Entries from Expedition Dispatches
From the cramped confines of Machame Camp we headed out to our next camp, Shira. Although the rain forest below Machame was cool, the terrain on this stretch was stellar. Going thru the giant heather and moorlands the climbing became more and more interesting. Some rock outcroppings along the way provided wonderful viewpoints and lunch stops, not to mention some interesting scrambling challenges.
We have only one complaint. The food is just too darned good. Our cook staff works tirelessly on our behalf, creating prodigious quantities of cuisine that would not be out of place in a fancy restaurant. All made on a couple of two burner stoves.
As a climbing guide I'm the first person encouraging my climbers to eat to replace fuel burned on climbs. But our mountain staff take it to a whole new level. We are so spoiled! For example, on getting into camp this afternoon we were served an exquisite potato leek soup, followed by fried chicken, French fries and an avocado, pepper and tomato salad. All prepared fresh and treated to ensure everybody stays healthy. Our friends in the kitchen are magicians.
Liz has expressed interest in learning how the magic happens and has been invited back to the cook tent to watch and maybe pick up a few insights. I'll be pressing her hard for insights into their culinary genius. Until then, I guess we'll just suffer through the fact we're probably going to gain weight while climbing a 19,000' mountain.
Such are the challenges we face these days. Wish us luck.
And tomorrow: climbing to Lava Tower at 15,200' and Barranco Camp. Our team is more than ready for.
Until then,
RMI Guide Brent Okita
On The Map
Posted by: Mike Haugen, Bryan Mazaika
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Mike Haugen and Bryan Mazaika reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning on a clear but windy day. The teams did not spend much time at the summit due to the winds. Once they return to Camp Muir the groups will continue their descent to Paradise.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Big Congratulations to Dave & Chris and all the Climbers!!!
look forward to hearing more about the climb!!!!!
Posted by: Stephen Zink on 7/25/2019 at 4:06 am
Woohoooo! So excited and happy for you Brent and Marvin :) and ALL climbers!! Thanks so much for the update.
Posted by: Christine on 7/24/2019 at 1:07 pm
Hello modern world!
We're back in the bustling city of Huaraz after a week in the Ishinca Valley of the Cordillera Blanca Range. After any significant amount of time in the mountainous wilderness, even if just a week, it is certainly a shock to the system to return back to the modern world, especially when it's in the form of the chaotic city of Huaraz. With that chaos, however, comes showers, cervezas, real beds, warm temps, and flip flops! I'd say that it's nice to eat real food, but our reality is that we've been eating better in the mountains than most do in the cities (no joke)! That's all thanks to our wonderful cook from Alvarado Adventures, Emilio, once a guide here in the Range, and now a mountain chef extraordinaire that has been taking care of RMI teams for as long as we've been climbing in Peru.
We had some great successes this week in the Ishinca Valley. We went through the (sometimes) painful process of acclimatizing our bodies to high altitudes, and we were able to successfully summit two beautiful mountains; Ishinca (18,143') and Urus Este (17,782'). The mountains and glaciers here are quite dry this season, which made for more interesting climbing, and more challenging, than our other trips down here. Our team attacked that challenge with an 'enthusiasm unknown to mankind', and were able to accomplish some personal goals and set new altitude records in the process.
Tonight, we're just relaxing city-side at the wonderful Hotel Andino. We've got a little bit of repacking to do, as tomorrow morning we set out for our third and final climb of the trip; Pisco Oeste. We're looking forward to spending the next 4 days in the Llanganuco Valley and giving our bodies and minds another test of endurance as we look to approach the 19,000' mark and climb the beautiful west ridge of Pisco. We'll keep you updated on our progress. For now, enjoy some pictures from our most recents adventures in the Ishinca Valley.
RMI Guide Robby Young, Alfie, WIlliam, and Team 'Showers and Flip Flops'
Looks like a tuff climb. I know you could do it Trey. You’re up to the challange.
Posted by: Phyllis Craig on 7/25/2019 at 7:48 am
Congrats Paul! I’m stoked you went back and looks like a summit or two. :) Enjoy Pisco! It’s amazing!
Posted by: Rue Beyer on 7/23/2019 at 9:30 pm
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside
Our final day in St. Petersburg!
The team had a great last day here in Russia. We visited the very famous Hermitage museum, known for its enormous collection of paintings and sculptures by many well known artist including Rembrandt, Michelangelo and even Da Vinci. It's one of Russia's great treasures and houses several thousand pieces of art collected over the last few hundred years. It consists of five buildings, each with three floors, and has hundreds of rooms. The team did their best to take in the highlights in just a few hours.
We also swung by the Cathedral of Kazan and Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, that's decorated almost entirely with Mosaics.
The day was wrapped up with a wonderful evening boat cruise to see this amazing city by water via its numerous canals.
It's been a wonderful adventure here in Russia, but it's time to say our goodbyes and return to family and loved ones.
Thanks for following.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and team
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Camp was all up and getting organized at about six this morning. It always amazes me how well the body responds to solid rest. The dramatic difference between last night and this morning was a welcomed one for sure. Everybody showed up smiling to breakfast and enjoyed a delicious imported cake that was carried up the hill in celebration of the 30th wedding anniversary of two of our team. The date was actually yesterday, one heck of away of commemorating, congrats Rhonda and Robin! Before leaving camp we held our goodbye ceremony with our mountain staff. We tipped them, which is merely normal practice when 52 men have worked their tails off to help you accomplish your dreams. Packs were shouldered one last time for the 4,000 ft and three hour descent to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. After checking out with the park service we left the mountain with the summit in our heart and a certificate in our hands. A couple hour drive brought us back to the lodge where it all started. Cleaned up, fed and repacked for safari tomorrow has us all giddy and excited with what's has happened and what lay ahead.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
Kudos to the team!
