Entries By christina von mertens

Aconcagua: Justman and Team Acclimate at Base Camp

December 12, 2015

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Hello from base camp! It's Team Aconcagua reporting for blogging! Last night the winds were howling here at base. We woke up and the winds were still gusting and we had several snow squalls blowing through camp. It was a fairly easy decision for the team. We decided not to do our carry to camp one at 16200 feet. Sure, you betcha, the team could have grit their teeth and made it to camp one. However, we are not in a hurry. We were planning on a second rest day at base camp anyways. Instead of sitting around though, we donned light packs and did an acclimatization hike to just above 15000 feet. The entire team is doing great! And despite the adversity we are all in good spirits. It's now noon so Christina and I are cooking up some fresh veggies to go into our Plaza Argentina Potato Surprise. Thanks for checking in with us and keep you fingers crossed for nicer weather. We are hoping to carry food and gear to camp one tomorrow and then return for a last night in base camp. Go Packers!!! RMI Guides JJ Justman and Christina Von Mertens

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Wishing you all a safe climb. Love hearing how it is going.
Chris, looking forward to seeing your great photos!

Posted by: Sally Schuler on 12/14/2015 at 12:23 pm

Glad to hear you’re all doing well! Sounds really cold up there, but I know you guys all dig that! Sending a shout out of “hello” to my pal Chris Villar. And hoping that you guys are all having a blast!

Posted by: Aaron Shumaker on 12/13/2015 at 12:15 pm

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Prepare for Carry to Camp 1

December 11, 2015

Posted by: JJ Justman, Christina Dale

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Showers, movies, pate, and packing for the upper mountain. Today we are resting and organizing at Plaza de Argentina, the basecamp for Aconcagua. Everyone is feeling great indicated by full nights of sleep and healthy appetites. The basecamp amenities have surprised us all in excellent food and comfortable accessories. The mules headed back to the barn yesterday leaving us with much heavier loads of food, fuel, and warm layers to heave up this mountain. Everyone agrees that on this beautiful warm sunny day at 14,000 feet the best part is the company. We have a tremendous group of climbers who are all acclimatizing well and ready for a carry of gear tomorrow to Camp 1. Hello to all! RMI Guide Christina von Mertens

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Here in Oregon snow is falling and we are thinking of you! Climb well and high.

Blythe n Larry

Posted by: Blythe Lasley on 12/12/2015 at 11:49 am

So glad everyone is feeling and doing well. Good luck to Camp 1…..

Posted by: Dudley Macfarlane on 12/11/2015 at 8:08 pm

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Arrive Base Camp

December 10, 2015

Posted by: Christina Dale, JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 14,000'

Hello - Our team has officially arrived at Aconcagua Base Camp, Plaza Argentina at 14,000 feet. It was a beautiful day trekking today. Actually, it was our nicest day so far as we lathered up in sunscreen. Everyone is doing well. Base Camp is quiet. It almost feels like we are the only ones here. Gotta love that! We have set up personal tents and we are now being spoiled with delicious snacks from our Base Camp staff. Everyone deserves a break so stay tuned to find out what we are up to tomorrow here at Plaza Argentina! RMI Guides JJ Justman and Christina von Mertens

On The Map

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Good news - rest and recover for the big work ahead. Glad to hear the group is doing well.

Posted by: Peter Rogers on 12/10/2015 at 8:30 pm

Thanks for info from the Base Camp.Happy to know that you had a great day.
Wish you all the best!
Huge hug to our son,Tibor!

