Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Summit!

January 28, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Steve Gately, Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 22,841'

Update 1:45 pm PST: Our team has safely returned back to high camp. The snow has returned. We are nestled in our tents drinking and eating. We are tired. [Summit phone call transcribed] Hey everyone, this is JJ Justman with the Aconcagua Team. We're happy to announce that we are on the summit of South America's highest peak, Aconcagua! It was an interesting day. It started out cold and windy. It was a hard day to get started but at the end of the day, the sun is shining. The clouds are now starting to build a little bit, but it turned out to be a fairly decent day. Definitely a tough day to get on top of South America's highest speak. Everyone says hello. Big thing now is to head on down. We had a good, safe climb. We're gonna have a safe descent. But again, everyone says hello and thanks again for following along and giving us your best wishes for a safe and successful climb. That's exactly what we had today was a really decent weather day, a safe climb. Thanks again everyone. We'll touch base when we get further down the mountain, but everyone is doing real well. Take care, good-bye for now from the the top of the Western Hemisphere. RMI Guide JJ Justman

RMI Guide JJ Justman from the Aconcagua summit!

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Congratulations team! It sounds like everyone had a new “personal best” in just relentlessly tough weather conditions. You should all be proud of your journey and perseverance! Randy C you are amazing and we miss you! Now time to skip down that mountain and come back to little Delaware. If you see a gondola hop on it and come on home!
Love Judy
ps. Roxy is waiting for you on the couch!

Posted by: judy Christofferson on 1/29/2014 at 1:56 pm

Denise Mamason! Oh my gosh i am exhausted. I partied all night in celebration of your magnificent feet! you guys rock! Safe trip down! Yahoo! I am with Josh. Definitely recommend skiing or sleigh riding back down. So very proud of you! The family of mountain tamers! Give your bro and sis a big hug for me. So proud of you. Cutter dog is too!
Love,
Mary Fox

Posted by: Mary Fox on 1/29/2014 at 9:00 am

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Kilimanjaro: Martin & Team Settled in at Machame Camp

January 28, 2014

Posted by: Jeff Martin

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 9,800'

Greetings from Machame Camp, We could not have had a better day today! This was the first day on the trail and the group did great. We had the trail to ourselves and perfect weather. We heard some very distant thunder but made it to camp without any rain. It was barely an hour later when some light rain started to fall, but fortunately we were already warm and dry in our dining tent, snacking on some tea and popcorn. We started the day at 6,000' and made it up to camp in just under 4 1/2 hours, a solid pace. We are now settled in at camp and the mountain is teasing us with grand views as the clouds roll in and out. The team is feeling really strong and happy to finally be on the mountain. Best regards, RMI Guide Jeff Martin

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I am so excited to relive my Kilo moments through you and Jeff. Behind every successful team is a very successful woman! Cheers to all the team. Elsie Bemiss

Posted by: Elsie Bemiss on 1/29/2014 at 6:58 pm

Cheers to Barrie on hanging with what looks to be like a lot of testosterone. Wish you all the best and enjoy each day of the hike as they are all so different.

Posted by: Kathryn LeBey on 1/29/2014 at 5:58 am

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team at High Camp

January 27, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Steve Gately, Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

Unrelenting! That is the word that describes our weather on Aconcagua. Last night we received 10 inches of snow. When we awoke this morning the winds had scoured most of that snow off the mountain leaving several deep drifts around camp. Thankfully the weather settled down a bit and we were able to break camp and pack up. The scene looked more like Denali in Alaska than Aconcagua in the Andes. The team did great in the harsh conditions. It would have even made The Godfather of Denali, Joe Horiskey, proud as the team worked together in cold, blustery winds. We are now sitting in silence at high camp enjoying the sun at 19,600 feet. The team has run its final days. Tomorrow is our only shot. Then we have to head downhill. As luck I believe has it, the forecast is for light winds on top. We will touch base tomorrow, keep your fingers crossed, it should be from the top! RMI Guide JJ Justman

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

You can do it! Saying prayers for good weather for you and will sacrifice something to the weather Gods for you. You are the best. Very proud of you!
Cutter dog says Hi!
Love,
Mary

Posted by: Mary fox on 1/28/2014 at 7:31 am

Incredible! You guys have dealt with an unbelievable amount of varied weather conditions! Looks like the mountain is giving it everything she has to you guys…well done for doing such an excellent job! We are so proud of you, dad (Lew Smith)! I know this is the toughest climb you’ve ever done, but from what it sounds like, you and the team are doing awesome! Just like I did in the Marine Corps, you remember your training. When the poo poo hits the fan, your hard work and training kicks into gear, and I’m quite sure that’s what it has been doing for you while on Aconcagua. Keep it up, dad! You guys are so close. I pray that you have good weather conditions, so that you have a window of time to go for the summit. We will see what Aconcagua will do; if she will allow you and the team to stand on top. I hope so! Best of luck and climb on!!!

