RMI Expeditions Blog
Posted by: Abby Westling, Ellison Boord, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The team of American Lung Association (ALA) climbers on the Four Day Climb June 19 - 22 led by RMI Guide Abby Westling reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The climbers enjoyed blue skies and sunshine on their ascent and were able to spend some time in the crater. Abby and the team started their descent from the crater rim around 8:30 am en route to Camp Muir. Once back at camp, they will get a short rest before continuing down to Paradise. The program ends this evening with a celebration for the team members for their hardwork and contributions to the American Lung Association.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Posted by: Casey Grom, Roland Scott, Calvin Jiricko
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guide Casey Grom & the Four Day Climb June 19 - 22 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today. The weather is beautiful with blue skies and a few broken clouds. The team was able to spend about an hour on the summit before starting their descent. The teams left the crater rim around 8:30 am to return to Camp Muir. After a brief stop to repack and refuel they will continue to descend the remaining 4,500' to Paradise. We look forward to their return to Rainier BaseCamp later this afternoon.
Nice work team!
Way to go, Casey and Team! You must be a good luck charm, buddy!
Posted by: Lee Hoedl on 6/22/2023 at 10:04 am
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Dustin Wittmier, Sam Marjerison, Michael Murray
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,000'
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 - 10:38 pm PT
Another storm day at 11,000'. Though not the worst storm, mostly cloud and snow without a lot of wind where we are... but of course that is why we are camped here. We did a long and slow breakfast, sipping coffee and telling stories. We hung out in our tents, napping, reading and watching tv and then it was burrito night. We celebrated Mitch's birthday and celebrated solstice in our snowstorm. We hope to get climbing again soon but we need the storm to move along first.
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
Love you, Dustin!! Be safe up there.
-Alissa
Posted by: Alissa Turosik on 6/23/2023 at 8:12 am
Hey Dustin!
Sending best wishes for clear skies and calm winds for the rest of your climb!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/23/2023 at 3:29 am
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Seth Burns, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,000'
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 - 7:19 pm PT
Our night of snow storms was briefly broken by clear skies and stunning views, at least for the 2am night owls. By 7, back to snow and low visibility, thus another rest day.
The team finally woke at a leisurely 8am, and gathered in the cook tent for an extraordinary breakfast. Hard at work, our tireless guides had put together pan-fried breakfast burritos that would give any cafe a run for its money. No cap. Seth may consider an alternate career as Chipotle’s chief burrito roller. Sated and happy, the group later headed out during a brief weather interlude to practice crampon skills. The next days of the climb will necessitate these on the steeper and icier terrain. With no one stabbed or stepped on, the outing was considered a success. Relaxation ensured the remainder of the afternoon as movies were watched, books were read, and an unlikely duet belted out classics by The Who.
We are well rested and ready to hopefully cache just past Windy Corner tomorrow, and continue our journey upwards.
RMI climber Alex Smith
Safe travels moving upward!
Posted by: Jenni on 6/22/2023 at 11:49 am
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Tatum Whatford, Evan Sather, Will Ambler
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,500'
The Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons June 17 - 22 led by RMI Guide Hannah Smith made the difficult decision to turn around today at 13,500'. Hannah reported difficult snow conditions and a lack of established trail due to the new snow accumulations over the last few days. The climbers have returned to Camp Schurman where they will spend their final night on the mountain. Tomorrow the team will do some crevasse rescue training before descending to the trailhead and returning to Rainier BaseCamp later in the day.
Posted by: Brent Okita, Mike Haugen, Nicole De Petris, Sam Hoffman, Charlie Harrison, Cal Seeley
Categories:
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guides Brent Okita & Mike Haugen reported a perfect day of climbing on Mt. Rainier today. The Four Day Climb June 18 - 21 reached the summit around 7 am and enjoyed some time in the crater before starting their descent. The teams started their descent from the crater rim just after 8 am and will return to Camp Muir. After a short break the teams will continue the final 4.5 miles to Paradise and be transferred back to Rainier BaseCamp later this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Posted by: Andy Bond, Jack Delaney, Joey Manship
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,000'
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 - 11:52 pm PT
The word of the day is casual. We woke up casually. We ate brunch super casually. It started around 9:45 and ended around 12:30pm. We casually devoured breakfast burritos fortified by wild Alaskan game sausage provided by the legendary Bleys. Food comas quickly afflicted much of the crew. Everyone casually waddled to their tents for the afternoon to indulge in naps and further snacking. Some folks managed to stay conscious enough to read books and watch TV or movies. Eventually the dinner bell was rung and the tents casually began to rustle with life. Dinner tonight is a repeat of a classic - ramen but this time with the addition of some newly acquired Korean spice paste. It added some much needed flavor as our ability to taste is deadened at this altitude. Another weather day has passed uneventfully, but each day we wait we get more clarity about the weather for our potential summit window. Anticipation is slowly growing amongst the team as the day to begin our summit push gets closer.
