Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Mt. Shuksan: Team Schellens Continues Their Training in the North Cascades

August 27, 2013

Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades

Hi all, Jim, Joy, and I had a great day of training today despite some very ominous looking clouds- the rain held off until about 4 pm. We did some good crampon review, self-arrest and team-arrest practice, as well as rope travel on glaciers and lastly climbing on rock. I think Jim and Joy enjoyed the rock climbing practice the most. Now we are in our tents again waiting for the rain to stop so we can hopefully get an anchor building lesson in before dinner and then bed. We will try to climb tomorrow if we get the weather for it; otherwise, we have Thursday to fall back on. We are all having a great time despite the rain, and spirits are still high. Jim and Joy are laughing right through the bad weather. That's all for now. Thanks for checking in on us. RMI Guide Geoff Schellens

Mt. Kilimanjaro: Grom and Team enjoy Safari

August 27, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Hello again everyone, After all the hard work to prepare for this trip we have finally arrived at the time to reward ourselves.Today we set off on our 3 and half days of safari and started off with a stop at Lake Manyara known for its plentiful flamingos and tree climbing lions. Although we didn't see the tree climbing lions, we did manage to see plenty of wildebeest, zebras, flamingos, giraffe, baboons, and got up close to several elephants. We even had a rare sighting of a green mamba. We have arrived and are fully enjoying the hospitality of the amazing plantation lodge. See for yourself [url=http://www.plantation-lodge.com]http://www.plantation-lodge.com[/url]. Living the good life! RMI Guide Casey and Crew

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New York City ladies rule. Jessie, we’re so looking forward to your visit and triumphant return. Hugs and Kisses (for mom too).

Posted by: Uncle Jim & Aunt Carol on 8/28/2013 at 9:52 am

Ok, we have to stop reading your updates because Sam and Connor are getting jealous of your safari adventures! Couldn’t you just go climb another mountain?

Posted by: jordo on 8/28/2013 at 3:28 am

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Mt. Elbrus: Northside Team Arrives Base Camp

August 27, 2013

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Northside

Elevation: 8,300'

If success is defined by waking up, having a good breakfast, climbing to a new height on Mt. Elbrus, getting our cache gear on place, and most importantly, getting down before the rain started, then we had a spectacularly successful day. It was a beautiful climb up to our cache site 11,500', with plenty of great photo opportunities, and everyone got a chance to stretch their lungs out after the last several days of traveling by planes and automobiles. The rain was kind enough to hold off until we got back, and with any luck, it will clear out tonight, setting us up for a move to camp1 tomorrow. We'll let you know how it goes! Best from Russia, RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Seth Waterfall, and team

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Mt. Rainier: August 27th Update

August 27, 2013

Posted by: Mike Walter

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 10,080'

The Four Day Summit Climb August 24 - 27 led by RMI Guide Mike Walter was unable to reach the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning due to poor weather on the mountain. Mike Walter reported wind, snow and rain at Camp Muir over night. This morning the teams will begin their descent to Paradise. We look forward to seeing them at Rainier Base Camp this afternoon.

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I’m sorry the weather did not cooperate with your summit attempt.

Posted by: Bob on 8/27/2013 at 9:36 am

Praying for a safe journey back down to the base camp.

Posted by: Stacy on 8/27/2013 at 9:32 am

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Mt. Shuksan: Schellens and team check in

August 26, 2013

Posted by: Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades

Elevation: 6,200'

Hi all Joy, Jim, and I are enjoying a restful day here at the lower bivy camp (6,200') on Mt. Shuksan. We have accomplished some training in between showers, spirits are high and everyone is having a good time. Forced tent time is notorious on any long climb and such skills as "sport eating" and "competitive napping" are worth being good at, and we have practiced both today. We are hoping for better weather tomorrow for more training and to move camp higher on the mountain. Thanks to everyone for checking in. RMI Guide Geoff Schellens

Mt. Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team Return to Dik Dik

August 26, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Hello again everyone, We have finally made it off of Mt. Kilimanjaro and are safely back at the wonderful Dik Dik Lodge. After a much needed night of sleep we woke up this morning, packed up all of our stuff and headed down hill one last time. We ended our journey by saying good bye to all of the amazing porters and mountain staff that made this journey possible. Everyone is now freshly showered and smelling good again, thankfully, and are just sitting down to our celebration dinner. RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

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What an accomplishment, Tim! We’re all really happy for you. Have shown Mom and Dad everything and they’re really proud and excited for you. Can’t wait to see all your photos!
Love, Margaret Ann

Posted by: Margaret Ann on 8/27/2013 at 11:46 am

Way to go!!! Now you get to say, “been there done that”!! haha. Love your smiling faces at the summit.

