Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Elevation: Summit

Our Four and Five Day Summit Climb Teams reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer and Win Whittaker reported clear skies above 7000' and winds at about 40mph. They have started their descent and are now en route back to Camp Muir. Congratulations to today's teams!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Way to go team

Posted by: Rosie Zadra on 8/8/2012 at 1:04 pm

Great job team! Congrats

Posted by: Harrison Ford on 8/8/2012 at 9:06 am

Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team at Machame Camp

August 7, 2012

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Elevation: 9,999'

Mark Tucker checking in from 9,999'. Camp 1 on Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route in the Machame Camp reporting all is well. We just had a great day. A little bit overcast. It actually sprinkled just enough to keep the dust down. Last trip it was quite a dusty monster but boy, conditions just couldn't be better. The team is climbing very well, no issues. Great meal, no headaches. Everybody is just climbing into their tents and looking forward to a nice rest. Big day tomorrow but nothing these guys can't handle. Obviously I've got a couple of layers. I've got my heavy coat on just to stay comfortable but it is very pleasant out tonight. The clouds have now blown out and it is a very starry, starry night. We have a real nice camp, a little higher than most groups, so we have our own little private Idaho, which is sort of a bonus. As usual there are a few other teams out here but they are doing okay as well. We are having a blast and we appreciate you guys keeping tabs on us. We'll report back sooner than later. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

Mark Tucker checks in from Machame Camp.

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hey mom! Looks like you’re having a smooth start and that’s awesome. We are all keeping updated on the blog. We really liked the look of the jungle! Lots of love.
-Evan, Connor, Grandma, Grandpa

Posted by: Evan Aseltine on 8/8/2012 at 3:24 pm

Dick, Brad and Tyler - Looks like you are enjoying your trip so far. Sending this blog to all our friends. Hugs, Gayle

Posted by: Gayle on 8/8/2012 at 1:01 pm

Kilimanjaro: Seth & Team on the Summit!

August 7, 2012

Posted by: Seth Waterfall

Elevation: 19,340'

Jambo! We have descended past high camp and are on our way to our last camp, Mweka. The summit was beautiful with zero wind and sunny skies. We topped out on Stella Point at sunrise and reached Uruhu Peak one hour later. As we descended a cloud layer built over the mountain and we're currently getting snowed on. We're all looking forward to a nice rest. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

RMI Guide Seth Waterfall checks in from the Kilimanjaro Summit

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Matt
Great!!!
We have been following you every day.
Love
Mom and Dad

Posted by: MaryAnn and Arthur on 8/8/2012 at 7:42 am

WOOOO HOOOOO!!!! Go team! tamara, you rock!
XO
ALICIA

Posted by: Alicia Schwartz on 8/8/2012 at 7:21 am

Mt. Rainier: August 7th Update

August 7, 2012

Posted by: Zeb Blais, Casey Grom, JJ Justman

Elevation: 14,410'

Summit! The Mt. Rainier Summit Climb was on top this morning in clear skies and light winds. RMI Guide Zeb Blais reported the team began their descent from the crater rim at 7:40 a.m. RMI Guide JJ Justman and his Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons also reached the summit this morning. The team is still enjoying their time on the summit before they descend back to Camp Schurman for the night. JJ sent a video last night and can be viewed below. Congratulations to today's teams!

Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Arrive in Tanzania

August 6, 2012

Posted by: Mark Tucker

So, our team is now assembled at the Dik Dik Hotel in Tanzania, getting ready for our climb of Kilimanjaro. It is a long way from the US and sometimes mother nature makes getting where we want to go (out of Chicago in a windstorm) a bit more difficult. Nonetheless, we are all here and with most of our luggage......two of the team are missing bags. Our local staff has worked hard to assist us by making additional transfers to the airport to pick up our gear. We have it pretty good in the ol' USA, just some of the places we wish to visit are not at the same level of infrastructure and support we are used to. I look at it that we are a guest in their country and appreciate any help I can get. Bottom line two more equipment checks tonight and some late night packing. Then we will be good to go in the morning. We celebrated two birthdays tonight with cake, candles, singing and presents. Not a bad place to celebrate! This is adventure travel at its best and tomorrow we start on the mountain. It doesn't stand a chance against this team! RMI Guide Mark Tucker

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Have fun Steve!

