Entries By raymond holt

Ben, Ray and team carry to Camp 1. 

In a way, today was the official start of the climb portion of this adventure. Each of us has different motivation and reason for being here. Each of us, a different climbing background. Each of us, a different training regimen. However, today more than ever it was apparent that we are in total unison in moving toward our shared goal of standing atop South America. 

Teamwork was on full display with the fist bumps, high fives, and words of encouragement throughout our entire 4 hour ascent to cache gear and food at Camp 1. Walking up the last section of very loose scree and dirt is indescribable. Every step you took, the ground gave way beneath your feet. With my seriously heavy pack, I struggled to get footing. The frustration was high inside my head as I felt like a hamster in a wheel. Before I knew what was happening, Big Scree cut in front of me and kicked the most glorious steps I have ever seen as he turned his head and said “I got you”. Team work made the dream work. 

As we rolled into Camp 1 we all eagerly emptied our packs into the cache sacks and took a seat on the camp chairs inside the Grajales dome tent. When all were seated around the table, we were presented with a challenge to move as quickly but as controlled as possible down the scree fields. We were told it was a test and we were all down to take it. With a little bit of excitement in the air at the challenge at hand we took off for base camp. Scree skiing was just the fun we needed after our heavy push uphill. There was giggling, laughing, more encouragement and a feeling of freedom I can’t really explain. With the test behind us and A’s all around, we got the afternoon to relax and celebrate our own little personal victories today. 

You never know what the mountain is going to give you on any given day, or what Mother Nature is going to present you with. Heck, you don’t even know what your own body is going to throw at you. We have learned this firsthand as a group. Every day we get to spend on this mountain is a gift, including the hard and heavy days like today. We are all so grateful to be here and to be with two amazing, positive and encouraging guides- Ben and Ray. 

Jojo, CMan and IzBiz- I want you to know that what I did today was hard, but I did it. And I’ll do it again and again and again because there is no better feeling than not giving up on your goals. They’re worth it! Shoot for the moon and see where you land. BPerk- thanks for ALWAYS encouraging me, you are the best thing.

RMI Climber Christine Perkinson

Plaza Argentina Basecamp rest day number one. 

We had a relaxing morning, waking up to a thin layer of frost covering our tents and gear. Schaffe and 1/2 calf proudly entered the dining tent for breakfast knowing they were the evening winners of Farkle. This meant the rest of us schemed of personal strategies that would give us the honor of being a future Farkle champion.

Even without the prestige of a Farkle win, I woke up with an extra bounce in my step knowing that the 49ers won last night.

After breakfast we divided the group gear that will be used on the upper mountain. Ben and Ray weighed our packs, and then we individually decided if using porters was right for us. At this time we made personal choices on how much snack weight is too much snack wait or how much chub rub was too much chub rub.

With a delicious lunch meal in our stomachs we made a short group hike above Basecamp to 14,300’ to see the spectacular view of Plaza Argentina.

Games of hacky sack and cribbage with some others enjoying books and naps were used to pass the time until we tackle the upper mountain.

Spirits are high, we are anxiously awaiting the unknown challenges in our immediate future. This desire to explore the unknown to see if our bodies and minds are capable of adapting is nothing short of addiction.

RMI Climber Shane Francis

The Early Gaunaco catches the Mula.

It was an early start, but an exciting start for the team. Today, we made our trek to Base Camp to start our next phase of our expedition.

We said goodbye to our amazing Grajales Stone House hosts at Casa de Piedra and started our pilgrimage to the base of this awe inspiring mountain.

Nothing wakes you up quite like your trip’s first frigid river crossing. Switching our crocs in 4x4 mode, we quickly made the crossing. It was a refreshing way to continue our journey through this mystical country. From the beautiful valley scenes, the curious Guancos, to the Arrieros wishing us a safe journey while passing us on their way down from delivering our gear to base camp; these are only a few highlights of what we experienced leading up to BC.

Spirits were high as we made the 6 to 7 hour trek (that’s for you Wells) to accomplish today’s Plaza de Argentina. We are now settled in at 13,800’ preparing our minds and bodies for the climb ahead. It’s time to strap up, clip in, and go full send.

Thank you to our amazing RMI guides and our local Grajales crew for making this a special experience. But more importantly, thank you to all our families and friends at home who are taking up the slack while we are on this amazing expedition. (Particularly Lauren, Winn, & Wells)

Till tomorrow.

RMI Climber Andrew Hall

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

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 

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.

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

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!

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!

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.