RMI Expeditions Blog

Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Begin Climb

September 20, 2016

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 10,000'

After a nice breakfast at the Dik Dik Lodge, we sent a few final emails and we were off to climb Kilimanjaro. A couple hours later, after a stop at the market and registering with the National Park it was time to start the climb. We left the cultivation zone behind and traded it in for a lush cloud forest. The team climbed well to our next zone the Heather and Moorland. We are camped here at 10,000' with an outstanding view of the mountain and incredible weather. It is time to crawl in to the tents and get some rest before the next challenge tomorrow. The team is doing well and we will continue to check in as we ascend Kilimanjaro. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

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Shishapangma: Team Checks in from Depot Camp

September 20, 2016

Posted by: Elias de Andres Martos, Adam Knoff, Robby Young

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Shishapangma

Elevation: 19,500'

Rotation 2... ready, set, go! We're at Depot Camp (aka Advanced Base Camp), starting our dinner. We left Base Camp this afternoon after lunch, and after a small snow storm that made us initially question our departure. The weather cleared, and in a mere three hours we were already in our tents at the edge of the glacier. The team is feeling quite well and strong, as it is proved by the fact that we ditched one hour from our time last week. Tomorrow we'll be ascending to Camp 1, and then, the intentions are to reach Camp 2 and spend some time there afterwards. But we'll keep you posted as we go. That's it for now, we'll check in tomorrow after our move to Camp 1. Regards, RMI Guide Elías de Andres Martos and team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

It has been great reading your blog and hearing about your progress. Would like to give a special shout out to my big brother, Arthur Muir. He is such an inspiration: his hard work, drive and determination are amazing! He gives new meaning to retirement! Way to go, Art, sending best wishes and much love to you and all the team! Bonnie

Posted by: Bonnie Bair on 9/21/2016 at 9:19 am

You have to be feeling a bit like a yo yo with the ups and downs! I have to think it takes real resol e to retrace those difficult steps. You guys inspire me!

Posted by: Rick Deerwester on 9/21/2016 at 6:29 am

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Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Ready for the Mountain

September 19, 2016

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Jambo! I had so much fun on the last Kilimanjaro climb, I decided to stick around for one more. The last of the team arrived this afternoon. Equipment is checked, the group gear is in place and our ride in the morning is all set. Great looking moon on the rise as I make my way to set down for the night. All is good here, hope there as well. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

Shishapangma: Elias & Team Prepare for Their Second Rotation

September 19, 2016

Posted by: Elias de Andres Martos, Adam Knoff, Robby Young

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Shishapangma

Elevation: 18,500'

Comedian Mitch Hedberg once said during a comedy skit, "I just want to be a mountain climber so I can wear brightly colored clothes, hang out at Base Camp, and drink hot cocoa." Today, for the second day in a row, we harnessed our inner Hedberg, and did just that. Our last rest day before the start of our second rotation onto the upper slopes of Shishapangma was filled with nourishment of all forms, and plenty of rest. Some of us practiced our favorite base camp activity, "sport eating." Others took competitive napping to the next level. While another team member continued his rein as supreme cribbage champion of Shishapangma 2016. Regardless of our chosen rest day activities, we all did the best we could to prepare our bodies and our minds for what lies ahead. Our second rotation begins tomorrow with a move to Depot Camp, followed by a return to Camp 1 at 20,000', and finally up to Camp 2 near 22,000' by the end of the work week. We're all feeling great, looking good, and ready for the upcoming challenge here on the 14th highest mountain in the world. We'll check in tomorrow from Depot Camp. RMI Guides Robby, Elias, Adam, and the Shishapangma Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Sandra, best efforts there on the mountain.
Jim W.

Posted by: Jim Wilder on 9/20/2016 at 9:20 am

Good to hear everyone is rested, but no doubt when this is read that recuperation will be a dim memory! Be strong on the way to Camp 2 and be well. We’ll eagerly await tomorrow’s update!

