RMI Expeditions Blog
We pushed as hard as we could today but the weather just didn't let us summit Orizaba. We all climbed strong up to about 17,000ft when the combination of strong winds, wind loaded slopes, and reduced visibility made the decision to turn around and head downhill quite clear. It is always disappointing to not make the summit, but the while team is in great spirits back at the Casa pierde hut. Now we load onto the 4x4 for our final push to Mexico City and a nice hot shower and dinner. See you all very soon.
RMI Guide Walter Hailes checks in from Orizaba Summit attempt.
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Hello everyone.
We spent yesterday touring Tarangire National Park which is home to many elephants, and a huge diversity of other animals. It’s still a bit rainy here, so the normal numbers of animals was down a bit, but we’re headed out early today in hopes of seeing more.
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 and also last night's rain storm.
It's been a memorable experience for everyone and great friendships forged. But finally it's time to return home to our families.
Jambo from RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Safari crew!
Hello!
When will you release 2023 Kilimanjaro summit dates?
Thank you!
Gina
Posted by: Gina Dalferro Truslow on 1/23/2022 at 10:21 am
Our Ecuador Volcanoes team is excited to have reached the summit of Cotopaxi this morning around 7:30 am. The entire team climbed strong and efficiently. We are packing up now ready to head towards Quito. More to follow.
On The Map
Congratulations everyone!! What an amazing adventure! Love all the incredible photos and I’ve enjoyed living vicariously through you all while reading the blog! Safe travels home! Jamie
Posted by: Jamie on 1/30/2020 at 7:09 pm
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!! What an amazing achievement!!! Time to relax and reflect on your adventure. The magnificent scenery, the camaraderie, working together as a team and all the obstacles the mountain could put in your paths and you were able to meet the challenge and go on to summit!!! Wishing everyone safe travels home.
LUMTA 1TF So proud of you and your achievement Whynde
Posted by: Geri Kuehn on 1/30/2020 at 12:53 pm
Posted by: Nick Scott, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 16,200'
After a hard carry to Camp 2 yesterday, everyone enjoyed the late start to the morning today. It’s not often you get to sleep in on a mountaineering expedition so no one takes these rest days for granted. But besides the extra sleep, the other reason to get excited during a rest day is the breakfast. The guides whipped up a calorie replenishing feast consisting of eggs, bacon, hash browns, fresh veggies and cheese all wrapped up burrito style. With bellies full of warm food and coffee we all retired to a sunny corner of camp to digest our meal. The skies are clear and sunny today. The perfect weather to rest and acclimatize and regain our strength for our move up to Camp 2 tomorrow.
On The Map
We are soo proud of you
Posted by: Katie and Jeannette on 1/31/2020 at 12:38 pm
Update: January 30th at 1:30 pm PT
Hello friends and family,
We spent a few hours today climbing higher on Orizaba in partial sunshine and protected from the wind by the mountain. During the trip we refreshed our ice axe and crampon skills and may have done a little scheming about new business ideas. We are sticking to the plan of an early dinner and bed and really early rise to attempt the summit. No matter what the weather does we will be safe and have fun.
January 30th at 6:30 am PT
We made the correct decision to abandon the tents and sleep in the hut at Piedra Grande. The wind gusts gradually got stronger till early morning. Another team did attempt the summit but turned around before the summit because of the wind.
The wind is still strong but we are going to get out and do a little training/acclimation hike and enjoy the day. We'll keep looking up and see what the weather gives us for tonight.
On The Map
Hello from the Cotopaxi hut, situated at 16,000' on the northern slopes of this incredible mountain. At least I think we are on Cotopaxi? Yesterday the mountain shone bright and crisp, the sky cloudless and calm. Exactly what we were hoping for today.
But staying true to form, all that enticing weather, beckoning us to climb lasted all of two hours and by 11 am yesterday morning the mountain was gone and we haven’t seen it since. Through on and off rain we prepared our packs this morning hoping things would clear. At 1 pm we had left Chilcabamba with cloudy but dry conditions. By 2:15 we were in the parking lot 500 vertical feet below the hut in a complete downpour. Not to mention the fog was so thick we couldn’t see the other side of the lot.
So what gives? I am listening to rain hit the roof and the fog surround us like a haunting cape. We will try to climb anyway.
