Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Enjoy Another Rest Day

January 18, 2016

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Ground control (RMI base) to Major Tom (our intrepid Aconcagua team)... Take your protein pills and put your helmet on... We are eating up on our last rest day here in Base Camp and making our last minute preparations. Ground control to Major Tom... Commencing countdown engines on... Check ignition and may god's love be with you... Wish us luck as we blast off up onto the beast. Tomorrow's plans call for a move up to Camp 1 which has the team excited if a bit nervous. Lots of work lies ahead but we are poised and ready for the challenge. The weather has been stellar and we hope it continues to cooperate for us as we step out of the capsule that is Plaza Argentina not to return until our bid for the top has culminated. Of course we'll keep checking in along the way. Bowie lives! RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Doug S,
We are all pulling for you! CPLs and TRs send their best!
Arland

Posted by: Arland Fagerstrom on 1/19/2016 at 12:53 pm

HI, Craig,

I’m so glad the weather is good! All our thoughts are about the A-team having THE BEST CLIMB EVER!

Love, SAF

Posted by: Sally Falkenhagen on 1/19/2016 at 10:54 am

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Have Perfect Weather for Carry to Camp 1

January 17, 2016

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

We enjoyed an amazingly perfect day on our first push above Aconcagua Basecamp. Despite the good weather our loads were big and the route up to Camp 1 was quite different than in years past. Lots of penitentes (tall, spiky snow features) made for difficult walking at times and a new route across the glacial remnant below the final scree slopes into camp. Despite these challenges our team remained true to form and moved extremely well ultimately putting in a big cache of gear, food, and fuel at over 16,000'. We are resting/acclimatizing tomorrow in basecamp before we head out on the upper mountain for good. All is well here in Plaza Argentina and the team is looking forward to the coming days. Talk tomorrow, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Please don’t let Branchflower fall off the hill…....he owes me $20 from a football bet!

Be Safe to All!!

Posted by: Tom Lozier on 1/18/2016 at 7:29 pm

WOW!
What an awesome picture. What an incredible experience you are having. Take lots of photos.
We are with you all the way.
Take care and stay safe,
Dad & Luz

Posted by: Dad & Luz on 1/18/2016 at 5:37 am

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Mexico’s Volcanoes: Team Gathers in Mexico City

January 17, 2016

Posted by: Billy Haas, Solveig Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico

Elevation: 7,300'

Hello from Mexico City! Our team arrived throughout the day, and by 7pm we were all gathered on the rooftop patio of the hotel for an equipment review and logistics breakdown of the days to come. We are all looking forward to leaving the hustle and bustle of urban life and heading into the hills for our first acclimatization hike. We'll check in again from the La Malitzi Resort. Thanks for following! RMI Guides Solveig Waterfall and Billy Haas

Kilimanjaro: Waterfall & Team Descend to Mweka Camp

January 17, 2016

Posted by: Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 10,000'

Hello from our last camp on Kilimanjaro. I just wanted to send a quick note to say this all the climbers have descended safely from High Camp. Our climb was warm with partly clear skies but clouds built up on our descent. As we left high camp our old friend the rain returned and stayed with us most of the way to 10,000'. We're all getting ready for our last dinner on the mountain right now. Tomorrow we will walk to the Mweka Gate and then transfer back to the Dik Dik Hotel for celebrations! RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

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Congratulations Karen and JJ what an amazing accomplishment!

Posted by: Courtney Rams on 1/18/2016 at 9:02 am

Congrat!!! Steve and team. Anybody ready for a hike to the top and back a second time? (Maybe next year?) I hope you can take care of those feet, Steve.

Posted by: Phil Sturr on 1/17/2016 at 2:12 pm

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Kilimanjaro: Waterfall & Team Reach the Summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak

January 16, 2016

Posted by: Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

8:04 pm Pacific Time Hey, this is a Seth checking in from Uhuru Peak, the top of Kilimanjaro and the highest point in Africa. Everybody made it to the today, we had a really nice climb, good weather, warm weather I should say, there were some clouds. Everybody hung in and did awesome and everybody did make it all the way to Uhuru Peak, the tippy top. A few parties of started to head down and I'm just up here with the last folks. We're about ready to head on down to our High Camp and then we are going to pack things up and head down at 10,000 feet where plants actually grow right out of the ground, I've heard. And spend one more night on the mountain and then we will be out tomorrow. I'm going to check in when we get down to 10,000, report in and hopefully all will be well, I'm sure it will be. This is Seth checking out. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

RMI Guide Seth Waterfall calls from Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro.

