Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Ecuador Seminar: Knoff & Team Explore Quito

December 31, 2017

Posted by: Adam Knoff, Jordan Cargill

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador

Elevation: 9,350'

Happy New Year from Quito, Ecuador. I am happy to report the entire Expedition Skills Seminar team has arrived safely and is ready for a fun evening enjoying local culture and spirits. Our fiesta will come on the heels of a great day which involved a number of interesting and fun activities. To begin our first official day together we met after breakfast going through a quick team introduction and itinerary overview. At 9 am the streets outside were already filling with eager New Year’s enthusiasts, some dressing in drag and some wearing colorful wigs, but we passed on joining them and loaded onto our tour bus bound for the middle of the world. Once at the equator, we observed fun physical anomalies only present on the actual equatorial line. Much of our group earned their “Egg Master” awards, balancing an egg on a nail, while others tried to shut their eyes and walk the line without tipping over. Why an egg will balance on a nail but a human can’t balance with their eyes closed is beyond me but proves to be the case. Outside of the museum, the team encountered a group of locals partaking in the local custom of burning large dolls supposedly filled with the year’s bad energy. As it burns you are supposed to make a wish for better things to come, then leap over the burning pile to make that wish come true. Stephanie showed no fear in giving her wish the best chance. From the equator we traveled south into the old town of Quito where we gained beautiful vistas of this 40 mile long city atop a hill called El Panacillo. Unfortunately, there were no views of our snow capped peaks but we know they are out there. After this we descended into the old town where we toured some traditional shops and streets then finished in the main square of Quito directly across from the presidential palace. Despite most of the team feeling a bit tired from traveling and jumping straight to 9000', we left time to have a late lunch at a great little micro-brewery trying it’s best to replicated those in the states. Although the IPA needs a bit more hoppiness, the stout proved our favorite. Tomorrow we gear up for our first acclimation hike. Stay tuned to see if a few in the group break their previous altitude high points. Late night or not, I have high hopes….. Happy New Year once more. Salud. RMI Guide Adam Knoff

Aconcagua: King & Team at Pampa de Las Lenas

December 31, 2017

Posted by: Mike King, Jess Matthews, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 9,000'

Happy New Years from Pampa de Las Lenas! Today was the first day of the trek to Aconcagua Basecamp and we had a sunny day with a consistent 'breeze' that kept it cool and at times made walking a little difficult. Our trek follows the Vacas River which looks like it's filled with delicious chocolate milk and I don't even drink milk. The team enjoyed the five-hour hike and arrived in good spirits until the light rain set in. I learned long ago from a mentor that it never....keeps raining at Lenas Camp. True to form some group members put on rain gear and set up tents and the rain stopped almost immediately. We all met up with the descending RMI crew and celebrated the New Year's with the best steak asado dinner ever prepared on the Planet...since man learned to cook with fire. . . Yeah it's that good! The group is nestled in their tents thinking of the coming weeks and how good that steak was. We will get an early start tomorrow, bask in the remaining portions of shade offered on this climb while we hike to Casa de Piedra. Thanks for following along. RMI Guide Mike King

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Dad!
I can’t believe you’re already at 10K-something ft. That’s truly incredible. I leave for Brazil tomorrow and am spending the day baking a ton of cookies to give as gifts. They’re pretty damn good too. I’ll get to spend a little time in São Paulo this time which will be cool. Don’t know that city very well. We’re also going to Foz do Iguaçú so maybe I’ll hop over to Argentina for a day. Anyway, I hope you’re being careful and good to your body. Please be safe and don’t push yourself too hard!
Remember that tonight when you look up at the sky, even though our stars are different, we’re both looking at the same moon. I love you so much and am so proud of you.

Posted by: Emma on 1/3/2018 at 8:12 am

Happy New Year Daddio!
So jelly you are in beautiful Argentina, make sure you take lots of pictures! It’s finally sunny here, which is a good sign for 2018 I think. Hopefully it lasts! It’s also a full moon tonight. Miss you, love you! Be careful, take care of your back and knees!!

