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Entries By emma lyddan


Antisana Express: Wittmier & Team Members Reach Summit of Antisana

Following two nights of tent camping in the paramo, yesterday we climbed Antisana. Several members of the team reached the summit and everyone gave a serious effort. Congratulations to all for making it as far as we have.

Antisana is Ecuador's fourth highest mountain, but the complex glaciers that one encounters makes a summit bid quite difficult. Our camp sits at 14,800' in the final patch of grass before entering more serious alpine terrain. The first hour takes you through a glacial moraine before arriving at the base of the glacier. Once on the glacier, numerous huge crevasses are encountered as well as needing to navigate through serac-ridden terrain. Higher on the mountain, the team worked their way up some very steep snow pitches before walking the seemingly endless plateau to the true summit. Although this section is benign, the altitude of over 18,000' catches up with you. This is truly a difficult climb and for making the effort, you are rewarded with excellent views of other high mountains in Ecuador.

Honestly, Antisana might be my favorite volcano climb in Ecuador. The beauty of our campsite alone is worth a visit. We camped two nights in tents and there is also a dining tent where we were served delicious, hot meals every morning and evening. The staff at Antisana basecamp is lovely and as always, our local Ecuadorian guides are professional and just truly good people to hang with.

Today, a portion of the group heads home while the rest of us are headed to Chimborazo. We spent a final night as a team at Casa Ilayaku, a quaint hacienda on an old farm property near Quito. According to our smart watches, the sleep was near perfect. For those headed to Chimborazo, we are now on a four hour bus ride to the Chimborazo Lodge for one more relaxing night prior to another big summit push!

Thanks for following along.

RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier

Leave a Comment For the Team (1)

That is Awesome Dustin and Team!!
I speak from experience, a few years ago Dustin was the reason I made it to the Summit of Cotopoxi!!
You all have an Awesome guide!
Farmer Dave

Posted by: Dave Kestel on 11/5/2023 at 3:57 am


Antisana Express: Wittmier, Lyddan & Team Summit Illiniza Norte

Iliniza Norte summit!

Our team reached the summit of Iliniza Norte at 6 pm yesterday evening. It was a beautiful afternoon, so upon arrival at the hut we decided to just go for it. We were rewarded with a lovely sunset at the summit, one of the nicer ones most of us have ever seen.

Back at the hut, we sat down for a hot meal and although it was quite tasty, Emma and I spent some time forcing people to eat. A long few days of acclimatizing is catching up with everyone, but you have to eat! The main objective lies ahead.

We are now in route to Antisana Basecamp, where we will spend two nights and hopefully be standing on top of the fourth highest peak in Ecuador less than 48 hours from now!

RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier

Leave a Comment For the Team (1)

That is Awesome Dustin and Team!! Thank you for sharing those incredible pictures! Breath Deep!!!!

Posted by: Dave Kestel on 11/3/2023 at 4:21 am


Antisana Express: Wittmier, Lyddan & Team Begin in Quito

Flying into Quito you begin to grasp the magnitude and astounding beauty of the volcanoes surrounding the city. The dichotomy of the lush Amazonian rainforest and the high, snowy mountains leaves one with a sense of the diverse ecosystems of Ecuador. Our first day included trip introductions, getting to know each other and exploring the city. We spent the first half of the day at the equatorial line, learning about the indigenous people of the Amazon and their culture. The second half of the day we explored old Quito, checking out stunning architecture and discussing the current politics of Ecuador. Our second day we took a teleferico or gondola up to around 13,000ft to begin our acclimating hike up to the summit of Rucca Pichincha at 15,354ft. Everyone enjoyed snacks and laughs at the summit before heading back to Quito for a delicious Mediterranean dinner.

RMI Guide Emma Lyddan

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Best of Luck to the entire team from US, especially from Chicago and NY. Wish I was there with you guys.

Good Luck on Antisana and Chimborazo.  Carpei Diem…!!!

Fernando Carranza Sr.

Posted by: Fernando R Carranza on 11/2/2023 at 1:00 pm

Stunning sunset!