Posted by: Kim Anglemyer on 8/7/2012 at 5:31 pm

Eddie, Bob and Tom - great job!!! We can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back . Have a great time and keep climbing !!!!!!

Posted by: Sheila on 8/7/2012 at 4:36 pm

Mt. Rainier: August 6th Summit!

August 6, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent, JJ Justman, Win Whittaker

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Guide Billy Nugent led the Four Day Summit Climb August 3 - 6 to the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams reached the summit crater around 7:20 a.m. and reported light winds and good conditions. The Five Day Summit Climb August 2 - 6 led by Gabriel Barral was also on top. Both teams began their descent just after 8 a.m. The Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons will be moving to their high camp (Camp Schurman 9,440') today. They will continue their training this afternoon and ready for their summit attempt tomorrow morning. Congratulations to today's summit climb teams!

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Congratulations!!! You did it!!!

Posted by: Kate Miller on 8/7/2012 at 7:48 am

Way to go Hanky!

Posted by: H miller on 8/6/2012 at 5:03 pm

Kilimanjaro: Seth & Team Ascend to High Camp

August 6, 2012

Posted by: Seth Waterfall

Elevation: 15,000'

We're on the way to high camp on Kilimanjaro! The sun is out and it's a beautiful day. We'll be on the trail for about three hours today and then we'll begin our final prep for the summit push. If all goes well we should be on top of Kilimanjaro within 24 hours! RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Tamara and Jerry - You are both AMAZING, what an awesome experience, I assume by now you are on the top of Kilimanjaro! I can’t say we know anyone else that has accomplished this challenge. Travel safely. Loev, Cathy and Bob

Posted by: Cathy on 8/7/2012 at 8:47 am

Jerry you are almost there!
Go team Go!
have a wonderful day… love, Lynn. :)

Posted by: Lynn on 8/7/2012 at 6:57 am

Mt. Rainier: August 5th Update

August 5, 2012

Posted by: Mike Haugen, JJ Justman, Win Whittaker

Elevation: 14,410'

The Mt. Rainier Summit Climb led by Mike Haugen reached the summit in hot weather and no wind. The team departed the crater rim at 8 a.m. Once the team is at Camp Muir, they will regroup and continue their descent to Paradise. JJ Justman and his Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons are driving to White River to begin their four days on the Camp Schurman/Emmons Route.

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Well done Mike! I hope you guys had as great a trip as we did!

Posted by: Mark Grace on 8/6/2012 at 5:26 pm

Great Job! So excited for ya’ll. Can’t wait to hear all about it.

Posted by: ann on 8/5/2012 at 4:49 pm

Kilimanjaro: Seth & Team Nearing Karanga Valley Camp

August 5, 2012

Posted by: Seth Waterfall

Elevation: 12,800'

Hi everyone we are on top of the Barranco Wall. The team is good aside from a few stomach issues. We'll get a nice long rest this afternoon at Karanga Valley. Wish us luck. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Tom, Bob and Eddie - you know that Jim Citrano is referring to your mother’s genetics! But it is also a tribute to your determination and training. Hopefullly, you and your colleagues all make it to the top. Everyone below is rooting for all of you.

Dad

Posted by: Thomas Leonard on 8/6/2012 at 7:29 am

I love checking in on what you are doing with this blog! Amazing!! Quite inspirational! I hope you are enjoying every second of it…and I hope your stomach isn’t one of the issues. Keep on kicking ass Tamara!!!
XO
ALICIA

Posted by: Alicia Schwartz on 8/6/2012 at 5:36 am

Mt. Rainier: August 4th Update

August 4, 2012

Posted by: Paul Maier, Elias de Andres Martos, Geoff Schellens

Elevation: 14,410'

Summit! With a freezing level of 15,000', bluebird skies and no wind, it was a great day to be on the Mt. Rainier summit! After spending some time on the summit, the Four Day Summit Climb teams began their descent at 7:45 a.m. and are trying to beat the heat as they descend to Paradise. Congratulations to today's Summit Climbers!

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Congratulations Will!!! So proud of you :) What an amazing feat!
Roxanne, Kurt and the kids

Posted by: Roxanne on 8/4/2012 at 2:36 pm

Congratulations, Will and team!! So awesome!

Cheers and great respect,
Rachel

Posted by: Rachel on 8/4/2012 at 10:57 am