Love ya,

Kyle and Steph

Posted by: Kyle A. Smith on 1/28/2014 at 5:32 am

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Kilimanjaro: Martin & Team’s Gear is Packed and Ready for the Trek

January 27, 2014

Posted by: Jeff Martin

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Jambo, We are now a full team. Our last climber was delayed in getting here last night but was able to re-route through Nairobi and arrived here by mid-day. This morning we focused on getting ready to leave for the mountain tomorrow. Everybody went through their gear one last time to ensure that nothing was missed and more importantly, to make sure that the kitchen sink was not thrown in by accident. We enjoyed the rest of the day hanging out at the pool and exploring the area around our hotel. We just finished an incredible five-course meal, and are frantically writing a few last emails before going to bed. We head to the Machame Gate (6,000') in the morning and will be checking in from Machame Camp (10,000') tomorrow night. Now with the months of training and planning behind us, we are just a few hours from starting our climb. Everybody is excited to get on the trail tomorrow and ready for the challenge that lies ahead. Best regards, RMI Guide Jeff Martin

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Good luck Daddy!!! You’re gonna have such a blast!
Love, Samantha

Posted by: Samantha Golomb on 1/28/2014 at 2:31 pm

Go Barre!!!!! Fantastic first day. Stay strong and have a great hike. Gook luck to you and all of your team members.

Lynne Jeffrey

Posted by: Lynne Jeffrey on 1/28/2014 at 1:35 pm

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Mexico’s Volcanoes: Team Returns to Mexico City

January 26, 2014

Posted by: Geoff Schellens, Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico

Hi there this is Seth checking in from the Houston airport. The team awoke in Tlachichuca this morning after lots of slumbering last night. Everyone was pretty tired after a whirlwind couple of days. After checking out of the Hotel Colonial in Puebla we drove to Tlachichuca, packed our bags and headed up to high camp. Once there we had time for an afternoon stroll and then it was off to bed. Just a few hours later we made a 1am start for the summit. Although a few of the climbers decided that it was best that they stayed at the hut while the bulk of the group went up. Orizaba is an 'in your face' kind of climb and it's steep right out of the gate. After a couple of hours of trail and scree we reached The Labyrinth. This section can be trickery but for us it was straight forward. Steep ice and snow was the order of the day. Geoff, Alejandro and I anticipated this and had carried extra ropes to 'fix' the steep section. This took a little bit of time and we appreciated everyone's patience as we tried to make the climb as safe as possible. Once we made our way through that section we began the long march up the Jamapa glacier. Everyone was pretty tuckered out when we finally topped out 7 hours and 15 minutes after starting. There wasn't a puff of wind while we were at the summit and the sun was shining. It was the nicest day I've ever had on that mountain. Everyone had climbed strong and doubled down on the descent. We climbed down the glacier and then Geoff and Alejandro guided the climbers down The Labyrinth while I pulled the ropes. We returned to high camp just over 11 hours after starting out. Now we're all disbanded and heading to our respective homes. It was a great experience and quite the uphill adventure! RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

Kilimanjaro: Jeff Martin & Team Arrive in Tanzania

January 26, 2014

Posted by: Jeff Martin

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Greetings from Arusha, Tanzania, Our Kilimanjaro climb has officially started! After some quick introductions and a champagne toast, it was time to complete the very last leg of our long travels - a short drive to our hotel. We had a nice three-course meal waiting for us when we arrived and we sat out on the patio enjoying the fine dining and the sights and sounds of a new destination. We are waiting for one more climber to join the team later tonight, and then we will start tomorrow with a team meeting after breakfast, discussing all the details of our climb. La la salama (good night), RMI Guide Jeff Martin

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Robert, So excited for you and your team. Missing you and looking forward to more updates!
Love Shelley

Posted by: Shelley on 1/27/2014 at 9:11 am

LOVE seeing this photo of the beloved Dik Dik. Best wishes to Barrie on this wonderful adventure ahead. Jeff is the man! Am so excited to read your blog and think of you all.

