Entries from Expedition Dispatches
Posted by: Casey Grom, Billy Nugent
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside
Saint Petersburg!!!
We traveled all day and have finally arrived in one of the most beautiful cities of Europe. Things went relatively smooth considering we had two van rides and two flights. We checked into the hotel here and then ran out for a quick dinner.
Everyone is very excited to explore and see this city tomorrow.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and team
Posted by: Eric Frank
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Peru Seminar
After meeting up for a phenomenal opening dinner of sushi and ceviche in Lima last night, the Artesonraju-Frank team was back up early this morning. We caught a 5:30 a.m. cab to the Lima airport, and had anticipated being in Huaraz for breakfast- a quick one hour flight away. Instead, our carrier LC Peru, had oversold our flight and despite having confirmed reservations we were told there were not any seats available for us. A terse hour of back and forth conversation with the ticket agent about finding additional seats for us, and the exact definition of of the phrase "confirmed reservation" yielded nothing. Eventually we gave in and did the only thing we could in such a situation - took a series deep breaths, bought a couple cups of burnt airport coffee and started looking for other options to cover the 300 miles to Huaraz.
Three cab rides, four bus stops and ten hours later, were finally here in Huaraz only slightly worse for the wear. In many ways, developing world travel is a lot like the mountains. Things are always changing and if you wanna succeed, you have to stay on your toes! Thanks for following along. We be out of the city, and into the mountains in a couple days, headed for a ultimate objective- Artesonraju!
RMI Guide Eric Frank and the Arteson Crew
Posted by: Geoff Schellens
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Peru Seminar
Sorry we didn't check in last night, I was unable to get any SAT reception from Base Camp. Yesterday we descended from high camp to base camp where we were welcomed by hot lunch, beers, and warm water for a foot bath. We re-sorted gear and relaxed before an outstanding dinner and then went to bed fat and happy. This morning we woke up to coffee in bed and then eggs and bacon before we finished packing. Just after 9 a.m. we began our hike back to civilization, we quickly descended through many ecosystems over the course of the day with dark clouds nipping at our heals. By early afternoon we had made our down the Santa Cruz valley and out to Cashapompa where we met our van. We are all now back in Huaraz having just finished a huge dinner and a couple pisco soures. We are all happy to have showers and some Wifi, but also already talking about the next trip.
Thanks for following along on our amazing adventure here in the Cordillera Blanca!
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens & Team
The Five Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guide Christina Dale reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. Christina report clear skies and calm winds on the top. The team spent some time taking in the views before starting their descent.
Congratulations to Christina and Team!
This is Susie from Dave’s 4 day trip that shared some time with you on the mountain. Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you! What a huge accomplishment!! It was a pleasure meeting some of you and I hope to run into you again in our life journeys. Congratulations on reaching the summit!
Posted by: Susie Lambert on 8/1/2016 at 7:17 pm
Amazing job!!!! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Posted by: Beth on 8/1/2016 at 11:25 am
The Four Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guide Brent Okita reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. Brent reported a gorgeous day of climbing with light winds. The team has started their descent and will be back at Ashford Basecamp this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's team!
Congrats!!! Hey Brent, how many Rainier Summits now? You have to be close to the record!
Dave Kestel
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 8/2/2016 at 4:07 am
Update after successful summit:
Weather could not have been better. Same with the team. What we learn about ourselves and others up in the outer limits of our atmosphere never ceases to amaze me. Outstanding efforts today by three teens, Aaron , Hunter, and Morgan. Each along with one of their parental units, etching out some family history. A fine example of good parenting to bring out the best in these adolescents under some very demanding conditions. What they did today can put a new perspective on everyday challenges. Put that one in your tool box. The rest of us didn't do too bad either. Making good time to the top and back down safely to our last camp, Mweka, here at 10,000ft. Our total summit day only took about 15 hours. We will be back to creature comforts tomorrow after another three hours of descending.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
[Link to summit call audio]
RMI Guide Mark Tucker calls from Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
On The Map
So proud of you Carol & Craig & all of your new friends. Well done!
Posted by: Joan & Randy on 8/1/2016 at 10:33 pm
Wow! You all did… And continue to do amazing! We miss you!
Posted by: Jeremiah and TeriAnn on 7/31/2016 at 9:39 pm
Posted by: Casey Grom, Billy Nugent
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside
After lucking out with weather our team spent the contingency weather day hanging out in Cheget. Rumors from the mountain were that most teams were turned around before the summit this morning due to bad weather finally coming in. The drizzle hardly dampened our spirits after our perfect conditions yesterday and we spent the day walking around town, luncheoning, ATV renting, nearly getting run over by a horse on the loose, drinking coffee, telling lies, and eventually drinking beer. Right now we're all hanging in the hotel lobby before heading out to a celebratory dinner with the entire team including our Russian staff. Hopefully we'll survive the vodka associated with a traditional Russian celebration well enough to make tomorrow's early departure for the airport bearable.
All for now!
RMI Guide Billy Nugent
RMI Guide Dave Hahn and his Four Day Summit Climb Team reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning under a big blue sky. Dave reported winds 15 mph and the top of the cloud deck to be around Panorama Point. The team began their descent from the crater rim at 7:20 am, they will return to Camp Muir and then continue their descent to Paradise.
Congratulations to today's Summit Climb team!
You keep setting the goals and knocking them down! SO SO proud of you!
Posted by: McGaughey Fam on 7/31/2016 at 2:08 pm
Way to go Jimmy and tom, congrats. Go redskins, we love you guys
Posted by: Darlene nixon on 7/31/2016 at 8:51 am
RMI Guide Jake Beren and team reached the summit of Mt. Shuksan via the Fisher Chimneys route this morning around 10 am PT. Jake reported clear skies with a light layer of clouds below and light winds. The team enjoyed some time on the summit today all on their own, although the route was busy they were on the summit alone. The team safely returned to high camp where they will spend their final night of the trip. Tomorrow morning they will hike out to the trail head.
Congratulations to today's Mt. Shuksan Team!
Yet another nice weather day here on Kilimanjaro. We are looking down at a sea of clouds below us but it's all clear up here at 15,000' Barafu Camp, our high camp. After a nice breakfast the team took yet another big bite out of the mountain. After just a few hours of walking we are situated less than one vertical mile from the top of the "Roof of Africa". We have been eating, lounging and trying to not get too excited about the adventure ahead tonight. We spent some time this afternoon readying for our climb, putting fresh batteries in the head lamp,a gallon sized lunch bag, boots dried to perfection, special saved pair of summit socks pulled out and put in position. We are planning for an 11:30 pm wake up call. A lot of preparation and sacrifice has gone into getting us all here. Thank you all back home for the support on this great adventure. We will have an early dinner then it's into the tent for a few more hours of rest before we begin our summit attempt. The mountain has been very friendly so far and a we have a high level of confidence for it to continue for another 48 hours. Wish us luck!
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
We are so excited and happy for all of you !!!! Congrats !! The beach misses you ! xxxoo JC and LB
Posted by: JC and Lizzie on 7/30/2016 at 7:28 pm
Woop woop!! So excited.
Posted by: Cassie evering on 7/30/2016 at 12:08 pm
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Hey Team-1!
How is St.Petersburg treating you? Enjoy your last day in Russia and remember that you have a place to stay in Moscow, if you ever decide to visit again. It was a great pleasure to climb with you.
Cheers,
Galina
Posted by: Galina on 8/2/2016 at 7:45 am
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