Entries from Expedition Dispatches

It is 11 PM at the Dik Dik Hotel near Arusha, Tanzania, and the entire climbing team has made it through the worldwide obstacle course of airports and aircraft to begin a Kilimanjaro expedition. We'll get started in the morning with strategizing and packing gear and prepping, but for now it it just a great relief to have everybody in one place (the correct place) and to have all the baggage safely off the carousels. Our drivers and hotel staff gave each tired traveler a friendly hello, a handshake, a glass of champagne and a flower or two. The kitchen stayed up late to get an excellent dinner out to each and every climber. We'll hope that a night's good rest goes a long way to refreshing, rebooting and rejuvenating the gang. An adventure is waiting. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

Mt. Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team Enjoy Last Day on Safari

September 15, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

We spent all of yesterday in Tarangire National Park. It's home to more elephants per square mile than any place on earth, and we weren't disappointed at all. If I had to guess I'd say we saw somewhere close to a thousand elephants between yesterday and on our short drive back through today. We spent the night just outside of the park boundaries in another tented camp. And enjoyed an amazing meal provided by the kind staff at the Kikoti Camp. It's been an incredible adventure and everyone has had a wonderful time here in Africa, but our trip has come to an end and its time to return to our homes. Thanks for following. RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

Mt. Rainier: September 15th Summit!

September 15, 2013

Posted by: Geoff Schellens, Leon Davis

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb August 12 - 15 and the Five Day Summit Climb August 11 - 15 both reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. RMI Guides Leon Davis and Geoff Schellens reported they were in a cloud cap on the summit with low visibility and light winds from the South/Southwest. The teams began their descent from the crater rim shortly after 7 am. They will return to Camp Muir for a short break before continuing their descent to Paradise this afternoon. Congratulations to today's climbers!

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March 29th climbers. 2014. Wishing you a safe and fun trip.!! You are rare birds and we are ALL waiting anxiously to hear your adventures. Be safe, be kind, be happy.

Love you all,
Burdee

Posted by: Rosemary -burdee on 3/31/2014 at 8:01 am

One of the finest groups of people that I have ever met. Great job team, proud of all of you!!

Posted by: Rob on 9/17/2013 at 9:30 am

Mt. Rainier: September 14th Summit!

September 14, 2013

Posted by:

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The team reported great route conditions and warm, sunny weather. The team is making their way to Camp Muir where they will rest and refuel before returning to Ashford this afternoon. Congratulations climbers!

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Thanks RMI guides for getting the team safely to the summit! Congratulations Jason and the whole team! We are so PROUD of you Jay for Hiking for the Hungry.
Linda Friedman
Ps.
Would you bring us some snow? We haven’t seen any here in NJ since the 2013-14 winter from hell!

Posted by: Linda Friedman on 9/14/2014 at 9:30 am

Ajaz I am soo sooo proud of you!!!! love you

Posted by: sadaf on 9/15/2013 at 11:49 pm

Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team Visit Ngorongoro Crater

September 13, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

Today we visited the famous Ngorongoro Crater, believed by many to be the 8th wonder of the world. It is a two million year old collapsed caldera that is home to more than 25,000 large mammals, and has a dense population of lions. We spent nearly the entire day driving around looking at all the animals and waiting at times for either the wildebeest, or zebras to get out of our way. We saw about a dozen lions, a far off black rhino, thousands of pink flamingos and many others. I'm pretty sure everyone had a great day. We finished off the day with a quick visit to a working Maasai Village to see how this semi-nomadic group of people still live the way they have for thousands of years. Hopefully tomorrow we'll catch a glimpse of a cheetah and leopard to round out the safari. RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

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Words cannot describe my envy, but so happy at the same time for these experiences for you. Love and miss you (and Gig ‘Em)!

Posted by: Tasha on 9/14/2013 at 7:34 am

WOW. Just like on Wild Kingdom. “Jim, jump down and get that lion”. ( showing my age here). Waiting on giraffe pictures.

Posted by: Tracy O. on 9/13/2013 at 8:44 pm

Mt. Kilimanjaro: The team visits Lake Manyara

September 12, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

On our first day of safari we headed south to Lake Manyara, which is know for its colorful flamingos and tree climbing lions. It wasn't long before we spotted our first of many elephants to come. In fact we stopped just short of a mother and her baby and watched them cross between our two safari vehicles. It was surreal to see them so close and feel as if we could almost touch them, while they barely noticed us. We then headed off to our normal lunch spot but had to find another place as several lions had beaten us there. We think we counted 5 all together, two young males and a few females, but it was a little tough to tell as they were trying to stay cool in the bush. After a nice hot meal provide by our traveling chef Michael, we headed off to see other animals and a quick visit to the hippo pond. Along the way we spotted a huge Monitor (giant lizard) in a creek and spotted many zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, bush bucks, and a few warthogs too. All in all it was a pretty rewarding first day on safari. We are spending the night overlooking the lake in a nice tented camp called Kirurumu. Everyone is doing great and excited for what tomorrow might bring. RMI Guide Casey Grom and Crew

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Incredible. What an experience…but come home now. Can’t wait to see pictures.

