Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Mexico: Waterfall & Team Ready for Orizaba Summit Bid

January 24, 2014

Posted by: Seth Waterfall, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico

Elevation: 14,000'

Hey there. This is Seth checking in from Piedra Grande, our high camp on el Pico de Orizaba. We had a good day coming over from Pueblo. We checked out of the hotel nice and early and drove over to Tlachichuca at the base of Orizaba. Packed our stuff, had lunch at the Reyes Compound, and then proceeded to drive up to the hut here at high camp. Once we got up here, we took a little hike. It was cloudy and right before the sun went down, the mountain finally showed itself. It was rearing up nice and high. We just finished with dinner and sorting a little gear and packing for the climb tonight. We'll be taking off right as it turns tomorrow, a little after midnight, maybe 1:00. We'll be going for the summit. Crystal clear skies right now and just a beautiful night, and everybody is tucked in and getting ready to climb. We'll check in, hopefully from the summit in the morning. Hope all's well back in the U.S.A. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

RMI Guide Seth Waterfall calls in from Piedra Grande.

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Aconcagua: Justman and Team Arrive at Camp 2

January 24, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Mike King, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

After two days of rest at 16,400 feet we woke up this morning to strong winds. So strong in fact we had to do some midnight tent repairs. We saddled up our packs and leaned into the wind. The team is now at Camp 2 settled in their tents at 18000 feet. Everyone is great and we are happy for a new view overlooking the Andes. Unfortunately, one of our climbers wasn't feeling well at Camp 1 and had to descend. He returned to Mendoza and has been checked out by local doctors. We are glad to hear from him this morning that he has been released to fly home. We hope to see him in the mountains again soon. RMI Guide JJ Justman and Team

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hey dad! (Lew Smith) Kim has been keeping everyone well abreast of the situation with the climber that had to descend and we wish him the best. We hope you are doing well and that you will be able to go for the summit today, weather permitting, of course! Love you and we are so proud of you!

Kyle and Steph

Posted by: Kyle A. Smith on 1/27/2014 at 6:09 am

Lew, I hope today is the day for ascent! Good Luck and God is with you.
Mike

Posted by: Mike Harvey on 1/27/2014 at 6:04 am

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Mexico: Waterfall & Team Rest Day in Puebla

January 23, 2014

Posted by: Seth Waterfall, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico

We have had a nice relaxing recovery day here in the beautiful city of Puebla. Geoff and I met up with a few of the team members for coffee in the morning while the rest of the team slept in. The city has an almost European feel with lots of sidewalk cafés near our hotel. Later in the day some of the guys explored the cathedrals while others visited a local climbing shop. We all met back up for dinner and now we're back at the hotel getting ready for the Big day tomorrow. Here's a pick from our approach to Ixta a few days ago. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hope everything went smoothly today. Waiting to hear about the climb…

Posted by: Brad and Lori Briggs on 1/24/2014 at 3:51 pm

That’s my hubby!!! So proud!!! Good luck everyone with your last summitt!! Fingers crossed the weather is awesome!

Posted by: Jen Jezak on 1/24/2014 at 5:44 am

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team - Weather Wins, At Least For Today…

January 23, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Mike King, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

Weather ultimately dictates everything on these long expeditions and there's certainly no exception for our Team. Our agenda had us moving to Camp 2 this morning but we awoke to 40 mph winds and gusts of up to 60 mph here at Camp 1! Alas! You win again Aconcagua! Spirits remain high though as our forecasts call for more cooperating winds starting tomorrow and extending into early next week. So today we rest and prepare ourselves for the move to Camp 2 tomorrow. Best regards from all of us at Aconcagua's Camp 1. RMI Guide Steve Gately

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Nice job guys ! Congratulations !

Posted by: Bissell on 1/28/2014 at 1:03 pm

Nice job guys !

Posted by: Bissell on 1/28/2014 at 1:01 pm

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Mexico’s Volcanoes: Waterfall & Team Travel to Puebla after Ixta Summit

January 22, 2014

Posted by: Geoff Schellens, Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico

Seth here, checking in from the Hotel Colonial in Puebla. The group has just returned from dinner and everyone is headed to their rooms for a little shut eye. The climb went well today and the weather was fantastic. We awoke just after one AM and hit the trail before three. We ascended 'The Knees' route on Ixta which involves several ups and downs along the way to the summit. We started with some steep rock then moved into some ridge climbing and crossed two glaciers to reach the summit. It was a spectacular day of climbing. Everyone is looking forward to the rest day in Puebla tomorrow. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Carry to Camp 2

January 22, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Mike King, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

