Entries from Expedition Dispatches
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Today we got busy getting ourselves ready for the big climb. Following another great breakfast our thoughts turned towards the mountain.
As members introduced themselves it became even more apparent what an interesting and diverse team we have. We all have special reasons why we climb, and why we chose Kilimanjaro. It was with rapt attention that we listened to the stories behind the individuals on the trip. Inspiration was had by all as we heard these tales of life changes that led to us being here.
It was apparent that everyone had come prepared for this challenge and taken it seriously. Even more important was the great attitude folks were bringing into the climb.
An in depth review of mountain life and our upcoming time at altitude preceded a thorough review of gear we'll be bringing with us.
All that hard work was rewarded with another great lunch (curry for me), and some R&R. Some stretched the legs around hotel grounds while most of us got in some quality pool time just as the sun asserted itself enough to bake our bodies for a few hours.
We're psyched and set and ready to meet the mountain staff tomorrow morning and get underway. Next time, we'll be dispatching from Machame Camp at almost 10,000'.
Good night from the Arumeru River Lodge,
RMI Guide Brent Okita
RMI Guide Joe Hoch and the Five Day Climb reached the summit of Mt. Rainier shortly after 8:00 AM this morning. Steady winds did not prevent the team from spending time on the summit enjoying their accomplishment. The team will return to Camp Muir for their final night on the mountain. We look forward to seeing them in Ashford tomorrow afternoon.
The Mt. Rainier Four-Day Summit Climb team, led by RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer, reached the summit around 8:15 a.m. The winds brought in a cap but it was above the summit when they arrived. After spending an hour on top, the team began their descent at 9:15 a.m.
It was an amazing experience! Thank you Pete, Taylor, and Devin. Great team members to climb with too. I will write the detailed review in the evaluations. It was awesome!
Posted by: Behrang Asgharian on 7/24/2019 at 9:33 am
What an incredible experience! Guides: Pete, Taylor, Devon, Camille, and Joe were great.
A big thanks for teaching us so much, experiences on the way up and getting us to the top! We had so much fun. You got us through the challenging conditions. Highly recommend RMI for a guided service.
Posted by: Jake and Kristin Pool on 7/23/2019 at 3:27 pm
BIGGGGGGG DAY!
We are all now at 10,000' after reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro at 19,340'. Some of us are a bit more tired than others. I guess it's to be expected. We woke at 11:30 pm, powered down some porridge, hot drinks and started the climb at 12:40 AM. There were headlights well up the mountain side already, which was a pretty thing to see. A bit of a moon allowed us to travel without headlights, at times which was very enjoyable. A bit more than seven hours put us all on top. Conditions up and down were perfect, a bit cold but that's to be expected at these elevations. It was a true test of endurance for most of the crew.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You guys are AMAZING!!! Katie, your myzone was so cool to look at!!! I’m so stinking proud of every single one of you! Please come home quick and tell us all about it!
Posted by: RAB on 7/23/2019 at 7:04 pm
Way to go, Prime Family!! You are amazing and I can’t wait to hear all about it! You are such an inspiration!
Posted by: KERI LEHMAN on 7/22/2019 at 6:53 pm
Posted by: Eric Frank
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mongolia
There is nothing more fundamentally Mongolian then riding a horse. Today we got to try our hands at the national mode of travel as we exited our base camp via the Tsagaan Gol Valley on horseback. Five hours of trotting, cantering and the occasional gallop alongside a beautiful river brought us to a small ger camp in the base of the valley.
In the States we call them yurts, but here in Mongolia the round semi-permanent tents made of felt are called gers. Each summer, when the nomadic people of the area move their herds- thousands of sheep, goats, yaks, horses and camels- to the upper valleys to feast on green grass, they set up small ger camps and live out in the open.
Tonight part of the team is staying in tents and part of the team have elected to join our hosts in their ger for the night. Even though they don't know us and we don't share any common language, these kind people have welcomed us into their home and made us comfortable in every way possible. Despite the fact this might be highly unusual at home, this is quite normal in Mongolia and another reason to love the hospitality of this culture.
RMI Guide Eric Frank and team
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Hello from Tanzania!
The last two members of our team have arrived in good spirits and with all their luggage. So, it's all systems go. A late dinner after a long flight was eagerly taken after their 24 hour flight from the States. Any residual stress from the day was completely eased out of the system by the exceptional South African wine Darren generously shared with Bill and me.
The rest of the group got here at different times today, with the Craig, Patti, and Joe arriving on the 4:00 AM flight. Mary, Shavran, and Liz arrivied from a nearby hotel just after lunch, having wisely chosen to arrive earlier to adjust to the time zone and relax a bit before the climb. It was great to catch up with my friend Craig, along with Joe and Patti today at breakfast and lunch. The later group joined us at the lunch table when they arrived, allowing us to get to know each other better. I think we have an exceptional group of individuals that will become a fun team in the days to come.