The group climbed quite well on this first day of our Kilimanjaro Expedition. The 4,000' of ascent was accomplished with relative ease, and now we're enjoying an afternoon that has become warm and sunny.
Our day began with an early breakfast and quick departure for the Machame Gate, where a heavy drizzle kept us company while we waited for our porters to organize our gear for transport uphill. Rain should not be unexpected in a rainforest, but nobody likes starting their day in the wet. Luckily, by the time we started the rain had mostly abated and we were able to shed that Gore tax layer fairly soon after we started.
At camp our mountain staff worked tirelessly getting tents set up and cooking arrangements working. The magic happened quickly and camp life began for us.
As always, dinner was superb, starting with a savory zucchini soup and followed by pan fried steak, potatoes, rice and a cardoman/ coriander vegetable dish. Though we thought the nutella banana fritters were dessert enough, a special cake was brought in, lit up with candles, for Patti's birthday celebration.
What a party it was as we were regaled with song and dance in honor of our birthday girl. Such a special night!
A chill is in the air as we prepare for tomorrow's climb to Shira Camp.
All for now,
RMI Guide Brent Okita
On The Map
Go Team! Keep on trekking. Mary so proud of you, you are may champion, my hero! Can’t wait to have you in my arms!
Posted by: David Workman on 7/24/2019 at 6:56 am
I can’t wait for that bright, bright Mary light to shine from the top of that peak. Light up the world my Soul Sister! Sending much love!
Posted by: Katie Hollland on 7/24/2019 at 6:49 am
The July 20 - 23 Four Day Climb Team was turned around by high winds today. RMI Guide Walter Hailes and team reached approximately 13,400' before making the decision to abort their summit attempt and return to Camp Muir. The teams will continue their descent to Paradise later this morning.
Many miles of dusty roads brought us out of the mountains and back into civilization this afternoon. The small town of Olgii, population 30,000, which felt like a isolated outpost last week now feels like the big city with amenities such as hot showers and the occasional strip of pavement.
For dinner we were treated to a traditional Khazak feast with a performance on the dombor, a two stringed instrument similar to a guitar. Despite a lack of physical activity today, everyone seems a bit tired and we are all headed to bed early to get ready for our flight back to Ulaanbataar tomorrow morning.
RMI Guide Eric Frank
Hello!
Another day here in the Ishinca Valley, and another summit for your ESS-Peru Team! Around 9:00am this morning, we stood on top of Urus Este, around 17,800’, after a beautiful evening of challenging climbing where the team gave it a huge effort! It’s a lean snow year here in the Cordillera Blanca and the route was bit rockier than normal, but the team managed that challenging terrain exceptionally well. The weather was so nice on top that we were able to spend almost 45 minutes enjoying the views of the surrounding peaks and turquoise blue lakes that the Cordillera is famous for. We returned back to camp midday to a wonderful lunch, as usual, and took the afternoon to rest, recuperate, and enjoy our last day here in the Ishinca Valley after a week of calling it home. Dinner is almost served this evening, and we’re looking forward to catching a night back in the comforts of our hotel in Huaraz tomorrow evening. Shortly, we’ll find ourselves headed back to the hills for a closing climb to end our program with a bang! We’ll touch base from town tomorrow, and we’ll send some pics!
RMI Guide Robby, William, Alfie, and Team Summit!
Another summit conquerd. Congratulations Trey. Enjoy being back in civilization.
Posted by: Phyllis Craig on 7/23/2019 at 12:28 am
Love these posts! Congrats on another summit. Can’t wait to see the pics.
Posted by: Bridget on 7/22/2019 at 6:35 pm
We got up today at 3:30am, this put us in the Sun gate for the sunrise over Machu Picchu and we got a great view. There’s something about seeing glaciers from a high jungle ridge and taking in the most complex stone structures built onto the side of mountainous terrain that’s put the last 5 days into perspective.
The steep step section named the “gringo killer” didn’t slow this team of gringos down. Our group has adapted from cold and wet to hot and humid conditions exceptionally well. While this is a hiking trip, the mileage, consistent high altitude, and awkwardly placed stone steps are not for the faint of heart.
We toured Machu Picchu for a couple of hours and took in the amazing stone work and sheer size of this important cultural site for the Quechua people. As the crowds began to swell we decided that a beer, warm shower, and burger (that was the actual order) was well overdue so we headed for our hotel.
Tomorrow we will take an early morning visit to Machu Picchu and a hike up Huayna Picchu before heading to the train and our return to Cusco. This has been a great trip through the Andes, while a little cold and wet at times we got unprecedented views of the glaciated peaks while hiking through scenic valleys and learning about one of the great civilizations and their impressive achievements.
RMI Guide Mike King
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Go mom! You got this. So close now. Can’t wait to hear about the escapade!
Posted by: Kaleb Crafts on 7/25/2019 at 7:33 am
Mary Crafts, You’re an Inspiration to me as well as others. I can’t wait to be training for our next adventure together. Our love has grown so much, It’s a joy Being with you. Congratulations to all of you.
Posted by: David Workman on 7/24/2019 at 11:41 am
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