:42 am

Rich - Hey honey so glad you have a day to just chill and enjoy your surroundings…siestas and sambas and solar showers? Doesn’t get any better than that..oh yeah I guess if I were actually there it would be better. :-) Enjoy the break - you earned it for sure. Love you stay safe, Susie

Posted by: Susie on 2/10/2014 at 6:04 pm

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Kilimanjaro: Martin & Team Arrive in Tanzania

February 9, 2014

Posted by: Jeff Martin

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Hello from Usa River, Tanzania, The daily KLM flight from Amsterdam arrived right on time tonight, and fortunately our entire team made the flight. Not so lucky with all the bags. We have one bag that is still in Amsterdam and will come down on tomorrow's flight, just in time for us before we leave for the mountain. We are now at the hotel and just finished the best meal that has been served in the last 9,000 + miles of travel. Tomorrow we'll start with a full orientation about our Kilimanjaro climb and safari and then work on getting our gear ready and weighed for the mountain. Everyone is excited to finally be here in Africa and beginning this incredible adventure. More to follow tomorrow. Best regards, RMI Guide Jeff Martin

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Trace, Sarah, Bro-ski, Dad, ESM…

This experience is going to exceed your expectations, I’m sure. :) Dad, the guide won’t let you drive on the safari, so don’t even ask.

PS For the love of Pete, please try and pick up some Swahili while you’re out there. haha. Eric, we should have made you some post cards to study off of.

Posted by: Rachel on 2/11/2014 at 11:14 am

Sarah, friends, guides, helpers,

Have a magnificent adventure!

Safe journey! xoxox’s, mom

Posted by: Marguerite Saslow on 2/11/2014 at 7:18 am

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Cache Gear at Camp 1

February 9, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Rugged and rough is a great way to describe the ascent to Aconcagua Camp One. The team carried gear to cache at 16,400 feet. The last stretch into camp is a light and fluffy scree section that can sometimes cause folks to spin your wheels. Our team managed fine and we hung out for a half an hour in the thin air. We cached a couple of duffel bags filled with food and gear that we will need higher on the mountain. We are now back in Basecamp once again enjoying the good life! RMI Guide JJ Justman

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Hi Keith (Lewis)
I am so excited for you and a little scared. Your mom keeps me in formed of all your adventures and accomplishments, and I could not be more proud of you. Everyone back home is thinking and living vicariously through you, have a wonderful and safe trip. God be with you and your team.

Love,
Stacy your Virginia cousin!

Posted by: Stacy Turner on 2/11/2014 at 8:47 am

Keith (Rich), love looking at the pics- how lucky you guys are to be surrounded by those gorgeous mountains! Love reading the blurbs of your days! Hope you are enjoying every minute…Doug and I are living through you guys (and the peace and quiet there) as the whole neighborhood is having a dance party in our playroom! Enjoy the moment! xo

Posted by: Nikki on 2/10/2014 at 4:07 pm

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Aconcagua: Team Enjoys Rest at Base Camp

February 8, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Today is our first rest day at Aconcagua Base Camp and man is it nice. We woke up and made a huge brunch of home fries and scrambled eggs complete with real French press coffee. What a treat! Between lounging in the sun and exploring the streams and scenery around camp, the team has been preparing their equipment for our carry to Camp One tomorrow. Checking and double checking that they've got all their technical gear and are bringing enough chocolate and gummies for the upper mountain. The carry to Camp One will be a big day, but the team is feeling strong and the sun will be out. Wish us luck and keep posting on the blog, we enjoy reading your comments! RMI Guide Katrina Bloemsma

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Thanks for the support! I have just a few min of connectivity; Set a personal best today, the gear carry to camp 1 (was super easy, NOT) put be at 4800m/15k ft. Back at base tonight.
Kiernan happy birthday!
Aidan i cant wait to hear how you won 5 bucks from mom.
Devlin i love you too.
Julian, team & guides are great and the jury is still out but I think Paris might have been a better vacation ;) Xoxoxox

Posted by: KenM on 2/9/2014 at 11:56 am

Rich! Love you so much and wish I were there with you! Have fun and enjoy the climb…looking forward to more blog posts we are following them closely! Stay safe

Siriana says “Daddy I love you have a good trip and make sure you are safe in Agacagua in Chile” LOL

Ky says “I love you Daddy and have fun at Aquacongua and be safe so we can see you on the computer while you are in your tent!”

Chanchai is sleeping so no comment from him right now. :-)

Posted by: Susie on 2/9/2014 at 9:05 am

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Aconcagua: Justman and Team Settle into Base Camp

February 7, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

The time has arrived. We are nestling into Plaza Argentina Base Camp. The weather has been too nice on our trek in. It certainly explains why there is a sun on the flag of Argentina. We wish there was a swimming pool at base. The entire team is doing very well and it is nice to unload all our gear knowing we don't have to pack up duffels for the mules. Speaking of mules, we want to thank our cowboys for helping us get to BC. The boys from Grajales are the very best. Second to none and they are part of the RMI family. It's time to relax...we will keep you posted from 13800 feet. RMI Guide JJ Justman and Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Get it Dad!!! Wish I was climbing up there with you! Love you!
-Ezra

Posted by: Ezra on 2/8/2014 at 1:40 pm

Way to go Casey! Enjoy your adventure. We are thinking of you and praying that you get up and down the mountain safely and with incredible memories.

Posted by: Emelie Kallen on 2/8/2014 at 9:42 am

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Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Carry to Camp 2

Kilimanjaro: Martin & Team Reach Shira Plateau

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team at Camp 1

On The Map

Kilimanjaro: Martin & Team at the First Camp - Machame Camp

On The Map

Kilimanjaro: Martin & Team Spend the Day Preparing for the Climb

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Preparing for Move to Camp 1

On The Map

Kilimanjaro: Martin & Team Arrive in Tanzania

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Cache Gear at Camp 1

On The Map

Aconcagua: Team Enjoys Rest at Base Camp

Aconcagua: Justman and Team Settle into Base Camp

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