Entries By ben liken
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Ben Liken
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
Today was a concatenation of surprises which threw all of us in a vortex of emotions and awe! The journey started o’dark early, navigating from the Vacas Valley at Casa de Piedra, straight into fridged knee high white waters to access our next route. Pins and needles shocked our legs but the cold waters quickly awakened those that were not yet awake. The team was ready as we headed into the Relinchos Valley, navigating the long narrow edges that overlooked the raging river stemming from Cerro Aconcagua as the team deadheaded towards base camp. Passing many mules and sparking multiple conversations of chapacubras, lemmings, and jackalopes, helped to preoccupy our conversations and made for a quick traverse. We were treated by Dom and Ben to a delicatessan delight with homemade ham and cheese sandwiches which was a bonus and boosted our spirits. We climbed high and at a good pace until we reached Aconcagua’s base camp.
Other highlights - we saw an Argentine Bolo Mouse which Ben said had a poisonous tail, passed by a heard of Guanacos as they gazed the fields, and mistook the sound of the closing bathroom doors for thunder snow.
All in all a great day as it could only be summed up only to this Aconcagua Slayers Rhyme:
Twas the night before base camp, two camps down one to go! From Pampas de Leñas to Casa de Piedra, all bedded down early, and ready to roll. Tossing and turning, the thin air spoiled in their sleep. The stench from no showers wrenched as they slept. Tucked tightly in their tents, the storms rattled and the winds howled, but did not prove to be a battle! No cap!
Dressed in their Patagucci, all tired and weak, they strolled with their feet, crossing creek to creek. The harsh cold weakened and dampened their feet but was match to slow the Aconcagua Slayers beat. Morale was so high that they could not deny, they trekked on to no demise and accomplished their prize! Base camp conquered, what a feat, nothings going to stop the Patagucci peeps!
Time for some Farkle gone wild.
RMI Climber Nathan Karlen
New Post Alerts:
Aconcagua Expedition January 8, 2025
Posted by: Casey Grom, Ben Liken, Christina Dale, Augi Fleer, Nick Sinapius, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb July 25 - 28 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Ben Liken. Clear skies and warm temperatures continue in the area. Once the teams return to Camp Muir they will take a quick break to re-hydrate and re-pack their gear before continuing the remaining 4.5 miles to Paradise. The teams will celebrate their achievements later this afternoon at Rainier Basecamp.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Posted by: Grayson Swingle, Matias Francis, Leif Bergstrom, Ben Liken, Steve Gately, Seth Burns
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,200'
RMI Guides Grayson Swingle and Ben Liken reported the Five-Day climbing teams enjoyed a beautiful sunrise this morning. The team spent two nights at Camp Muir and enjoyed lots of hands-on training and practice to enhance their glacier travel skills all while ascending to Camp Muir in wonderful spring conditions. The team will descend to Basecamp and celebrate their accomplishments before everyone begins their next adventure home.
Posted by: Andy Bond, Alan Davis, Ben Liken, Cal Smith, Liam Weed, Leif Bergstrom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 12,800'
The Four Day Climb May 27 - 30 led by RMI Guides Andy Bond and Alan Davis reported pockets of wind slabs on the steeper portions of the route which forced the teams to turn around at 12,800’. They enjoyed a spectacular sunrise with great views as they descended to Camp Muir.
Photo: Andy Bond
Posted by: Mike Walter, Ben Liken
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,300'
Posted by: Robby Young, Ben Liken
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
This was a great experience for me and my two boys, that we will never forget. Our team of climbers was made up of a great mix of people who all came together to get to the top. I’m proud have climbed with you guys and you’ve inspired me to be better.
On the guides; A thing I learned very early in my Marine Corps career was how to spot professionalism and raw, unfiltered competence. This is especially important when serving in a combat zone. You learn quick to spot people who know what the hell they are talking about because lives and mission rest on it. From the very first meeting it was very obvious to me that Rob, Josh and Chad had this talent in abundance and it became even more evident on the mountain. Thanks guys, you humbled this old Jarhead (not easy, lol), with your knowledge, physical ability and spot on climbing guidance.
I hope we get to climb together again soon
Semper Fi
Paul
PS: Tell Josh I’m working on my walking skills and hope to cut my future descent trip/falling to less than 10 per mile. ;).
Posted by: Paul Roarke on 5/14/2019 at 6:36 am
Incredible experience!! So proud to climb alongside such an awesome team and couldn’t have asked for better guides. Miss everyone already :) Thanks for everything!!
Posted by: Anna Dooner on 5/13/2019 at 7:51 pm
Posted by: Steve Gately, Ben Liken
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Looks like the Alabama gang had success, congrats
Posted by: Don Baggett on 8/17/2018 at 12:43 pm
Way to go Mike and team
Good luck on the descent.
Posted by: Angela on 8/17/2018 at 9:12 am
Posted by: Mike Walter, Ben Liken
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Great Work Son
Posted by: Dad on 6/25/2018 at 7:42 am
Congrats to the team!!!!! Amazing job
Posted by: Cheryl Barry on 6/16/2018 at 1:40 pm
Posted by: Ben Liken, Jess Matthews, Ben Ammon
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,800'
Good luck, Bill! We’re rooting for you!
Posted by: Ann Gawalt and Brian Rushforth on 7/12/2019 at 3:24 pm
Good luck Bill and Chris!
Posted by: Thomas J Lapato on 7/12/2019 at 4:37 am
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