Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Elevation: 18,500'

And... the winds brought us back to Shishapangma Base Camp. We had an incredibly rough night at Camp 1. The storm that unleashed upon finishing our well accomplished tasks above Camp 1 the previous day, was so fierce, that continued this morning with even more determination to make us cut our rotation one day short. After fighting the winds securing our camp, and managing to make breakfast, it was clear we weren't going to get a break. We descended towards Base Camp fully bundled in our warm equipment, knowing though that our well spent time up there is going to pay dividends soon. Now we go to enjoy some more rest in anticipation of our next move. Spirits are high and we look forward to good weather soon! Best regards from Base Camp, RMI Guide Elias de Andres Martos

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Sorry we missed your call to us this morning with the happy anniversary wishes, but we really appreciated your message and expression of affection. The diner and after party last night was a smash success (or so I’m told). As you might have expected, in keeping with my careful allocation of excess consumption occasions, I duly allocated last night’s affair as my one such occasion for 2016. And as I’d expected, today was a total loss, dedicated exclusively to aspirin, antacids, rehydration and horizontal recovery! Hopefully your retreat to Base camp was uneventful and the rest there today fulfilling and complete - and even better than mine!. Wishing you and the team nothing but fair skies and calm air from here on!
Love from us both.

Posted by: Rick Deerwester on 9/24/2016 at 4:32 pm

Go go go! Enjoy and good luck :)

Posted by: Carlos on 9/24/2016 at 2:38 pm

Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Climb to Barranco Camp

September 22, 2016

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Elevation: 12,800'

It was breezy all night and thru out the climb as we traversed along the west side of the mountain today. Dramatic clouds below on the Shira Plateau stayed around until the wind died down. We were hiking thru the highland desert zone among large volcanic boulders up to well over 14,500' when we began the big descent into tonight's camp Barranco at 13,030'. The south side of the mountain begins to unveil the dramatic upper mountain and a scattering of the beautiful giant groundsel tree not found many places on this planet is making an appearance. The team worked hard to get here and are glad to be sitting at the dinner table getting ready to begin another great mountain meal together. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

On The Map

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Wooohooo!!!!!!

You are almost to the top. Keep up the hard work, Grace and I are rooting for you from RPI. I want to hear those pressure breaths from the other side of the globe!

Posted by: Evan and Grace on 9/23/2016 at 5:16 pm

Sounds like an amazing adventure! Can’t wait to hear about it in person. Also, congrats on the personal altitude record Mom!

Sending lots of love from Somerville :)

Posted by: Alexander and Hoagie on 9/22/2016 at 6:30 pm

Shishapangma: Team Remains at Camp 1 for Acclimatization

September 22, 2016

Posted by: Elias de Andres Martos, Adam Knoff, Robby Young

Elevation: 20,990'

Good evening from Camp 1. Gnarly day we had today folks, as we're currently waiting out a nasty wind storm. The morning went well, with our Sherpa team plus guides Robby and Elías making it to Camp 2, in the vicinity of 7,000m, breaking trail with more than a one foot of soft snow. Meanwhile the climbing team, under the directions of guide Knoff, made an acclimating stroll around Camp 1. Everyone is doing well, and the effects of the altitude at this elevation are barely noticeable now. We'll keep you posted on our upcoming plan. Time to go rest now! RMI Guide Elías de Martos and team.

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Sounds like a great day of progress! I can only imagine what the wind is like up at that altitude. Stay safe and best of luck tomorrow!

Posted by: Trish on 9/23/2016 at 6:03 am

Glad all is going well. Love seeing photos!

Posted by: Betty (Art's sister) on 9/23/2016 at 5:29 am

Mt. Rainier: Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir Reaches the Top of the Cleaver

September 22, 2016

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 12,300'

The Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir led by RMI Guides Dave Hahn and Billy Nugent attempted to summit Mt. Rainier early this morning, but snow instability forced the teams to turn at the top of Disappointment Cleaver today. The is headed back to Camp Muir and will spend their remainder of their time on the mountain training before descending to back to Rainier Basecamp tomorrow afternoon. Congratulations to today's team!

Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Climb The Shira Plateau

September 21, 2016

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Elevation: 12,200'

We left Machame Camp 9,890' in cloudy skies but only for a short stretch. The gnarled trunks of the giant heather disappeared and we entered yet another zone, the moorland. After ascending a wide ridge we gained the broad and sloping Shira Plateau at about 12,570' and nearly three miles later we gained beautiful views of Kilimanjaro's upper slopes and Mt. Meru, our near by neighbor, standing at about 15,000'. A fine hot lunch and beautiful camp site greeted us upon arrival at Shira Camp. The team continues doing well and we are having a good time. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

On The Map

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Joe - you got this! Can’t wait to hear the details!