RMI Guide Jack Delaney and the Bond Girls
I feel certain that your window will be wide open to make that summit! And what a thrill it will be!!!
Posted by: Mary McKinley (Tante Mary) on 6/21/2023 at 8:32 pm
Sounds like a nice relaxing day. There’s lots of anticipation, excitement, and support in my little corner of the world for your reach for the summit. Ultreia!
Posted by: Michelle DeMers on 6/21/2023 at 3:38 pm
Posted by:
Categories:
The word of the day is casual. We woke up casually. We ate brunch super casually. It started around 9:45 and ended around 12:30pm. We casually devoured breakfast burritos fortified by wild Alaskan game sausage provided by the legendary Bleys. Food comas quickly afflicted much of the crew. Everyone casually waddled to their tents for the afternoon to indulge in naps and further snacking. Some folks managed to stay conscious enough to read books and watch TV or movies. Eventually the dinner bell was rung and the tents casually began to rustle with life. Dinner tonight is a repeat of a classic - ramen but this time with the addition of some newly acquired Korean spice paste. It added some much needed flavor as our ability to taste is deadened at this altitude. Another weather day has passed uneventfully, but each day we wait we get more clarity about the weather for our potential summit window. Anticipation is slowly growing amongst the team as the day to begin our summit push gets closer.
RMI Guide Jack Delaney and the Bond Girls
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Dustin Wittmier, Michael Murray, Sam Marjerison
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,000'
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 - 9:45 pm PT
Snow day at 11,000'. Thankfully the wind calmed down as we went to bed last night. Through the night and much of today it was just light snow and a lot of cloud. As we ate dinner and told each other stories in the dining tent, the storm ramped up and now, as we climb in tents for the night, it is officially DUMPING snow.
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
Get your motor runnin’
Head out on the highway
Looking for adventure
In whatever comes our way
Get ready to start your engines boys. Motorcycle Hill straight ahead!
Posted by: Dan Allegretti on 6/22/2023 at 6:06 am
Happy birthday Mitch! Stay safe and warm
Love Mare
Posted by: Marianne Harvey on 6/21/2023 at 10:27 pm
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Seth Burns, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,000'
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 - 8:20 pm PT
After a night of heavy snow we had an awesome breakfast of blueberry pancakes. We then reinforced our camp in anticipation of the continuing storm. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and so I was inspired to write a poem about our adventure. Here goes:
Denali is the mountain, they call it the “great one”.
Here in North America it’s second to none.
To get to the summit, that is our goal.
Standing so majestic, it captures the soul.
On our way to the top, we have to dig deep.
With courage and strength, a reward we will reap.
On this journey, new friends have been made.
The memories we share will surely never fade.
Each step gets us closer to reaching our dream.
I know we can do it, we have a great team.
Look up to the clouds, the beauty that we see.
Rising so high, its name is Denali.
RMI climber Mark Kulow
-640x480.jpg)
Congrats team! Such an amazing accomplishment.
Posted by: Steve Albert on 6/22/2023 at 8:24 pm
Congratulations to the whole team!
Excellent job on your climbing accomplishments! You all did a fantastic job raising money for the “ Clean Breathe “ cause. To my daughter Lori 25 years ago you worried me to death! I had no idea what I was going to do if something happened and I had to raise your children NOW 25 years later I couldn’t sleep with worry , if something happened to you who would take care of me ? LOL! We are so proud of you and all your accomplishments! Love Mom and Dad Hooper
Posted by: “Dad and Mom” Hooper on 6/22/2023 at 9:33 am
View All Comments