Entries By walter hailes
January 31, 2020
Posted by: Walter Hailes
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 17,000'
We pushed as hard as we could today but the weather just didn't let us summit Orizaba. We all climbed strong up to about 17,000ft when the combination of strong winds, wind loaded slopes, and reduced visibility made the decision to turn around and head downhill quite clear. It is always disappointing to not make the summit, but the while team is in great spirits back at the Casa pierde hut. Now we load onto the 4x4 for our final push to Mexico City and a nice hot shower and dinner. See you all very soon.
RMI Guide Walter Hailes checks in from Orizaba Summit attempt.
January 30, 2020
Posted by: Walter Hailes
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 14,000'
Update: January 30th at 1:30 pm PT
Hello friends and family,
We spent a few hours today climbing higher on Orizaba in partial sunshine and protected from the wind by the mountain. During the trip we refreshed our ice axe and crampon skills and may have done a little scheming about new business ideas. We are sticking to the plan of an early dinner and bed and really early rise to attempt the summit. No matter what the weather does we will be safe and have fun.
January 30th at 6:30 am PT
We made the correct decision to abandon the tents and sleep in the hut at Piedra Grande. The wind gusts gradually got stronger till early morning. Another team did attempt the summit but turned around before the summit because of the wind.
The wind is still strong but we are going to get out and do a little training/acclimation hike and enjoy the day. We'll keep looking up and see what the weather gives us for tonight.
On The Map
January 29, 2020
Posted by: Walter Hailes
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 14,000'
Our day started calm and orderly, but did not finish that way. We had another great meal at La Malinche before we started driving to Tlachachula. Then we loaded the van and hit the road. After sorting gear and eating lunch in town we loaded up the 4x4 and drove the bumpy road 2 hours to camp. Camp was a little windy when as we set up our tents. We choose to sleep in tents instead of the hut so that we could have a nice quiet night. However, just as we finished the last tent big wind gusts started hitting us. When we almost lost one tent 3 times we decided to change plans, drop the tents and retreat to the hut. The team made quick work of relocating and we settled into the hut nicely. We'll sleep sound tonight and see what the wind is like in the morning.
RMI Guide Walt Hailes & Team
January 28, 2020
Posted by: Walter Hailes
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 10,000'
Good morning. We had a great day yesterday driving to La Malinche. We left Mexico City and grabbed some lunch and snacks food for our climb today. Once we arrive at the resort we settled into the cabana and Brett, Jeff and John went for a hike before dinner. Alden, Merrick and I spent time at the cabana prepping for our climb today. Dinner was delicious with queso and guacamole for all.
This morning we grabbed breakfast and hit the trail for our first acclimation hike. The forecast called for sunny and warm. We had a near perfect day today on our acclimation hike. Sunny skies, light breeze, and a great team. We moved well uphill even in the loose rock and scree of the mountain and got to relax on to for well over an hour, breathing the thin air as getting ready for the next challenge. We are all looking forward to another great dinner and a warm fire in our cabana tonight.
We had a great kick off meeting last night and everyone is excited to be together and starting a fun week long mountain adventure to Pico de Orizaba. After quick introductions for Merrick and me (Alden, Brett, Jeff and John have climbed together in the past) we enjoyed a beautiful view from a roof top lounge looking over Mexico City. We then moved to Historico Azul a unique open air restaurant beneath a perfectly manicured canopy of trees for dinner. In each trees hung hundreds of small oil lamps giving the room a warm glow, and the food was delicious. Today we are driving to La Malinche, a small mountain resort, to begin our acclimation process with a promising weather forecast.
Thanks again,
July 23, 2019
Posted by: Walter Hailes
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,400'
July 11, 2019
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Josh McDowell
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Congrats, Autumn, to you and your team! Best wishes on your next adventure (whatever it may be).
Posted by: Mike Rathbun on 7/12/2019 at 7:32 am
Great job everyone!
Congrats AE from all the Turner Girls!
Posted by: JillT on 7/11/2019 at 8:20 pm
June 30, 2019
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Chris Ebeling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Nice job! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Posted by: Hilary Gehman & Matt Smith on 7/1/2019 at 6:50 pm
Congratulations! We’re happy you have this experience and we’re looking forward to your stories.
Posted by: Wayne and Louise Gehman on 7/1/2019 at 5:28 am
Congratulations Shep and Jared!
Posted by: Phil Gore on 6/26/2019 at 6:52 pm
Way to go Jared and Shep!
Posted by: Robin on 6/26/2019 at 6:18 pm
June 18, 2019
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Josh McDowell
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Congratulations Tony B on your 1st climb and reaching the summit! So proud of you and happy for you!
Posted by: Dianne Davis on 6/19/2019 at 8:16 am
Lewis… Congratulations on an awesome accomplishment! I hope you enjoyed the Dr. Pepper! Looking forward to hearing all about it
Posted by: Dan on 6/18/2019 at 5:43 pm
Damn those high winds and white out conditions!! Obviously the right call to make! Have fun in Mexico City. Looking forward to seeing pics and hearing stories. Safe travels!
Posted by: Chip on 2/1/2020 at 12:24 pm
You’re all unstoppable!!! Warm greetings from Florida and Boston!
Posted by: Team Alden on 1/31/2020 at 8:06 am
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