Entries By casey grom

Elevation: 10,000'

It was a beautiful day in Cheget today and we made the most of it. We started the day with a nice breakfast of porridge, eggs and fresh juice, then headed out to stretch our legs a bit. Being that this is a ski town in the winter, we took advantage of the chairlifts and rode them up to about 10,000ft to start our hike. The team hiked for a little over an hour to reach a sub-summit of Cheget Peak. The team did great on our first acclimatization hike and spent about 20 minutes on top to enjoy the view (our first of Mt. Elbrus). Again the team did great descending down the mountain side all the way back to town where we stopped in at a local cafe for lunch. Shortly after lunch we headed over to the gear shop for a few last minute items and have settled in back in our cosy hotel. Things look good on the mountain and we're even heard that climbing conditions are great too. Two of RMI's great guides Mark Tucker and Jeff Justman aka JJ are also in town after two successful climbs. It was a pleasure to see them and hear about their climbs too. RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

On The Map

Mt. Elbrus: Grom & Team Fly to Mineralnye Vody

July 8, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

Elevation: 11,000'

Today the team left Moscow and caught a flight to Mineralnye Vody, which is a medium size city here in southern Russian known for its abundant mineral springs. The flight over Russia's inland reminded me of the rural Midwest back home. We quickly hopped on our waiting bus and headed further south into the Baksan Valley where Elbrus sits on the border between Russia and Georgia. The area is mostly farmland with a few small towns that are predominately Islamic via its Turkish roots. We arrived in Cheget which sits at the base of Elbrus and is our launching point for our climb. We are currently getting ready for bed in our hotel after a wonderful authentic Russian meal. It was another long day of travel and the team is doing great. Everyone is looking forward to stretching their legs tomorrow. RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Glad everyone and every thing is doing great. Success to all. The blog is wonderful. Almost feel like I am there!! Mom

Posted by: Gerri Seaton on 7/10/2013 at 12:20 pm

Larry: You are looking great, sage and youthful. All the best for another of the Seven. Godspeed, Walter Tell the peak “hey” from Lori and I, June 2010.

Posted by: walter glover on 7/9/2013 at 5:51 am

Mt. Elbrus: Grom & Team Explore Moscow

July 7, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

After a good night of sleep and a belly full of fresh fruit, bread and an assortment of meats and cheeses we headed out to explore the city a bit. Our hotel is perfectly located in central Moscow with the Kremlin and Red Square just a short walk away, so that's where we headed first. We payed a brief visit to the Red Square then watched the changing of the guard at Russia's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before spending a little more than 2 hours inside the beautiful Kremlin. Once back outside we opted for a tour of the famous Moscow subway which sits hundreds of feet underground and is incredibly efficient and meticulously decorated. Apparently it was built so deep it could double as a bomb shelter during the Cold War years. It was amazing and a little overwhelming too. The team then took a break for lunch and so members took naps and others explored a bit on their own. We have wrapped up the evening with a great meal and a nice little walk. Everyone is still feeling the jet-lag, but doing great otherwise. RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

Mt. Elbrus: Casey Grom & Team Arrive in Moscow

July 6, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

The adventure starts today! All team members have safely arrived in Moscow without a glimpse of Edward Snowden. After our long flights here we keep things pretty laid-back tonight with a light meet and greet, then headed out for a quick dinner. Not far from our hotel is a great little place that serves up some wonderful beef stroganoff, so that's where we went. We took a short walk to stretch the legs and get a little dessert and have now retired to our hotel to catch up on some much needed sleep. Stay tuned! RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Larry I hope you and the team have a great trip and climb!! I look forward to following your progress and seeing and hearing about this adventure!

Posted by: Paul Kinneberg on 7/7/2013 at 7:44 am

Looking good Larry in the pic…Sage / younger at same time…Ready to notch another…Go go go and Godspeed Walter…Tell the peak “hey”

Posted by: walter glover on 7/7/2013 at 7:08 am

Mt. Rainier: June 30th Update - Summit!

June 30, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom, Eric Frank

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb led by Casey Grom and the Five Day Muir Climb led by Eric Frank reached the top of Mt. Rainier this morning! Casey radioed at 7:42 a.m. from Columbia Crest, the highest point on Mt. Rainier, and reported a very nice day. Both teams began their descent at 8:15 a.m. Congratulations to a job well done by our guides and climbers!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Great job dad! I can’t wait to hear all about your adventure.

