Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team Navigate Their Way to Shira Camp

January 30, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 12,200'

All is well here in Africa and the team is doing great. We started early again today to stay ahead of the massive group that is climbing alongside us. We recently heard that it is the largest group ever allowed to climb together on Kilimanjaro. However they are doing a good job of staggering themselves on the trail. We started out under cloudy skies which made for comfortable hiking but didn't help with the drying out. However, since we have arrived at camp the sun has come out and it looks like everything will dry in time for tomorrow. We hiked for about four hours today and chose not to have a sit down lunch as we were a little worried it could rain, and luckily for us it didn't. We are relaxing here at Camp 2 on top of the Shira Plateau that overlooks the Great Rift Valley. It's incredibly beautiful and we even have a nice view of the upper mountain too. RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

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Go Holly!

Posted by: Chris C. on 1/31/2013 at 9:19 pm

Enjoy keeping up with the crew. Looks like a great adventure.

Posted by: Tom C. on 1/31/2013 at 12:50 pm

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Aconcagua: Van Deventer & Team Good Day for Rest

January 29, 2013

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Leon Davis, Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

Just as planned, we spent today lounging at Camp 1. Snow plumes off of the col above us indicated high winds this morning, and made us glad we had gotten our carry out of the way yesterday. Otherwise, the sky was clear, and the sun we had been missing for the last couple days made things pleasantly warm. Today was a day for recovery, organizing for tomorrow, and eating all of the extra lunch food we could. Tomorrow will be our move to Camp 2 (18,000 ft)! We'll check from there. Cheers, RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer and the RMI Aconcagua team

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“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.”
—T.S. Eliot

Posted by: Janet on 1/30/2013 at 11:51 am

Wishing you all a calm & clear day for the next big push - Best of luck tomorrow! Lots of Love, Mom & Dad

Posted by: Paula & Bill VanDeventer on 1/29/2013 at 5:18 pm

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Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team at Machame Camp

January 29, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 9,800'

The team was up by 6:30 and out the door by 7:30 after a quick breakfast. We loaded up all the gear and food then drove for just over a hour to Kilimanjaro National Park. Once we were at the park entrance we registered our team and picked the 20+ porters to help us along the way. We were the first team to start walking thankfully, as a team of 100 showed up and began picking their 300+ porters. It was busy at the gate but we managed to stay out front all the way to camp. It was far from a perfect day here on Kilimanjaro. We encountered a very heavy rain after about two hours of hiking that soaked us almost to the bone. Everyone did great and remained positive despite the less than ideal weather. We are currently relaxing in our tents now that the rain has subsided and are getting ready for dinner. Tomorrow we'll have more than a few items hanging from our pack to dry in the sun. Enjoying the adventure! RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

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I’m not sure if this gets through while they are on the mountain, but if so, tell Holly (and the others) I’m sure the rain will abait, and be well worth what comes next.
Paul

Posted by: Paul on 1/29/2013 at 6:06 pm

Dear Casey & Team,

My husband and I were on this adventure about 4 1/2 months ago with Casey. The fun is just beginning and I know you will all succeed! Enjoy the trip, you’re in great hands with Casey! Love to all. Good luck!!

-Meg & Wes Mountain

Posted by: Megan & Wes Mountain on 1/29/2013 at 11:48 am

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Aconcagua: Van Deventer & Team Carry to Camp 2

January 28, 2013

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Leon Davis, Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

Last night was a windy one, though when we woke we realized that it sounded much worse inside the tents than it was outside. A couple centimeters of new snow fell overnight freshening up our surroundings, but it was quickly transported by the wind with much of it ending up in the vestibules of our tents. With some sun above and winds not too bad, we decided to make our carry to Camp 2 to cache food and personal gear. As we hoped, the winds stayed relatively light, and we had a pleasant climb. Throughout this climb, we have been just behind a large crowd, so that we hear rumors of camps being full, but arrive to find them deserted. It appeared today that everyone had just vacated Camp 2 for high camp. This works in our favor as we don't have to fight for tent sites. As we began our descent, the winds strengthened, with several strong gusts. We were all happy to get back to the tents and crawl into fluffy sleeping bags for the afternoon to recover from yet another big effort. With a great meal of tortellini sticking to our ribs, everyone is psyched for the scheduled rest day tomorrow. Cheers, Aconcagua Campo Uno residents

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Hey Pete…Another 2012 Climber checking in…Great to read your colorful 2013 accounts…Spent last three weeks daily reading my journal entries from last year…Why is your name on every other page !...Thx again for all your support…Godspeed…Waltero

Posted by: Waltero on 1/29/2013 at 7:33 am

Hi Pete!
Hard to believe it’s been a year since we were down there together (makes me want to start coughing). I leave in two weeks to join Casey Grom on Kilimanjaro.