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Congratulations Annie. I knew you could do it! I know how hard you worked for this. I am so happy for you. You are amazing! Now you can really enjoy the rest of your time! I can’t wait to hear all about it and see some pictures too.!

Posted by: Becky Hamilton on 1/17/2016 at 5:31 pm

Woot! Woot! Way to go Annie! What an amazing accomplishment! I am looking forward to the stories. Love you!

Posted by: Lisa on 1/17/2016 at 4:02 pm

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Ecuador Seminar: Summit Day on Chimborazo

January 16, 2016

Posted by: Adam Knoff, Nick Hunt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador

Elevation: 20,561'

Summit day on Chimborazo. Not only were our bodies still recovering from the two previous big climbs of Cayambe and Antisana, we saved the trickiest and tallest climb for last. Towering over the surrounding landscape at 20,700ft, Chimborazo was our final objective. And boy, did it deliver! Even in the best conditions, this peak isn't an easy target. But coupled with uncharacteristically dry season this year, this climb proved to be the most physically and mentally demanding of the trip. We hiked up yesterday to our High Camp at around 17,500', made some dinner, and hit the sack. Our climb this morning began with our 11pm alarms waking us from our sleep. After tidying up camp, slamming some calories, and chugging some coffee, we pointed our tired feet uphill towards the summit. The climb began with about an hour and a half of walking on trail, exposed ridges, and a couple of 5th class climbing moves. As the trail steepened, we cramponed up and prepared to hit the glacier. Because of the dry spell Ecuador has been experiencing, the glacier was a challenging beast! Steep, firm, icy, exposed. Perfect footwork was required for the entire ascent, but our team delivered! From challenging cramponing to sections of pitched-out steep ice, this team persevered and tackled everything that crossed their paths. After a grueling 7.5 hours, we reached the Veintemilla summit at 20,561', 30 minutes later we had turned tail and began the descent. The steep ice and exposure made the descent as difficult as the ascent, but the team kept their heads in the game and we made it safely back to high camp by 2pm. Our porters had already packed up camp for us, making it easy for us to continue on our final descent back to the bus. The (thoroughly exhausted yet happy) team is now back at Estrella de Chimborazo, enjoying some much earned beverages, and reminiscing about these crazy last two weeks. It's hard to believe we're heading back to the big city tomorrow and flying home! We will have one more update for you guys tomorrow, but we'll all be home to tell you more stories firsthand before you know it! Until tomorrow, RMI Guides Nick Hunt and Adam Knoff

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Resting at Base Camp

January 16, 2016

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Well, we made it to Base Camp yesterday! The team is moving well and feeling good despite our first abrupt change in elevation since the drive from Mendoza to Penitentes. We are now sitting pretty and all moved in at Plaza Argentina at an elevation of right around 4,200 m or about 13,800'. Anita and Griselda, head honchos here with Grajales, prepared us an over the top welcome dinner complete with soup, veggies, a slab of beef, and tiramisu for dessert! Despite the extravagance of the meal the living still isn't super easy up here and we knew were we are all in for a little bit of discomfort trying to sleep up here on our first night. Today is another sunny and glorious day up here at Plaza Argentina. The gang actually fared quite well through the night and enjoyed a casual wake up this morning. We all hung out and drank real coffee along with enjoying stuffed breakfast burritos complete with prosciutto and grilled veggies thanks to Katrina's solid work in the kitchen. We'll probably burn the rest of the day today preparing both our group and personal loads for tomorrow's carry up to Camp 1. Everyone's hanging out grooving on the Andes and looking forward to tomorrow's foray higher. That and wondering how the Seahawks are gonna do against Carolina. RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Yo Branch,

Those are some good lookin Donkeys you got there. Now you know what it’s like to hang around West Point in the middle of winter.
Hey, what are the bathrooms like?
You know, I see you doing this and I think, wow! You could have been a Navy Seal and probably led the raid to get Bin Laden.

Remember, one foot in front of the other and if you begin seeing Sharon Steinhauer, get on oxygen immediately.

