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Denali Expedition: Schmitt & Team Move to 11,000, Establish Camp

May 22, 2022

Posted by: JT Schmitt, Matias Francis, Jackson Breen

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,000'

Saturday, May 21, 2022 - 9:49 pm PT

Today we poked our heads out of our bags just as the sun was doing the same above the eastern horizon. Believe it or not it can be incredibly hot on Denali, and today was one of those days.

We got out and up to 11,000' Camp in great form, just as the inferno hit. We set up camp while the glaciers around us reflected the long wave radiation, making it feel as if we were in a microwave. But regardless we got camp set up and got some time to relax.

It’s been a grueling few days and now we get to enjoy the relative comfort of 11,000' Camp.

That’s all for now.

RMI Guide JT Schmitt and the RMI team

Mt. Everest Expedition: Team Hikes to Villages Near Namche Bazaar

March 29, 2013

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Elevation: 11,300'

Tashi Delek! All is well here in Namche Bazaar. We're having a great time so far on the trek into base camp. This morning we slept in a little bit and had a nice long breakfast. After that we hit the trail for an acclimatization hike to the villages of Khumjung and Kunde. Khumjung is the home of one of the Hillary schools and kids from all over the area walk there every day to attend class. The villages all looked nice and tidy as the fields have all been freshly tilled and the yaks are all gone up the valley carrying gear for the expeditions. We were able to catch a couple of glimpses of Lhotse and Nuptse but Everest was in the clouds all day. That was OK though as Ama Dablam and Thomserku were out and looking very proud. The team members are all doing well and are getting progressively more psyched as we head up the valley. Tomorrow we will spend another day in Namche acclimatizing before we move on. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

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Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team Visit the Ngorongoro Crater

February 3, 2022

Posted by: Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Today we visited the famous Ngorongoro Crater, and considered by many to be one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. The crater is what remains of a two million year old massive volcano that erupted and collapsed on itself, leaving behind a giant caldera that's roughly 100 square miles. The crater is home to some 25,000' animals because of the abundant food and water that flows from a spring.

We were able to see several lions, including two big males, but not nearly as close as yesterday. As we made our way around the crater where we saw tons of other wildlife, zebras, Cape buffalo, wildebeest, jackals, Giselles, hyenas, and four Black Rhinos in the distance. It was an enjoyable a day to say the least.

We are wrapping up our trip with a final night here at the Plantation Lodge and are looking forward to what tomorrow may bring as we head to Lake Manyara National Park before catching late flights home tomorrow!

RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Safari crew

Mt. Everest: RMI Sherpa Team to the South Col

May 8, 2013

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Seth Waterfall, Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Elevation: 17,575'

An easy day for the climbing team at Basecamp... Those without coughs went on big hikes, those with coughs went on lesser walks. By contrast, our Sherpa team went for a much more significant and ambitious journey. Tshering, Gylgen and Kaji carried loads from ABC all the way to the South Col, establishing high camp at close to 26,000 ft. They then returned to ABC, and now, in late afternoon, along with Lam Babu and Yubaraj, they are descending to Basecamp. That is what we call a big day in the Himalaya. Unfortunately, there is a somber feeling once again around the mountain. Another tragic fall occurred yesterday, killing a climber on the Lhotse Face. It isn't our place to divulge details and I don't wish to try to sensationalize Everest climbing by exploiting such sadness, but I'll mention the incident in order to give proper credit to those who worked hard to make a bad situation better. Lam Babu was one of those who rushed up to the scene to render aid and who helped with the difficult job of retrieving the victim's body which they then transported to ABC. Today, a helicopter pilot finished the job with another daring high altitude retrieval from 21,300 ft... making what was once phenomenal seem sadly routine, but in the process saving many climbers from the very difficult and dangerous task of carrying the victim down through the Khumbu Icefall. Tonight, our entire team will be together and safe in Basecamp. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hey Dan -
We’re following youur team’s accomplishments and thinking of you every day. All the best for great success these next few weeks.

Posted by: Bill & Suellen on 5/9/2013 at 10:46 am

Dan. Please be well and be safe. Thinking of you. Lots of Love, Lauralea

Posted by: Lauralea on 5/9/2013 at 10:29 am

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Mt. Everest: Happy Nepali New Year!

