Entries from Locations
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Henry Coppolillo
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier and Team reached the summit of Mt. Baker via the North Ridge. The climb was windy, and partly cloudy, but warm. The team descended this morning and will Celebrate their success in Glacier, WA this afternoon.
After so many days of preparation and travel and anticipation, what a thrill it was to finally be walking uphill. We left our comfortable hotel at 8 AM in a bus headed east. We’d reached the Kilimanjaro National Park entrance by 10 AM and after a further hour of getting organized and registered with the park, we were off. It was raining lightly when we left our hotel, but it was merely cloudy and damp when we got walking through the big trees at the start of the Machame route. Moss was thriving and hanging from every branch and tree trunk and the trail was a little greasy under foot. Before long, we were steadily gaining altitude. The bus had taken us to 6000 ft and our goal for the day, Machame Camp, sat at 10,000 ft, so it was always going to be a tough workout. It was certainly tougher for our staff as they raced uphill with far heavier loads than we were carrying. We took short breaks every 90 minutes or so in order to eat and drink and by a little after 4 PM, the trees were getting smaller, the clouds were thinning and magically, our camp appeared… right where we’d hoped to find it. The crew had built us a wonderful home and we simply needed to move in. We sat in our dining tent for an afternoon snack and then, just before dinner, the clouds cleared enough to give our first magical views of Kibo -Kilimanjaro’s central peak- shining in the last rays of the sun nine thousand feet above us. Dinner was excellent and by 8 PM we were crawling into our tents and heading for bed… pleasantly tired and ready for a night with perhaps a little less jet lag.
Best Regards
RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team
The Expedition Skills Seminar – Emmons team turned at high break on their summit attempt today due to high winds. RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer reported steady winds of 50 MPH. The team is back at Camp Schurman, 9,440’, high camp on the Emmons Glacier where they will spend the night. The seminar team will finish their expedition skills training before descending in the morning.
Congratulations Team!
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Today was an easy day at the Rivertrees Hotel on the outskirts of Arusha.
The team met after breakfast to get into the details of our Kilimanjaro climb. We discussed staffing and itineraries and what gear gets used when. We talked about getting to the mountain and getting away from it and everything in between. We talked about packing and sorting gear and then we broke up the meeting in order to pack and sort.
Gear checks were performed back in the hotel rooms and then the gang had much of the afternoon to relax and work through jet lag.
We gathered for dinner outside on the patio and then drifted off to rest for our big first day of climbing.
Best Regards,
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Steve Gately, Emma Lyddan, Nicole De Petris, Roland Scott, Cal Seeley
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14, 410'
The Five-Day Climb led by Nikki Champion and Steve Gately reached the summit at 6 am this morning. After a warm walk uphill to Camp Muir on Saturday, teams enjoyed a good night's rest and a beautiful day of training before their ascent this morning.
The teams are currently on their descent and will return to Basecamp this afternoon for a celebration of their accomplishments! Congratulations team!
Way to go team!!!!! I’m Riley’s Mom and I’m so happy he accomplished this challenging
climb on his 3rd try. Congratulations to all of you!! Have a safe climb down.
Posted by: Crista Boyle on 8/1/2022 at 12:45 pm
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Wow. We did it. Against all odds, the team made it clear over to East Africa without missed or canceled flights and without losing luggage.
We’re assembled here in USA River, Tanzania (on the outskirts of Arusha) and ready to begin our Kilimanjaro adventure. Some of the team used the day to explore the town, some were still en route and some of us just napped… trying to work out the jet lag. But we came together for a pleasant dinner in the garden-like setting of the Rivertrees Hotel. Most chose to wear sweaters, finding the cool temps a pleasant change from the various heat waves plaguing the States these days. The nine team members simply enjoyed each other’s company this evening… tomorrow morning we’ll begin the business of prepping for a week of climbing Africa’s highest mountain.
Best Regards,
Dave Hahn
Enjoy every minute!
Posted by: Jeff Tracy on 7/31/2022 at 4:24 pm
Posted by: James Bealer, Sam Hoffman, Brian Walters
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
RMI Guide James Bealer checked in from the summit of Mt. Baker this morning.
After a warm walk into camp, the team enjoyed their breakfast before starting their ascent in the mid-morning. They stood atop Mt. Baker (Komo Kulshan) at around 11 am this morning.
Congrats team!
Posted by: Mike King, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14, 410'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Mike King and Avery Parrinello reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 4:30 am today. Mike reported 40 mph winds, clear skies, and a good climbing route. The team is in route to Camp Muir where they will take a well-deserved rest break, pack up and descend to Paradise. Then its back to Rainier Basecamp in Ashford, WA for burgers, cold drinks, and a little team celebration.
Good job everybody! Amazing team of guides across both groups
Posted by: Wes on 7/30/2022 at 5:56 pm
Posted by: Alan Davis, Dustin Wittmier, Tatum Whatford, George Hedreen, Tyler Meyers, Lacie Smith
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb July 26 - 29, 2022 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. RMI Guides Alan Davis & Dustin Wittmier led today's climbers to the crater at 14,410'. Warm temperatures and clear skies continue, allowing great views in all directions. The team began their descent from the crater rim around 6:20 am and are making their way back to Camp Muir. After a quick stop at Muir, the teams will continue the final 4,500' descent to Paradise and transfer to Rainier Basecamp. The team will conclude thier program this afternoon with a celebration.
Nice climbing team!
Posted by: Seth Burns, Josh Geiser, Michael Murray
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
RMI Guides Seth Burns, Josh Geiser and Michael Murray reached the summit of Mt. Baker today with 100% of their team. Seth reported a nice sunrise climb this morning via the Easton Glacier. The team will return to camp for their final night on the mountain. Tomorrow they will walk out to the trailhead and conclude their program.
Congratulations to the team!
Following… Sending love and encouragement from Coronado!
Posted by: Monica on 8/3/2022 at 8:18 am
Enjoying the climb back here in Michigan! 840 ft above sea level!
Posted by: Bruce Cumback on 8/3/2022 at 6:31 am
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