I wish you and the team a safe journey up and down that big rock pile.

-Larry Seaton

Posted by: Larry Seaton on 1/28/2013 at 5:16 pm

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Kilimanjaro: Casey Grom and Team Arrive in Africa

January 28, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Jambo (Hello) from Africa, The team arrived late last night after some very long flights (18hrs). We wasted no time getting back to the hotel and called it a night after a quick dinner. This morning we had our team meeting and discussed the upcoming climb and gear needed. We then took a break and enjoyed a little sunshine by the pool. Its basically summer here and most of us are on vacation after all. After lunch we took a short ride into Arusha and did a little sightseeing. Arusha is busy city of 300'000+ with a very rural and simple feeling. The team has just finished a wonderful 5 course meal provided by the Dik Dik Hotel and are headed off to bed. We'll be getting up early and headed for the trailhead tomorrow so that all for tonight. RMI Guide Casey Grom & Team

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WISHING YOU PLEASANT AND SAFE HOLIDAY IN TANZANIA - AFRICA

Posted by: ELIAZA MMBAGA (ELLY) on 2/3/2013 at 1:26 am

Casey and Team-

Very interested in following you guys up and down the mountain as preparation for my own journey there in a couple of weeks.
Casey - I’ll contact my team memebers and make sure they know about this blog so they can follow along.

-Larry Seaton

Posted by: Larry Seaton on 1/28/2013 at 5:22 pm

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Aconcagua: Van Deventer & Team Move to Camp 1

January 27, 2013

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Leon Davis, Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

We made the move to Aconcagua Camp 1! We're now resting in our tents at 16800' or so. The group did great and climbed strong. When we woke, there were clouds over the summit, and towards the end of our first stretch, a sudden snow squall blew threw, sending us scrambling for our hard shells. For the next couple of hours, sun alternated with clouds, making it hard to choose the correct layers. Just as we got ready for the last hard climb up a scree hill to camp, the snow set in in earnest. The group did great getting camp set quickly so everyone could get into shelter. We're settled in for the night now, and our hope is to wake to nice weather so that we can bump a cache of food and gear to Camp 2 tomorrow. Wish us luck! RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer and crew

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Following your progress St. James. BSDDAS ! Captain

Posted by: The Captain on 1/28/2013 at 1:49 pm

HI RICK POPP AND COMPANY, I HOPE YOU ARE WARM AND WELL, TAKE IT ALL IN SO THAT YOU CAN TELL US ALL ABOUT IT WHEN YOU COME HOME. TAKE PIX. ARE YOU HAVING FUN YET? LOVE AND WARM HUGS, MOM

Posted by: JOY POPP on 1/28/2013 at 11:55 am

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Aconcagua: Van Deventer & Team Rest Day at Basecamp

January 26, 2013

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Leon Davis, Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

It's been a lazy day here at Plaza Argentina, which was exactly what the doctor ordered after the group's big effort yesterday. We woke late, cooked up a big batch of crêpes stuffed with bacon, fried apples, and dulce de leche for brunch. A few hours later, after books, more jokes, and a card game, we fried up some croque monsieur (sense the French food theme today?), and then went for a nice hour-long stroll up towards Ibañez, a sub peak outside of Basecamp. As hard as it can be to motivate for a hike after a day like yesterday, it really does aid and speed recovery. Our gear that will stay at Basecamp is sorted, and we are very ready for our move to Camp 1 tomorrow! Just one more delicious Argentine meal first... Hasta luego, RMI Guides Pete, Leon, Mike, and the team

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This is so incredible to hear of your climb! I know this blog helps out the families knowing y’all are safe! I look forward to your next entry! Take more pictures of the hikers!!