Posted by: Jean Wittmier on 11/1/2023 at 11:35 pm


Mt. Rainier: Four Day Climb led by Champion Reach Summit

The Four Day Climb July 30 - 2 August reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today. RMI Guide Nikki Champion led the team reported cold and windy conditions with a good route.  The team spent some time in the crater before starting their descent to Camp Muir.  Once back at Camp they will take a short break before continuing the remaining 4,500' to Paradise.

Nice work today team!

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Mt. Rainier: Walter & Emmons Seminar team reaches summit

The Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons led by RMI Guide Mike Walter reached the summit of Mt. Rainier yesterday. High winds delayed their summit alpine start but the team was still able to make a summit attempt and all of the team memebers were able to stand on top. The team returned to Camp Schurman for their final night on the mountain.  Today they intend to do a bit of training before descending to the trail head and transferring back to Rainier BaseCamp. We look forward to seeing them later this afternoon at the conclusion of their program.

Congratulations everyone!

Leave a Comment For the Team (1)

Hats off to a super professional team at RMI. Great work navigating some tricky weather Mike. I wasn’t sure we were going to make it. The next time I’m taking a flight over the Andes, I know who I want on my plane!

Posted by: James Coley on 7/27/2023 at 6:36 pm


Mt. Rainier: McDowell, Lyddan, and Teams on Top!

The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Josh McDowell and Emma Lyddan reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 6 am PDT today. Josh reported a windy climb, so they didn't stay too long on the summit. The team is on the descent toward Camp Muir, and will be back at Rainier Basecamp to celebrate this afternoon.

Congratulations Team!  

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Congratulations, Max! Looking forward to hearing the tales of this adventure and your plans for the next one. Bravo to the whole team!

Posted by: Sue on 7/8/2023 at 10:41 am

Congratulations to All, and especially to Max for achieving his goal!
Next climb, Denali?!!

Posted by: Michelle on 7/8/2023 at 10:01 am


Mt. Rainier: Five Day Team Led by Gately & Lyddan Summit

After enjoying a day of training at Ingraham Flats, 11,200ft, yesterday, the Five Day Climb June 29 - 3 July led by RMI Guides Steve Gately and Emma Lyddan put their training to good use. The teams climbed 4,500' from Camp Muir to the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning.  Steve reported a pleasant day on the mountain with a bit of a breeze towards the summit.  The teams began their descent from the crater rim just before 7:30 am en route to Camp Muir.  Once back at camp they will have a short break to repack before continuing the remaining 4,500' to Paradise.

Congratulations to today's climbing teams!

Leave a Comment For the Team

Mt. Rainier: Five Day Climb Teams Enjoy Beautiful Morning

The Five Day Climb teams led by RMI Guides Joe Hoch and Tatum Whatford reached the summit this morning.  Joe reported a stormy night at Camp Muir and a cloudy ascent but a clear morning with light winds as they were descending from the crater rim.  The teams started their descent from the crater rim a little before 7am today.  They will return to Camp Muir for a quick break and then continue down to Paradise.

Congratulations to today's climbers!

Leave a Comment For the Team

Mt. Rainier: June 23rd Team Summits!

The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Joe Hoch and Jess Wedel reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 7 am this morning. Jess reported clear crisp skies, and a great route. The team will enjoy time on the summit snapping photos and taking in the breathtaking views before starting their descent. 

Congratulations Team! 

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Congratulations to the team and especially Ryan Hofer!!  Proud of you!!

Posted by: Mike on 6/23/2023 at 9:04 am

ANNALISA! I am SO proud of you. This is such a huge goal that you accomplished. I can’t wait to hear all about it and see the photos. On to the next summit!

Posted by: Erika on 6/23/2023 at 8:23 am


Mt. Rainier: Team Turn after a Cold Morning

The Mt. Rainier Four-Day climb led by RMI guides, Steve Gately and Emma Lyddan, turned around near 13,000’ this morning. After a cold morning and a light dusting of flurries, the team made the decision to turn back. The climbers are currently on their descent and will be back to celebrate their hard-work this afternoon in Ashford.

Leave a Comment For the Team
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