Posted by: Rick Deerwester on 9/20/2016 at 5:35 am

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Mt. Rainier: Teams Turn Due to Weather and Route Conditions

September 19, 2016

Posted by: Casey Grom, Nick Hunt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 11,700'

The Mt. Rainier Summit Climb teams turned due to avalanche conditions, deteriorating weather and winds. A fair amount of new snow has occurred on the mountain with drifts up to one meter. RMI Guides Casey Grom and Nick Hunt are currently descending from Camp Muir back to Paradise.

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Better Weatherluck Next Time!

Posted by: Stan Mikol on 9/22/2016 at 1:47 am

We both would like to thank the entire RMI team for your help throughout the climb in the challenging conditions and we feel that we have learned more from those few days with you than any other experience. We also loved hearing about your various climbs.

We had a great time meeting the rest of the climbers and sharing stories. Best of luck in their next endeavors!

We hope to be back next summer with better conditions and even more prepared. It’s defnitely not to be underestimated.

Thanks again
Kelly & Kieran

Posted by: Kelly and Kieran on 9/20/2016 at 10:17 am

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Shishapangma: Elias & Team Enjoy a Well-Deserved Rest Day

September 18, 2016

Posted by: Elias de Andres Martos, Adam Knoff, Robby Young

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Shishapangma

Elevation: 18,500'

Last night at 6:30 in the evening, Team Shishapangma was still on the move, descending a barely visible trail etched into the ancient glacial moraine by only a few dozen boots going up and down with hopes of establishing camps on the higher slopes of this snowy mass. Clearly this footpath changes each year after the passing of the monsoon rains so we were again proven how generous and selfless our Sherpa team is when Furba and Pemba Sherpa met us more than two miles from camp with warm drinks and happy smiles. We had been away from base camp for more than three days and they were eager to greet us. The remaining walk was in the dark guessing where the trail led which our Sherpas, with most things mountain related, were better at than us. We devoured dinner and shortly after sleep devoured us. This morning, Sunday the 18th of September greeted us like most others have. The sun hits us at 7:30, the sounds of Aital and Purna our righteous cooks firing up the kitchen, echoing off the rocky hillside behind us, our neighbor's camp coming to life. But these common place things are now accompanied by a new set of sounds. A chorus of coughs, hacks, and other phlegm related guttural noises are reminding us constantly how the unforgiving altitude we are living at is tightening its grip. Life at base camp is the best we have but at 18,500 feet it is still a challenge. So we were all grateful that today the most difficult thing we needed to do was drink coffee, clean some clothes, and listen to the Mark Wilkins school of business. Rest days are quickly becoming a hard earned and well deserved reward. The rotations coming up are only going to get higher, colder and longer so we will enjoy base camp as much as we can. Everyone is dreaming of home and wishing all following along lots of love. RMI Guide Elias de Andres Martos

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

I look forward to these updates every night. It puts a lot of things into perspective. Stella, Thor and I are with you in spirit and wishing you well. XO, Trish

Posted by: Trish on 9/23/2016 at 5:09 pm

Talking to you last night (your morning) and hearing your raspy breath (and challenged breathing) made the elevation you are operating at very real and vivid. Hopefully the day of rest will allow some natural healing to take place in all of your struggling respiratory systems.
Your adventure makes my solo 3,904 mile drive to/from Bonneville seems pretty lame. BTW, I thought of you yesterday when I looked at a partly collapsed bottle of oil that I’d opened and resealed on the 4,200 ft. elevation of the flats. Can’t imagine 18,000+.