Once again I'm exited to be back in Tanzania. Stepping off the plane and breathing in the wonderful smells of this country bring back good memories. I'm constantly reminded that it's the people, as much as the mountain, that makes this such a special trip.
Tomorrow morning we get busy as we get together to discuss our upcoming climb of Kilimanjaro, including checking and organizing our gear.
Well, I should get some rest too. Good night for now.
RMI Guide Brent Okita
Go team go! Especially Mary! Watching with great interest from this side of the pond…
Posted by: Dave on 7/22/2019 at 9:10 am
Good evening from Moraine Camp!
Yes, we reached the summit of Huascaran today. We stood on top of the most heavily glaciated peak between the tropics. What a day! This is an incredibly challenging mountain, and the terrain was no joke. But we knew what we were after, and the previous climbs of Yanapacha and Chopicalqui were the right acclimatizing/preparation stages.
We left at midnight, and shortly after 8 am we were on top. Super steep terrain, massive crevasses and some seracs kept the guides on task non stop. But sure it was rewarding; the views from the top are this guide's new favorite!
After an efficient and no less involved descent, upon arrival to high camp, it was obvious we had gas in the tank to continue to lose elevation. So we packed camp up, and with the invaluable help of our porters (the real heroes) we started down. Bypassing Camp 1 on the way, we continued to Moraine Camp in an arduous 19 hour day. We are still higher than our beloved Rainier, but sure this air will feel thick tonight.
Now, time to turn to the stoves and cook some diner! Our team kicked butt today.
RMI Guide ElÃas de Andres Martos and team
Congratulations on a successful summit!
Posted by: Holly on 7/22/2019 at 2:40 am
Greetings from Ishinca Base Camp,
Today was all about well-deserved rest. We all woke up feeling good, despite being a bit stiff from our big climb of Ishinca yesterday. As usual, our cook, Emilio, had us covered and treated us to fried eggs and bacon to get our joints all greased up and ready to do some training today. Bacon is obviously amazing, but bacon at 14,200’ is out of this world!! Sign up for Peru 2020 and you’ll see what I mean!
We kept moving today and covered some important climbing skills, including anchor building, rope travel and rigging, and finally took our game to the Base Camp climbing crag and learned how to rappel with an extension rig. We’re all happy for the day to recoup, and we’re now in the middle of an afternoon siesta as the daily showers have started pidder-pattering on our tent fabric. We’ll likely see another delicious feast for dinner tonight before an early bedtime in anticipation of our climb of Urus Este that begins tonight. We’re amped and ready!
We’ll let you know how it goes tomorrow!
RMI Guide Robby Young with Alfie, William and Team ‘Papas Fritas For Life’
Hello Everyone -
Our team spent the contingency weather day hanging out in Cheget. We spent the day walking around town, enjoying the new coffee shop in town, and picking up a few souvenirs.
Right now we're all relaxing before heading out to a celebratory dinner with the team. Hopefully we'll survive the vodka associated with tonights traditional Russian celebration, hosted by our gracious local tour operator.
Everyone is in good spirits and looking forward to heading to beautiful St. Petersburg early tomorrow.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and team.
This morning we got out early ahead of the other groups and were rewarded with phenomenal 360 degree views of the lush converging valleys and glaciated peaks. Usually the clouds hang between the trail and these tall mountains due to our proximity to the cloud forest. As we wrapped up our time at Phuyupatamarca Pass, 12,130’ the clouds began to rise from the Urubamba River and the glaciers were hidden.
The day was filled with great views, warming temperatures and elaborate ruins. In particular the terraces of Intipata and Winaywayna captured the groups attention due to the scale of such a project completed on the side of a steep and heavily vegetated mountain. We are all looking forward to walking into Machu Picchu at sunrise, getting a shower at the hotel is a close second.
RMI Guide Mike King
Hi Dori. What a sport you are! And it appears that you have an excellent leader. I’m looking forward to hearing about your trip when you’re home. You, Rhonda and I have a date August 7. Enjoy the rest of your time in Peru!!
Posted by: Jessie Strauss on 7/24/2019 at 8:58 am
Hey Lara Lee. Hope you are having fun! Enjoy Machu Picchu tomorrow. We love you! Tell Louis, Bruce, and Paula we say hello.
Posted by: Brayden Wilkie on 7/21/2019 at 3:24 pm
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Cannot say thank you enough to Joe, Camille and Cole for the entire experience. From minute 1, we knew we had a great group of guides, made only more clear the closer we got to the summit. It truly was an incredible experience and I felt in great hands the entire trip. Great group all around and hope our paths cross again on another mountain soon.
Posted by: Parker Knox on 7/28/2019 at 8:28 am
WOOHOO!! Congrats Knox’s Boys!!! Thank you to the wonderful guides who kept our guys safe and lead the way to a once (maybe twice) in a lifetime experience to conquer the great and beautiful peak together! Bode would be so proud!!! We are super excited to celebrate with you guys! Xoxox
Posted by: Kristina, Carolina, & Cyndy on 7/22/2019 at 11:27 pm
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