April 14, 2013

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Seth Waterfall, Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Elevation: 17,575'

Dress Rehearsal Day. We were up at 4 AM, breakfasting by 4:15 and throwing on our packs about an hour later. By the time we were getting our crampons on, it was just lit enough that we no longer needed the headlights. The goal today was a "practice run" up to the midway point of the Khumbu Icefall route. We were lucky in that there was very little traffic on the route this morning. Blame that on the New Year's observances, I suppose, but it all worked well for us. We moved up through the "first ladders" area and then up the steep and airy "popcorn" section. The word last week was that the route had initially been established with only one ladder... but without a doubt we went up and over at least fifteen ladders to the halfway mark. The glacier is on the move, with the route consequently changing a little every day. We had a quick snack in the morning shadows at the "Dum" short for the "gear dump" which used to be a halfway camp and or gear staging area in the mid point of the Icefall. Then it was down... carefully, since every cramponed boot needed to be placed exactly to avoid drop offs and crevasses. We did quick arm rappels down one little ice wall after another until we were able to get down below the first ladders and out of the zone where we were endangered by ice over our heads and voids under our feet. Life got better then. We were back to Basecamp for lunch and afternoon naps. In the afternoon, the sky clouded up and it appeared to be snowing on the upper halves of all the big peaks. At three I went to the first meeting of team leaders. It was something of a reunion since everybody there was an Everest repeat offender. We tried to hammer out a few details about radio frequencies and placements for rescue gear, among other things. It turned into a good afternoon for hiding in tents, but that was fine. We did good outside work in the morning. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Dan, I forgot to mention, you are an inspiration. All the best to you and your team on this trek.
Alex and Cheryl Coffey.

Posted by: Alex Coffey on 4/17/2013 at 9:02 pm

Great updates for the trek. Wonderful pictures. Dan, your living the dream! Alex and Cheryl Coffey.

Posted by: Alex Coffey on 4/17/2013 at 8:57 pm

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Machu Picchu: Team Hikes to Wayllabamba

August 12, 2022

Posted by: Mike King, Jack Delaney

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Machu Picchu

Elevation: 9,840'

We are checking in from the village of Wayllabamba, the intersection of the Salkantay trek and the Inca Trail. Our hike descended from 12,598’ to 9840’. The warm temperature is what was most notable, along with cactus and pine trees that dominate this lush farming community when compared to the high-altitude substance farms of the last 2 days. The team enjoyed the roaring Rio Kusichaka as it carved out a deep canyon that paralleled our trail. We visited our first Incan site on the trek and got to see how the Incas set up citadels to observe 2 massive Andean valleys. The shorter day sets us up for 2 long days into Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail. Apparently new regulations kept us from camping at Llulluchapampa, our normal day 3 camp. Regardless, we have tents set up on some nice grass, warm showers, cold drinks and good company.

Thanks for following along,

RMI Guides Mike King, Jack Delaney & Team

Kilimanjaro: Dave Hahn and Team Enjoy Final in Africa

August 12, 2022

Posted by: Dave Hahn

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

It was pretty incredible to wake up deep within Tarangire National Park just before daylight. Birds were starting to sing, monkeys were at play a few feet from our tents and lions were about. Someone heard an elephant. We drank coffee and watched the light come up. The team ate breakfast, bid the hotel staff goodbye and hopped into our now familiar Landcruisers. We set off on our final morning of Safari on a big cat mission… no stopping for zebras and wildebeest… bring on the kitties. And sure enough, we struck lion gold. First there was that big, beautiful male hanging out with four females… but wait, wasn’t that another couple of lions over in that tree and still more under it? All told there were thirteen, big and small in the pride. We watched them watch us and we watched them wrestle and climb trees. And then we made slowly but steadily toward the park gate (we did indeed still stop for zebras and wildebeests). The day got ordinary -though still pleasant- as we commuted back to Usa River and Rivertrees Hotel to repack and prepare for the airport. We recalled our favorite parts of the climb and Safari, we planned out future trips. Then the team busted up finally… hopping on planes and departing Africa.

I’ll stay on for another climb and Safari that will begin soon. Thank you for following.