Posted by: Rowen on 1/1/2018 at 2:32 pm

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Aconcagua: King & Team Arrive in Mendoza, Argentina

December 29, 2017

Posted by: Mike King, Jess Matthews, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

We are all in Mendoza...the last 2 bags arrived late this evening and the Team is turned in and getting their last night of artificial air conditioning before heading out tomorrow. We will head to Los Penitentes to pack for the mules and sleep around 8,000'. Everyone is excited to begin the trek and escape the 100 degree weather here in town. Will be sending updates on our trip each day. Leave comments for your friends and loved ones in the blog comments, the moral support from back home goes a long way. RMI Guides Mike King, Jess Matthews and Nick Scott

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Virg, So I forgot - Joe’s truck went to the crusher today - it broke down. He bought another one - perfect for traveling Loveland pass and snowboarding - It is a van! He can carry snowboards and snowboarders up the pass - perfect. Also I am ordering mom and dad a cell phone tonight. Their home phone is all staticy - something is going on with the land line. Love ya - be safe! Nora

Posted by: Nora Hall on 1/6/2018 at 5:34 pm

Hello Virg,
I thought I would share this weeks menu with you:
Miso-butter Salmon & Lo Mein Noodles - with cucumber & Cherry Tomatoes - seared salmon and noodle salad with umami-packed sauce with sweet white miso and mirin - springy fresh lo mein noodles with crisp cucumber, scallions and cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Roasted Pork with fall vegetables and maple mustard sauce - hearty meal with rubbed pork blend sweet and smoky spices with medley of Brussels sprouts, carrots and Yukon gold potatoes and a drizzle of maple-sweetened creamy mustard sauce. Yum!!!
Love your sis - yum yum

Posted by: Nora Hall on 1/6/2018 at 5:21 pm

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Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Summit!

December 29, 2017

Posted by: JM Gorum, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 22,841'

Our first Aconcagua team along with their guides reached the Summit of Aconcagua at 22,841' earlier today! RMI Guide JM Gorum called in to happily report that the team reached the top, and have safely returned to camp. The team had absolutely perfect weather on their summit day, and everyone climbed well! The team is resting and refueling at camp. They will descend to Basecamp tomorrow where thicker air awaits! Congratulations Team!

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Congrats and Happy New Year to the team!!

Posted by: Karen Weis on 12/31/2017 at 9:18 pm

What an awesome way to end one year and start another

So proud of you all

Joe Parrinello

Posted by: Joe parrinello on 12/30/2017 at 9:17 am

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Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Take a Rest Day At Camp Two

December 27, 2017

Posted by: JM Gorum, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

The team is all doing exceptionally well here at our new home at 18,000' on Aconcagua. The weather has been a bit unsettled, with scattered snow flurries and winds battering our tents throughout the day. This less than stellar weather has been a great excuse to hang out and rest to the best of our abilities, which is perfect because this will be our last rest day of the trip. Our plan is to make our summit attempt and hit a weather window in just a few days. We have done our time up high, and everyone is excited for the opportunity to show their stuff. For now, we're eating mac and cheese in the tents, and finishing off this relaxing day in style. Once we leave here, we will be on the go until we get back to Mendoza, so we're savoring the bit of down time that we have left. We'll check in from Camp 3 tomorrow. RMI Guide JM Gorum

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Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Arrive at Camp Two

December 26, 2017

Posted by: JM Gorum, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

The team is settling in after a lovely dinner here at 18,000 ft. Everyone did an excellent job getting out of camp this morning, and we were the first ones to hit the trail. It turned out to be a good thing, because the circus was hot on our heals. We were the first team to arrive at Camp Two, which guaranteed us some choice tent spots at this often crowded locale. We arrived a little before 1 pm, and have just been relaxing, eating, and drinking since we got here. It's a pretty simple life. This camp stays in the sun for a few hours longer than Camp One, so we're all doing our best to photosynthesize before summit day. We will rest tomorrow, and finalize our summit plans based on what the weather gives us. We are within striking distance now, and everyone is excited. Bye for now. RMI Guide JM Gorum

