After learning the fundamentals of glacier travel and snow and ice climbing, we put our newly honed skills to good use as we climbed to 11,000' to check out the upper mountain.
Unfortunately, the weather came in fast and we had to beat a hasty retreat back to Camp Muir. What a fun day!
RMI Guide Brent Okita
Our seminar started out on Sunday with some rainy weather, but that sure didn't get in the way of a great day of technical training at our facilities in Ashford. We got all prepared to make our way to Camp Muir the following day.
On Monday we had to wait for the road to be plowed up to Paradise, but once we donned snowshoes at the trailhead it was all systems 'go'. Breaking trail through the new snow slowed our ascent some, but a windless day made the seven-hour hike bearable. The clouds even parted for the last half hour offering us a gorgeous view of the summit.
Folks were all pretty happy when we finally got horizontal, and were still in that position when I woke them up eleven hours later.
This morning we've been gifted a beautiful, sunny day with no wind. A rare thing at 10,000' on Mt. Rainier in April. Everyone is psyched and doing well, ready for an exciting day of training.
This afternoon we plan on climbing to Ingraham Flats to explore the mountain some and get our feet wet on the lower flanks on our climbing route.
All for now from Camp Muir.
RMI Guide Brent Okita
The Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir reached the summit of Mount Rainier this morning. RMI Guides Brent Okita and Billy Nugent with their teams started the day with a glorious sunrise as they ascended the mountain. Weather was crisp with wind speeds around 20 mph. They began their descent to Camp Muir at 9:15 a.m. and will spend the next two days learning additional mountaineering skills to wrap up the week on Mount Rainier.
The seminar is the last RMI Mount Rainier program of the 2016 season. We look forward to May 2017 when the next season begins!
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.
The Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir September 4 - 9, 2016 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning shortly before 9 am. RMI Guides Brent Okita and Mike King reported favorable conditions with 20 mph winds - increasing as they neared the crater rim, some blowing snow, and clear skies. Mike said they can see clear to Mt. Jefferson.
After enjoying the summit today the teams will return to Camp Muir for two additional days of training. We look forward to greeting the team when they return to Rainier BaseCamp on Friday.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
The Four Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guides Brent Okita and Nick Hunt were forced to turn at the top of Disappointment Cleaver today. The team faced stormy weather with strong winds with knee deep snow is some places. They are on the descent and will return to Rainier Basecamp early this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's Team!
Mother Nature can be tough. Despite the stormy conditions, the team climbed to great heights…..about 13,000 ft higher than I could muster. Congrats to all….
The Four Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guides Brent Okita and Nick Hunt reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. Brent reported 45 mph winds on the top. The team has started their descent and are en route back to Camp Muir.
Congratulations to today's team!
Wow Sean!!! We are so proud of you and your team! Our view doesn’t sound so fabulous any more! Dad and I can’t wait to see details and see pictures!!! We love you! Mom
Posted by: Carol Payne on 8/29/2016 at 3:47 pm
I am so proud of the whole group!!!!! You should be proud of your hard work!!! I bet it was easier to go down the mountain. Brian…words can’t say how proud I am of you!!! God bless this great group, always.
The Four Day Summit Climb August 20 - 23, 2016 led by RMI Guides Brent Okita and Pete Van Deventer were approaching the summit of Mt. Rainier just before 7 am. Pete reported that it is a gorgeous day with 10 mph winds and chilly temperatures. The teams will enjoy the views and take some photos before starting their descent.
Congratulations to today's Summit Climb teams!
RMI Guide Brent Okita and the Four Day Summit Climb August 16-19 team checked in at 6:50 am from the summit of Mt. Rainier. Brent reported a very nice day with 10 mph winds. They were a bit chilly waiting for the sun to hit them during their ascent but they know the rest of the day is going to be really warm. They will return to Camp Muir and then continue to Paradise and Rainier BaseCamp.
Congratulations to today Summit Climb team!
The Four Day Summit Climb Teams got an early start from Camp Muir today and reached the summit of Mt. Rainier. RMI Guides Brent Okita and Kel Rossiter and their climbers began their descent from the crater rim at 7 am PT. It's a beautiful summer day with warm temps and clear skies. This is what Brent Okita calls a bluebird day.
Congratulations to today's climbers. We look forward to seeing them at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon.
Great job. Look forward to see the photos!
Posted by: Jzk on 9/29/2016 at 11:03 pm
Sean & Leslie,
Congratulations, know your enjoying the spectacular views
Posted by: BJWelch on 9/29/2016 at 12:30 pm
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