Entries from Expedition Dispatches

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

Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team at Barranco Camp

September 7, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

Elevation: 15,000'

Jambo everyone! Day three here on Kilimanjaro was a little windy and cloudy. But those conditions allowed us to make good time on our hike by keeping us cool but not cold. We hiked up the Shira Plateau for a few hours and reached our high point around 15,000' (new heights for some) at a place called Lava Tower. We stopped and took a nice break and enjoyed the limited view then easily descended down into the Barranco Valley to camp. Along the way we saw some of the unique vegetation that only grows in this part of the world. The giant Senecio trees that look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book, groundsels,and lobelias. We are all currently relaxing in camp either taking naps or playing cards. Everyone is doing great and having a good time! RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

On The Map

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Fatima and Pete..You are heading to Summit day. Savor every moment….Say HI to Casey. Deb

Posted by: Debbi on 9/8/2013 at 4:41 am

You’re doing a Wicked Good Job!!!

Posted by: John Ehntholt on 9/8/2013 at 4:14 am

Mt. Rainier: September 7th Update

September 7, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Solveig Waterfall

Elevation: 11,600'

Hi everyone. You know...it certainly can be disappointing. I guess that's why they call it Disappointment Cleaver, which is where we are right now. However, our team is having fun and smiling. Hey! That's part of climbing. The mountain said no and we have to respect that. We will climb another day and we are happy about that. Now, we will finish taking photos and focus on the most important part of climbing, getting down safely. Ciao from Rainier. RMI Guide JJ Justman

Kilimanjaro: Casey and Team move to 12,500’

September 6, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

Elevation: 12,500'

Once more into the breach, dear friends. Today was a shorter hiking day, but I thought much more technically challenging. We ascended 2500 feet, ending up at tonight's camp sitting at 12,500'. The road to the camp was dusty and narrow. I personally found it difficult to maintain the pace of the group due to some stomach issues, but Eric, one of our 40 porters helped me out by carrying my sack for a spell. I'm happy to report that I feeling much better. The group is working very well together. Peter and Fatima brought a high end camera and are on charge of high end shots. Heidi and Jami are heading up the bunch and in charge of the "walking" photos. Heidi has dual duties, in that she has to give distance and altitude reports. Rosa is in charge of local PR with the porters. Rick, who wanted me to give a special shout out to his two girls at home, is in charge of culinary spicing. Kendyl and Dan are in charge of fact verification and chocolate supplies. Me, I'm comic relief. And Casey, he keeps us all in line and moving toward our goal. In short, all parties are necessary and I'm glad they are here. Looking forward to tomorrow, Dawn & The RMI Team

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We sure are missing you but it’s great to be able to get updates while you’re gone and to see pictures. Little One is loving her daily letters (and also the surprise of seeing what color it will be)! She seems to enjoy the names of the places (words she’s never heard before of course) because she always repeats them back… too fun. :-) We love you - have fun and be safe!

Posted by: Tasha on 9/7/2013 at 7:42 am

So glad you are feeling better. You ever get sick so we did not prepare for sickness! Sounds like a great group. What a laugh Kendyl taking care of chocolate…we know how that will end up! All is great here, have a wonderful time. So happy to be able to keep up with you through this blog.
Love to all. m

Posted by: Marilyn on 9/6/2013 at 7:54 pm