Entries By abby westling

The Five Day Climb April 28 - 2 May led by RMI Guides Andy Bond and Dustin Wittmier are descending from Camp Muir this morning.  The team made the most of their time on the mountain getting in a Climbing school to learn cramponing, rope travel and ice axe arrest techniques.  They then ascended to Camp Muir, 10,080', where they spent two nights and were able to do additional training.  Lightning near Camp Muir and high winds kept the team from making a summit attempt this morning.  We look forward to seeing them back at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon.

Hello trusty readers,

We woke today in Lukla and gathered for breakfast. It would be our last teahouse breakfast as a team. Today we were flying out of Lukla back to Kathmandu. Flight times are not strict or on time or a for sure thing. After plenty of coffee and patience, we made our way to the heli pad and waited for Dawa to tell us to head for the chopper. We needed two helicopters to get the eight of us out and by 12:30pm we were all safely in Kathmandu. It's feels good to be back and almost like a dream that only a few days ago we were above 17,000'. After showers and shuffling gear we met for one last team dinner to celebrate the three weeks together. It's been an amazing adventure with amazing people. Thank you team from Abby and myself for a great time and to share the mountains with us. We hope to see you again on another mountain with RMI Expeditions!

Thank you for following along,

RMI Guides Hannah, Abby, and Team

Hello readers,

We woke for our last trekking day. The trail and teahouses have gotten busier as the Everest climbing season is kicking off. While for many they are just starting their adventure, we are ending ours. By 8:30 am we were off headed down trail. We had a lot of stairs ahead of us but also lots of motivation to tackle all of them. As the morning turned into the afternoon it felt like we were going the wrong way on a one way. Hundreds of people were walking in along with train after train of mules. This must be what it feels like to be a salmon swimming up stream. We did what we could to weave through the crowds. Man do we feel lucky to have been trekking during the quiet time of the season. Eight hours later we took our last steps up the stairs leading into Lukla, the town we flew into and our starting point. We left here jetlegged, bright eyed, and clean. Now we look a little weathered and worn down, but our eyes have seen so much beauty and we have had experiences to last at least a few months before the itch to sign up for another adventure takes hold. Tonight is our last night in a teahouse. Tomorrow we fly back to Kathmandu and join the hustle and bustle of a major city. It's been over two weeks in this valley and an amazing time it's been. Now hopefully it's clear skies and smooth flying in the morning. 

Goodnight all,

RMI Guides Hannah, Abby, and Team

We woke in Pangboche to a crisp morning. The team strolled in one by one looking for some hot coffee to start their day. It's been a cold few days so the team is a bit sensitive to the cold. We sat for breakfast and waited for our food. Everyone ordered big knowing it would be a big day. Namche sits 1,600' below Pangboche but you wouldn't think that with all the feet we had to gain to descend into Namche. They pushed through all the ups and downs and weaved through the yak trains. A chest cold has seemed to plague half the team but even when feeling crummy they all persevered. There was a lot of incentive to push through the pain and discomfort: pizza, lattes, massages, shopping, wine... After indulging in all that Namche has to offer, we all have made it to our beds for a much deserved sleep. Tomorrow is our last trekking day into Lukla. The team is ready to fly back to Kathmandu where it all started. 

Almost done,

RMI Guide Hannah, Abby, and Team

Good evening all,

Today we made our attempt at the summit of Lobuche Peak. While we didn't stand on the summit we did get to 18,300'. The conditions were rather wintery with cold temps, lots of snow, and a bitter wind. The snow sure did make for pretty pictures but it also made for some tough climbing. We gave it all that we had but ultimately decided the conditions were not in our favor and it was best for us to turn around. It has been an amazing trip but the team is looking forward to warmth, hot showers, and lattes. We made good distance this afternoon getting all the way to Pangboche. Tomorrow we set our eyes on Namche where we can fill our bellies and find our souvenirs and gifts for loved ones. It's been a long day starting at 3 am so it's early to bed for us.

Good night all,

RMI Guides Hannah, Abby, and Team

Hello all,

We woke for our last morning at Everest Base Camp. Clouds obscured our views of the surrounding peaks as snow danced down. We ate our breakfast and said goodbye to two team members who aren't participating in the climb. Instead they took a helicopter back to Lukla. The six remaining team members rallied to Lobuche for lunch and then made their way up to high camp on Lobuche peak. The trail was snowy and snow began falling from the sky. It was a wintery ascent to camp with some slippery spots. If anyone did want to go down, it was much easier to continue up than to go down. But the team did great and handled the conditions well. We are now curled up in our sleeping bags waiting for dinner. The snow is still falling and the temps are not warm. We shall see what we get tonight for our summit bid. It's already been a great trip and a summit of Lobuche would be a cherry on top. 