Posted by: Debra Shaughnessy on 1/27/2013 at 5:59 am

Thanks for the update and the call :) miss you…. Keep safe. XOXO

Posted by: Carol Crye Popp on 1/27/2013 at 5:44 am

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Aconcagua Expedition: Team checks in from Basecamp

January 25, 2013

Posted by: Leon Davis, Mike King, Pete Van Deventer

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Today the group woke to a cold and snow covered base camp. In preparation of our carry to Camp 1 the team received their loads yesterday. We started walking after breakfast and hot drinks. Our goal today was to cache our food and equipment for the upper mountain, while climbing higher then descending to help acclimate. Climbing through loose scree with heavy packs is always an eye opener for what lies ahead. The team climbed strong and enjoyed a blue sky with light winds. We spent an hour at 16,000+ before returning down to Aconcagua Basecamp as an evening storm approached. There is a day off tomorrow, which the entire team is looking forward to. Cheers RMI Guide Mike King and crew

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Following your progress, too, Dave. Hope all is well. Looks beautiful, amazing! S and H!

Posted by: David Roten, Sr on 1/26/2013 at 8:28 am

I look forward to these daily updates!! Sounds like a blast! Looks like there’s a lot of Daves on the trip….but I miss my dave :). Stay warm and safe…and have fun! It’s the home stretch!!!

Posted by: Riki Przytula on 1/25/2013 at 8:50 pm

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Aconcagua: Van Deventer & Team Rest Day at Base Camp

January 24, 2013

Posted by: Mike King, Pete Van Deventer, Leon Davis

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Despite being a rest day, today has flown by for the group. We were able to sleep in a bit, but most were woken at 7:30 to the park helicopter hovering low over camp, picking up barrels in a sling to be flown off the mountain. We took a leisurely breakfast of burritos with fresh veggies, bacon, cheese, and eggs, and then headed to the medical building for our obligatory check-up. Everyone passed with flying colors. Then it was time for gear sorting for our carry to Camp 1 tomorrow. This often takes longer than expected as everyone hemmed and hawed over how much lunch food and other items to bring up. To this point, we have been spoiled with the mules carrying most of our kit. From here up though, anything we bring up, we will carry down. Sorting finished, everyone took a siesta, eating lunch, taking naps, playing cards, and reciting Chuck Norris jokes. Despite a forecast of clear weather for the foreseeable future, the clouds built this afternoon, and as we sit, it is snowing gently at Basecamp. We'll have more news tomorrow when we are back from our carry. Ciao. RMI Guides Mike King, Pete Van Deventer, Leon Davis, and the team

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Kick some ass Rick!

Posted by: ben spina on 1/27/2013 at 6:25 pm

Waiting anxiously for the next update. I love and miss you Rick. Hope the trek to camp 1 was fun and uneventful.
XOXOXO
Carol

Posted by: Carol Crye Popp on 1/25/2013 at 3:41 pm

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Aconcagua: Van Deventer & Team Settling in at Base Camp

January 23, 2013

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Leon Davis, Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

We made it to our base camp at Plaza Argentina! We got an early start this morning in order to take advantage of the muleteers offer to ferry us across the Vacas River. For some, it was their first time riding a mule, and it was a much more pleasant start to the morning than wading the four frosty channels would have been. It's a pleasant walk up the canyon of the Relinchos River, and before we knew it, we were walking into Base Camp to be greeted with juice and fresh melon from our excellent outfitter, Grajales. They cooked a wonderful dinner for us tonight and will handle our meals for our stay at Base Camp. On tap for tomorrow is a well deserved rest day. We'll use the time to sort gear for the carry to Camp 1 the following day. Before all that though: a big breakfast of breakfast burritos. Hasta luego. RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer and the RMI Aconcagua team

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Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team Navigate Their Way to Shira Camp

On The Map

Aconcagua: Van Deventer & Team Good Day for Rest

Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team at Machame Camp

On The Map

Aconcagua: Van Deventer & Team Carry to Camp 2

On The Map

Kilimanjaro: Casey Grom and Team Arrive in Africa

Aconcagua: Van Deventer & Team Move to Camp 1

On The Map

Aconcagua: Van Deventer & Team Rest Day at Basecamp

Aconcagua Expedition: Team checks in from Basecamp

On The Map

Aconcagua: Van Deventer & Team Rest Day at Base Camp

Aconcagua: Van Deventer & Team Settling in at Base Camp

On The Map

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