RMI Expeditions Blog
Our day started in the cloud layer we were hoping to escape, but clear weather seemed imminent. An hour later we finally found sunshine. What was really cool today was that Ken was able to rejoin our team at Shira Camp last night after his health improved following a major GI problem.
The Shira Plateau we were ascending was far gentler on our legs and lungs than yesterday's climb. This was nice since we had a long way to go today. Our destination: Barranco Camp. But first we had to get past Lava Tower, 15,200'. The team climbed well on this terrain and by noon we were feasting on the sack lunches prepared by our kitchen staff. The descent into the Barranco Valley proved just as beautiful as I recall. We're hoping this cold mist at camp goes away with the coming evening so we can enjoy this beautiful camp. This might be my favorite.
Goodnight from Barranco Camp. The dinner bell is about to sound.
RMI Guide Brent Okita and Team
Posted by: Steve Gately, Ben Luedtke, Ellison Boord, Will Nash, Tom Skoog, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Steve Gately and Ben Luedtke reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. RMI Guide Ben Luedtke captured the team in this photo on the upper mountian as they were ascending under clear blue skies. They are on the descent in route back to Camp Muir.
Congratulations Team!
Looking to be added to waitlist for a 4 or 5 (perferable 5) day Raineer trip.
hoping for 2nd half of August or September
website is not letting me sign up to waitlist
Look forward to hearing back from you folks
Posted by: Jay Salus on 4/23/2024 at 2:48 pm
Posted by: Jack Delaney, Nicole De Petris, Jackson Breen, Michael Murray
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
After some long days of walking and training, the Emmon's seminar led by RMI guide Jack Delaney reached the summit of Mt. Rainier. The team will enjoy their descent to Camp Schurman and a nice dinner before resting up for their walk out of the backcountry and drive back to Ashford tomorrow afternoon. Nice work team!
Posted by: Henry Coppolillo, Joey Manship, Will Ambler
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise July 28 - 2 August led by RMI Guides Henry Coppolillo, Joey Manship and Will Ambler reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today. The team met last Friday for their first day of training, equipment checks and orientation. With full packs they ascended to their first camp on Saturday. They have spent the last four nights on the mountain, moving camps expedition style and practicing glacier travel, ice axes arrest, cramponing, crevasse rescue techniques while gradually ascending. Yesterday they jumped up to Camp Muir and launched their summit attempt with an alpine start today. After reaching the summit, the team descended to Camp Muir. Once at Camp they will repack gear and continue down to Paradise.
Congratulations to today's Paradise Seminar crew!
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Emma Lyddan, Hannah Blum
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb July 30 - 2 August reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today. RMI Guide Nikki Champion led the team reported cold and windy conditions with a good route. The team spent some time in the crater before starting their descent to Camp Muir. Once back at Camp they will take a short break before continuing the remaining 4,500' to Paradise.
Nice work today team!
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Leaving Camp at 8:15 the going gets steep right off the bat. But, as we say on Kili, pole, pole - slowly,slowly. It's a refrain we hear all the time, and is one of the secrets to summitting this 19,340' mountain. We are thankful we started out dressed lightly as this trail makes you work for every step. Luckily, the clouds overhead keep the temp pleasantly cool. The clouds also offer some protection from the high altitude sun. Approaching 12,000' we note that the giant heathers are getting smaller. The wildflowers are getting more common, with the beautiful and hearty Everlasting flowers. It's beautiful! Fun rock steps provide interesting hand and footwork. Then, magically, Shira Camp appears. Once settled lunch is announced. We're treated to potato, leek soup, French fries and sautéed herb chicken. Amazing!
Time for a siesta.
Fantastic! Lunch sounds tasty. Really enjoying these updates. Wishing you all a great next day!
Posted by: Akila Subramanian on 8/2/2023 at 6:09 pm
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
The walk thru the rainforest from the Machame Gate was nice with typically cloudy skies, but no rain. Freddy, a local guide who has been working with RMI for over 30 years set a perfect pace so we could all arrive in camp feeling good. The highlight of the evening was the surprise birthday cake the mtn staff carried up to celebrate Mike’s special day. We're hoping to get above these clouds tomorrow, but for now our sleeping bags beckon us to rest our tired bodies. The chatter of camp, and laughter of our staff, slowly ebbs as fatigue overcomes us after a good day.
Goodnight.
Loving the updates! Praying for you all to get great rest tonight and have a fantastic day tomorrow!
Posted by: Heidi Tully on 8/2/2023 at 7:15 am
Posted by: Jess Wedel, Erika Birkeland, Mike Bennett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,541'
Hi! This is Jess on Glacier Peak. We are on the summit! Perfect weather and conditions. We'll let you know when we're back to camp.
RMI Guide Jess Wedel
Congrats! Hope Nate and Ed are having a blast! Tom got home safe yesterday and is recovering from the food poisoning!
Posted by: Lynn Rockwell on 8/1/2023 at 7:02 pm
Posted by: Tatum Whatford, Charlie Harrison
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
Monday, July 31, 2023 - 6:00 pm PT
We woke up to a clear stary morning at Sandy Camp for our climb of the Easton Glacier. We had an all-star team of climbers that tagged the top around 10am this morning. We just got back to camp and we're enjoying some sunshine.
RMI Guide Tatum Whatford
A painless 1 1/2 hr drive has brought us to the start of our climb, the Machame Gate. Registration with the Park Service is dealt with before we venture into the rain forest. The lush farms and vegetation here is a result of the clouds of moisture that hang at this elevation. We'll get above this climate zone at our first camp, the Machame Camp, at 10,000'.
We have met some of the mountain staff that will help us get to the top as pleasantly as possible. Many of them are friends from past trips, including Naimen, the head of our local guides staff. Our wait staff - yes, we have waiters - will keep the food chef Benson creates coming our way to keep our energy levels up. Alfred leads this team, and has been with me on every trip I've done.
We've devoured part of the sack lunches our outfitter had provided us and are now ready to rock.
Catch up with you at the next camp!
RMI Guide Brent Okita
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Exciting to hear the group’s progress!
The summit is nearing!
Sending good vibes!
Posted by: Vish Subramanian on 8/3/2023 at 9:54 pm
Thank you, Brent, for your updates with pictures!! It is interesting and helpful to learn about the team’s journey!
Wishing everyone the very best for the rest of the hike!
Best wishes,
Suganthi
Posted by: Suganthi Subramanian on 8/3/2023 at 7:17 pm
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