Entries By raymond holt
Posted by: Ben Luedtke, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Day two on the trek to base camp here in the Vacas Valley.
After a night of team building around the table playing some Farkle, “BIG C” and “Half Calf” claimed the first two victories of the trip. We were treated to an incredible night sleeping under the stars, with a bright half-moon and even a coyote running through the campsites.
After a wonderful breakfast, we applied another layer of sunscreen and “Chub Rub” and hit the trail a little after 8 AM. As we hiked through the Vacas Valley, the scenery was breathtaking, and we were treated to a ton of Guanaco sightings. Some in our group—who shall remain nameless (Johnny)—even tried to stalk one down.
With Scooby at the helm and his very capable sidekick, Ray, we trekked the 10 miles to our second stop, Casa de Piedras. Before finishing the second leg of our journey, we were able to lay eyes on Aconcagua, a.k.a. The Sentinel of Stone. It is a stunning, daunting, and beautiful sight to behold. Full of respect and nervous excitement, we are one stage closer to seeing if we are worthy to pass.
RMI Climber Tim Schafer
New Post Alerts:
Aconcagua Expedition January 5, 2026
The rain delay yesterday didn’t take the wind out of our sails. We woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed ready to start our trek. On the way to the trailhead we enjoyed (yerba) mate, empanadas, and Carlos’s 80’s rock playlist. The meat and Malbec of Mendoza felt like an oasis but getting on the trail today reminded us of why we had travelled all this way.
A cool breeze and breathtaking views helped us up the Vacas Valley and a condor soaring high above the snow capped peaks was a good omen for the start of our trip. We are now sitting at Las Leñas patiently awaiting an asado from our kind Argentine hosts. We had a lovely first day and are excited for what is to come.
Peace, Love, Gratitude.
RMI Guides Ray Holt, Ben Luedtke, and Team
New Post Alerts:
Aconcagua Expedition January 5, 2026
We started the day in our fancy hotel, enjoying eggs and sausage and coffee as well.
The van had arrived, the gear was all packed and our guides diligently made up for what we lacked
The bus swayed and vistas were scanned, 3 hours more to begin what we planned
But when we stopped to pee we heard the news, one weather day we had to lose.
We decended the highway trying not to be crass, Aconcagua had told us, you shall not pass
The city came close and I remembered my luck, I was in South America no other place I'd rather be stuck
Another night in the land of sun and good wine, another joke about chubrub would not be out of line
RMI Climber Colin Young
Due to heavy rains the Aconcagua National Park closed today. (Jan. 8) The team will start their trek tomorrow to Base Camp.
New Post Alerts:
Aconcagua Expedition January 5, 2026
Hola amigos y familiares de Mendoza, Argentina y feliz año nuevo!!
We have all officially arrived here in the land of carne asado, vino tinto, and guanacos. The excitement cannot contain us. Over the last 2 days, we have found the lag to our jet, enjoyed some fine Argentinian cuisine, and triple checked our gear. The highest peak outside the Himalaya, the Stone Centinel, awaits our arrival. Tomorrow is that day. The day we start our long trek to stand atop South America. Stay tuned as we utilize our Chubb Rub along our endeavor not only to climb, but circumvent Aconcagua.
Hablamos pronto.
RMI Guides Ben Luedtke, Ray Holt, & Team
New Post Alerts:
Aconcagua Expedition January 5, 2026
Posted by: Raymond Holt, Annie Chapman
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
100% Summit Success on Mt. Baker!
Our climbing team had originally set out to ascend Mt. Rainier, but due to unsafe route conditions above Ingraham Flats, they made the smart decision to pivot with us to Mt. Baker.
Led by RMI Guides Ray Holt and Annie Chapman, the team took on the Easton Glacier route—and it was absolutely worth it!
Every climber stood on the summit, rewarded with stunning views and the satisfaction of perseverance and adaptability. The team is now back at camp, resting, rehydrating, and preparing for tomorrow’s descent to the trailhead.
Huge congratulations to the entire team for their flexibility, determination, and summit success!
Posted by: Raymond Holt, Tom Skoog
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 9,131'
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The entire Mt. Shuksan climb led by RMI Guides Ray Holt and Tom Skoog reached the summit of Mt. Shuksan via the Fisher Chimneys route this morning. The team enjoyed a beautiful sunrise while ascending and blue skies from the summit. The team will descend back to the trailhead and conclude their program later today.
Congratulations climbers!
Posted by: Casey Grom, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,200'
The Five Day teams led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Ray Holt were unable to make a summit attempt due to unsafe route conditions. Recent rain and low temperatures brought significant snowfall and created icy conditions on the upper mountain—conditions that a couple warm days will improve.
Instead of summiting, the teams spent two days at Camp Muir focusing on additional training, including a skills session up at Ingraham Flats. They are currently descending from Camp Muir and are expected to arrive back at our Ashford Basecamp later this afternoon.
Hey team,
I’ve been thinking about y’all. I’m sorry you didn’t get the chance to summit, but there will be other days and opportunities. I’m glad everyone is safe.
Randy
Posted by: Randy Salo on 8/19/2025 at 6:34 am
Posted by: Brent Okita, Jackson Breen, Hannah Blum, Raymond Holt, Miles Watson, Fitz Elder, Oliver Shapiro, Ben Porter
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climbs August 10 - 13 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning led by RMI Guides Brent Okita and Jackson Breen. It's a beautiful day with clear skies and great views. The teams enjoyed some time on top before starting their descent from the crater rim around 6:40 am. Once they reach Camp Muir they will take a short break and then continue the final 4,500' to Paradise.
Nice work team!
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Tatum Whatford, Raymond Holt, Mac Nolde, Kayanna Hopkins, Jack Ritterson, Matt Tucker, Erika Barrett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb August 7 - 10 led by RMI Guides Dustin Wittmier & Tatumn Whatford reached the summit of Mt. Rainier around 6:30 am today. Tatum reported that it was a little windy and a little cold but it was turning into a beautiful morning on the mountain. The teams spent about an hour in the summit crater before starting their descent. Once back at Camp Muir they will take a quick break and repack their gear before contining the final 4.5 miles to Paradise.
Congratulations to today's teams!
PC: Tatum Whatford
Posted by: Sam Marjerison, Raymond Holt, Jack Ritterson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 12,900'
The Kautz Seminar Team July 27 - 1 August led by RMI Guide Sam Marjerison has spent the last several days training and climbing. They began their climb of Mt. Rainier from Paradise on July 29 ascending to camp near the Wilson Glacier. They spent time learning crevasse rescue skills, setting anchors and belays and worked on technical ice climbing skills before starting their summit attempt. The team climbed strong through the Kautz Ice chute this morning, reaching an elevation of 12,900'. At that point, deterioration weather forced them to retreat. They will spend another night at camp, perhaps get in a bit more training, and then descend to Paradise tomorrow. They will conclude their adventure in Ashford tomorrow afternoon.
Strong climbing team!
Awesome work staying safe annd being smart! I know that you are deeply disappointed. You’ve waited years for this day, I hope the experience has been awe-inspiring and has just fueled the fire for the next time
Posted by: Anna Graf on 8/1/2025 at 1:12 am
Let’s go gang!!! Excited to follow your journey. Bobby T
Posted by: Robert Taylor on 1/10/2026 at 3:13 pm
Yay! Feliz, feliz. Happy climbing to all. The condor is definitely a good sign!
Posted by: Rob and Lori Holt on 1/9/2026 at 5:21 pm
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