Entries By casey grom

Elevation: 15,000'

Hello again from Russia! We woke to clear skies and cool temps which made for nearly perfect hiking conditions on Mt. Elbrus. After a wonderful breakfast of porridge and mini pancakes prepared by our friendly Russian cook, we set out on another acclimatization hike. The team did great and reached an altitude of just over 15,000' in a little under 4 hours. On our descent the clouds came in and almost like clockwork began sprinkling on us right as we pulled back into camp. Lucky us! We had another delicious lunch and some of us played a little cribbage, while others retired for a nice siesta. Everyone is in good spirits and looking forward to having a rest day before our upcoming climb. RMI Guide Casey and crew

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Casey, I’d recognize that jacket anywhere. Larry, the beard is looking great. Hope you are having a blast. Missing you and all the gang. Looks chilly there. It’s 98 degrees in the shade in Houston. Enjoy.

Posted by: Cindy Calder on 7/12/2013 at 7:43 am

Hey Casey and Larry!!!! You guys look great!!! We will be following y’all all the way to the top.

Posted by: Holley Harris and Cindy Calder on 7/11/2013 at 8:47 pm

Mt.Elbrus: Grom & Team Are on the Mountain

July 10, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

Elevation: 13,500'

The team had a leisurely start to the day with breakfast at 8 as everyone is still getting their internal clocks set. After getting packed up last night and checking out of the hotel today we made our way over to the big gondola. We rode two gondolas and one small chairlift up the mountain to our new home here at 12,000', where there are several huts including one for dining. The Garabashi Hut is also call the "barrels" because of the round shape of the huts. They are a little worn, but warm and dry nonetheless. It was a pretty easy transition for the team and once everyone was settled we headed out the door on another acclimatization hike. We hiked for about 2 hours which took us up to about 13,500'. We then descended back to camp and had a great lunch of Bortch, a variety of fruits, salami, and cheese. Everyone is doing great and are enjoying the beautiful weather and amazing views of the Caucasus mountain range. RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

On The Map

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The team is making great progress. You’ll be at the top before you know it!! Praying for continued safe travels. From James’Madre

Posted by: Dolores Graham on 7/10/2013 at 4:24 pm

you all look great! ask Chris to point out where I would have stopped, Im sure u will all make it to the top. its great to be able to read these updates!

Posted by: Ryan Wolf on 7/10/2013 at 2:16 pm

Mt. Elbrus: Grom & Team Enjoy View of Mt. Elbrus

July 9, 2013

Posted 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.

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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