Posted by: Lorraine Bocci on 8/27/2013 at 10:30 am

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Mt. Rainier: August 26th - Teams on the Summit!

August 26, 2013

Posted by: Jake Beren, Leon Davis

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climbs August 23 - 26 led by RMI Guides Jake Beren & Leon Davis reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Jake reported light - moderate winds with 50 meters of visibility and some-what cold conditions. The teams began their descent from the crater rim around 8 am PT. The teams will descend to Camp Muir for a short break before continuing down to Paradise this afternoon. Congratulations to today's summit climb teams!

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Great job bro. Eric I’m so proud of you. Sorry I didn’t make the top. Doc says it’ll be 9 months to a year for my Achilles to heal. Next time we’ll do it together! Jake you are the best. I hope to climb with you again!

Posted by: Steve Carr on 8/28/2013 at 9:22 pm

Hi John! Love how you blaze new trails son. Praying for you and your whole team. Love, Mom

Posted by: Dot on 8/27/2013 at 7:03 am

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Mt. Elbrus: Waterfall & Team in Kislovodsk

August 25, 2013

Posted by: Seth Waterfall, Pete Van Deventer

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Northside

We're in Kislovodsk! Today we made it one step closer to the mountain. We had an early start in Moscow and then caught a 2 hour and 15 minute flight to Mineralnye Vody. From there it was just an hour drive to the city of Kislovodsk where our hotel is. Once we checked into the hotel, everyone sorted their gear while Pete and I went to a supermarket. We picked up some fresh food for basecamp. We'll be getting an early start tomorrow for the 4x4 road to camp. Here's a shot from the awesome pizza place we went to for dinner. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

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James and Team
Good to hear things are progressing well. Looking forward to following your ascent and blog. Stay safe.
Fred K

Posted by: Fred Klingbeil on 8/27/2013 at 4:33 am

Paul(my mountain man),

I’m extremely proud of you! I love you and miss your presence. Cannot wait to climb with you in May!

Sherri

Posted by: Sherri on 8/26/2013 at 12:32 pm

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Mt. Shuksan: Geoff Schellens & Team Begin Their Denali Prep Course

August 25, 2013

Posted by: Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades

Hi all, Had a great first day on the Mt. Shuksan 6-day Denali Prep course. Jim and Joy showed up prepared and ready to go. After a gear check, and another cup of coffee, we headed out of town to the Shannon Ridge trail head. We started up the trail with sun on our shoulders, laughing about the 30% chance of rain. After a couple hours hiking we left the trees behind and enjoyed great views of Mt. Baker. With these views, however, also came the end of our laughter as we noticed dark clouds approaching. Though we did get a light rain in the last 1/2 hour before getting to the low bivy camp site, we had a great day. Jim and Joy are in good spirits and staying dry in there tent, currently discussing dinner options. We'll see what the weather gods have in store for us tomorrow. RMI Guide Geoff Schellens

Mt. Rainier: August 25th Summit!

August 25, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climbs led by RMI Guides JJ Justman and Garrett Stevens reached the summit this morning at 6:40 a.m. They reported partly cloudy skies, 35 mph winds, and freezing level around 10,000'. The climbers ventured over to Columbia Crest, the highest point in Washington, before beginning their descent at 7:50 a.m. Congratulations to the climbers!

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Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Mt. Shuksan: Team Schellens Continues Their Training in the North Cascades

Mt. Kilimanjaro: Grom and Team enjoy Safari

Mt. Elbrus: Northside Team Arrives Base Camp

On The Map

Mt. Rainier: August 27th Update

Mt. Shuksan: Schellens and team check in

Mt. Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team Return to Dik Dik

Mt. Rainier: August 26th - Teams on the Summit!

Mt. Elbrus: Waterfall & Team in Kislovodsk

Mt. Shuksan: Geoff Schellens & Team Begin Their Denali Prep Course

Mt. Rainier: August 25th Summit!

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