Posted by: Rick Deerwester on 9/19/2016 at 6:28 am

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Shishapangma: Team Descends from Camp 1

September 17, 2016

Posted by: Elias de Andres Martos, Adam Knoff, Robby Young

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Shishapangma

Elevation: 18,400'

Good evening from Base Camp! We just returned from Camp 1, all the way into Shishapangma Base Camp. The day has been mellow by Himalayan standards, as the great distance to cover or the big elevations to save are just a part of the game that this team is facing with style. We're heading into bed, looking forward to a couple days of rest while we let our bodies adapt to the new elevation reached. Suva Rattri! RMI Guide Elias de Andres Martos

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Keep up the great work and progress. I hope everyone is feeling better and acclimating to the altitude. I wish I could see the beauty you wake up to everyday. Enjoy the gorgeous full moon! It must be spectacular from your location!
Xoxo, Trish

Posted by: Trish Deerwester on 9/18/2016 at 4:21 am

Continued success, congrats to all. Safe travels and enjoyable rest. Thinking of you each and every day.
Jane Nelson

Posted by: Jane Knoff Nelson on 9/17/2016 at 6:13 pm

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Mt. Rainier: Teams Unable to Summit Due to Weather

September 17, 2016

Posted by: Brent Okita, Paul Rachele

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 10,000'

RMI Guides Brent Okita and Paul Rachelle were unable to make a summit attempt with their Four Day Summit Climb September 14 - 17 teams due to poor weather. A large system moved into the area last night bringing heavy rains. The teams are safe and dry at Camp Muir but will be starting down to Paradise later this morning. We look forward to seeing them at Rainier BaseCamp today and we hope they enjoy participating in the events of the Rainier Mountain Festival.

Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Finish Their Safari

September 16, 2016

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Early adventure through Tarangire as we made our way back to The Dik Dik Lodge. The team put a good dent In the waffle iron before we left the Kikoti property. It's those little things that really make a difference out in the bush and a good waffle can set the tone for a fine finish to an amazing Safari. How appropriate to see our little mascot, the Dik Dik, just before leaving the park, a touching send off if you ask me. Some gear shuffle, a shower and one last delicious dinner here at the lodge before the team starts making their way home. A few will visit Zanzabar, others a stop in Amsterdam. Overall a feeling of accomplishment rounded out with a nice sense of connection to the basic elements of nature are packaged nicely for the travel abroad. Sad to have it come to a close, excited to start yet another chapter in the book of life soon! RMI Guide Mark Tucker

Shishapangma: Elias and Team Check in from Camp 1

September 16, 2016

Posted by: Adam Knoff, Elias de Andres Martos, Robby Young

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Shishapangma

Elevation: 6,500m

Namaste from Camp 1! A gelid evening is already in place here at 6,500m, but the warmth of our bags, the water boiled in the vestibule of the guides' tent, and camaraderie around, are definitely bringing up the adventure temperature. We had a long day climbing to here, as crossing the penitentes field is no joke; a super involved section that gains you no elevation but puts your endurance to the test. But we made it and now is time to go to bed, all while contemplating the summit, and in closer proximity, the location of Camp 2. "Suva Rattri"!!! RMI Guide Elías de Andres Martos and Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Seeing the Harvest moon last night and again early this morning, I could not help but think what it must like for you all to see the sky at night. I am jealous, for sure. Save travels.

Posted by: Betty (Art's sister) on 9/17/2016 at 5:17 am

Seeing the beautiful Harvest moon last night and again early this morning, I could not help but think of what it must be like for you all to see the sky at night. I am jealous, for sure. Safe travels.

Posted by: Betty (Art's sister) on 9/17/2016 at 5:15 am

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RMI Expeditions Blog

Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Begin Climb

On The Map

Shishapangma: Team Checks in from Depot Camp

Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Ready for the Mountain

Shishapangma: Elias & Team Prepare for Their Second Rotation

Mt. Rainier: Teams Turn Due to Weather and Route Conditions

Shishapangma: Elias & Team Enjoy a Well-Deserved Rest Day

Shishapangma: Team Descends from Camp 1

Mt. Rainier: Teams Unable to Summit Due to Weather

Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Finish Their Safari

Shishapangma: Elias and Team Check in from Camp 1

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