RMI Expeditions Blog
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Today was our first day of safari and we headed northwest to visit the beautiful Lake Manyara. The lake is a brief stopping ground for many migratory animals and home to more than 300 different birds. Everyone enjoyed the day cruising around in our safari vehicles with cold beverages in hand while seeing the animals up close.
We managed to see a few wildebeest, zebras, Cape buffalo, lots of baboons, a few impalas and many hippos, and several elephants pretty close. It was a nice introduction to the incredible diversity of wildlife that Africa has and the team is looking forward to seeing more tomorrow.
We wrapped up the evening with a wonderful meal at our new lodge, The Plantation Lodge, and even celebrated one of our teammate's birthday with a cake and plenty of singing.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Safari crew
Namaste from Kathmandu,
Everyone arrived on time, bags made it no problem... and jet lag, as expected, kicked in early. We met at our hotel, Yak & Yeti, and headed out for lunch and coffee, as the first activity as a team. It was funny to see how we all were craving bed shortly after, as the massive time difference started to trigger a need for sleep at an awkward local time.
With not much else to report, we're scheduled to have a good day tomorrow of touring some of the city's historical landmarks, and of course, getting excited to start our mountainous journey.
That's all for now, the adventure begins!
RMI Guide Elias de Andres Martos
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Today we woke at 6:30 after a wonderful night of well deserved sleep, had a quick breakfast, then enjoyed a few goodbye songs from our hardworking and kind crew of porters, cooks, and local guides. We finished the little celebration by handing out their well earned tips and then hit the trail one last time descending back into the thick forest surrounding Kilimanjaro. It took about three hours to reach the park gate where the team had lunch then hopped aboard our awaiting bus for the ride back to the lodge.
The team is doing great after relaxing for a few hours and some and well deserved long, hot showers.
Everyone is looking forward to our game viewing safari which starts early tomorrow!
RMI Guide Casey Grom and a happy Kilimanjaro crew
Posted by: Christina Dale, JT Schmitt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,100'
The Four Day Climb September 21 - 24 made a valiant effort in their summit attempt of Mt. Rainier this morning. With cold temperatures and clear skies the teams ascended to 14,100' before being forced to abort their climb due to high winds. The teams will return to Camp Muir and then continue to Paradise. We look forward to greeting them at Rainier BaseCamp later this afternoon.
We did it! Summit success!
The team got up at 11pm and were all ready by 11:30 for the ascent. We then had a quick midnight breakfast of porridge, tea and coffee before starting our climb under a mostly full moon.
The weather was very calm and the route wasn’t all that busy allowing us to take our time and enjoy the ascent. The climb took just under seven hours to reach the summit, and thankfully the sun rose shortly before reaching the top to help warm us and boost morale after climbing through the night.
On the summit we hugged each other, enjoyed the views and took plenty of pictures and even made a few phone calls to loved ones back home.
It was a true test of endurance for most of the crew, and I'm really proud of everyone.
We descended back to high camp, where we had a quick lunch, repacked and then continued further down the mountain to our final camp in the thick warm air at 10’000ft, where we just finished another fine meal prepared by our gracious staff. Now it’s off to bed for some well deserved sleep.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and a happy Kilimanjaro summit crew
On The Map
When I looked at the picture of the summit crew I knew it was you Judge Junell!!!! Congrats on another summit. I have another trip for you- The Lofoten Islands, Norway. I’ll send you the info!! Cheers to everyone.
Posted by: Elsie Bemiss on 9/24/2018 at 5:18 pm
kudos to Hans/Alix. You guys overcome all obstacles. Proud parents.
Posted by: Margot badenhausen on 9/23/2018 at 3:44 pm
Posted by: Robby Young, Chris Ebeling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 8,500'
Today was a day of weather on Mt. Rainier. Unfortunately, that weather was not cooperating for the summit climb teams and they were turned back at 8,500'. Mountaineering has its weather uncertainties- we take what Mother Nature deals to us. Today was not a day for aces but there will be more days in the mountains.