On The Map

Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Rest Day at Camp 1

December 25, 2017

Posted by: JM Gorum, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

Merry Christmas from all of the team members here at Aconcagua Camp 1! There's not too much to report today. The team did an excellent job resting (they're pros), and everyone is more than ready to move uphill tomorrow. It was a beautiful day in camp, with a deep, dark blue sky that some attributed to our altitude, and therefore our proximity to outer space. I don't buy it, but we'll do our best to test that hypothesis tomorrow, as we move even higher. To Camp Two we go. RMI Guide JM Gorum

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Merry Christmas to brother Bill - you were the talk of Christmas dinner - enjoy your adventure - we are all waiting to see pictures and hear stories when you get back home - you are missing some chilly weather, good time to be in the Southern Hemisphere

Posted by: Jim on 12/25/2017 at 6:02 pm

Merry Christmas to all, especially Kevin. Have a great time!

Posted by: Dean & Dodie on 12/25/2017 at 4:00 pm

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Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Carry to Camp Two

December 24, 2017

Posted by: JM Gorum, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

It was the night before Christmas, and all through the tent not a creature was stirring...except for RMI's first Aconcagua ascent. Our cache was placed at Camp Two with care, in hopes we will soon be moving there. 18,000 feet is so high, we may have seen reindeer fly by. We boot skied down to camp with glee, making the best of Aconcagua's scree. We filled our bellies with tasty bites, before we lost the warm sunlight. We crawled into our tents snacking on treats, before dreaming of tomorrow's Christmas Day eats. Oatmeal and quesadillas they are the best, we can't wait to have a Christmas Day rest. Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight. RMI Guides JM Gorum, Avery Parrinello, and Hannah Smith

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Stay strong Bill Idzorek. Keep climbing and stay safe!

Posted by: Dan Young on 12/25/2017 at 6:26 pm

Merry Christmas Kevin and friends! I wish you all the best as you continue your ascent.
We miss you at LTF!

Posted by: Marcia on 12/25/2017 at 1:15 pm

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Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Move to Camp 1

December 23, 2017

Posted by: JM Gorum, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

The team has left Basecamp! We are officially on the mountain now, and our timing could not have been better. When we arrived in Basecamp we were the only ones there, and as of yesterday evening there were 64 people. We have all of Camp One to ourselves, however, and we should stay about a step ahead of the masses. The group broke down camp quickly this morning, we ate a nice breakfast, finalized our plans with the Basecamp staff, and hit the trail by 8:45. A nice breeze kept things cool for us today. We got to camp around 1:15 this afternoon, and set up camp efficiently. This group doesn't mess around with tents. A couple hours of hardcore, downright chillin' brought us to an early dinner of ravioli, and lentils and rice for our more gluten-challenged climbers. A surly snow squall sent everyone to their tents after dinner, and that's where we are now. Everyone is feeling great, and our plan is to carry to Camp 2 tomorrow. The team sends their best to everyone back at home. RMI Guide JM Gorum

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Merry Christmas to all.

Posted by: M Mitan on 12/24/2017 at 10:10 am

Congratulations. Merry Christmas Kevin and all your adventurous friends.

Posted by: Tammy Gjerde on 12/24/2017 at 7:08 am

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Aconcagua: Gorum and Team Enjoy a Rest Day at Basecamp

December 22, 2017

Posted by: JM Gorum, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 12,800'

Basecamp was a happening place last night. And while there were a few events that disturbed our sleep, it was a great night overall. The Stars were clear, and a distant thunderstorm provided visual entertainment late into the evening. We skipped breakfast this morning in favor of a leisurely brunch prepared by our resident burrito experts, Hannah and Avery. Brunch was really the primary item on our agenda for today, followed by relaxing to the best of our abilities. After checking in with everyone, I can say that we are ready to move out of Basecamp and into higher places. We'll check in from Camp One tomorrow. RMI Guide JM Gorum

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Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Ecuador Seminar: Knoff & Team Explore Quito

Aconcagua: King & Team at Pampa de Las Lenas

Aconcagua: King & Team Arrive in Mendoza, Argentina

Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Summit!

Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Take a Rest Day At Camp Two

On The Map

Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Arrive at Camp Two

On The Map

Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Rest Day at Camp 1

Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Carry to Camp Two

Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Move to Camp 1

On The Map

Aconcagua: Gorum and Team Enjoy a Rest Day at Basecamp

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