Hello everyone,
RMI’s Kilimanjaro expedition is underway.
The team members arrived late last night after some very long flights, two back to back 9 hour legs to be precise. Needless to say we didn’t do much other than check into our hotel and head to bed.
We started today off with a team meeting/orientation to the program and gear check. After getting to know one another a bit we explored the beautiful grounds of the Dik Dik Hotel, which was teaming with monkeys and exotic birds and some views of the surrounding mountains.
The team had a nice lunch then headed off to visit the nearest town of Arusha, a bustling city of about 1.2 million people. Its a diverse culture made up of Christians, Muslims and local tribes people from the Chagga and Masai.
We had a quick stop off at the local grocery store called Shop Rite to pick up a few last snacks, then visited the local cultural museum. We also picked up a few umbrellas to protect us from any rain that might try and dampen our spirits on tomorrows trek.
Last but not least we finished up the night with a delicious five course meal that left everyone with a smile on their face.
Just a few last minute touches on packing and its off to bed.
Everyone is doing great and we are very excited for tomorrow's start to this grand adventure.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew
The Mount Rainier Summit Climb led by Pete Van Deventer and Casey Grom were unable to make a summit attempt due to continual lightning last night. The teams did venture over to Ingraham Flats this morning and are currently experiencing sunshine with the cloud deck between 7,000' - 8,000’ feet. After they spend some time on the upper mountain, the teams will descend back to Camp Muir and onto Paradise.
RMI Guides Casey Grom & Billy Nugent led the Four Day Summit Climb teams to the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams were approaching the crater rim just after 7 a.m. They reported clear skies, warm temperatures and very light winds. Once they begin their descent they will return to Camp Muir and then continue down to Paradise. We look forward to seeing them at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's summit climber teams!
Hey David, I am SO excited for you and still almost feel I am right there with you! Maybe I’ll have to do it myself one of these days. Congratulations to you and the whole team!
All my love,
Colleen XOX
Posted by: Colleen Abbott on 9/7/2012 at 8:18 am
Congratulations, Joe and Danielle! Most blokes be playing at ten, but you now officially go to eleven. Well, it’s one louder ... isn’t it?
Our Four Day Summit Climb Teams led by Casey Grom and Eric Frank reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 7:40 a.m. PST. RMI Guide Thomas Greene reported clear and cold conditions on the top with winds of 20 - 25 mph and the cloud deck at 7500'. The teams spent some time in the crater and have started their descent back to Camp Muir.
The Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons led by Billy Nugent also reached the summit of Mt. Rainier. The team will spend the remainder of their time on the mountain training and plan to arrive back at Ashford Basecamp in the early afternoon on Friday.
Congratulations to today's teams!
Our Four Day Summit Climb Teams led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Jake Beren reached the top of Mt. Rainier today. Jake reported moderate winds, warm temperatures and hazy skies. The team enjoyed some time on the summit and started their descent to Camp Muir at about 7:42 am.
Congratulations to today's teams!
So proud of you Monica & Trevor.
It was so much fun being on the mountain to see you train, watch you head up & greet you when you came down.
Posted by: Mom on 8/17/2012 at 4:53 pm
Congratulations, Monica and Trevor. We are so proud of you and your climbing team. Can’t wait to hear all about the trip and see some pictures. Carol and Don
Casey Grom and Gabriel Barral led their Mt. Rainier summit climb teams to the summit this morning. The guides reported light winds and mostly clear skies. Both teams began their descent from the crater rim at 8:00 a.m.
Mike Walter left this morning for the Five-Day Emmons Climb. Mike and his team will spend four days on the mountain as they summit from the Schurman/Emmons Route.
The Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise began their climb yesterday. The team had a great day yesterday adjusting to the heavy loads of multi-day packs. They arrived at Camp One in great shape and did a general mountaineering school before dinner. We will be moving to Camp Two at 9,000 feet today. All is well on the Paradise Glacier.
Summit! The Mt. Rainier Summit Climb was on top this morning in clear skies and light winds. RMI Guide Zeb Blais reported the team began their descent from the crater rim at 7:40 a.m.
RMI Guide JJ Justman and his Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons also reached the summit this morning. The team is still enjoying their time on the summit before they descend back to Camp Schurman for the night. JJ sent a video last night and can be viewed below.
Congratulations to today's teams!
RMI Guides Casey Grom and Solveig Waterfall reported a nice day with light breeze, no clouds in sight and temperature near 30 degrees from the summit of Mt. Rainier. The Four Day Summit Climb team members were able to enjoy the views on the summit before starting their descent just before 8 a.m.
We look forward to seeing them back in Ashford this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's summit teams!
Awesome job, Kevin!! With two climbs on Rainier under your belt, Bob and I expect you’ll carry our packs the next time we tackle Katahdin and Mt Washington!
Best,
Joe
PS. I was going to send you flowers and a fruit basket, but then I realized this blog was a lot cheaper.
RMI Guides Peter Whittaker and Ed Viesturs led a team of climbers to the summit of Mt. Rainier morning. The Four Day Summit Climb July 23 - 26 led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Lindsey Mann also reached the top today.
Both teams reported light winds and a beautiful day. The climbers will descend to Camp Muir and then continue down to Paradise later this afternoon.
In the North Cascades, RMI Guides Andres Marin, Eric Frank and Geoff Schellens led their team to the summit of Forbidden Peak. All team members reached the summit yesterday. They will break camp and descend to the trail head today.
Congratulations to the summit teams!
The Four Day Summit Climb July 20 - 23 led by RMI Guide Casey Grom reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 7:30 a.m. PT. The teams reported sunny skies but cold temperatures and extreme winds. The teams will return to Camp Muir and then make their final descent to Paradise later today.
Congratulations to today's teams!
Megan & Wes .. Here’s to the best honey moon on record .. Love you both .. Looking forward to hearing all about it .. XOXO Earl & Quata Wolf
Posted by: Earl Wolf on 9/20/2012 at 5:38 pm
Ben,
Hope you guys are having a great time and doing well. Be safe and have a blast! We are thinking of you. Morgan said not to look down!!
Posted by: Mindy on 9/20/2012 at 4:39 pm
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