Entries from Expedition Dispatches
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Today we visited the famous Ngorongoro Crater, and considered by many to be one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. The crater is what remains of a two million year old massive volcano that erupted and collapsed on itself, leaving behind a giant caldera that's roughly 100 square miles. The crater is home to some 25,000' animals because of the abundant food and water that flows from a spring.
We were able to see several lions, including two big males, but not nearly as close as yesterday. As we made our way around the crater where we saw tons of other wildlife, zebras, Cape buffalo, wildebeest, jackals, Giselles, hyenas, and four Black Rhinos in the distance. It was an enjoyable a day to say the least.
We are wrapping up our trip with a final night here at the Plantation Lodge and are looking forward to what tomorrow may bring as we head to Lake Manyara National Park before catching late flights home tomorrow!
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Safari crew
Day 13
The team awoke to warm bagels and crackling bacon. That was the warmest part of the day. It was a frigid one. We practiced cramponing while dashing in and out of our sleeping bags. Now is the trickiest part of any expedition. We sit, checking the weather repeatedly, waiting for our weather window to climb. Despite so much time in the tent, we are ready when the time comes.
Till next time,
RMI Guide Luke Wilhelm & Team
Hey Dad,
Hope you are staying warm and keeping up morale while you wait for a clear safe opening for you to summit. Thinking of you! Sending Love and Strength!
Kelly
Posted by: Kelly on 2/3/2022 at 6:23 pm
Sounds like a you’re in good company while you await your window for summiting. Sending prayers the weather God’s turn in your favor. In the meantime, eat, rest, and relish in your magical winter wonderland adventure. We love you!
Love and God Bless,
ChrisBoLillianCarl
Posted by: ChrisBoLillianCarl on 2/2/2022 at 7:45 pm
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Good morning,
The team is getting a final bit of relaxation at Chilcabamba Eco Lodge this morning. It's blue skies and the mountains are out. The group seems to be in good spirits as they prepare to head to the Jose Ribas Refugio today, where they will rest for the evening before a very early start tonight. The summit of Cotopaxi and the climbing route is visible from Chilcabamba this morning, giving everyone some additional motivation!
All the Best for clear skies Dustin!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 2/3/2022 at 4:34 am
Good luck, Dustin, Avery, and team!
Posted by: Dylan Richey on 2/2/2022 at 9:27 am
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Hello again everyone,
We had quite the storm roll through last night with lots of rain and a very impressive lightning and thunder show. Thankfully it had mostly tapered by morning before we headed out on another safari in Tarangire National park.
It was pretty quiet initially as I’m sure the storm had most animals tucked away, but soon enough the wildlife was back and ever present. We saw the usual cast of characters with the highlights being a Serval Cat and a beautiful lioness lounging in a tree at close range.
We have just arrived at our new beautiful lodge just outside of Ngorongoro crater. It’s a stunning and extremely peaceful private lodge tucked away in a densely forested hillside.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the safari crew
Our mood was a reflection of how the snow fell today. Slow and relaxed. After a really hard day yesterday, the team enjoyed recovering in our tents. Reading, writing, and watching movies. And how could we forget the amazing pizza meal for lunch?! Not able to see past our campsite, it's really nice to be living in a world of snow.
Till next time,
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Hello everyone,
We spent today touring Tarangire National Park which is home to more elephants per square kilometer than any place on earth, plus and a huge diversity of other animals too.
We saw elephants, giraffes, warthogs, impala, mongoose, baboons, ostrich, and a lot of other animals, and 37 different birds with the highlight being the Pearl-Spotted Owlet!
We ended our day at a remote and off grid camp within the National Park and surrounded by wildlife. The camp has screened in rooms that allow the night sounds of Africa in. Hopefully everyone sleeps well tonight!
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Safari crew!
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 18,997'
After a late start due to poor weather last night, the team got moving this morning with the promise of a nicer day. However, conditions deteriorated once they reached the glacier with humidity and worrisome flashes of lightning in the distance. Those flashes ended up subsiding and the weather turned marginally better making it possible to reach the summit of Cayambe. Just a few members of the team reached the 18,997' summit, but everyone fought hard with every step. All team members pushed themselves today and will enjoy a rest day at the Chilcabamba Eco Lodge tomorrow.
We have our hopes for better weather on Cotopaxi and I know that any of these climbers stand a good chance to reach the summit of one of the highest active volcanoes in the world!
Posted by: James Bealer, Luke Wilhelm, David Price
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,300'
We huffed and puffed our way up to Camp 2 today, which sits at 18,300 feet. The team did a great job with the move! Arriving at camp this afternoon, everyone felt a major sense of accomplishment. Ear to ear smiles, and hugs all around! Our hard work today will be rewarded with a much deserved day of rest tomorrow. We have now situated ourselves perfectly for a summit attempt in the coming days.
Till next time,
RMI Guide Luke Wilhelm and team
I have wonder and excitement for you on what it must feel like for this to be accomplished. What a life changing event for you. I am so excited for you all. Keep going! Love you Tim!
Teri
Posted by: Teri Derr on 2/1/2022 at 8:43 am
Richie, you da man! I’m super proud of you for pursing your life passions and adventuring to new epic heights. I’ve been reading the blogs and it sounds like you’re surrounded by amazing human beings with enormous hearts. Keep blazing upward! GO TEAM!!!
Posted by: Joey Collazo on 2/1/2022 at 5:55 am
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Today we started our day at 6:30 am refreshed after a much needed nights sleep. We had breakfast, then hit the trail one last time. It took just under three hours to reach the park gate where the team had lunch and said our final goodbyes to our amazing crew that took such great care of us on the mountain. We finished the little celebration by handing out their well deserved tips and then hopped aboard our awaiting bus for the ride back to the lodge. Finally we are all safe and sound, cleaner, and smelling fresh after an exciting seven day journey up and down Kilimanjaro.
Stayed tuned, safari starts tomorrow!
RMI Guide Casey Grom and team
Posted by: Luke Wilhelm, David Price
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Day 10
Leaving the ruckus of Basecamp behind, the team enjoyed a smooth ascent to Camp 1 today. The massive rock buttresses of the upper mountain certainly made us feel tiny. It is peaceful moments like today, in epic places like this where we are reminded of how small we all are. It feels great to be established on the upper mountain.
Till next time,
RMI Guide Luke Wilhelm
You may be (feel) small, but, you are giants of courage! Breathe, take it all in, this will become you as you move through the rest of your lives.
Terri
Posted by: Terri L. Jennings on 1/31/2022 at 8:21 am
Reading your summary of Ngorongoro Crater and it’s abundance of wildlife was like reading a National Geographic magazine. So many creatures reside there! Giselles too!! Did you spot any Tom Bradys?
Lol ...Congrats on your climb!!
John B from Rhode Island.
Posted by: John on 2/4/2022 at 6:06 am
View All Comments