Entries from Expedition Dispatches
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
The team all got to breakfast early this morning allowing us to get a head start on the day. This was nice as we were able to get to the Machame Gate and start our day before a lot of other teams. The National Park Service keeps Kilimanjaro national Park in great shape and it's been inspiring to see them take a strong stand promoting Leave No Trace policies. Our immaculately maintained trail led us easily thru the rain forests of the lower flanks and to the beginning of the giant heather,which can grow to thirty feet high. All are doing fantastic, especially after fantastic three course dinner our cool Toshi prepared for us.Sleep is tugging at our sleeves pretty hard, so we retired to our tents where this old cowboy is also ready to crash.
Talk with you tomorrow.
RMI Guide Brent Okita & Team
Well well well, another good day up here on Mt. Elbrus. Most of the team woke with the sunrise, which is around 4am. Breakfast wasn't until 8, so we had some time to kill. Jazzersize (I don't actually know how to spell that) kept a few folks busy, while others took part in more traditional activities, such as taking photos and wandering aimlessly about the ridge. After breakfast we had a race to see who could get ready the fastest. Everyone tied for first place. This is the dream team, no doubt.
We set off on our journey to the top of Pastahkov rocks at 9:00am. After an hour, we could hear thunder in the distance, and dragged our feet thinking we were going to retreat. Thunder is no match for this team, however, and after some intense positive energy output the clouds dissipated and we continued upwards. Two hundred feet shy of our target, the clouds started to look ominous again. It is hard work trying to change the weather, and we're going to need that energy for summit day. The best call was to turn around and head back to the hut. We made it to 15,300 feet today, which is perfectly in line with our acclimatization goals. We made it back to the huts ten minutes before it started raining, which is perfectly in line with our goal of not getting wet. Excellent job by everyone today. Rest day coming up tomorrow.
The team sends their best to all back at home!
RMI Guide JM Gorum
On The Map
Posted by: Tyler Jones, Jake Beren
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guides Tyler Jones and Jake Beren led their Four Day Summit Climb July 17 - 20 to the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Tyler reported windy and cold temperatures but good climbing conditions. The teams were starting their descent from the crater rim just before 9 am.
Congratulations to today' Summit Climb team!
The Alpamayo team is doing great! This morning we had a leisurely breakfast and began packing for our carry to Moraine Camp. We waved goodbye to Elias and his team as they started their descent to Casha Pompa and by mid morning we shouldered our packs and began hiking. The trail to Moraine Camp weaves through a boulder field as it ascends towards the glacier above. With blue skies overhead we all found ourselves pausing to taken on the spectacular views of the Cordillera Blanca. Once at Moraine Camp, 16,100 feet, we unload our equipment and relaxed for a bit before starting our descent back to BC. After rolling into base camp we enjoyed some delicious soup and spent the afternoon relaxing, reading, or napping. Tomorrow will be our first true rest day, and despite the fact that everyone is strong and healthy we need it more for acclimatization.
That's it for now.
Thanks for following along
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens and the Alpamayo team
Hello,
This is the North Ridge of Mt. Baker Climbing team calling to check in. We are back in our camp here at 6000'. We had a successful climb of the North Ridge today. Everyone in the group made it to the top! We had great weather, almost no wind until we were on the summit, and good temperatures. A in all a very pleasant day. The team just drive back to camp, we are relaxing, taking a little siesta out in the sun.
Thanks for following along!
RMI Guide Eric Frank - Mt. Baker North Ridge Summit
The team sends their greetings from 12,500ft. We all made it up to the Garabashi Hut in good style today. Everyone got moved in, and then went for a nice jaunt in perfect weather. We got a little training in on our new snowy surface, and then headed back to the huts for a nice lunch. Nobody is going hungry just yet.
The heat of the day lead to some building clouds, precipitation, and eventually some light thunderstorms in the distance. People spent the afternoon reading, writing, and napping. We're settling in quite nicely up here. Check in tomorrow.