Katie Kelemen from California

Posted by: Katie Kelemen on 12/10/2015 at 3:15 pm

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Aconcagua: Justman and Team Trek to Casa de Piedra

December 9, 2015

Posted by: JJ Justman, Christina Dale

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 10,550'

Hey, everyone. This is the Aconcagua team with Christina and JJ. Everyone's doing great. We woke up early this morning and began our hike to our second trekking camp, which is Casa de Piedra. We're in a little bit of an argument as to what Casa de Piedra means. I said it means house of Piedra, but they don't believe me. If any of you know what Casa de Piedra means, if you could, just write in the comment section what it means so I can settle this with the team. Other than that, we're doing great. Good walk up to about 11,000 feet. We set up camp. We weren't able to get a look at Aconcagua. It was a little cloudy today, but down here the weather is really nice. So we're just relaxing, acclimatizing, drinking water and just hanging out. Tomorrow we will be trekking to Base Camp of Aconcagua at 14,000 feet. We're hoping for a good day. It was definitely a littler blustery up at Base Camp today. We're glad we're down a little lower. The team says hi to all their family and friends. Stay tuned and we'll touch base from Base Camp tomorrow. RMI Guide JJ Justman

RMI Guide JJ Justman from Casa de Piedra.

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Casa de Piedra means House of Stone; sounds like everyone had a great trip!

Posted by: John Boicourt on 12/10/2015 at 5:35 am

I bet you guys all wish you had your cell phones to ponder over the meaning of “Casa de Piedra”. The internet came of no help after 20 minutes of searching. Only the lonely planet had a snippet saying that it was a beautiful stone….something since the page no longer existed. Perhaps you will find the answer down the road or more like up the road.

Hoping you guys are having a blast and absorbing all the beauties of mother nature.

Ava saw Tibor’s photos and says “That’s my Daddy!” She, myself, and the entire Kelemen Clan is very happy to see these post. We miss you Aps and be safe!

Kisses from California,
Tam & Ava

Posted by: Tam & Ava on 12/9/2015 at 10:01 pm

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Arrive at Las Lenas

December 8, 2015

Posted by: Christina Dale, JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 9,000'

Hey everyone this is JJ Justman and Christina. We are at Pampa de Las Lenas, our first trekking camp. Today, was one heck of an adventure. Everything's great, the team is great. Everyone's doing well. But the rain fall and the snow accumulation that they had in this area was definitely prevalent today. There was a lot of water that we never encountered here before. Typically you can step across these tiny little creeks and today we had to full on wade through them almost to our waists. it was actually a lot of fun, but it was a big surprise and it took a little longer than normal. We had a great asado dinner with the cowboys here and we're enjoying the first evening out on the trail. It's a beautiful evening. As I mentioned the entire team is doing really great and having a lot of fun. So stay tuned tomorrow. We're going to see what's in store for us. I hope it's not as interesting as it was today. But, if it is, that's why we're here to have a great adventure. So stay tuned, and we'll see how things go tomorrow. Take care from Argentina. Bye. RMI Guide JJ Justman

RMI Guide JJ Justman checks in after reaching Pampa de Las Lenas at 9,000 ft en route to Aconcagua Base Camp.

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Travel to Los Penitentes

December 7, 2015

Posted by: JJ Justman, Christina Dale

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 9,000'

See! I told you so! Good news from Aconcagua. Our team member's missing bags are here! We left Mendoza early this afternoon and are now in "The Aspen" of the Mendoza region, named Penitentes. We had to stop at Estancia de Elias, a great restaurant for their famous empanadas. The team organized our gear while Christina and I packed all the expedition food and gear. We are lucky that we get to have the cowboys help by packing the majority of gear on mules. However, it's getting late, we are having dinner and one of the team members is eyeing my bacon and cheese stuffed chicken so I need to go before Stephanie takes a bite! Chau from Argentina, RMI Guides JJ Justman and Christina von Mertens

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A big hooray for the lost luggage fairies! This looks like my idea of climbing, btw. A nice dinner, great company and BACON!

Posted by: Lori Welch Brown on 12/9/2015 at 6:43 am

Everyone looks relaxed and comfortable. Nice way to start. Good luck.

Posted by: Dudley Macfarlane on 12/8/2015 at 4:01 pm

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JJ Justman Kicks Off the RMI Aconcagua Season!