All the way to Camp 2! Our team did a fantastic job carrying some group gear and personal gear up to 18,000 feet. The winds were still present as they kicked snow off into the air of surrounding peaks and ridges. However, they were not as strong as yesterday. As the team rounded the corner and entered the col, they were treated to their first view of the high Andes range of Argentina. Breathtaking doesn't describe it. We are now back at Camp 1 resting and recovering after a great day in the mountains. P.S. - Happy Birthday Josh!!! From Denise. I'm wearing my new socks!! :) RMI Guides JJ Justman, Mike King & Steve Gately

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Fingers crossed for good weather to Camp 3 and beyond. I hope to catch you in Mendoza on the 2nd with a bag of Starbucks. Charlotte wishes Team 6 well.

Posted by: Elsie on 1/23/2014 at 5:07 pm

Well done, Dad (Lew Smith)!!! Keep kicking butt and taking names! Well done to the entire team as well, this is wonderful news!!! Keep the awesome photos coming, we are all pulling for ya!

Love ya,

Kyle

Posted by: Kyle A. Smith on 1/23/2014 at 8:35 am

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Mexico’s Volcanoes: SUMMIT ON IXTACCIHUATL!

January 22, 2014

Posted by: Seth Waterfall, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico

Elevation: 17,340'

Hey! This is Seth checking in from the summit of Ixta. We came up from high camp in just under five hours. We had a great climb and we are taking a bunch of photos. We are going to turn around and head back to where we stashed our packs in the crater. We will then head back to high camp and finally onto Puebla tonight. Everybody is psyched and feeling good! We will check in when we are at the hotel. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

Seth from Summit of Ixta 1-22-14

Aconcagua: Nugent and Team back in Mendoza

January 22, 2014

Posted by: Walter Hailes, Katrina Bloemsma, Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Thanks to everyone that have followed along... The team is back in Mendoza and enjoying some of the finer things in life: food, wine, sunshine, hanging by the pool, etc. We had a great team dinner last night and are now hanging out and lazing around while we wait for our flights back to the states and Canada. Despite not getting the summit we had a ton of fun and a hell of an adventure. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the group for being fun, hard-working, and determined. 'til next year, RMI Guides Billy Nugent, Walter Hailes and Katrina Bolemsma

Mexico’s Volcanoes: Waterfall and Team ready for Summit Bid on Ixta

January 21, 2014

Posted by: Seth Waterfall, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico

Elevation: 15,000'

Hey this is Seth checking in from High Camp on Ixta, that’s just over 15,000’ for us. We came up today from our last camp. We spent about four and a half hours on the trail, everyone is doing excellent. Tents are all set up and we are firing up the stoves getting ready to have dinner. Then we will talk about our strategy for the climb and have an early bedtime. We will be getting up in the middle of the night and will head out for the summit. We will call you when we reach that point. Hope all is well back home. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall and Team.

Seth Waterfall calling in from High Camp on Ixta.

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Try to Carry to Camp 2, Turned by Weather

January 21, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Mike King, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

Blustery, breezy, gusty. These are all words that describe Camp One and Aconcagua as a whole right now. We are in full Viento Blanco mode right now. The white wind. The team tried to do a carry to Camp Two but the winds kept knocking us off our feet. I'm positive we could have pushed through it but we have time and there is no reason to risk someone getting hurt. So we turned around and are taking a rest day with the sun shining through the tents listening to the freight train of wind above us. Everyone is doing well and we are keeping our fingers crossed for better weather so we can carry to 18,000'. RMI Guide JJ Justman

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Diane and others, rock on!
Love the blog, what day is summit planned for?
Safe climbing, take and post some nightime astrophotography shots if you can, would love to see clear skies starfields wide image with DLSR.

Posted by: Mike Rosinski on 1/22/2014 at 12:55 pm

remember Grasshopper….all things worth having require much work to obtain. work hard with your team

Posted by: Mark Eason on 1/22/2014 at 11:12 am

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Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Mexico: Waterfall & Team Ready for Orizaba Summit Bid

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman and Team Arrive at Camp 2

On The Map

Mexico: Waterfall & Team Rest Day in Puebla

Aconcagua: Justman & Team - Weather Wins, At Least For Today…

Mexico’s Volcanoes: Waterfall & Team Travel to Puebla after Ixta Summit

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Carry to Camp 2

On The Map

Mexico’s Volcanoes: SUMMIT ON IXTACCIHUATL!

Aconcagua: Nugent and Team back in Mendoza

Mexico’s Volcanoes: Waterfall and Team ready for Summit Bid on Ixta

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Try to Carry to Camp 2, Turned by Weather

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