A great effort by the team today.
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Steve Gately
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 10,080'
The Mt. Rainier Summit Climb teams were unable to summit due to winds and a high level of precipitation. They will leave Camp Muir at 10:00 am and return to Rainier Basecamp early this afternoon.
Aw guys I’m so sorry!! Get down safely! If this gets to Chris - I’ll be at café
Posted by: Caroline Gerhardt on 9/22/2018 at 10:42 am
Hello again everyone:
After a good night's rest and a short hike up to 15,000 feet we’ve finally arrived at our high camp. Today was mostly sunny with great views of Kilimanjaro and our intended route for tomorrow’s climb.
The team has just wrapped up lunch and discussed in great detail the plan for tomorrow’s climb. Everyone knows what what we’ll be wearing, what will be in the pack, as well as the schedule.
Our game plan will be to wake at 11pm and have a quick breakfast at 11:30, then hopefully hit the trail right at midnight. The team has been doing great thus far and I’m expecting us to reach the summit in seven to eight hours if things go according to plan.
Also to note!
There have been several rounds of trivia with the winner getting a chance to make a satellite phone call from the summit. So everyone back home please keep your phones handy and if you receive a call from a strange number please answer. We are seven hours ahead of the east coast time zone, so a 7:00 am arrival at the summit will mean a midnight phone call.
Wish us luck!
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Kili crew
On The Map
Hey Jess, tried to get your call last night, but no luck for service. Can’t wait until you’re back. K byeeeee
Posted by: Zacharahia Mcclanahan on 9/23/2018 at 7:46 am
Hello again everyone:
We left camp a little later today to allow the many porters to hit the trail before us as we had our main difficulty right out of camp. This obstacle is the great Barranco Wall, which rises about 1,000 feet and looks as intimidating as it sounds. Thankfully there is a nice narrow trail that weaves its way up and through the wall and all the way to the top. Most of it feels more like steep hiking, but there are a few places that require the use of our hands to help us climb up. The team did a good job of moving steady and allowing a few porters through with their loads precariously balanced on their heads.
After reaching the top, we took a nice break and enjoyed the amazing views of the ice-ladened south face and valleys below. The team continued our hike for a few more hours before reaching camp. All in all, it took only about four hours for us to reach our next camp called Karanga, named for the big and beautiful valley which it overlooks.
We spent the remainder of the day relaxing in our tents as a light drizzle arrived shortly after we did.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Kili crew
On The Map
Jambo Everyone
Once again we woke to beautifully clear skies with even better views of Kilimanjaro since moving up on the mountain. Our morning ritual has been waking around 6:30 and getting everything in our tents packed up before heading into our very spacious dining tent for our breakfast feast. Normally there is fresh fruit, fried eggs, porridge, bacon, and plenty of hot coffee awaiting us, obviously we’re being well taken care of by our gracious staff.
Today our route took us up and around the well known and beautiful Lava Tower reaching just over 15,000', setting a new altitude record for some.
We also passed by many of the giant groundsels and towering Senecio trees that made us feel as if we were in some crazy Dr. Suess story book.
All in all it was a really nice day with clouds gathering in the afternoon to help keep the temperature comfortable for hiking. We are now comfortably set up at Barranco Camp beneath the Great Barranco Wall.
RMI Guide Casey Grom
On The Map
Helping you breathe from our home elevation of 500’. Good luck on your final ascent. Love the log.
Posted by: Margot/Dick on 9/21/2018 at 11:18 am
It was still an adventure of a lifetime and I am sure an experience to always remember. Jamie and Landrum - if this the team that you are with, I can’t wait to see you both. I am proud of both of you for all the time and preparation that you put into this not to mention your pursuit of a dream.
Posted by: M.Watts on 9/26/2018 at 6:32 am
SOOOOO close!!!! I am sure the views were worth every effort. Glad you guys are keeping safe and not risking it all to get to the top! Can’t wait to see pics.
Posted by: Melissa Passero on 9/24/2018 at 10:19 am
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