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Hola friends,

As we watched the winds continue to move across the upper mountain, we kept doing what we’ve done this entire expedition — gathering information, having honest conversations, and making thoughtful decisions with the reality in front of us.

The truth is this: we can prepare perfectly and still not be promised the summit.

Over the past weeks, this team has done everything within their control. We carried heavy loads when it would have been easier not to. We rested when rest felt unnatural. We ate when we weren’t hungry. We drank water when it was freezing. We managed headaches, wind, and the slow grind of altitude. We adapted when the forecast changed. We showed up for each other.

We put ourselves in position.

And that’s not a small thing.

Many other teams descended but we kept hope and we kept trying.

But Aconcagua does not negotiate. She doesn’t bend to training plans, travel schedules, or how badly we want it. The winds remained strong enough that continuing higher would have crossed the line from determined into unsafe.

So at 21,400 feet on the Grand Traverse, we made the call.

Turning around is never dramatic in the moment. It’s measured. It’s a look at each other and a nod of the head.  It’s built on experience and trust. And on big mountains, it’s often the decision that defines a team more than a summit photo ever could.

No one here failed. No one fell short. This team did the work. They earned the chance. And sometimes earning the chance — and having the wisdom to step back when the mountain says no — is the deeper success.

We walk down proud.

And grateful.

And ready for a shower and warmth.

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the A-team

Thursday, February 5, 2926

Here we are, rest day at base camp.

This morning we lingered at breakfast, another cup of coffee, another cup of tea. We covered an impressive range of topics: public healthcare, data analysis, the influence of AI, and the origins of acetaas it relates to acetaminophen and acetazolamide (Diamox). This naturally led to the balsamic vinegar on the table and the discovery that aceta in Spanish and in pharmaceuticals means… vinegar.

From there, the conversation drifted to how we all ended up in the mountains. What they mean to us. On paper, we couldn’t be more different. But there was so much overlap in our stories, the braids of humanity connecting all these very different people trying this one very hard thing.

One hour turned into another and soon (as it always does) we found ourselves talking about the forecast. Summit chances. Strategy. The great obsession.

What we landed on was this: we are doing everything in our power to be ready if the mountain gives us the opportunity. We’re addressing small things early. We’re getting calories in. We’re resting. We’re keeping our minds steady through the unknowns and emotional whiplash of expedition life.

What we cannot control is the mountain. 

The weather. 

The great winds.

With high winds now and more in the forecast — we’ve decided to hold steady at base camp another day. So tomorrow, we rest again. 

We take care of ourselves as much as we can in the hopes that the jet stream winds die down, in the hopes that we will get the chance to climb. And there is still definitely hope! Do we need things to go our way? Yes. Very much yes.

We will stay focused on the now, stay focused on the things we can control. And have a darn good time while we’re doing it. Tonight that looks like dinner and a round (or three) of Telephone Pictionary. Staying up a little later than planned. Laughing at the absurdity of it all. And tomorrow, we’ll do it all again. 

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Aconcagua team 

After our big day yesterday, it was time for another alpine start. In the wee hours of 10am we began our trek on the O Circuit. The first section of our loop around the Towers. Today is a mellow day, especially compared to the hike to the base of towers. Taking half the time and climbing a fraction of the elevation. Today could be called an active rest day. A term that anyone who has climbed with me in the past would poke fun at me for suggesting. 

We weave and wind our way through the foothills of the mountains, mostly hiking through the low desert like terrain that certain parts of Patagonia offer. While enjoying the sweeping views that a lack of tall trees lends us a beautiful blue river, the Paine River, carves the landscape and we follow it all the way to Seron Camp. An open field with big views and a cozy hut where we will eat dinner. Tomorrow is a bigger day, but one that ends in my favorite camp of the whole trek, Lago Dickson. Wish us luck and keep hoping for clear skies!! 

RMI Guide Dominic Cifelli

At the beginning of the trip Anna asked what climb I loved most and why. Immediately I said, the people I am with. This trip was no different. Our team contained inspiring people. Whynde - humble, incredible listener,and supportive, Jesse - cool, calm, and thoughtful, Hannah - our social butterfly, always has good questions, and introspective, Anna - good energy, moral booster, and full of life, Maria - full of knowledge, kindness, and encouragement, Carlos and Allan - our logistics specialists, we couldn’t have done it without you, and lastly our lead guide Ben - el jefe, our fearless leader, keeping our team in good spirits, and making sure each of us were heard. I am grateful to spend this experience with each of you. Until next time, climb on!

RMI Climber Ethan Pickett

Safari Day 2

Today we visited the famous Ngorongoro Crater, considered by some to be the 8th wonder of the world. The crater is roughly100 square miles and is home to roughly 30,000 mammals that have taken up residence. We hit the road early with hopes of catching a few of the big cats before the heat of the day sent them in search of shade.

There were many sightings today of hyenas, jackles, ostrich, and countless other birds. We manage to see quite a few lions including one large male up close.

The team also managed to see four Black Rhinos.

We have just finished another wonderful meal here at the Plantation Lodge and the team is off to bed after a long, but very rewarding day on safari.