Best Regards,

RMI Guide Dave Hahn and Team

Mt. McKinley: Jones & Team Hold on at 14K Camp

June 12, 2012

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Eric Frank

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Last night dropped over a foot of new snow and the morning dumped close to six more inches. As we hide in the midday heat of the tents, the wind blows 50+mph in gusts. One minute it is calm, the next minute we brace against the walls of the tent as the wind tries to push them flat. After a few rounds of shoveling, we break for a toasted bagel breakfast, then more shoveling, building snow walls and hiding from the gusts. The sky has cleared as we watch enormous plumes blow off the Buttress above us as well as enormous avalanches coming down from the upper slopes. Other climbers and our team our able to enjoy the show, knowing that we are a safe distance from the action. The snow currently continues to patter our tents. We are hopeful that better weather is coming on the horizon. RMI Guide Tyler Jones

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

From the beautiful island of Zakynthos,and a girl that knows what it means to fulfil a dream. May god watch over you and your team and bring you to the summit safely.On your next trip to Zakynthos CHRIS I want to hear all about this climb. May god be with you.
Love & hugs & kisses xx Janet

Posted by: Janet Mastromauro on 6/15/2012 at 12:51 pm

Hi Chris !!!

Hope the weather is cooperating for you and your team.
Take care and keep safe.

Posted by: Debbie Gaudette on 6/14/2012 at 7:47 pm

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Kilimanjaro: 100% of Team Reaches Summit

February 19, 2012

Posted by: Jeff Martin

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 19,340'

RMI Guide Jeff Martin called from Mweka Camp (10,000') after the team's summit day. The entire team reached the summit of Kilimanjaro today in great style. They left Barafu Camp after midnight with their headlamps lighting the way and reached the "Roof of Africa" as the day broke over Tanzania. After a quick celebration on top the team began their descent back to high camp where they were greeted with drinks and breakfast. They continued down to Mweka Camp and the thick air of 10,000' tired but in great spirits. Congratulations to the team!

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

240Z I have an awesome nephew! Congrats! So proud of you. 240Z

Posted by: Bev Trauba on 2/21/2012 at 2:21 am

I know this was your dream (a crazy one at that) I am so proud of you KIM AND BOB HEGMAN. Excited to hear all about it.
Safe trip home-
Love, Susan

Posted by: Susan on 2/20/2012 at 11:38 am

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Kilimanjaro: Team Ascends the Barranco Wall

February 17, 2012

Posted by: Jeff Martin

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 14,500'

Hello from Karanga Camp, The team is doing great and we are happily nestled in at Karanga Camp. The weather has been having a hard time making up it's mind the last few days, and today was no different. The mornings start out clear, but by mid-afternoon, the clouds roll in and stay around until dinner, and then it clears out again. Fortunately, there has not been much rain and the trail conditions have been great. This morning when we got up, every trekker in camp was looking up at the Barranco Wall. It would be hard to miss this almost 1,000' wall rising up towards the sky, but it is when you see the first few porters working their way up the trail is when you really take notice. You can hear the nearby groups talking about the Wall followed by "we have to climb up that". The vantage point from camp makes the trail appear to be near vertical, but once you start the climb, it is very straightforward trail. In fact, most find it a lot fun and our group cruised right up it. With most of the elevation gain for the day done while climbing the Barranco Wall, it was easy hiking the rest of the way to camp. We had a spaghetti lunch waiting for us when we arrived and then spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Now it's time for popcorn and tea. We are all excited to be moving up to our high camp tomorrow and will check in from there. RMI Guide Jeff Martin & Team Simba Sita

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

David and Heidi,
We are following your trek each day. Congratulations
on your progress this far.

Best wishes,

Dad

Posted by: Craig Berkman on 2/17/2012 at 6:49 pm

I think I can, I think I can, Your almost there. Awesome pictures!

Posted by: Bradley Hegman on 2/17/2012 at 12:58 pm

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Denali Expedition: Schmitt & Team Move to 11,000, Establish Camp

Mt. Everest Expedition: Team Hikes to Villages Near Namche Bazaar

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Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team Visit the Ngorongoro Crater

Mt. Everest: RMI Sherpa Team to the South Col

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Mt. Everest: Happy Nepali New Year!

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Machu Picchu: Team Hikes to Wayllabamba

Kilimanjaro: Dave Hahn and Team Enjoy Final in Africa

Mt. McKinley: Jones & Team Hold on at 14K Camp

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Kilimanjaro: 100% of Team Reaches Summit

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Kilimanjaro: Team Ascends the Barranco Wall

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