Entries from Expedition Dispatches
Congratulations to RMI Guide Mark Tucker and the Kilimanjaro Team for reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro on August 14th! The team had a good summit day with cold temperatures but everyone did very well. This is Mark’s 25th summit of Kilimanjaro, a true milestone.
After reaching the summit the team will descend to Barafu Camp at 15,000’ where they will eat, change and pack their gear to continue down the mountain.
We expect to hear from them later today once they have reached Mweka Camp at 10,000’ for their final night on the mountain.
Congratulations to Mark and the summit team!
RMI Guide Mark Tucker calls from the summit of Kilimanjaro with the team.
The Four Day Summit Climb August 11 - 14 led by RMI Guide Jason Thompson reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today! This team is comprised of climbers helping to support Big City Mountaineers Summit for Someone Program. Jason reported cold temperatures and a light wind with a cloud cap descending onto the summit. The team began their descent from the crater rim shortly after 7 a.m. PT en route to Camp Muir. They will continue their descent to Paradise later this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's summit team and a special congratulations to RMI Guide Jason Thompson for reaching the summit of Mt. Rainier for the 100th time! Way to Go!
As we went to bed last night at Karanga Camp we were rewarded with a clear skies and a beautiful sunset. We left the Karanga Camp this morning en route for our high camp on Kilimanjaro, Barafu located at 15,000'.
The infamous Kili Natural Arch showed itself on our climb. The arch is ;ocated on the ridge between the Breach Wall and the Great Baranco I would guess it stands a few hundred feet tall with a large opening. It may be an expedition in it's self but is a beautiful sight from a far. As we climbed out of camp this morning the skies were clear above for views of the Heim,Kerstin and the Deken glaciers. As we climbed higher we noticed the lack of vegetation and commented about the the moon scape effect.
The team made good time to Barafu Camp and just as we pulled in it began to sleet/ rain. Lucky for us the tents were set up and we headed for the shelter of our personal and dining tents. The rain has stopped and the skies have cleared a bit. There are still a few clouds both above and below us.
Our plan for this evening is an early dinner followed by a short rest and hopefully some sleep before we are aroused at midnight for our summit attempt. Summit night is upon us!
The team is in good shape and high spirits, just a bit of good weather and some luck should get us to the Roof of Africa.
We will check in again soon!
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
The Four Day Summit Climbs August 10 - 13 led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Gabriel Barral reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today. The teams reported clear and sunny skies with light winds with some valley fog below but clear skies to Paradise. The team started their descent from the crater rim at 8:00 a.m. en route to Camp Muir. They will continue their descent to Paradise later this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's summit climb teams!
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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Hello from Karanga Camp!
Barranco Wall fails to stop RMI team from getting closer to the summit! We slowed our departure from camp in hopes of missing rush hour on the wall. No view of the top but nice temperature because of the clouds. Four hours later here we are at Karanga Camp at 13,000-feet plus. Snacks on the way to a hot lunch at camp. Lunch consisted of spaghetti and tomato sauce, which was a big hit. With the team eating and drinking as needed, it helps fuel us and keep our strength up as we move closer to summit day. A nice short climb today and tomorrow will get us ready for the summit climb tomorrow night.
We are looking down at the sea of clouds below, which is not unusual for the lower regions. Another great reason to be up here! Darn the luck missing out on the upper mountain views, so we continue to enjoy the incredible geological features we pass as we go. During the descent into the Karanga Valley you pass this 60-foot overhanging cave that I know I could atleast get a few moves on. Another time, we have a mountain to climb! It's so nice that none of our gear is wet from the rain, and our packs and boots are working well. It sure helps make the climb a bit more manageable. Nice easy afternoon with stories a-flying, reading , and taking in the views.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
This is Rusty from Jeff Martins group, the Team that just climbed the big hill before you guys. All I can say is get ready for the big day and listen to your guide he knows his stuff. Wish I was back on the Mountain! You have an amazing summit day ahead of you. One foot in front of the other…don’t stop.
Posted by: Rusty Griner on 8/12/2011 at 6:25 pm
Our Four Day Summit Climb stood on top of Mt. Rainier today. They had clear skies and warm temperatures. After spending several days training on the mountain the Expedition Skills Seminar – Paradise Team led by Adam Knoff also reached the summit of Mt. Rainier. Both teams doing well and are en-route to Camp Muir.
Congratulations to today's Teams!
Jambo from Barranco Camp!
The team had their best night of sleep yet. We were walking in the fog this morning and still no views of the upper mountain. It was perfect hiking weather and altitude records for the group over 14,800'. We all cruised into camp looking and feeling well. The hike took 6 hours and 15 minutes. Some sun and the first view of the upper mountain was a treat to us all here at Barranco Camp, which is just under 13,000'. Lots of photos with the unique giant groundsel tree that grows at this elevation. We are planning on rolling slow out of camp tomorrow because of the short distance to Karanga Camp. The team was happy to hear they get to sleep in.
The team continues to do well. We had some communication problems yesterday so we apologize for not getting a dispatch out. We'll check in tomorrow from Karanga Camp.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
Our Four Day Summit Climbs led by Brent Okita and JJ Justman were standing on Columbia Crest at 7:05am PST this morning. According to Guide Brent Okita “It’s a beautiful and clear morning up here with a chilly breeze from the north." The teams will be spending some time on the summit before they make their descent back to Camp Muir.
Our Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise led by Adam Knoff also checked in this morning their training is going very well. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today for his 100th time!
Congratulations to our Four Day Summit Climb teams and a special congratulations to Seth Waterfall!
The Four Day Summit Climbs August 7 - 10 led by Billy Nugent and Jason Thompson reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning! The teams were beginning their descent from the crater rim shortly after 7 a.m. PT. They reported a beautiful day on the mountain with warm temperatures, light winds and clear skies.
The Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons also reached the summit today led by Linden Mallory.
Congratulations to today's summit teams!
Hello from Kilimanjaro,
After a great breakfast at the Dik Dik Hotel, we loaded our bags and packs into the vehicle and headed for our objective, Kilimanjaro. We arrived at the Machame Gate, our entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park, and after registering our team for the climb began the trek to our first camp. It felt great to stretch our legs after the many hours of travel and we were excited to get started after the many months of training and planning. We started out in a light rain but were quickly walking under the canopy cover of the lush forest and were able to shed our rain gear. It was a very pleasant hike with beautiful weather and glimpses of monkeys in the trees above.
We reached the Machame Camp (9,800') after six hours on the trail. Aside from a little mud on our boots, everyone was dry and happy upon arriving in camp. We enjoyed our first great meal on the mountain, prepared by our mountain staff, of hot soup and fresh vegetables from the Dik Dik garden..
We are settling into camp for our first night on the mountain.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
Yo Meri! Looks like a wonderful time! Wish I were there! Love, Mimi
Posted by: Mimi on 8/11/2011 at 8:05 pm
Hi Meri and Kilimanjaro crew!
You guys look awesome with the green in the backgroungd, can’t wait to see the white! :-)
Have a most excellent time and know that all of us back home are JEALOUS!
M-
Posted by: Mauraan on 8/10/2011 at 10:39 am
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Congratulations Dolly (Donna), Doug & team! Been following the blog! So happy you made it!
Love,
Lisa XO
Posted by: Lisa on 8/14/2011 at 10:21 am
Congratulations Team! I loved your comments from the summit. What a thrill for you all. Meri you cannot see your house from there. Can’t wait to hear from you and see some pictures. So far only the initial group picture online. Love you, Mom
Posted by: Sandra Lull on 8/14/2011 at 10:09 am
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