Posted by: Dana Klein on 9/23/2016 at 9:42 pm

Keep on keepin’ on

Posted by: Tyler Klein on 9/22/2016 at 5:27 pm

Shishapangma: Team Moving Efficiently Uphill

September 21, 2016

Posted by: Elias de Andres Martos, Adam Knoff, Robby Young

Elevation: 20,990'

Good evening from the entire team at Camp 1! We woke up to a dust of new snow and clouds this morning at Depot Camp (ABC). Soon after breakfast, we could tell the cloud layer was thin, the winds non existent, and the precipitation receding. Executing our plan of moving upwards was unquestionable. Covering known ground now to Camp 1 posed less of a challenge than the first time last week, and the team moved efficiently uphill. We reached our now well established camp shortly after 2 pm, followed by our Sherpa team, who was coming directly from Base Camp. We're all now in our tents, with full bellies, tired legs and great spirits. Tomorrow we'll start setting eyes towards Camp 2, we'll keep you posted, as we'll be dependent on the evolution of the snow that is starting to come down, as the sun set over the ridge. Good night everyone! RMI Guides Elias de Andres Martos, Adam Knoff & Robby Young

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You guys look like you all forgot your razors :). Seriously, it sounds as though all of you are doing really well. Stay strong!

Posted by: Rick Deerwester on 9/22/2016 at 6:08 am

Cheering to Galina, team and all the support crew!
You guys are awesome! GO FORWARD, STAY SAFE!

Lots of hugs, Galina.

Posted by: Zhanar on 9/21/2016 at 8:05 pm

Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Begin Climb

September 20, 2016

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Elevation: 10,000'

After a nice breakfast at the Dik Dik Lodge, we sent a few final emails and we were off to climb Kilimanjaro. A couple hours later, after a stop at the market and registering with the National Park it was time to start the climb. We left the cultivation zone behind and traded it in for a lush cloud forest. The team climbed well to our next zone the Heather and Moorland. We are camped here at 10,000' with an outstanding view of the mountain and incredible weather. It is time to crawl in to the tents and get some rest before the next challenge tomorrow. The team is doing well and we will continue to check in as we ascend Kilimanjaro. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

On The Map

Shishapangma: Team Checks in from Depot Camp

September 20, 2016

Posted by: Elias de Andres Martos, Adam Knoff, Robby Young

Elevation: 19,500'

Rotation 2... ready, set, go! We're at Depot Camp (aka Advanced Base Camp), starting our dinner. We left Base Camp this afternoon after lunch, and after a small snow storm that made us initially question our departure. The weather cleared, and in a mere three hours we were already in our tents at the edge of the glacier. The team is feeling quite well and strong, as it is proved by the fact that we ditched one hour from our time last week. Tomorrow we'll be ascending to Camp 1, and then, the intentions are to reach Camp 2 and spend some time there afterwards. But we'll keep you posted as we go. That's it for now, we'll check in tomorrow after our move to Camp 1. Regards, RMI Guide Elías de Andres Martos and team

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It has been great reading your blog and hearing about your progress. Would like to give a special shout out to my big brother, Arthur Muir. He is such an inspiration: his hard work, drive and determination are amazing! He gives new meaning to retirement! Way to go, Art, sending best wishes and much love to you and all the team! Bonnie

Posted by: Bonnie Bair on 9/21/2016 at 9:19 am

You have to be feeling a bit like a yo yo with the ups and downs! I have to think it takes real resol e to retrace those difficult steps. You guys inspire me!

Posted by: Rick Deerwester on 9/21/2016 at 6:29 am

Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Ready for the Mountain

September 19, 2016

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Jambo! I had so much fun on the last Kilimanjaro climb, I decided to stick around for one more. The last of the team arrived this afternoon. Equipment is checked, the group gear is in place and our ride in the morning is all set. Great looking moon on the rise as I make my way to set down for the night. All is good here, hope there as well. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

Shishapangma: Elias & Team Prepare for Their Second Rotation

September 19, 2016

Posted by: Elias de Andres Martos, Adam Knoff, Robby Young

Elevation: 18,500'

Comedian Mitch Hedberg once said during a comedy skit, "I just want to be a mountain climber so I can wear brightly colored clothes, hang out at Base Camp, and drink hot cocoa." Today, for the second day in a row, we harnessed our inner Hedberg, and did just that. Our last rest day before the start of our second rotation onto the upper slopes of Shishapangma was filled with nourishment of all forms, and plenty of rest. Some of us practiced our favorite base camp activity, "sport eating." Others took competitive napping to the next level. While another team member continued his rein as supreme cribbage champion of Shishapangma 2016. Regardless of our chosen rest day activities, we all did the best we could to prepare our bodies and our minds for what lies ahead. Our second rotation begins tomorrow with a move to Depot Camp, followed by a return to Camp 1 at 20,000', and finally up to Camp 2 near 22,000' by the end of the work week. We're all feeling great, looking good, and ready for the upcoming challenge here on the 14th highest mountain in the world. We'll check in tomorrow from Depot Camp. RMI Guides Robby, Elias, Adam, and the Shishapangma Team

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Sandra, best efforts there on the mountain.
Jim W.

Posted by: Jim Wilder on 9/20/2016 at 9:20 am

Good to hear everyone is rested, but no doubt when this is read that recuperation will be a dim memory! Be strong on the way to Camp 2 and be well. We’ll eagerly await tomorrow’s update!

Posted by: Rick Deerwester on 9/20/2016 at 5:35 am