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We woke up to low clouds over Rivertrees Inn… but that has been an everyday kind of thing, so it wasn’t much of a concern. We had our breakfast and did our last-minute packing and gear sorting and then boarded the team bus at 8 AM.
It took about two hours to get to the Machame Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. We did a lot of people watching on the way, seeing how Tanzanians go about day-to-day life. And we watched the plants and vegetation change as the bus climbed up to the 6000 ft gate. As expected, there was a little time to kill at the park entrance as the permitting process was completed. We used the time to review efficient walking strategies and to discuss the terrain that lay ahead. Finally, at about 10:30, we got walking with our staff of local guides. Tom, Naiman, Phillibet, and John set the perfect pace, as usual. We had about four thousand vertical feet to climb in about six miles. Before long we were climbing in the clouds rather than under them. It was easy to understand why the thick forest had moss on every surface. The cool conditions made for the perfect walking temperature. The trail was a little muddy and slimy underfoot, but not to the point that you’d sink into the muck. We didn’t have much trouble with traction or with maintaining a steady pace. We took a few breaks for snacks and water, but by mid-afternoon the forest was changing to smaller trees, and it was clear that we were getting somewhere. We came out above the clouds and the trail dried out. The last hour or so into camp was in fine, blue sky and sunshine weather. We rolled in at 3:30. Such a pleasure then to see that our staff already had camp built and ready for us. We just had to move in and enjoy life at 10,000 ft. That got easier when the last clouds above fell away and Kibo (Kilimanjaro’s central peak) came out for sunset.
We spent the time before dinner staring at the giant rock walls and impossibly steep ice fields and glaciers. In our dining tent, we had a great feast and a little story time as John -our lead guide- explained his progression into becoming a full climbing guide, 255 Kili summits ago. The team checked out a few Southern Hemisphere stars before crawling into tents and calling it a day. A good day.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team
Von,
Well, you started off smiling, so that’s good. Be safe!
Jacqueline
Posted by: Hutchins, Jacqueline on 8/17/2022 at 12:58 pm
Sounds like an awesome day one! Enjoy getting high above 10,000ft!
Posted by: Missy on 8/17/2022 at 12:55 pm
Monday, August 15, 2022 - 3:25 am PT
Up, up and away! Right out of camp we immediately climbed several sections of steep Inca steps. Layers were quickly shed at our first stop of the day, Runkurakay, about half way up to the 13,000 foot pass. This site was a beautiful outpost thought to be a check point for pilgrims along the Inca trail. After a brief history lesson here we continued to climb until we hit the top of the pass. Here we were rewarded with world class views of tall glaciated peaks, soaring granite towers and deep rainforest river valleys. Then it was down, down, down. The rest of the day was spent descending from our high point. Our transition from the dry alpine zone into the cloud forest was equally impressive. We passed through lush jungle and dozens of orchids, admiring the stunning colors. We also had several stops at historic Inca sites on our descent. Each one becoming more elaborate and impressive as we got closer to Machu Picchu. The two biggest sites were right next to camp, Intipata and Wiñaywayna. These sites had numerous large terraces, complex drainage systems, and housing complexes. Our excitement was growing knowing the greatest of the Inca sites was yet to come, Machu Picchu! Tonight we go to bed extra early since we’re planning to get an alpine start to beat the crowds.
Goodnight,
RMI Guides Mike King, Jack Delaney and the team
Posted by: Avery Parrinello, Lauren Macklin, Daniel May, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
After several days and lots of hands-on training, our Emmons seminar team successfully reached the summit of Mt. Rainier yesterday. RMI Guide Avery Parrinello reported beautiful weather for the climb. The team enjoyed several days of great weather during their training days and ascent from camp to camp before their climb yesterday.
The team is currently on their descent from Camp Schurman back to Basecamp in Ashford where they will celebrate their successful summit. Congrats team!
What a day! At 13,070' it was still rather chilly in the shade as we began our climb of the Barranco Wall. Looking ahead the route was already busy with climbers and porters negotiating the steep terrain. Behind us camp was finally lit up with the early morning sun, looking warm and inviting. But our attention was focused on the steady footwork that would take us safely up this cool wall.
Much of the climb we snaked through weaknesses in the rock that allowed us to walk upright on the well-trodden path. The fun came dealing with those places that demanded more precise footwork and the use of handholds on the rock. At a couple of places, we'd 'spot' these moves to maximize safety, but the team moved like the savvy climbers they are, or have become. After one and a half hours we were rewarded with a huge flat area at the top of the Wall where we refueled. The scenery here opened up dramatically to the steep cliffs and glaciers leading to the summit. Our route, thankfully, skirts these precipitous faces, traversing east to Karanga Camp, and eventually the route to the summit.
