RMI Expeditions Blog
Posted by: Tatum Whatford, Jess Wedel, Jenna Burkey
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
After a week of Denali Prep Training on the Paradise Glacier RMI Guide Tatum Whatford and the Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise Team made their way to Camp Muir for their summit attempt of Mt. Rainier. The team climbed under clear skies and a light breeze to successfully reach the Summit of Mt. Rainer at 7:30 am Today! The team has started their descent and are looking forward to cold drinks and a celebration at the Basecamp Bar and Grill.
Congratulations Team!
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Alan Davis, Charlie Harrison
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 7:15 am today. Pete reported beautiful clear crisp skies, with light winds. Once the team reached the crater rim, they made their way across to Register Rock at Columbia Crest at 14,410' the highest point in Washington State. The team has started their descent and are in route to Camp Muir.
Congratulations Team!
We had an early wake up this morning at Winay Wayna so our Porters could catch an early train home after their impressive work the last 3 days. We let camp clear of the other trekking groups and began our hike to the Sun Gate at the top of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary around 5:45 am. Overcast skies kept the early day cool and as the team descended into Machu Picchu taking in the stellar vantage point. Since the pandemic, the way people are routed through the site has allowed for less crowding and more time in the different points of interest. We got some sun to make the pictures pop and provide context to the intricate terracing that makes this site so unique. Our Peruvian guides Marco & Jaime gave a nice 2 hour tour and history lesson. We are at the hotel in Aquas Calientes for some R&R. Tomorrow we'll return to Machu Picchu for some more wandering around and possibly a hike up Huyna Picchu depending on the weather and how people's leg/feet are feeling. Regardless, it will be a nice morning to wrap up this trek before catching a train back to Cusco.
Thanks for checking in.
Awesome Mike!!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 8/16/2022 at 6:34 pm
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Today was an easy day of getting packed and ready for the mountain. We began with an after breakfast meeting outside under the big trees while monkeys jumped from branch to branch above us. We discussed the plan for our climb and talked about how the gear needed to be ordered and arranged for starting out. Then we conducted equipment checks back in the rooms to help folks decide what to leave in and what to take out. There was then plenty of time in the afternoon for packing, napping away the jet lag, walking the peaceful grounds of the hotel, and eating. We got together for a team dinner at 7 PM to cap things off. Everything is set to go now, we’ll head for Mount Kilimanjaro in the morning.
Best Regards
Yay! Sounds like another great day. That is some giant heather! And I can almost imagine the beauty of the night sky you are seeing. May your next day be smooth and wonderful. Cheering you on, Kim ~ and all you amazing folks!
Posted by: Kathryn Jaliman on 8/17/2022 at 7:07 pm
Wow! You are all off to a great start! I’m so excited to be reading of this epic adventure. Just know I’m cheering you all on from that US. Best wishes in your first day of climbing. Kim and Bella you’ve got this!!! Hugs!!
Posted by: Pam on 8/16/2022 at 6:24 am
RMI Guide Henry Coppolillo checked in from camp around 11:45 am today. The team reached the summit of Mt. Shuksan via the Fisher Chimney's route. The entire team stood on top around 8 am. The team was going to continue down to a lower elevation.
Nice work team!
Monday, August 15, 2022 - 3:25 am PT
Up, up and away! Right out of camp we immediately climbed several sections of steep Inca steps. Layers were quickly shed at our first stop of the day, Runkurakay, about half way up to the 13,000 foot pass. This site was a beautiful outpost thought to be a check point for pilgrims along the Inca trail. After a brief history lesson here we continued to climb until we hit the top of the pass. Here we were rewarded with world class views of tall glaciated peaks, soaring granite towers and deep rainforest river valleys. Then it was down, down, down. The rest of the day was spent descending from our high point. Our transition from the dry alpine zone into the cloud forest was equally impressive. We passed through lush jungle and dozens of orchids, admiring the stunning colors. We also had several stops at historic Inca sites on our descent. Each one becoming more elaborate and impressive as we got closer to Machu Picchu. The two biggest sites were right next to camp, Intipata and Wiñaywayna. These sites had numerous large terraces, complex drainage systems, and housing complexes. Our excitement was growing knowing the greatest of the Inca sites was yet to come, Machu Picchu! Tonight we go to bed extra early since we’re planning to get an alpine start to beat the crowds.
