Entries from Expedition Dispatches
Welcome to day one of the February, Expedition Skills Seminar - Ecuador. From this day forward, you as the blog follower will be stuck to the edge of your seat for the next two weeks, waiting with more anticipation than those waiting for the next episode of Yellowstone. You will hear harrowing tales of long bus rides, lots of food and drink and perhaps some occasional mountain climbing.
Today however, the excitement was kept to a minimum with a brief orientation in the hotel lobby with all team members present, followed by a four hour city tour covering the equator to the north then back to the old town of Quito in the south.
I would say our most adventurous moments came during our visit to the Mitad Del Mumdo, or center of the world, where eggs mysteriously balance on nails if one posses the proper mojo and strange gravitational forces affect raised arms if hailing the sun god. No one seamed possessed by evil spirits so my first impression is every one should climb well.
Beyond that the city blessed us with good weather, good views and nice people. After the tour our weary travelers retired for a quick nap before our first of many group dinners.
Tomorrow we will venture into the mountains for the first time stretching our legs and lungs while quickly breaking the 15,000 foot ceiling on the active volcano, Pichincha Rucu, 5 miles from our hotel. Stay tuned for that report.
Until then, watch some Yellowstone.
We left Puerto Natales this morning and enjoyed a scenic drive into Torres del Paine National Park. Along the way we saw some guanacos, a wild cousin of the llama & alpaca. Some condors, rhea(emu/ostrich like) and flamingos. The Paine Massif was clouded over but lots of new snow blanketed the lower slopes. Our hike was approximately nine miles through rolling hills and fields. This part of the park is still on private property and is a decommissioned cattle & sheep ranch. There was some nice creek crossings and the views of the Paine river, emerald green from the glacial till meandered in and out. Camp is an old ranch house that now has a kitchen and dining room. The Team did well and enjoyed the sunny and at times windy afternoon to enjoy being out of the boots and telling stories, reading and a few naps. The salmon and rice accompanied by some Chilean wine made for a nice end to the first day of our trek. Tomorrow we’ll head to Lago Dickson.
Thanks for following along.
Glad to see you doing well. Nice way to ease in through ranch house and good wine!
Snow dissipating here in Taos.
Posted by: Lana & Jim on 2/8/2022 at 6:17 pm
After a great night of sleep, we slowly made our way down the mountain. The team was motivated and made quick work of the descent. Motivated by the thought of hot showers, delicious meals, and communicating with loved ones. A nice evening at Aconcagua Basecamp was had rehashing memorable moments of the trip. We are all very fond of the experience Aconcagua has allowed us to share together.
Till next time,
Congratulations on what must have been a really challenging, yet incredibly rewarding journey. Can’t wait to see pictures and hear stories. Well done.
Posted by: Levert on 2/8/2022 at 5:34 am
Posted by: Mike King
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Torres del Paine
Quick check in for the Torres del Paine trek group. We are all in Punta Arenas with our luggage. The amount of paperwork and long lines to enter Chile was the first major obstacle. With late arrivals we didn’t get much sightseeing around Punta Arenas with the exception of a few walks along the water front to see the sculptures and lots of cormorants. Today we will head to Puerto Natales to sort our gear and enjoy some of the Southern “fjord” landscape that make up this area. I will be sending daily updates of our trip once we enter Torres del Paine National Park on Tuesday.
Thanks,
While not everybody reached the summit of Aconcagua today, we all soaked in the entire experience. It was a perfect day to simply be in the mountains. Stars illuminating the landscape this morning. A windless day with not a cloud in the sky. Shadows creeping across peaks far in the distance, helping gauge the time of day. It was very easy to be distracted from the strenuous climbing by the surrounding beauty.
Till next time,
RMI Guide Luke Wilhelm
Tim,
Don’t know if you summited or not, but it doesn’t matter. It’s all about the journey and you have been on quite a journey over the last few years! We love you and can’t wait to see you and hear about your adventures. Now, get down and back home safely!
Love,
Dick and Irene
Posted by: Richard & Irene Simpson on 2/7/2022 at 6:51 pm
Congratulations! We’re so proud of all you! What a gorgeous day you must have had… and no matter what the outcome, we know this was a whole team effort. Way to go. Now get back down safely!
Posted by: T and B on 2/7/2022 at 4:07 am
Day 16
After what felt like an eternity, the winds finally calmed and the clouds parted ways as we arrived at Nido de Cóndores – Cólera (High Camp). A challenging day with a very rewarding conclusion. The team quickly made camp in hopes of getting as much sleep as possible before the big day tomorrow. We are tired but prepared.