Posted by: Craig on 7/1/2013 at 2:58 am

Spectacular, Kevin and Terry! So happy for you:-).

Posted by: Jahn Hart on 6/30/2013 at 12:15 pm

Mt. Rainier: June 26th Update

June 26, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom, Elias de Andres Martos

Elevation: 10,060'

Strong winds with gusts of 60 mph, new snow, and poor visibility kept our Four Day Summit Climb teams led by Casey Grom and Elias de Andres Martos at Camp Muir today. After the teams have breakfast and pack up, they will begin their descent to Paradise.

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Not sure if this is the team with our fearless leader CPK. We are all here back at home base ST Francis in CT rooting you all on!! Be safe!

Posted by: Michelle Carrier on 6/28/2013 at 7:25 pm

Hello Lois, Nila and companions.
A thoughtful note since your at Camp Muir:
Everybody need beauty as well as bread, places to play and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul alike. John Muir 1912
seems like your there, be safe, charlie

Posted by: charlie rizzo on 6/27/2013 at 7:06 pm

Mt. Rainier: June 14th Update

June 14, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom, Eric Frank

Elevation: 14,410'

Our Four Day Summit Climb teams led by Casey Grom and Andres Marin reached the top of Mt. Rainier early this morning. Casey reported beautiful clear skies above 7,500’, a light breeze and cold temperatures. The team will be crossing the crater to Columbia Crest, enjoy the views and then head back to Camp Muir. After a successful summit yesterday, Eric Frank and the Kautz Expedition team will be back at Basecamp in the early afternoon. JJ Justman and the Expeditions Skills Seminar - Emmons team will be spending the day at Basecamp training.

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Cannot wait to hear all about it and see you pictures! Congratulations Dave & John! Must be so amazing up there. :)

Posted by: Miina on 6/14/2013 at 1:30 pm

What a wonderful view from the top! Great climbing!! congrats to David and John and the rest of the group1

Posted by: Barbara on 6/14/2013 at 12:16 pm

Mt. Rainier: June 9th - Summit!

June 9, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom, Solveig Waterfall

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb led by Casey Grom and the Five Day Summit Climb led by Solveig Waterfall reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams reported windy conditions up top. Both teams will descend to Camp Muir, pack up and then continue to Paradise. We look forwrd to seeing them at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb teams!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Now that’s a different kind of expedition than Albert Pike. Congratulations Tim! Can’t wait to hear all about it.

Posted by: Erik on 6/10/2013 at 8:39 am

Way to go Dad!

Posted by: Madison on 6/10/2013 at 5:11 am

Mt. Rainier: Muir Seminar Completes Their Training on the Mountain

May 31, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Casey Grom

Elevation: 10,600'

The Expedition Skills Seminar – Muir led by Casey Grom and JJ Justman were able to safely climb to the top of Cathedral Gap this morning. They had clear weather, sunshine and no wind. The team had experienced winter-like conditions this week at Camp Muir but had a lot of fun training at 10,000 feet.

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hope the weather hold out for your team. Good luck and thanks for a great adventure last week.

Posted by: Gary Butcher on 6/1/2013 at 3:59 am

Looks like you guys had beautiful weather! I’m so jealous! Have fun and stay safe!

Posted by: Michaela on 5/31/2013 at 10:49 pm

Mt. Rainier: Seminar Trains at Camp Muir

May 28, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Casey Grom

Elevation: 10,000'

The Expedition Skills Seminar team awoke at Muir with sunny skies. We spent the day training outside going over basic climbing skills. Later this afternoon the weather rolled in and we retreated back into the comfort of our bunkhouse. There we continued training where the team safely learned self rescue out of a crevasse. Tonight we will enjoy dinner, lecture on high altitude medicine and tell some tall tales along the way. RMI Guide JJ Justman

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hey; hope all is going great…have not heard from your guide for a couple of days; be safe.
Dad

Posted by: Jeff on 5/30/2013 at 9:15 pm

Dave,
I hope you are having a great time. I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Love, Renee

Posted by: Renee Kodey on 5/29/2013 at 9:05 pm