Hi there! This is the Kilimanjaro team checking in from our high point today at 15,200 ft. All is well on the trail. The altitude is kicking in but we're all adapting. This afternoon we are going to drop back down a few thousand feet to Barranco Camp. Tomorrow we will tackle the steepest portion of our trek; the Barranco Wall.
RMI Guide Seth Waterfall
We had a nice drive out of the park today as many elephants stole the show. We made a stop for more shopping and a visit to an orphanage. We had a last great meal with some day rooms to make sure no dust is brought back state side. It is nice when things go like clockwork the whole trip through. No rain or snow on the big hill this time, but we were ready. We had a nice view of the mountain at sunset on our way to the airport.
What a pleasure working with this diverse group these last couple of weeks.They all climbed with great style. Keeping me thrilled with this life I lead.
Look forward to meeting up with them again!
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
RMI Guides Casey Grom and Solveig Waterfall reported a nice day with light breeze, no clouds in sight and temperature near 30 degrees from the summit of Mt. Rainier. The Four Day Summit Climb team members were able to enjoy the views on the summit before starting their descent just before 8 a.m.
We look forward to seeing them back in Ashford this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's summit teams!
Awesome job, Kevin!! With two climbs on Rainier under your belt, Bob and I expect you’ll carry our packs the next time we tackle Katahdin and Mt Washington!
Best,
Joe
PS. I was going to send you flowers and a fruit basket, but then I realized this blog was a lot cheaper.
We are on the trail to Shira Plateau, our second camp on Kilimanjaro. Last night was calm and clear with a full moon and today we've been above the clouds all morning. The trail is busy with climbers from all over the world but our team was ready to go early this morning so we're ahead of the pack. We got our first view of the upper mountain today and we're all suitably impressed.
RMI Guide Seth Waterfall
RMI Guides Shaun Sears and Billy Nugent led their Four Day Summit Climb July 30 - 2 August, 2012 to the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams reported nice climbing conditions and clear skies with a cloud deck below them at around 8,000'. They were able to spend some time on the summit before beginning their descent at 8:30 a.m.
We look forward to seeing them at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon.
The Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today led by RMI Guide Tyler Reid. The team spent two days training in Ashford and Paradise before driving to the White River Trail head and beginning their climb. They will descend to their camp and spend one final night on the mountain.
Congratulations to today's teams!
Jambo!
I am checking in from Machame Camp at 9,800', our first camp on Kilimanjaro. We arrived about two hours ago and have been relaxing in our dining tent. The hike today was very smooth as we got a nice early start and didn't have any delays at the Machame Gate (5,990'), our entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park. We were in the clouds all day and that kept the temps cool and perfect for walking. It was a great start to the trip!
RMI Guide Seth Waterfall
Greetings from the Dik Dik Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania.
Today was our fist full day together as a team. We started the day with a leisurely breakfast, a discussion of the trip itinerary and then a gear check. After lunch most of the team went into Arusha to do some shopping and sight seeing. Now we have finished dinner and are getting ready for an early departure for Kilimanjaro. We'll check in again from our first camp tomorrow.
RMI Guide Seth Waterfall
Way to go Eddie! You made it through the gear check. You’re on your way now! Let’s see how many names you can remeber of your team mates. We’ll spot you Tom and Bob.
POOKA POWER!
Posted by: Jim Citrano on 8/2/2012 at 3:04 pm
Hope everyone enjoys their climb! Have fun Chris, and all be safe.
Posted by: Elizabeth & Doug on 8/2/2012 at 4:33 am
After a glorious day game viewing in the Ngorongoro crater, the team made a stop by a Masai village.
We received the full tour and were able to help support the local economy. These folk are tough. Who is to say what life you live is better than one or another, I can sure tell you it is a different sort out here in the bush than most of the USA.
Our plan is to pack up in the morning and drive about an hour and a half to our next park, Tarangire National Park. We will be on the look out for the elusive leopard. Our safari staff has promised us a barbecue in the bush and we are looking forward to that. We end up in a tented camp tomorrow night and I can tell you I know tents and this is as far from any tent I ever stay in. Lets just say a king sized bed, toilet and shower are not the norm after I pitch a tent.
Once again the word is out..........Roughing it in Africa is all relative.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
"By far the best of the year" was RMI Guide Brent Okita's description of today's weather on the summit of Mt. Rainier. Brent led the Four Day Summit Climb July 29 - 1 August to the top this morning. RMI Guide Eric Frank led the Five Day Summit Climb July 28 - 1 August to Rainier's summit with 100% of his team. Both teams reported warm temperatures with just a whisper of wind. They began their descent from the crater rim just before 8 am. The teams will return to Camp Muir and then continue their descent to Paradise.
RMI Guide Mike Haugen led the Expedition Skills Seminar on the Kautz Glacier. The team spent the week training at Rainier BaseCamp and on the mountain. This morning they packed up their camp at 13,000' atop Wapowty Cleaver and reached the summit of Mt. Rainier. The team will descend via the Disappointment Cleaver Route. This marks the 100th summit of Mt. Rainier for RMI Guide Mike Haugen. Congratulations Mike!
RMI Guide Jake Beren called to check-in from Mt. Shuksan. The team is back at camp after being 100% on top today. Jake reported that the route is “near perfect” with an amazing sunrise, views of Mt. Baker and the surrounding Cascades. They ascended the central gulleys of the summit pyramid and stood on top with windless, sunny conditions. The team had a great descent, rolling in to camp at the same time as the fog. They are back at camp hydrating and resting before hiking out tomorrow.
We look forward to seeing all the groups at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon. Congratulations to today's teams!
Congrats Lindella and team. We are so proud of you!Mom and Dad
Posted by: Linda Smith on 8/4/2012 at 9:20 am
Congrats to Mike on 100!! I was there on the summit with him and our team had an incredible climb together. Thank you to our amazing guides and to my fellow climbers for a great four days on the mountain.
Its a sad day. Our https://Mt. Elbrus Expedition is over. I cannot tell you how much fun I have had with both my teams in Russia this year. I have climbed the highest mountain in Europe with old friends and I have made new friends along the way.
Tonight was the perfect way to end the adventure...on the canal waterways of one of the most magnificent cities in the world!
Enjoy a glimpse of the beauty...
https://RMI Guide J.J. Justman
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Hi Tamara. Have a safe and wonderful climb. You look great!
Posted by: terry luaces on 8/6/2012 at 4:42 am
Chris!!!!! Congrats little bro…That looks like a blast…Be safe, we love you.
Posted by: Mick on 8/5/2012 at 8:26 am
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