Posted by: Kathryn LeBey on 1/27/2014 at 5:40 am

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Rest Day at Camp 2

January 26, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Steve Gately, Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

Ah, the acclimatization process. A dismal process of spending the day eating mountain delicacies of dried meat and exotic cheeses, drinking coffee, spending a few hours reading, a midday siesta and strolling around camp soaking in the dramatic topography of the Andes. Yes, the rest day. Not always so accommodating but when the weather Gods give you a day like they gave us, the rest day is just what the doctor ordered. So today we try not to eat all of our remaining food, sleep to our hearts content and day dream of days to come. Oh, how it pays to be patient in the mountains! RMI Guide Steve Gately

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Hey dad! (Lew Smith Best of luck to you and the team this week! Stephanie and I can’t wait to hear about your climb and the expedition, we are so very excited and proud of you! Stay strong, climb smart, get adequate rest, eat and drink well, and remember, “an easy pace puts a smile on your face.” Don’t focus on the summit, rather, focus on putting one foot in front of the other…do that, and you’ll reach the top. The weather looks good for the next few days, so hopefully, the mountain will allow you and team to summit. I heard the following Dan Fogelburg song a few days ago and immediately thought of you and the team. We love you!

“The higher you climb,
The more that you see.
The more that you see,
The less that you know.
The less that you know,
The more that you yearn.
The more that you yearn,
The higher you climb.

The farther you reach,
The more that you touch.
The more that you touch,
The fuller you feel.
The fuller you feel,
The less that you need.
The less that you need,
The farther you reach.

The higher you climb,
The more that you see.
The more that you see,
The less that you know.
The less that you know,
The more that you yearn.
The more that you yearn,
The higher you climb.

The higher you climb,
The more that you see.
The more that you see,
The less that you know.
The less that you know,
The more that you yearn.
The more that you yearn,
The higher you climb.”

-Dan Fogelburg

Posted by: Kyle A. Smith on 1/27/2014 at 6:17 am

Steve and team,

“On the mountains of truth you can never climb in vain: either you will reach a point higher up today, or you will be training your powers so that you will be able to climb higher tomorrow.” - Friedrich Nietzsche

Hike well and be safe.

Dad

Posted by: Bill Gately on 1/27/2014 at 4:14 am

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Mexico: Waterfall & Team Celebrate Their Successful Adventure

January 25, 2014

Posted by: Seth Waterfall, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico

Hey this is Seth calling from Tlachichuca. All is well. We've made it down off the mountain and all the way back to town with no big surprises. We had our closing celebration dinner and everybody is just basically crashed out. There is some snoring going on upstairs at the Reyes Compound right now. We are sad that the trip is ending tomorrow, but everybody's excited to be going home to their family and loved ones. It was a great day to finish off an awesome trip here in Mexico. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

Seth Waterfall calls in from Tlachichuca.

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Carry to Camp 3

January 25, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Mike King, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

Progress on these big expeditions always feels good and after spending much time at Camp 1, being able to link up two days of forward momentum sure has the team excited and feeling good. Today was our "carry" to Camp 3 (19,600ft). The team did excellent managing the new altitude. We made it up in great time dropped off a few items for our summit attempt and made it back down to Camp 2 just as some clouds were rolling in. Tomorrow we rest and prepare for our move to Camp 3! RMI Guide Steve Gately

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Way to go team! Well done, dad (Lew Smith)! You are doing awesome and we are so proud of you! Keep climbing smart, acclimated well, and resting when you need to and when it is required. You guys rock! Love you so very much!

Kyle and Steph

Posted by: Kyle A. Smith on 1/27/2014 at 6:06 am

Steve and team,

Great job managing this climb. Sounds like if the weather holds your group should summit. However, if not, they will have learned many valuable lessons about the mountains and themselves, which is really what climbing is all about.

Hike well and be safe.

Dad

Posted by: Bill Gately on 1/26/2014 at 6:31 am

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Mexico’s Volcanoes: Waterfall & Team Reach Summit of Orizaba

January 25, 2014

Posted by: Geoff Schellens, Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico

Elevation: 18,701'

Hey this is Seth standing on top of El Pico de Orizaba also known as Citlaltépetl , the tallest point in Mexico, the third highest in North America. It took us about 7 ½ hours from high camp to reach the summit. Everybody did great, it’s a beautiful day and the boys are psyched let’s here them (yells in background). We will check in again when we are back down in Tlachichucha this evening. And tomorrow we are going home. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

RMI Guide Seth Waterfall calls from the summit of Pico de Orizaba.

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Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Summit!

On The Map

Kilimanjaro: Martin & Team Settled in at Machame Camp

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team at High Camp

On The Map

Kilimanjaro: Martin & Team’s Gear is Packed and Ready for the Trek

Mexico’s Volcanoes: Team Returns to Mexico City

Kilimanjaro: Jeff Martin & Team Arrive in Tanzania

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Rest Day at Camp 2

On The Map

Mexico: Waterfall & Team Celebrate Their Successful Adventure

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Carry to Camp 3

On The Map

Mexico’s Volcanoes: Waterfall & Team Reach Summit of Orizaba

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