Till next time,
RMI Guides Luke, David and Team
Richie! Finally, the moment you all have been waiting for! I’m sending you all positive energy for a memorable and fulfilling moment in time that you will always cherish. Looking forward to seeing your group photo at the summit. Peace and love to all of you :)
Posted by: Joey Collazo on 2/6/2022 at 2:22 pm
Joe and Team, rest well and best of luck. Joe remember the plan, God speed, be safe you got this
Daryl
Katie
Posted by: Daryl and Katie on 2/5/2022 at 8:57 pm
Posted by: Luke Wilhelm, David Price
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Day 15
Our team is so resilient. This storm continues to pound the mountain, but our positivity is overwhelming it! It was another really windy and cold one. Despite the bad weather, we were able to get out and stretch our legs a bit. It felt great to move around! The team kept themselves busy this afternoon sorting and preparing gear. If the weather allows, we plan to move to Camp 3 tomorrow.
Till next time,
RMI Guides Luke, David & Team
I’m in awe of both the physical and mental strength you all have to push forward! Stay strong team. You can do this!
Posted by: Amanda Schimkus on 2/5/2022 at 4:05 pm
Hey Pop/Tim,
It wouldn’t be an adventure if everything went as planned! I know you will be persevere these hardships and conquer this challenge. Just know that we are all rooting for you and miss you. I’ve got a laundry list of “man” projects around the house for us to complete upon your return which should motivate your prolonged stay in Aconcagua. Take care and be safe!
Love your favorite son-in-law,
Chris
Posted by: Christopher Nicholson on 2/5/2022 at 12:42 pm
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Hello one last time.
Today was our last day here in Tanzania so we opted for a moderately leisure departure from the tranquil Plantation Lodge.
Our first stop was to a huge gift shop so everyone could bring back a few souvenirs.
By the looks of it, a few people back home are getting some nice gifts too.
We made a quick stop off at Lake Manyara National Park. Normally the safari sightings here are always exciting, but sadly that was not the case today. It’s been incredibly wet this year and most of the drivable roads have been either flooded or completely washed out.
It was expedited to say the least.
The team has returned to our original lodge and are packed up headed for the airport.
Your loved ones should be home soon!
Thanks for following,
RMI Guide Casey Grom & Crew
Day 14
What a sight to behold. We all stood in the morning silence watching the winds on the summit. So much change within a few thousand vertical feet. Snow was getting ripped off of the highest parts of the mountain above us, disappearing into the rapidly moving clouds beyond. We sure felt grateful for the calm weather we were experiencing around camp. Despite todays spectacle, the team remains optimistic.
Till next time,
RMI Guides Luke, David and Team
JOSEPH
Hunker down, do some walking about and take pictures for us.
We are so proud of you!! You’re in striking distance, Talking to the big guy for you all. Your climbing patner Daryl
Posted by: Daryl on 2/4/2022 at 7:00 am
Rooting for y’all from Vermont!! Some updates: Darius Garland was named an All-Star reserve (hell yeah), Olympics started today (US women’s hockey beat Finland 5-1 and Italy beat Norway in an 8th end heartbreaker in mixed curling), Harbaugh didn’t get Vikings job, Samuel L Jackson signed a 10-day with the Canton Charge, and Midd’s getting 12-18 tonight! Hope everyone’s doing well- y’all are crushing it!!! Relish this experience.
Posted by: Greg on 2/3/2022 at 6:46 pm
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 19,348'
Good morning,
I am happy to report that on a beautiful morning the team made the summit of Cotopaxi. Sunny skies and light winds made for great climbing conditions. The local guides have departed and the team is headed back to Quito for an afternoon of relaxation and a celebration dinner. This trip has thrown some curveballs, but I'm proud of the team for sticking with it and being flexible along the way. Everyone, regardless of whether they went to the summit of Cayambe or Cotopaxi did a really fine job pushing themselves towards goals they have worked so hard for. Cheers to this team!
Thank you for following along with our blog and please continue following the final RMI Ecuador trip of the season which starts next week!
RMI Guides Dustin, Avery and Team!
Awesome!! Sunny Summit!!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 2/4/2022 at 3:45 am
Congrats all! Great to see that mountain summited
Posted by: Sam on 2/3/2022 at 12:50 pm
Following your posts and wishing all a great climbing trip.
Posted by: Jane on 2/12/2022 at 5:26 pm
Stalking you online with happy memories of 2016 in Ecuador with Adam and team.
Posted by: Lindsay Newell on 2/10/2022 at 4:44 pm
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