Goodnight,
RMI Guides Mike King, Jack Delaney and the team
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Lauren Macklin
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
After several days of training on Mt. Erie and in the lower alpine of Mt. Baker, our Mt. Baker seminar teams have successfully summited Mt. Baker. They were on top this morning around 8:45 am. Completion of this program is one step on many mountaineers' journey to accomplishing other peaks like climbing Denali or Aconcagua.
The team will take the rest of the day today to rest and continue their training before walking out to the trailhead tomorrow.
Congrats team!
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories:
We’re declaring victory right at the start of this Kilimanjaro expedition. Each climber made each flight with each and every bag. The gang assembled this evening at the Rivertrees Inn at Usa River, Tanzania. Eight climbers and one climbing guide. We introduced ourselves and explained how we’d each come to be on this quest. For some it was years in the making, pushed back by the pandemic, for others the path to the mountain formed up spontaneously in the preceding months. But we are all here now and ready to go… with a little inevitable jet lag. We dined outside under the big trees, and without any interruptions from the monkeys in the neighborhood. Tomorrow morning, we’ll meet and get down to the actual business of preparing for a Kilimanjaro climb.
Best Regards
I’m so excited for you all - and for me, too, since I’ve been living vicariously through Kim on her adventures. :) Thank you for posting updates. You’ve got this Team!
Posted by: Diana Lowe on 8/15/2022 at 4:44 pm
Bella and Kim…I’m so grateful all has gone well to this point. I’m sure you will both successfully summit and complete this challenge. I’m very impressed with what you’ve shared with me about your guide, Dave Hahn. He sounds uniquely qualified to lead this expedition. I’m proud of you both for all your dedication and hard work preparing. My prayers go with you.
Posted by: Paul mann on 8/15/2022 at 12:04 pm
Posted by: Mike King, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Machu Picchu
Elevation: 13,779'
Buenas noches señors y señoritas!
We awoke early to begin our first day on the official Inca trail! We had 4,000 feet to climb and the majority of it was on 600+ year old Inca stone steps.
The day started out along a babbling stream wandering up through a lush and wild jungle. We were even lucky enough to spot a sapphire hummingbird along our trek. Halfway through our grueling climb, we popped out above the tree line to enjoy a tasty lunch and beautiful views of the valley below. The final climb uphill was done slowly, since the top of Warmiwañusca pass was at 13,779 feet! Here, we enjoyed a well-deserved break before beginning our 2,000’ descent to camp at Pacaymayo. Thankfully, the views were spectacular and there were many colorful wildflowers along the trail to help distract us from the large and steep steps. We slowly and safely made our way down to camp where we enjoyed popcorn, chips, and guacamole for our afternoon snack! The guides claim dinner was “puma meat” but no matter what it was, it was delicious!
We’re headed to bed early tonight because we have another big day full of Inca stone steps ahead of us tomorrow!
Posted by: Steve Gately, Avery Parrinello, Ben Ammon, George Hedreen, Lacie Smith, Evan Sather
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Teams August 10 - 13 led by RMI Guides Steve Gately and Avery Parrinello reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Clear skies and warm temps were enjoyed by the climbers. Around 7:30 am the teams started their descent from the crater rim. All teams will return to Camp Muir for a quick break before continuing the remaining 4.5 miles and 4,500' to Paradise. They will conclude thier program with a celebration at Rainier BaseCamp later this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Congratulations! Well done!
Posted by: Gavin McCraley on 8/13/2022 at 9:23 am
Way to go! Great achievement on a beautiful day!
Posted by: Chuck Denney on 8/13/2022 at 9:23 am
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So proud of you Andrew and John!! Stay safe!! Enjoy!!!
Aunt Judy and Uncle Brian!!
Posted by: Judy Eisentrout on 8/19/2022 at 7:45 pm
Very proud of the old man on the team! Just sad I didn’t remind him to pack sunscreen. Great job KAK!!!
Posted by: Nina Kahloon on 8/16/2022 at 1:29 pm
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