RMI Guide Casey Grom and the safari crew

RMI's four-day climb led by guides Joe Hoch and Felipe Guarderas reached the summit of Mt Rainier this morning around 6:20am. They reported sunshine with a light breeze and a trace of new snow. They are currently on their descent back to Camp Muir and will return to Ashford this afternoon. 

Great work everyone!

People have asked me why I climb mountains. My answer has changed over the years. The short answer is I climb mountains so I can escape the mountains of my mind. 

I like Robert McFarland’s quote on the subject too. 

“The true blessing of the mountains is not that they provide a challenge or a contest, something to be overcome and dominated (although this is how many people have approached them). It is that they offer something gentler and infinitely more powerful: they make us ready to credit marvels - whether it is the dark swirl which water makes beneath a plate of ice, or the feel of the soft pelts of moss which form on the lee sides of boulders and trees. Being in the mountains reignites our astonishment at the simplest transactions of the physical world: a snowflake a millionth of an ounce in weight falling on to one's outstretched palm, water patiently carving a runnel in a face of granite, the apparently motiveless shift of a stone in a scree-filled gully. To put a hand down and feel the ridges and score in a rock where a glaciers has passed, to hear how a hillside comes alive with moving water after a rain shower, to see late summer light filling miles of landscape like an inexhaustible liquid - none of these is a trivial experience. Mountains returns to us priceless capacity for wonder which can so insensibly be leached away by modern existence, and they urge us to apply that wonder to our own everyday lives.”

Mountains of the Mind, Robert McFarland

To wrap up how I’m feeling right now, laying in a tent, at 13,000 ft, when I dream, when I attempt to define happiness, this is it. To be with new and old friends outdoors, doing things that allow us to walk the line of comfort and risk. A guide helps control this risk and allows for this exploration of growth. Thanks Ben.

Sometimes I climb mountains just to say I did.

RMI Climber Hannah McEntire 

Ps: Congratulations to the team today for our summit on Izta!

RMI's four-day climb led by guides Eric Frank and Tom Skoog reached the summit this Independence Day morning! They reported moderate winds and a small cloud cap, and are currently on their descent back to Camp Muir. They will return to Ashford this afternoon. 

Great work team!

Friday, June 5th - 8PM PST

Welcome to Serenity Ridge! This is a rare opportunity to purchase a premiere piece of Alaskan wilderness. Nestled on a wide ridge at 14,200’, this new subdivision offers sweeping views of the Alaska Range, including Mt. Foraker, and easy access to the Autobahn, the local chess club, and the beloved eatery “The Soup God,” where you might catch a glimpse of Chef Ray in his apron. Stop by The Alonso Drafthouse for a film screening or take a walk to the National Park Service outpost. Grab a snack at The Cache! Property includes access to private helipad. Adjoining easement with Denali National Park ensures no new development. This is truly the end of the world!

This off-the-grid home was lovingly built by hand and features a cathedral ceiling, built-ins with ample storage, solar power, and two enclosed porches. Sit with your coffee in the morning and watch the clouds roll in over the tundra below! Recently remodelled with reclaimed materials in June 2026. You’ll love the rustic feel. Improvements include a reinforced foundation and a detached kitchen and bathroom, the latter of which has been well loved. With no running water, power or heat, monthly costs are low — and there’s no lawn to mow!

Don’t miss this opportunity! This is all about location, location, location! Two remaining homes for sale — two and three-person occupancies, measuring between 32 and 40 square feet. The mansion on the block — a four-person dwelling currently occupied by two — has already sold. Neighbors are quiet. (Minus the snoring.)

This is communal living at its finest!

For information on the open house, please comment below.

Listed for: One fresh package of cookie dough, two Sherpas and access to a hot shower.
Listing agent: Jackson Breen

Walkability: 20
Public transportation: 0
School system: 0
Municipal services: 0
Hospital access: 0
Nightlife: 0 (Shocker!!) 
 

One final hola from Argentina,

We’ve had a lovely couple days recuperating in Mendoza. Enjoying the calm pace of life, being tourists in a town of sunshine, and yes — exploring a gorgeous winery, Casa Vigil.

While enjoying one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time, a quote showed up on the wine bottle:“Final del camino sólo recuerdas una batalla, la que libraste contigo mismo, el verdadero enemigo; la que te hizo único.”

“At the end of the road you only remember one battle — the one you fought with yourself, the true enemy; the one that made you unique.”

It stuck with all of us. Because after a trip like this, you realize pretty quickly it’s not about the summit, the altitude reached, or proving anything to anyone else.

It’s the quiet negotiations you had with yourself.

Getting out of the sleeping bag.

Turning around when you needed to.

Trying again the next day anyway.

And now, learning how much gelato counts as recovery.

Those are the moments that stay.

Most of us are heading home now, and I think we’ll all keep chewing on this experience for a long time.

Thank you, team (heeeeeyyyy you!) for trusting Leandro and me, for showing up every day, and for making this such a good chapter to be part of.

Would happily walk into (or against) the wind with you again.

RMI Guide Jess Wedel