RMI Guide JM Gorum
On The Map
Charlie, Nikolai and Aleksandr (My Stevens Boys)- Looks Amazing! I wish I were there. Sending you lots of love and positive energy. Godspeed!
Posted by: Vivian M. Urena-Stevens on 7/19/2017 at 6:35 pm
Craig and Carol, Sending lots of love ( and not a little envy!) and blessings for a great climb. You guys rock! Armen and Vicky
Posted by: vicky hanjian on 7/19/2017 at 11:57 am
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
A long day was had as we reviewed our climb to come and covered some important ideas that will make our big adventure as safe, successful and fun as possible.
Kilimanjaro is a great mountain to get ones feet wet on given its non technical nature, but the fact that it's seven days long does present a bit of a steep learning curve for us in many ways.
We're all ready now for the climb to begin tomorrow! The hard work of today was nicely softened by massages for all coordinated by brother Brad. Such a great idea!
We're looking forward to a big day tomorrow and finally getting underway.
All for now from the comforts of the Arumera River Lodge. Next stop, the flanks of Kilimanjaro.
RMI Guide Brent Okita
The Parella family wish you all a great climb and a wonderful 50th birthday to Anne!
Posted by: Carin Parella on 7/20/2017 at 4:16 am
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Christina Dale
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
At 7:45 this morning, RMI Guide Dave Hahn radioed as he and his team crested the Mt. Rainier crater rim. He reported a 10 mph breeze from the Southwest and a great day to be on Washington's highest point. His team as well as RMI Guide Christina Dale's team began their descent to Camp Muir at 9:00 a.m.
We knew they could do it!
Congratulations!!
Posted by: MaryAnn on 7/19/2017 at 6:22 pm
Can hardly wait to give hugs and hear all about it!!!! So proud of my boys Andrew & Brent!!!!
Posted by: TARA Heinz on 7/19/2017 at 4:51 pm
Hey there. It's Eric Frank calling from the Northside of Mount Baker. This is our first day of a North Ridge of Baker trip. We're up here at the Hogsback Camp at about 6,000 feet. Things are melting out here and the snow is rapidly disappearing. We're actually able to camp on some beautiful meadows covered in wildflowers. We just got done doing a little training- practiced placing ice screws, practiced pitching out terrain. Tomorrow morning, early in the morning we are going to be up to climb the North Ridge of Baker. Everything's looking good, weather forecast is nice, the team is strong, and we anticipate giving you an excited call from the top sometime mid morning. Thanks for following along. Bye.
RMI Guide Eric Frank
RMI Guide Eric Frank calls in from Hogsback Camp on Mt. Baker.
Greetings from Alpamayo BC!
We initiated our descent this morning from high camp and retraced our steps back out of the kingdom of the ice and into the warm confines of base camp. We are excited to savor lower altitude air and the amazing food of our cook. Our plan is to head out tomorrow and get into town in the evening. We are all super proud of our climb, yet looking forward to telling our accounts in person to our loved ones, so stay tuned for our arrival tomorrow into town!
RMI Guide Elias de Andres Martos and team
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Brent - I am always so proud of you. It is always amazing to see how much you enjoy this chosen profession AND how professionally skilled you are. You are also quite an inspiration to your siblings. AND Dr. Carey sends his regards. You certainly impressed him not only with your expertise but for your being such an intelligent caring person. Love you - take care - be safe. mom
Posted by: Marjorie Okita-Johnson on 7/21/2017 at 10:50 am
Brent - I can’t believe you’re on Kilimanjaro! My buddy Billy and I hiked with you a few years ago and Rainier and we’re going to miss you by one week!! We leave this weekend for Arusha. Perhaps we’ll cross paths!
Hope your adventure is going well!
Dennis Welsh
Posted by: Dennis Welsh on 7/20/2017 at 5:39 pm
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