Getting to Karanga demanded we climb up and down through a couple of valleys, but the views and scenery were so nice that nobody complained of the need to reascend precious altitude gained earlier...
It was nice getting into camp by 1:00 to enjoy the warm, beautiful weather up here. Tosha had an incredible paella whipped up for lunch after we had the chance to settle into our tents and wash up after the dusty trail.
How spoiled we are!
Tomorrow: High Camp - Barafu.
George, I pray for your safety and that of the team. I envy the view you are rewarded with for your efforts of climbing!!!
Posted by: Michael Belt on 7/22/2022 at 7:55 pm
Glen and Thomas…We are mentally negotiating these paths with you and can feel the excitement building as you get closer to the goal. Now to rest up for Saturday’s trek to high camp. Amazing stuff! Thanks Brent for these updates
Posted by: Ginee Philippy on 7/22/2022 at 10:48 am
On The Map
Hey girls - like everyone else I’m amazed by your accomplishments and very grateful for the good weather and good health (so far) you all have enjoyed. What an adventure. Until today I had been just reading Dana Marie’s blog (which is great - thanks for doing that D-M - it has been the highlight of my days), and when Sasha told me everyone was posting on the blog I had no idea of what she was talking about until a client who is thinking about doing a trek sent me the link after I was talking about your exploits. While lacking the color of D-M’s posts, it is great to get the skinny from the guides on what you are doing every day and love the pictures.
Hope you all continue to feel well and enjoy the trip.
Mike
Posted by: Mike Hogan on 3/23/2012 at 6:10 pm
Hi mom! I love u! Hope u r having fun. Miss u!
Love Katie
Posted by: Katie on 3/23/2012 at 5:03 pm
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
After three nights of strong wind gust, fitful sleeping and high altitude we were all ready for a full mountain rest day today. Rest days are simple and look similar to your cat’s daily routine: eat, then nap, then casual stroll, then eat, then nap. Today, our highlights were hot quesadillas for snacks and we walked across the valley from camp to an abandoned hotel to enjoy even more spectacular views.
All around a great rest day and everyone is ready for more climbing tomorrow.
Let’s go Boys! Congrats on your progress, see you at the TOP!
Posted by: Craig Straub on 1/19/2022 at 1:59 pm
Great job fellas! You will make it!
“The wonderful things in life are the things you do, not the things you have.” Reinhold Messner
Posted by: Dirk Gilliard on 1/19/2022 at 1:37 pm
Posted by: JT Schmitt, Matias Francis, Jackson Breen
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,000'
Monday, May 30, 2022 - 10:43 pm PT
Today we rested again at 14,000' Camp. The team has been soaking up the rest, eating lots of food and drinking plenty of fluids. Thanks for following along and we will keep you posted on what we end up doing tomorrow!
Thanks,
RMI Guides JT, Matias, Jackson and the RMI team.
Hi JT Schmitt I am your Great Aunt who lives on a farm by Cresco Iowa. Your Granddad Joe is my brother. I am so happy to beable to keep in touch with you way up in the air. I will stay where it is nice and warm. The farming is going good for the farmers around here. Crops all in and growing. I hope to see you in august this year. Hope is works out. Just want to say Hello from Iowa. auntie Joyce PS Be safe you and the rest of the climbers
Posted by: joyce mrachek on 5/31/2022 at 5:28 pm
Rest well. Exciting days ahead!
Posted by: Amy Houston on 5/31/2022 at 8:08 am
Bill and Sara: we have been following your climbing progress and exploits, and wish you good health and safety. We had a great time at the WCAT party and you were there in spirit; Forrest and Matthew regaled everyone talking about the early broadcasts and the fun of working with you. Best wishes; John, Shelby and Forrest Cobb
Posted by: John Cobb on 5/3/2011 at 6:18 pm
Hi Uncle Bill! We are rooting for you so we wrote you a little poem…..
There once was a strong guy named Bill.
He decided to climb a big hill.
He just wouldn’t stop
so he got to the top.
And wondered….that was a thrill?——Sophie wants you to read this line sarcastically :).
Posted by: Emma & Sophie McGahan on 5/3/2011 at 4:00 pm
Hey Kim up there! What a terrific trip you’re on! Wish your dad & I could do all the not-climbing parts! : ) Have a great and safe climb and enjoy it to the max! xx Trish
Posted by: Trish on 5/26/2017 at 9:48 am
Way to go Kim & team!Must be amazing views!Take lots of photos.Love,Dad
Posted by: SHEL on 5/26/2017 at 9:40 am
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