745796 sends

Posted by: TJ on 1/18/2016 at 2:52 pm

Randy
Sounds like things are going well for my mountain man. You definitely have the better weather right now…windchill of -20 here tonight…yikes! All is good on the homefront…Lucas got a promotion at work and Allison is happy with all her classes. Think of you often and miss you!
Love Lisa

Posted by: Lisa Irwin on 1/17/2016 at 3:28 pm

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Kilimanjaro: Waterfall & Team Reach High Camp

January 16, 2016

Posted by: Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 15,000'

Jambo and greetings from High Camp on Kilimanjaro. We are at 15,000' and the team is doing just fine. We were even blessed with nice weather all day today. We had another easy morning with breakfast at 8:00. Fresh fruit, eggs and bacon sure is a treat at this elevation. After breakfast we hit the trail and had a mix of sun and clouds but no rain as we climbed the 2,000 feet to high camp. The climb was gradual all the way except for a steep bit pulling into camp. Everyone was feeling good and had a great climb up here. It's 12:00pm now and we are planning on having lunch soon and an early dinner. After that it is a midnight departure for the summit. Wish us luck! RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

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Almost to the summit! Show your spirit to the skies Eileen! Hike on!!

Posted by: Mary Segesta on 1/16/2016 at 8:40 pm

Good luck Annie! I will be thinking about you and cheering you on from back here in the states. Be strong! I know you can do it!

Posted by: Becky Hamilton on 1/16/2016 at 6:49 pm

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Check in from Pampa de Lenas

January 15, 2016

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 9,000'

¡Hola de Pampa de Leñas! After a last night in a real bed we got outta Penitentes and hit the trail. Needless to say the team is psyched to finally be on the move after the months of anticipation and the seemingly endless packing and repacking. We enjoyed clear skies and a decent breeze that despite kicking up a bit of dust was actually pleasant in keeping the temps manageable. Everyone moved extremely well and is currently lounging around camp waiting for the herrieros to finish up grilling up some giant slabs of beef for us. Steak and wine, and a crew of happy campers. Not bad for our first day on the hill. All for now! RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Hi Heather and all of you up there.
Sorry to hear about the weather. The New Yorkers have been hit by heavy snow and the weather system is heading to us across the Atlantic but will change to strong winds and heavy rain for us this week. Not quite as bad as you are getting.
Stay positive and try and meditate if the storm noise allows!
Love Diane and Paul

Posted by: Paul and Diane on 1/24/2016 at 11:13 pm

The tough part begins - our thoughts are with you - stay safe

Love you,
Dad & Luz

Posted by: Dad & Luz on 1/16/2016 at 5:07 pm

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Ecuador Seminar: Knoff & Team Check in from 17,500’ on Chimborazo

January 15, 2016

Posted by: Adam Knoff, Nick Hunt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador

Elevation: 17,500'

Hey Everyone, We woke this morning and had a great breakfast. After we were well nourished we decided to brush up on our crevasse rescue skills. This afternoon we packed up and headed for the Chimborazo Reserve, from there it was a three hour hike to 17,500' where camp was set up for us. The team is doing great we had a great dinner and now it's off to bed, for an alpine start awaits us. The summit of Chimborazo beckons...Wish us luck! RMI Guide Adam Knoff & Team

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Based on Justin’s SPOT - I see you on the summit of CHIMBORAZO - seems you all have had a fantastic trip with considerable time high in ice and snow (wish I were there)! Congrats all!! Greetings especially to Justin and Larry - be safe!

Posted by: Tim on 1/16/2016 at 5:33 am

So your aim is to reach the highest point on earth from the earth’s center! Now that’s a story to tell. Sending you hope for good conditions that will permit you to attain your goal. Regardless… You already have great stories to tell and incredible memories for years to come. Excited to hear them:-)

Posted by: Sharon Halls on 1/15/2016 at 8:24 pm

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Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Enjoy Another Rest Day

On The Map

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Have Perfect Weather for Carry to Camp 1

Mexico’s Volcanoes: Team Gathers in Mexico City

Kilimanjaro: Waterfall & Team Descend to Mweka Camp

On The Map

Kilimanjaro: Waterfall & Team Reach the Summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak

On The Map

Ecuador Seminar: Summit Day on Chimborazo

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Resting at Base Camp

On The Map

Kilimanjaro: Waterfall & Team Reach High Camp

On The Map

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Check in from Pampa de Lenas

On The Map

Ecuador Seminar: Knoff & Team Check in from 17,500’ on Chimborazo

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