Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Elevation: 14,410'

Summit! The Mt. Rainier Summit Climb was on top this morning in clear skies and light winds. RMI Guide Zeb Blais reported the team began their descent from the crater rim at 7:40 a.m. RMI Guide JJ Justman and his Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons also reached the summit this morning. The team is still enjoying their time on the summit before they descend back to Camp Schurman for the night. JJ sent a video last night and can be viewed below. Congratulations to today's teams!

Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Arrive in Tanzania

August 6, 2012

Posted by: Mark Tucker

So, our team is now assembled at the Dik Dik Hotel in Tanzania, getting ready for our climb of Kilimanjaro. It is a long way from the US and sometimes mother nature makes getting where we want to go (out of Chicago in a windstorm) a bit more difficult. Nonetheless, we are all here and with most of our luggage......two of the team are missing bags. Our local staff has worked hard to assist us by making additional transfers to the airport to pick up our gear. We have it pretty good in the ol' USA, just some of the places we wish to visit are not at the same level of infrastructure and support we are used to. I look at it that we are a guest in their country and appreciate any help I can get. Bottom line two more equipment checks tonight and some late night packing. Then we will be good to go in the morning. We celebrated two birthdays tonight with cake, candles, singing and presents. Not a bad place to celebrate! This is adventure travel at its best and tomorrow we start on the mountain. It doesn't stand a chance against this team! RMI Guide Mark Tucker

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Have fun Steve!

Posted by: Kim Anglemyer on 8/7/2012 at 5:31 pm

Eddie, Bob and Tom - great job!!! We can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back . Have a great time and keep climbing !!!!!!

Posted by: Sheila on 8/7/2012 at 4:36 pm

Mt. Rainier: August 6th Summit!

August 6, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent, JJ Justman, Win Whittaker

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Guide Billy Nugent led the Four Day Summit Climb August 3 - 6 to the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams reached the summit crater around 7:20 a.m. and reported light winds and good conditions. The Five Day Summit Climb August 2 - 6 led by Gabriel Barral was also on top. Both teams began their descent just after 8 a.m. The Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons will be moving to their high camp (Camp Schurman 9,440') today. They will continue their training this afternoon and ready for their summit attempt tomorrow morning. Congratulations to today's summit climb teams!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Congratulations!!! You did it!!!

Posted by: Kate Miller on 8/7/2012 at 7:48 am

Way to go Hanky!

Posted by: H miller on 8/6/2012 at 5:03 pm

Kilimanjaro: Seth & Team Ascend to High Camp

August 6, 2012

Posted by: Seth Waterfall

Elevation: 15,000'

We're on the way to high camp on Kilimanjaro! The sun is out and it's a beautiful day. We'll be on the trail for about three hours today and then we'll begin our final prep for the summit push. If all goes well we should be on top of Kilimanjaro within 24 hours! RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Tamara and Jerry - You are both AMAZING, what an awesome experience, I assume by now you are on the top of Kilimanjaro! I can’t say we know anyone else that has accomplished this challenge. Travel safely. Loev, Cathy and Bob

Posted by: Cathy on 8/7/2012 at 8:47 am

Jerry you are almost there!
Go team Go!
have a wonderful day… love, Lynn. :)

Posted by: Lynn on 8/7/2012 at 6:57 am

Mt. Rainier: August 5th Update

August 5, 2012

Posted by: Mike Haugen, JJ Justman, Win Whittaker

Elevation: 14,410'

The Mt. Rainier Summit Climb led by Mike Haugen reached the summit in hot weather and no wind. The team departed the crater rim at 8 a.m. Once the team is at Camp Muir, they will regroup and continue their descent to Paradise. JJ Justman and his Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons are driving to White River to begin their four days on the Camp Schurman/Emmons Route.

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Well done Mike! I hope you guys had as great a trip as we did!

Posted by: Mark Grace on 8/6/2012 at 5:26 pm

Great Job! So excited for ya’ll. Can’t wait to hear all about it.

Posted by: ann on 8/5/2012 at 4:49 pm

Kilimanjaro: Seth & Team Nearing Karanga Valley Camp

August 5, 2012

Posted by: Seth Waterfall

Elevation: 12,800'

Hi everyone we are on top of the Barranco Wall. The team is good aside from a few stomach issues. We'll get a nice long rest this afternoon at Karanga Valley. Wish us luck. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Tom, Bob and Eddie - you know that Jim Citrano is referring to your mother’s genetics! But it is also a tribute to your determination and training. Hopefullly, you and your colleagues all make it to the top. Everyone below is rooting for all of you.

Dad

Posted by: Thomas Leonard on 8/6/2012 at 7:29 am

I love checking in on what you are doing with this blog! Amazing!! Quite inspirational! I hope you are enjoying every second of it…and I hope your stomach isn’t one of the issues. Keep on kicking ass Tamara!!!
XO
ALICIA

Posted by: Alicia Schwartz on 8/6/2012 at 5:36 am

Mt. Rainier: August 4th Update

August 4, 2012

Posted by: Paul Maier, Elias de Andres Martos, Geoff Schellens

Elevation: 14,410'

Summit! With a freezing level of 15,000', bluebird skies and no wind, it was a great day to be on the Mt. Rainier summit! After spending some time on the summit, the Four Day Summit Climb teams began their descent at 7:45 a.m. and are trying to beat the heat as they descend to Paradise. Congratulations to today's Summit Climbers!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Congratulations Will!!! So proud of you :) What an amazing feat!
Roxanne, Kurt and the kids

Posted by: Roxanne on 8/4/2012 at 2:36 pm

Congratulations, Will and team!! So awesome!

Cheers and great respect,
Rachel

Posted by: Rachel on 8/4/2012 at 10:57 am

Kilimanjaro: Seth & Team at Barranco Camp

August 4, 2012

Posted by: Seth Waterfall

Elevation: 15,200'

Hi there! This is the Kilimanjaro team checking in from our high point today at 15,200 ft. All is well on the trail. The altitude is kicking in but we're all adapting. This afternoon we are going to drop back down a few thousand feet to Barranco Camp. Tomorrow we will tackle the steepest portion of our trek; the Barranco Wall. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hi Tamara. Have a safe and wonderful climb. You look great!

Posted by: terry luaces on 8/6/2012 at 4:42 am

Chris!!!!! Congrats little bro…That looks like a blast…Be safe, we love you.

Posted by: Mick on 8/5/2012 at 8:26 am

Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team enjoy their last day in Africa

August 3, 2012

Posted by: Mark Tucker

We had a nice drive out of the park today as many elephants stole the show. We made a stop for more shopping and a visit to an orphanage. We had a last great meal with some day rooms to make sure no dust is brought back state side. It is nice when things go like clockwork the whole trip through. No rain or snow on the big hill this time, but we were ready. We had a nice view of the mountain at sunset on our way to the airport. What a pleasure working with this diverse group these last couple of weeks.They all climbed with great style. Keeping me thrilled with this life I lead. Look forward to meeting up with them again! RMI Guide Mark Tucker

Mt. Rainier: August 3rd Summit!

August 3, 2012

Posted by: Casey Grom, Solveig Waterfall