Entries from Expedition Dispatches
Friday, September 4, 2025 - 10:11 pm PT
Hello again everyone
The team had a really nice day here on Kilimanjaro today, waking to clear skies and a beautiful view of Kili right above camp. We had a light cloud layer which helped keep us cool while on the trail, which was nice as the sun can be quite intense here near the equator.
We started the day waking at 6:30 to start packing up before moving into our dining tent for a nice breakfast with porridge, fried eggs, toast, avocado and even some fresh fruit, and most importantly plenty of hot Tanzanian coffee.
We hit the trail shortly after 8 am and slowly made our way up the rocky trail with occasional views of Kili above, while sharing the trail with all the porters.
The trail climbed up a blunted ridge and eventually out of the trees and allowed for some truly spectacular views of the valley below. The team hiked for a little more than four hours before reaching out next camp that sits on the Shira plateau, which is the remnant of an ancient lava flow.
Everyone is doing very well and we are currently relaxing in camp.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari September 2, 2025
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Today the team had an early start and left behind our incredibly comfortable lodge as we have headed to the mountain towards the start of the climb. We left around 8am and drove along the rural country side passing small villages for 1.5 hours before reaching the park entrance called Machame. We also had great views on the drive of Kilimanjaro looming high in the distance, intimidating and exciting at the same time.
Once we arrived at the park gate we had all of our gear weighed and divided into loads for our 51 porters and other staff to carry before hitting the trail. With everything in order we’ll start our climb slowly make our way up the winding trail that ascends continuously through the thick forest. Thankfully the overhead canopy of the surrounding forest will provide a huge relief from the hot sun overhead.
We are about to start our six hour hike to camp that sits around 10,000ft and most likely won’t have reception so I’m sending this from the entrance.
Everyone is doing well and looking forward to starting this adventure.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Kili crew
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari September 2, 2025
Posted by: Raymond Holt, Annie Chapman
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
100% Summit Success on Mt. Baker!
Our climbing team had originally set out to ascend Mt. Rainier, but due to unsafe route conditions above Ingraham Flats, they made the smart decision to pivot with us to Mt. Baker.
Led by RMI Guides Ray Holt and Annie Chapman, the team took on the Easton Glacier route—and it was absolutely worth it!
Every climber stood on the summit, rewarded with stunning views and the satisfaction of perseverance and adaptability. The team is now back at camp, resting, rehydrating, and preparing for tomorrow’s descent to the trailhead.
Huge congratulations to the entire team for their flexibility, determination, and summit success!
Posted by: Henry Coppolillo, Seth Burns, Jackson Breen
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Mt. Baker Seminar Update
Yesterday, the team trained on Mt. Erie, learning essential climbing skills like rope management, knots, belaying, and Leave No Trace principles. Early this morning, they regrouped, reorganized their mountain gear, and began the hike to Hogsback Camp. The 5–6 hour trek gained 2,200 feet through lush forest and alpine meadows, arriving at camp at 5,800'. The afternoon was spent setting up camp, practicing mountain skills, and relaxing in the alpine setting.
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Hello from Tanzania!
Everyone has safely arrived in Tanzania and the team is doing well and in good spirits after some very long flights. Nearly 20+ hours for many of us.
It was a short and quiet ride to our Lodge that is nestled in between Arusha and Moshi and not so far from the base of Kilimanjaro. The team had a quick dinner and headed for bed as the time change had us all feeling just a little off and pretty tired after all the traveling yesterday.
Today we had a leisurely morning and then rolled into our group meeting after breakfast, where we did a round of introductions and then discussed the upcoming program for the days ahead. The team spent the remainder of the day getting our gear packed up, exploring the grounds of our peaceful Lodge and dodging the gaggle of monkeys patrolling the grounds.
We wrapped up the evening with a delicious meal and plenty of friendly conversations.
Everyone is doing well, excited to be here and looking forward to stretching our legs tomorrow as we head to the mountain.
Casey and the Kili crew!
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari September 2, 2025
Tom Skoog and his climbing partner David ascended into alpine silence, where the mountain offered complete solitude—no other climbers in sight across two summit days. The crisp September air and clear skies made for ideal conditions.
Checking in with us at 9000 feet, they reported smooth progress along the north ridge, moving strong and steady. Later, above 10,000 feet, they climbed high, light, and free—fully embracing the elevation and the expansive views.
A perfect blend of strength, serenity, and solitude in the high country!
If you need a recommendation for Dave, let me know.
Posted by: Chris on 9/4/2025 at 5:57 pm
Posted by: Ben Luedtke, Calvin Jiricko, Bailey Servais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Sometimes, climbing is about a new experience. Sometimes, climbing is about the people. Sometimes, climbing is about the experience you get to enjoy with the people you are with while doing something epic, unexpected, and downright enjoyable. That is what we had. We may not have achieved the objectives we signed up for, but we got to experience something we never have before; an incredible four days with an incredible team on objectives that very few people ever get to be a part of. After an incredibly incredible yet long day that we'd rather not discuss, we then still got to go ice climbing (in August) on the lower Coleman Glacier of Mount Baker. Outside of that, we'll keep the jokes we shared, the sandals we made, and the amount of caffeine we consume amongst ourselves. Thanks to all our loved ones for supporting us on these crazy left field objectives. We are back where it all started at Chair 9 with limited service and celebrating.
RMI Guides Ben Luedtke, Calvin Jiricko, Bailey Servais, and team
Posted by: Ben Luedtke, Calvin Jiricko, Bailey Servais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Summit Success!
Our entire team reached the top of South Twin Sister with big smiles and perfect weather. It was a stunning day of climbing, and everyone crushed it! We made it back late last night, safe and sound, and spirits are high.
Now we’re gearing up for our next adventure: ice climbing on the lower Coleman Deming Glacier. Conditions look promising, and we’re excited to get back out there.
— RMI Guide Ben Luedtke & Team
Oh ... man. Ice climbing on the lower Coleman Deming Glacier! Can’t go wrong there!
Posted by: Some guy from Puyallup on 8/28/2025 at 9:01 pm
Posted by: Nick Sinapius, Julian Kral, Celeste Wilson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 10,080'
The Paradise Seminar August 22 - 27 led by RMI Guide Nick Sinapius is completing their training and their program today. After several days of training on the lower slopes of Mt. Rainier, the team bumped their camp near Camp Muir yesterday and was ready to put their training to the test. Unfortunately, the weather and route didn't quite cooperate for them to make a summit attempt. The team is now descending to Paradise. They will conclude their program this afternoon with a small celebration of their adventure.
Nice work team!
Posted by: Ben Luedtke, Bailey Servais, Calvin Jiricko
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: South Twin Sister
Today, we sauntered into the wilderness of Washington for our first objective: South Twin Sister.
“What are we doing?” you might ask. “Where the heck is that?” you may wonder. Spoiler alert: it’s a hidden gem of a climb just south of Mt. Baker.
After crossing a downed tree over a raging creek and bushwhacking through a sea of berries, we arrived at camp nestled in a field of boulders. The question kept coming: “Have y’all done this climb before?” Sure have.
We spent the afternoon refreshing our skills in preparation for what’s to come. Hiding from the sun and heat, we’re hoping to get some sleep tonight.
Tomorrow, we climb.
— RMI Guide Ben & Team
Great fun following Casey’s posts and the team’s adventures. Greetings to Dena and Rusty from Grammy and Gramps. Yet another mountain on the bucket list to scratch off
Posted by: Ron Frishmuth on 9/6/2025 at 2:50 pm
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