Entries from Expedition Dispatches
The Machu Picchu Trekking Team arrived in Cusco a few days ago with all their luggage in tow. Since we are currently at 11,151’ there are a few acclimatization days planned into the schedule. Yesterday we toured the Sacred Valley that is carved from the Urabamba River and contains many agricultural and cultural areas vital to the Quechua people of this area.
We got our first look at the impressive Incan stone work and a brief walk on a trail similar to what we will walk on over the next week. Following the great interpretative tour at Ollantaytambo we were fortunate to observe a local celebration and parade in Pisac Market. There were small groups of families and friends in colorful costumes and dress. Each group had their own music and choreographed dance, it was something else.
Today we will visit a few more Incan sites and the temple of the sun before getting our gear ready for the trek. Everyone is doing well and adjusting to the dry air and high altitude. We are eager to begin walking towards Machu Picchu.
RMI Guide Mike King
RMI Guide Bryan Mazaika and the Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons July 12 - 17 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning around 8:20 AM. It's a beautiful day on the mountain and the team enjoyed some time in the crater rim before starting their descent. The team will return to Camp Schurman for their final night on the mountain. Tomorrow, after some additional training, the team will break camp, return to the trail and make their way back to Rainier BaseCamp in Ashford.
Congratulation to the Emmons Seminar Team!
Posted by: Eric Frank
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mongolia
Eleven miles is a long way to walk. Today, however, it didn't feel very far as stunning vista after vista distracted us from the distance and the hours seemed to fly by. Eventually we made our way to 10,000ft here in the edge of the Potaniin Glacier and established a basecamp that will serve as our home for the next few days.
A highlight of the day was only shouldering small day packs with a few jackets and a bottle of water since a troupe of camels carried our duffels and heavy group gear for us. Climbing in places with beasts of burden may spoil our future views on carrying big backpacks.
For now, the team is laying down and trying to get a big night of sleep. The weather forecast looks good for the next few days, so if we wake to clear skies we may go climb one of the local rocky peaks.
RMI Guide Eric Frank
Hello all,
Life is great here in Huaraz! Hotel Andino is one the my all time favorite places to wake up due to the incredible sunrise views and the delicious breakfast buffet, both of which our team indulged in this morning.
After our leisurely start, we spent some time checking over our climbing gear in advance of our upcoming trips into the mountains. We also took the opportunity in the afternoon to stimulate some acclimatization by going for a hike above town to ‘Puca Ventana’, or Red Window. The views of Huaraz from this high plateau are spectacular! And after two days of sedentary travel, getting outside and working the legs and lungs was just what this team needed. Cafe Andino did the trick for a big post-hike lunch and we were off to enjoy the city for the rest of our afternoon. Living our best lives down here in Huaraz.
Tomorrow, we’ll take our hiking legs a little bit higher to Lake Churup at an altitude over 14,000’. We’ll send pics!
RMI Guide Robby Young and Team Porch Life
Posted by: Josh McDowell, Dominic Cifelli, Kiira Antenucci
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day Climb July 13 - 17 opted to make their summit attempt today. RMI Guide Josh McDowell led their team to the summit of Mt. Rainier on a "fantastic day". Josh reported a light breeze, sunny and warm temps this morning. The team will return to Camp Muir for their final night on the mountain. Tomorrow they will descend to Paradise and conclude their trip with a celebration ceremony.
Congratulations to the Five Day Climb team!
Posted by: Steve Gately, Ross Morgan, Jessica Keil
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb July 13 - 16 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier on a beautiful day. RMI Guide Steve Gately and team were approaching the crater rim shortly after 7 AM. Clear skies and warm sunny temperatures were the report.
Nice work team!
The team left Moscow very early this morning and traveled via plane and bus to the beautiful Caucasus Mountains.
Our two-hour flight took us to southern Russia not too far from the Black Sea to a place called Mineralnye Vody, which is known for its abundant Mineral Waters. Southern Russia is predominately rural and is responsible for much of the agriculture that the larger cities depend on.
We were met at the airport by my friend and local guide Yuri, whom I've climbed with many times. Then hopped in our van for the beautiful three-hour drive up the Baksan Valley to the base Elbrus.
Things went pretty smooth minus a few little traffic jams with cars, motorcycles and cows all humorously trying to use the road at the same time.
The small town we are in is called Cheget, and it doubles as a ski town in winter and converts to a climbing town in the summer. We didn't do a ton of exploring this afternoon due to the adjustment of the time that we are all still feeling and having started so early. However, tomorrow we will do our first acclimatizing hike and do a little exploring too.
All is well here as we are looking forward to a little exercise tomorrow.
RMI Guide Casey Grom
On The Map
Today turned into a big game of hurry up and wait for the Mongolia climbing team. We started the morning with a 4am launch from our hotel to make it to the airport for a 5:50am flight. Unfortunately high winds kept us grounded until nearly 11am, so we drank coffee, took turns walking around the terminal and did our best to rest in preparation of the upcoming climbs.
Once we were in the air, the flight was a non-stop glimpse into the varied terrain of Western Mongolia. From turquoise blue lakes to dark green hills of conifers, this place is breathtaking in every regard.
After a quick lunch we boarded a trusty Russian van and made the five-hour drive out to the edge of the Tavan Bogd Park. We sat so much today that everyone feels fully rested and ready for a week of physical movement starting tomorrow!!
RMI Guide Eric Frank
Posted by: Robby Young
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Peru Seminar
Greetings all,
The gangs all here and our adventure in Peru is officially underway! The first hurdle of the trip has passed; which is to make it to Peru with all of our climbers and all of their bags. We even made it out of the big chaotic city of Lima in excellent time yesterday morning and set our sites on the beautiful town of Huaraz. It took us about 8 hours to get here, but the ocean views, and then the mountain views keep us entertained for the long bus ride. As soon as we crest Conococha Pass at 12,600’, we’re treated to some incredible views of the glaciated peaks of the southern Cordillera Blanca as well as the Cordillera Huayhuash. What a site to get us pumped for some climbing!
We’re now in Huaraz at my absolute favorite hotel in the world, Hotel Andino. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner here last night and got a great nights sleep. Today, it’s all about gear, an acclimatization hike above town, and some good eating. We’ll tell you all about it later. Thanks for checking in.
RMI Guide Robby Young and Team Alpaca Steaks
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Grayson Swingle, Cody Mack
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,400'
The Four Day Climb July 12 - 15 led by RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer was unable to reach the summit of Mt. Rainier today due to weather. The teams climbed to 13,400' before deciding to turn back. They had been in the rain and snow since 3 AM and the weather was not improving. The team is returning to Camp Muir and will repack and continue down to Paradise later this morning.
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Mother nature was not in your favor today. There’s always another day. Grateful that you are safely back at Muir. Take it easy on the decent. Josh and Lisa, you inspire me to get back in the saddle, after many years of being away from the mountain. She always takes my breath away! Love and (((hugs)))... See you soon
Posted by: Cynthia Drake on 7/15/2019 at 8:23 am
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