Posted by: Tiff on 9/12/2013 at 4:07 pm

WOW!! What an awesome day! Thanks for putting up the pictures. Can’t wait for the stories..

Posted by: Tracy O. on 9/12/2013 at 3:34 pm

Mt. Rainier: Expedition Skills Seminar Reaches the SUMMIT!

September 12, 2013

Posted by: Mike Walter, Jake Beren

Elevation: 14,410'

Our Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir led by RMI Guides Mike Walter and Jake Beren reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. The team reported great route conditions, warm temperatures and clear skies. The team is now en route to Camp Muir and will spend the spend the rest of their time at Camp Muir training before returning to RMI Basecamp tomorrow. Congratulations to today's team!

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Job well done!!!! Not too many people can say they did this. Congratulations…. from the other Eileen & Ty

Posted by: Eieen on 9/16/2013 at 6:29 am

YEAH! Great News Thrilling… what an accomplishment.

Love Mom, Ty ( Bluefin Tuna Fishing on Cape Cod) and Kate!!!

Posted by: meg on 9/12/2013 at 6:12 pm

Mt. Rainier: Expedition Skills Seminar Training At Camp Muir

September 11, 2013

Posted by: Jake Beren, Mike Walter

Elevation: 10,080'

The Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir September 9 - 13 led by RMI Guides Jake Beren and Mike Walter continue their training at Camp Muir. The teams ascended on Monday from Paradise to Camp Muir. They have been working on their mountaineering skills including cramponing, rope travel, running belays and ice axe arrest. The teams have been enjoying beautiful weather and spending time on the mountain. They plan to make their summit attempt this evening. We wish them luck!

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bet you don’t miss the I-phone… gr8 job.

Posted by: emerold on 9/15/2013 at 6:22 am

Eric - Awesome accomplishment!! Wishing you continued good weather on your descent. Be safe!

Posted by: Susan and jim on 9/13/2013 at 6:11 am

Mt. Kilimanjaro: Climb Ends Safari is About to Begin

September 11, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

After a short hike today we finally arrived at the exit gate of Kilimanjaro National Park and meet up with more of the Dik Dik staff who had prepared a wonderful lunch for us. It took about two hours to reach the Lodge where we greeted by all of the lodge staff outside awaiting our arrival singing and dancing. It was a very warm welcome and left everyone with big smiles. As you can guess there were hot showers for all and a few naps too. We finished the evening with a celebration dinner and handed out summit certificates to everyone. Now it's time to enjoy the success and do a little animal watching! Safari starts tomorrow! RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

On The Map

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That certificate will be framed and hung in a place of honor!
So proud! Have fun on your safari! Love you!

Posted by: Tracy O. on 9/12/2013 at 7:52 am

A JOB WELL DONE

Posted by: randy on 9/12/2013 at 5:29 am

Mt. Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team Summit!

September 10, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

Elevation: 10,000'

9/10/13 6:49 am PT Hello all - The team has finally made it all the way down to Mweka camp situated around 10,000' and are resting after such a big day. We had a wonderful day for climbing today with clear skies, moderate temps and very little wind. Everyone did a great job of taking care of themselves the entire day and really impressed me by making the summit in a little over 6 hours. We spent about a half hour taking in the spectacular views and getting the obligatory summit photos, then headed back down to high camp. After a brief rest we packed up and headed further down valley to tonight's camp. Everyone is doing well and I'm sure will sleep well tonight. Looking forward to hot showers and clean clothes tomorrow. RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew 9/10/13 3:10 am PT - Success! Our entire team reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro today. We have safely returned to high camp and are getting packed up for our descent. We'll try to update this evening.

On The Map

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Congrats Fatima, another fine accomplishment with great memories. Impressive girl! Casey rocks.

Posted by: Greg Barber on 9/11/2013 at 9:47 am

WOOO HOO!!! you made it…never doubted it.
Be safe!
Love and hot cocoa to all!!!

Posted by: Marilyn on 9/11/2013 at 9:34 am