December 7, 2015

Posted by: JJ Justman, Christina Dale

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Team Aconcagua signing in from Mendoza, Argentina. Our first team has arrived and I have said it many times, the hardest part of the trip is getting started. We have missing bags and other adversities. However, that's not getting us down or holding us back. After all, we are in Argentina! Its time to relax, enjoy and everything will come together. So as we solve these roadblocks today, we are reliving a great dinner last night. The team is getting to know one another and its all smiles in the land of sun! Stay tuned as our adventure unfolds. Will the bags show up? Will JJ actually grow hair only to have it go grey? Which team member will finish the 96-ounce steak challenge? RMI Guides JJ Justman and Christina von Mertens

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See you all at basecamp in a few days!

Posted by: Dave Vee on 12/7/2015 at 9:08 pm

Looks like one heck of a game crew - not sure the mountain is ready for all that energy. Wishing you perfect weather and friendly mules. And save room for pizza at base camp!

Posted by: Peter Rogers on 12/7/2015 at 4:24 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Beren & Team Trip Complete

June 21, 2015

Posted by: Andrew Kiefer, Christina Dale, Jake Beren

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 348'

June 21, 2015 2:37 pm PT Well the team has disbanded for more solo projects after an incredible climb of Denali. We worked hard together for a few weeks and were lucky enough to see that hard work pay off and stand on top together. I'm proud of the effort and camaraderie that made a successful trip for everyone. So much goes in to a good adventure and the main ingredient is the people who choose to undertake it. Thanks to everyone who offered up their loved ones for a few weeks while we tried to match an exceptional mountain. See you all soon and great job Team. RMI Guides Jake, Andrew and Christina

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Amazing Feat AJ! Congratulations again team! :)

-Priya

Posted by: Priya on 6/25/2015 at 10:23 am

Congratulations All! Bravely done, and looks like you had a stellar weather window for summit day. I look forward to hearing stories when you get back, Bill Dorn…

Posted by: Theron Shaw on 6/22/2015 at 10:14 am

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Mt. McKinley: Beren & Team Summit!

June 19, 2015

Posted by: Jake Beren, Christina Dale, Andrew Kiefer

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 11,200'

Friday June 19th 11:11 pm PT On Thursday, June 18th, RMI Guide Jake Beren and his June 2nd Mount McKinley Expedition reached the summit!!! After our spectacular day on the roof of this continent, we have to come down. Waking to calm winds and warm(ish) temperatures, we packed up our high camp and bid our snow walls and tent platforms adios. Leaving 17K Camp we cruised the Buttress and made it down to 14K Camp where we dug up a cache and wished the ascending RMI team bon voyage before heading to 11K camp to grab a few winks while the glacier sets up for our walk out to the runway. Amazing how just last week we were camped here with a huge mountain ahead of us filled with so many unknowns. Now we are on the other side of the mountain, grateful for the exploration of an amazing place on planet earth. RMI Guide Jake Beren

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So awesome that you all made it. We can’t wait to hear all the details and celebrate with you!

Lisa

Posted by: Lisa Van Dusen on 6/24/2015 at 9:48 pm

Way to go everyone! Can’t wait to hear all about it Mere!

Sarah S

Posted by: Sarah S on 6/23/2015 at 9:46 am

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Mt. McKinley: Beren & Team Move to High Camp

June 18, 2015

Posted by: Jake Beren, Christina Dale, Andrew Kiefer

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali

Elevation: 17,200'

June 17, 2015 9:24 pm PT Good evening from High Camp on Mt. McKinley! Here we are, poised and ready after a smooth move to the high country. The team did great and we are in bed on a beautiful, clear night on the Great One. With any luck we will try our hand at matching ourselves to this stunning mountain if the weather holds tomorrow. Wish us luck! RMI Guide Jake Beren

On The Map

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Hey AJ, I’m so excited to know that it’s finally happened for you. I am assuming you’ve submitted already and it was more fun than what you imagined! Can’t wait to see how you worked your GoPro :)
Great job Team, cheers!

Posted by: Charu on 6/19/2015 at 11:30 pm

You are lucky to have the best guide(s) in the whole company!! i hope someone has taken some pictures. What we have seen is absolutely stellar. By our count you probably have submitted. Congratulations! Job well done.
Richard

Posted by: Richard Anthony on 6/19/2015 at 5:27 pm

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