Entries By abby westling

Good evening/ good morning,

Today we had an active rest. A later breakfast allowed for a casual morning full of coffee and milk tea. We sipped on our hot drinks while the sun thawed out the town. Warmed by the sun we took off on a hike uphill to the Everest View Hotel. Unfortunately for us our view was clouds. Even with the lack of mountainous views, it was still pretty and beneficial to go on the hike. Our legs and lungs are getting stronger. In no time we will be at Everest Basecamp. Once back at our teahouse in Namche we all roamed the town for souvenirs and lattes. The lattes at Sherpa Barista taste like a cup of happiness. Tomorrow we will leave Namche for Deboche. One teahouse closer to Everest Basecamp. As for now we are going to enjoy our dinner together and our heated blankets (now that everyone knows about them hidden under the mattress). 

Goodnight on our side of the world,

RMI Guides Hannah, Abby, and Team

Greeting from the Khumbu,

The team woke to clear skies for our walk to Namche. We filled our bellies with coffee and breakfast and hit the trail. After about two minutes of walking with pulled off the trail for a bakery pitstop. Herman's Bakery in Phakding makes a variety of delicious baked goods that make great trail snacks. Packs full of pastries we hit the trail for real this time. The trek to Namche gains 3,000' but with all the ups and downs it feels like much more. Walking these stairs is much more beautiful and engaging than the Stairmaster at home. We crossed high and long suspension bridges that have a slight bounce to them as you make your way across. A final big push up and we are greeted by a town in a bowl on the side of the mountains. Namche is vast and bustling with eager trekkers. It is a great place to have a rest day. The team made great work getting here and is looking forward to exploring all that is Namche. Tomorrow we will sleep in with a casual breakfast than go on a small hike followed by well-deserved resting. 

Goodnight all back home,

RMI Guides Hannah Smith, Abby Westling, and Team 

Good morning readers,

Today we awoke at various times. Some have escaped the wrath of the jetlag and some of us not so much. After a few cups of coffee we met for our team meeting where we went over our itinerary, important information and gear check for our time in the Khumbu. Afterwards we loaded a van and went on our city tour. We walked around the Boudhanath Stupa and learned out the Wheel of Life and the Mandala. Next we walked the many steps to the monkey temple and yes there were plenty of cute monkeys. But don't let their cuteness confuse you, they can be quite intimidating. After an afternoon walking around the sites, the team was ready for a quick rest before dinner. Tonight is our last night in Kathmandu. Tomorrow we wake before the sun to head to the airport to fly to Lukla. Please send all your positive, lucky vibes and keep us in your prayers, no matter the religion, for safe travels on our flight and for good weather.

Goodnight and sleep tight,

RMI Guides Hannah, Abby, and Team

Monday, March 20, 2023 - 3:22 pm PT

Namaste readers,

Hello from Kathmandu Nepal! The team has arrived for their Trek to Everest Base Camp and climb up Lobuche peak. Jetlag had everyone a bit sleepy at our first team Dinner but everyone has arrived healthy and psyched to hit the trail. Out of 12 people we only have one missing duffle stuck in Delhi, so we are sitting pretty good overall. Tomorrow we meet in the morning for a more official team meeting where we will discuss our itinerary and expectations for our trip along with a gear check. After we take care of some business we will relax and enjoy the sights on our city tour. Fingers crossed the team gets some descent sleep and isn't writing a dispatch at 4am unable to sleep since 2am...oh the jetlag. 

Keep following along as we embark on a trek of a lifetime!

RMI Guides Hannah Smith, Abby Westling, and Team

A summit success early this morning on Pico de Orizaba! Most of our team stood at 18,491 feet a little after sunrise, soaking in the views after a tough climb at high altitude. 

It was a long last day in the mountains, but spirits were high as we descended to Tlachichuca where we enjoyed the comforts of the small town.  

Our final night together as a team was spent sharing stories from the mountain and appreciating the trip, from the dust to the sunrises, the team is grateful for good weather and safe passage in the mountains. 

Thanks for following along with the team on our adventures through Mexico and our climbs of the mighty volcanoes.  

RMI Guide Abby Westling

This morning, we left the comforts of the city for our tents at Orizaba. After a long day of travel, preparation, and a little bit of acclimatization, we will sleep at 14,000 feet. Tomorrow will be  another early start, in the dark for our climb. The team feels good after a much needed rest day in Puebla! No one said the climbing will be easy, but we are hopeful for a good climb with the challenge of the mountain tomorrow ahead of us.

RMI Guide Abby Westling

Our team took a well-deserved rest day in Puebla, sleeping in, enjoying the warm weather and soaking in the colorful city. 

Folks explored, some finding fresh fruit stands, massages and local shops for souvenirs. Others relaxed and connected with loved ones back home, letting them know about the adventures so far. Tonight we filled up on traditional mole, discussed other climbing trips and swapped many stories. 

Tomorrow we head off for our final objective. Orizaba!

RMI Guide Abby Westling

A successful summit for the whole team this morning!

In perfect weather our team summited Izta. She graced us with smooth climbing conditions as we scrambled up rocks, down a glacier and up to summit where, after climbing in the dark for hours, we were rewarded with a beautiful sunrise. 

After a long descent, we bid our new dog friends farewell and left for Puebla. Tonight we will enjoy showers, clean beds and a warm meal. 

We are ready to rest up for our next big mountain! 

RMI Guide Abby Westling

Tonight we climb!

After a beautiful day spent carrying our gear up to high camp along the dusty and rocky trail, we are ready for our summit push of Izta. We have the mountain to ourselves today and enjoyed the solitude. It was just our climbing team, the mountain, and of course a few dogs to keep us company. After fueling ourselves with quesadillas and water, we tuck in and prepare for an alpine start.

RMI Guide Abby Westling

We awoke this morning to beautiful weather, the sky was pink, lighting up La Malinche and the air was fresh like late summer in the high desert. Today is the beginning of our Izta climb. We hiked to our basecamp, through the pines on the dusty trail. We had clear views of Izta ahead of us and Popo smoking behind us, the mountains making us feel small in the midst of their height and beauty. We prepared for our hike to high camp tomorrow, meticulously sorting through our gear, and just as importantly, snacks. Our team is ready to move up the mountain and excited for our bigger climbs ahead.

RMI Guide Abby Westling