Wish us warmth, strength, and good weather!

RMI Guides Hannah, Abby, and Team

Good evening readers,

Today we had a casual morning at Everest Base Camp, rolling into the dining tent for breakfast at 8:30am. After a deliciously filling breakfast, we grabbed some jackets and headed out onto the glacier. We moved our way down loose rock to the ice where it flattened out. We weaved around the ice and came upon some tracks in the snow. First thought was one of the puppers followed us up. But on closer examination they were cat tracks...snow leopard to be exact. What a sight the tracks of a snow leopard! Now if only we could see one. We found a nice ice wave to set up an obstacle course for the team to practice their climbing skills. They ascended one rope and then descended the other. These skills will be needed to climb Lobuche. The rest of the afternoon we repacked our duffles and relaxed for a big day tomorrow. The snow pitter pattered most of the afternoon, once again creating a fresh blanket of snow through camp. With water bottles filled with hot water to warm our sleeping bags we are ready for bed.

Have a good day all back home,

RMI Guides Hannah, Abby, and Team

Hello from Everest Basecamp! We have finally arrived! We woke to gorgeous weather and a psyched team. The trail to basecamp is rocky with little ups and downs from Gorak Shep. We are in the moraine of the glacier walking ice but it's just buried under the dirt. Many yak trains passing by brought us to the infamous rock that says Everest Base Camp. After many photos the team continued the trek into Basecamp. For us our camp happened to be on the far side. More walking but more to see with all the Everest Expeditions setting up for their teams arrivals come April. Our camp is cozy with a dining tent, bathroom tents and even a shower tent. The nights get cold so it's not too late of a night before we all crawl into our sleeping bags for warmth. Tomorrow we will 

explore the glacier and do a little training for the upcoming climb on Lobuche.

Goodnight all,

RMI Guides Hannah, Abby, and Team

Hello readers,

Sorry for the delay in dispatches. With some wonky internet and busy days it looks like we forgot Tuesday. So here is a recap of Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Tuesday we left Pheriche for Lobuche (the town). We woke to a new dusting of snow over the trail and mountains. The new coat made everything so white and fresh looking. The sun quickly started to melt the frozen earth as we made our way further uptrail. One teahouse stood between our two towns, so we stopped there for some tea and popcorn before we tackled a 700' vertical hill. On top of this hill is an emotional place, a climber's memorial. Many climber's names sit here. They came to climb the mountain but never made it back home. We all know how luckily we are to come out here and be among this beauty but also know this beauty has a wicked side and our ultimate goal is to make it home to our loved ones. It's a quick flattish walk to our next teahouse. It emerges from the rocks without warning. We rested for the afternoon before gathering for dinner and doing it all over again the next day. 

Today we picked up where we left off and left Lobuche for the last town before Everest Base Camp, Gorak Shep. There terrain takes on a different look as we get closer to the start of this valley. It's rocky and moon scape. Reminents of glaciers carving their paths. It's a relatively short distance vertically and horizontally to get to Gorak Shep. We make fast work of it and arrive for an early lunch. After lunch we do one more acclimatization hike up Kala Patar. On this hike we get amazing views of Everest and partial views of the ice fall. It is so beautiful and scary all at the same time. A scamper down as clouds roll in and a few snowflakes dance from the sky, wraps up our day. The team optimizes on a rest before dinner. It's cold and frosty up here when the sun disappears. Teams gather in the dining hall where the wood burning stove are but there is no wood to burn up here so instead dried Yak dung does the trick (and no it does not smell). After warming our bodies and filling our water bottles with hot water we lay down for one final rest in a teahouse before we hit Base Camp. 

Tomorrow is our day and Base Camp is our destination.

RMI Guides Hannah, Abby, and Team

Hello Readers,

We woke to a clear frosty day. The team made their way to the dining hall for various hot drinks to warm up the bodies before hitting the frozen trail. Once on the trail it didn't take long for the sun to begin to thaw the grown and us. Shortly I to our hike we came across about 15 Tahr roaming the hillside. You can't beat a wildlife sighting. Halfway to our new Teahouse we stopped in Pangboche to do a puja ceremony where the team got blessed for safe travels. Even though we do not practice their religion or understand all the intricacies in the ceremony, it's a moving experience and makes you want to learn more. A quick stop for tea fueled us to our final location, Pheriche. Here we will spend two nights acclimatizing. The other RMI teamed rolled in in the afternoon. It was fun to see the descending team and know that will be us in about a week. For now we will enjoy the scenery around us and let our bodies adjust to the new altitude. 

Goodnight all,

RMI Guides Hannah, Abby, and Team