On The Map
Hello all…the weather certainly has made your climb quite a challenge!!! Believe in yourselves. When you think you can’t take one more step, focus and draw courage and strength from within you. Be proud of yourselves and remember…you’re part of a very small group of people that can say they faced the mountain and conquered it’s obstacles. YOU ALL ROCK!!! GOOD LUCK AND STAY DRY!!!
LUMTA 1TF
“Be the kind of person who in the face of adversity will continue to embrace life and walk fearlessly toward the challenge. Take it on! Own your own power and glory!
Oprah Winfrey
Posted by: Geri Kuehn on 1/30/2020 at 8:37 am
Prayers for a safe trip! Wishing you blue bird days. Mom
Posted by: Jane on 1/30/2020 at 3:49 am
Our day started calm and orderly, but did not finish that way. We had another great meal at La Malinche before we started driving to Tlachachula. Then we loaded the van and hit the road. After sorting gear and eating lunch in town we loaded up the 4x4 and drove the bumpy road 2 hours to camp. Camp was a little windy when as we set up our tents. We choose to sleep in tents instead of the hut so that we could have a nice quiet night. However, just as we finished the last tent big wind gusts started hitting us. When we almost lost one tent 3 times we decided to change plans, drop the tents and retreat to the hut. The team made quick work of relocating and we settled into the hut nicely. We'll sleep sound tonight and see what the wind is like in the morning.
RMI Guide Walt Hailes & Team
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Today we visited the famous Ngorongoro Crater, and considered by many to be the 8th wonder of the world. The crater is what remains of a once massive volcano that erupted and collapsed on itself, leaving behind a giant caldera that's almost exactly 100 square miles. Every time we've visited the crater it's been excitingly different, and today was the same.
We were able to see several lions and it was exciting to be close to those big cats! As we made our way around the crater we saw tons of other wildlife, zebras, Cape buffalo, wildebeest, jackals, Giselles, countless raptors and many other large birds. It was quite a day to say the least, and I'm certain one that won't be forgotten by anyone.
We finished the evening here at the Plantation Lodge and are looking forward to what tomorrow may bring as we head to Tarangire National Park.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Safari crew
Posted by: Nick Scott, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
When we woke up this morning the snow had melted, but the chill it left in the air remained. It was by far the coldest morning of the trip so far, but nothing a hot cup of coffee and a warm breakfast couldn’t fix. With our bellies full and our cores warmed we turned our attention uphill to Camp 2. While the route to Camp at 18,000 feet is easier walking than the route to Camp 1, the gain in elevation was definitely noticed by everyone. No matter how fit you are, carrying weight uphill at 18,000 feet above sea level makes you feel like you are breathing through a straw during a workout. Despite the difficulties presented by the mountain today, the team performed well and we were all back in our tents at Camp 1 enjoying some lunch before we were halfway through the day. Tomorrow is another rest day and another opportunity to acclimatize, so the next time we walk into Camp 2 it doesn’t feel quite so difficult.
Great job all! Onward and upward! :))
Posted by: Coeli Scott on 1/30/2020 at 8:11 am
Good morning. We had a great day yesterday driving to La Malinche. We left Mexico City and grabbed some lunch and snacks food for our climb today. Once we arrive at the resort we settled into the cabana and Brett, Jeff and John went for a hike before dinner. Alden, Merrick and I spent time at the cabana prepping for our climb today. Dinner was delicious with queso and guacamole for all.
This morning we grabbed breakfast and hit the trail for our first acclimation hike. The forecast called for sunny and warm. We had a near perfect day today on our acclimation hike. Sunny skies, light breeze, and a great team. We moved well uphill even in the loose rock and scree of the mountain and got to relax on to for well over an hour, breathing the thin air as getting ready for the next challenge. We are all looking forward to another great dinner and a warm fire in our cabana tonight.
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Damn those high winds and white out conditions!! Obviously the right call to make! Have fun in Mexico City. Looking forward to seeing pics and hearing stories. Safe travels!
Posted by: Chip on 2/1/2020 at 12:24 pm
You’re all unstoppable!!! Warm greetings from Florida and Boston!
Posted by: Team Alden on 1/31/2020 at 8:06 am
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