Entries from Expedition Dispatches
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
RMI Guide
Steve Gately checked in from camp after a successful summit and descent of
Mt. Shuksan's Fisher Chimneys route. Steve reported a great route and an even better team. The team will stay overnight in camp and begin their descent back to the land of good food and cold drinks tomorrow.
Congratulations to the Fisher Chimneys crew!
RMI Guide
Mike Walter and team reached the summit of Mt. Baker via its iconic and forbidding North Ridge yesterday. Mike reported 100% team success and fantastic climbing conditions! Today, the team took in their last few views of
Mt. Baker before beginning their descent back to the Heliotrope Ridge trail head and the comforts of town.
Congratulations to today's team!
We traveled all day and have finally arrived in one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe, St.Petersburg.
After a short ride from the airport, we got checked into our hotel and took a short break before dinner. We had dinner at a local brew pub, as the team was hungry for some burgers and beer. We then took a short but scenic stroll, which included a climb up St. Isaac’s Cathedral to take in the beautiful evening view.
Everyone is very excited to explore and see this city tomorrow.
RMI Guide Casey and team.
Today we got busy getting ourselves ready for the big climb. Following another great breakfast our thoughts turned towards the mountain.
As members introduced themselves it became even more apparent what an interesting and diverse team we have. We all have special reasons why we climb, and why we chose
Kilimanjaro. It was with rapt attention that we listened to the stories behind the individuals on the trip. Inspiration was had by all as we heard these tales of life changes that led to us being here.
It was apparent that everyone had come prepared for this challenge and taken it seriously. Even more important was the great attitude folks were bringing into the climb.
An in depth review of mountain life and our upcoming time at altitude preceded a thorough review of gear we'll be bringing with us.
All that hard work was rewarded with another great lunch (curry for me), and some R&R. Some stretched the legs around hotel grounds while most of us got in some quality pool time just as the sun asserted itself enough to bake our bodies for a few hours.
We're psyched and set and ready to meet the mountain staff tomorrow morning and get underway. Next time, we'll be dispatching from Machame Camp at almost 10,000'.
Good night from the Arumeru River Lodge,
RMI Guide Brent Okita
RMI Guide
Joe Hoch and the
Five Day Climb reached the summit of Mt. Rainier shortly after 8:00 AM this morning. Steady winds did not prevent the team from spending time on the summit enjoying their accomplishment. The team will return to Camp Muir for their final night on the mountain. We look forward to seeing them in Ashford tomorrow afternoon.
The
Mt. Rainier Four-Day Summit Climb team, led by
RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer, reached the summit around 8:15 a.m. The winds brought in a cap but it was above the summit when they arrived. After spending an hour on top, the team began their descent at 9:15 a.m.
BIGGGGGGG DAY!
We are all now at 10,000' after reaching the summit of
Kilimanjaro at 19,340'. Some of us are a bit more tired than others. I guess it's to be expected. We woke at 11:30 pm, powered down some porridge, hot drinks and started the climb at 12:40 AM. There were headlights well up the mountain side already, which was a pretty thing to see. A bit of a moon allowed us to travel without headlights, at times which was very enjoyable. A bit more than seven hours put us all on top. Conditions up and down were perfect, a bit cold but that's to be expected at these elevations. It was a true test of endurance for most of the crew.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
There is nothing more fundamentally Mongolian then riding a horse. Today we got to try our hands at the national mode of travel as we exited our base camp via the
Tsagaan Gol Valley on horseback. Five hours of trotting, cantering and the occasional gallop alongside a beautiful river brought us to a small ger camp in the base of the valley.
In the States we call them yurts, but here in Mongolia the round semi-permanent tents made of felt are called gers. Each summer, when the nomadic people of the area move their herds- thousands of sheep, goats, yaks, horses and camels- to the upper valleys to feast on green grass, they set up small ger camps and live out in the open.
Tonight part of the team is staying in tents and part of the team have elected to join our hosts in their ger for the night. Even though they don't know us and we don't share any common language, these kind people have welcomed us into their home and made us comfortable in every way possible. Despite the fact this might be highly unusual at home, this is quite normal in Mongolia and another reason to love the hospitality of this culture.
RMI Guide
Eric Frank and team
Hello from Tanzania!
The last two members of our team have arrived in good spirits and with all their luggage. So, it's all systems go. A late dinner after a long flight was eagerly taken after their 24 hour flight from the States. Any residual stress from the day was completely eased out of the system by the exceptional South African wine Darren generously shared with Bill and me.
The rest of the group got here at different times today, with the Craig, Patti, and Joe arriving on the 4:00 AM flight. Mary, Shavran, and Liz arrivied from a nearby hotel just after lunch, having wisely chosen to arrive earlier to adjust to the time zone and relax a bit before the climb. It was great to catch up with my friend Craig, along with Joe and Patti today at breakfast and lunch. The later group joined us at the lunch table when they arrived, allowing us to get to know each other better. I think we have an exceptional group of individuals that will become a fun team in the days to come.
Once again I'm exited to be back in Tanzania. Stepping off the plane and breathing in the wonderful smells of this country bring back good memories. I'm constantly reminded that it's the people, as much as the mountain, that makes this such a special trip.
Tomorrow morning we get busy as we get together to discuss our
upcoming climb of Kilimanjaro, including checking and organizing our gear.
Well, I should get some rest too. Good night for now.
RMI Guide
Brent Okita
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If this summit of Shuksan happened on July 22, 2019 between 9am and 10am, I have photos of 3 on the top. I would like to share them. Quite amazing shots considering how far away I was. I was on the roadway leading to Artist Point. The Big Glass gets the results!
Posted by: Brit Reese on 7/28/2019 at 6:06 pm
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