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On The Map
Hi Jeff & team, I look forward to reading the blog everyday, sounds all good from here. I’ll bet you are getting to know one another & know who you’re on the mtn w/keep the postive feedback coming. I hope you are sleeping well,I could just picture you taking a shower from you water bottle. Love always, take care mum
Posted by: Norene Kimes on 1/15/2012 at 12:25 pm
Larry,
Hang in there, be safe and have fun!
Posted by: Holly Seaton on 1/14/2012 at 8:01 pm
Hey everybody, this is Casey Grom checking in from the Kilimanjaro Climb. Just want to let everybody know that we're doing great here on Kilimanjaro. We've had some technology difficulties with our satellite modem, but luckily today I've got a little bit of cell service. So calling to let you guys know that the last couple of days have been great. We had a nice hike from the park entrance, on day one up to the forest. And yesterday we made it up to Shira Camp, up on the top of the Shira plateau. Today, Day 3, we made our way up to Lava Tower which was about 15,000', sort of a high point for a number of folks on the trip. I am hoping to get that satellite modem going here at some point and will try to get a few pictures out to everybody. Currently the team is doing really well and the weather's been pretty nice for the most part. We just wrapped up dinner here and we're going to head to bed shortly. Our game plan for the next couple days, in they off chance that we can't get a message out, tomorrow we're going to climb the Barranco wall and make our way over to Karanga Valley which will be our last camp before we move up to our High Camp and make our Summit attempt from there. Our goal is going to be to try to get to the summit around 7:00 or 8:00 in the morning on Sunday morning for us. So that'll be Saturday evening for a lot of folks back home.
Just checking in all is good, and we look forward to getting some pictures to everybody as soon as we get an opportunity. So keep your fingers crossed we have good weather for the climb and we'll check in as soon as we can.
Thanks for following,
RMI Guide Casey Grom checks in from Barranco Camp, Kilimanjaro.
Just a few short years ago the climbing bug got you. It’s unreal you are ascending Kilimanjaro.
So incredibly excited and happy for you. Look forward to some great pics and stories. Wow!
Brian and Terrie
Posted by: Brian and Terrie Reed on 1/28/2023 at 3:57 pm
Kaitlin! Have an amazing time! Can’t wait to hear all about your adventures! Good luck
Posted by: Steve on 1/27/2023 at 11:13 am
When 6:30 rolled around this morning, the clouds were all gone at Shira Camp. Kibo stood out clear as a bell and so did Meru, the 15,000 ft volcano to our west. There was still a sea of clouds down below, but they were well below our lofty 12,500 ft camp. We were walking uphill by 8:30, straight toward Kibo. It was an easy day for climbing with gentle breezes to keep us cool. The trail was easier than those we’ve experienced so far and we made good and steady progress. We reached the Lava Tower at around 12:30 PM and sat down at 15,200 ft for a leisurely lunch in the sun. Our nine climbers had each broken their personal altitude records. It was amazing to be so close under Kibo’s gigantic rock and ice faces. Finally we geared up and started walking down. We came gradually back into the zones where plants live and then it was wonderful to stroll down through the gardens of Barranco with Giant Senecios and lobelias and Heather. We made it to camp at 3:30 and ducked into the dining tent for coffee and popcorn. Coming into camp it was hard not to look over at the Barranco wall and wonder about tomorrow’s climb. But the beauty of Kibo at sunset and the amazing stars that came out a bit later helped to settle our minds on the present. We’ll worry about the wall tomorrow.
Best Regards
Wow you guys are doing great! You’re almost to the summit! You can do it! Love and prayers coming to you Steve, Lynn and Peter! Looking forward to hearing all about the trek!
Posted by: Ardy and Bob Schopf on 8/6/2022 at 3:12 pm
15,200! You’re feeling it now, I’m sure! Take it all in and stay strong…and hydrated!! Hoping for clear skies for you all.
Posted by: Rob Schopf on 8/6/2022 at 1:13 pm
On The Map
David G & team, Still watching, waiting and now really holding my breath!!! Good luck and be safe. Love you.
Posted by: Connie on 12/27/2011 at 5:38 am
Rich D.,
Hope the weather is good so you can get to the top—-and then get right back down and home to me!
XO
Christina
Posted by: Christina on 12/26/2011 at 9:16 pm
Posted by: Mike King, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Machu Picchu
Elevation: 13,120"
We got an early start this morning after a good night’s rest. The views of Salkantay were spectacular. Avalanche debris running from high on the 20,000’ peak made for a scenic but challenging first 2 hours of the day. A top Incachiriasca pass the team took in the views of surrounding valleys, some scattered with boulders and glacial moraines, others with dry grass and streams. The altitude began to ease as we descend towards our camp. Meandering cattle trails and soft grass turf made for a leisurely hike into our lunch stop. The Peruvian team spoiled us again with a 3-course lunch, the avocado and quinoa soup being favorites. Some of the team enjoyed a post lunch nap in the warm sun while others took in the views.
Rain is hitting the tents now as the team turns in for some well-deserved rest. We end the Salkantay trail tomorrow and join the more traveled Inca Trail.
Thanks for checking in.
RMI Guides Mike King, Jack Delaney & Team
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
I'm continually amazed with the Ngorongoro Crater each time I visit. The variety and sheer number of animals we see blows my mind. Today might have surpassed what I've seen in prior trips.
It started with a bang as one of the first critters we encountered was a hyena feeding on a carcass with a jackal and vulture looking on. A Nat Geo moment if there ever was. It got better from there on. The animal we all wanted to really see, simba, popped into view not terribly long after the hyena. A big male showed itself for us looking as regal and mighty as only a big cat can look. Later, we got closer looks at a pride of four or five lions, including a young male, resting by a river, content to relax before they go hunting again. Perhaps the coolest thing was just being in the middle of hundreds, if not thousands, of animals like wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, warthog, Cape Buffalo, and more. All just milling around, some just inches from the vehicle and more as far as the eye could see. Things were so active we were delayed in reaching the designated picnic area for lunch because we had to stop and gawk so much.
Finally, we made it to our lunch site and were treated to a great meal centered around chicken shishkabobs. On our way out we stopped by a Masai bomba, or village, where we were invited to learn about their culture and how they live. Sure, we pay for the privilege, but I think it money well spent as it helps support these people who are caught between keeping to their traditional ways while existing in a world so unlike theirs.
The day ended with another gourmet dinner, the likes of which none of us commonly partake. A nice South African Cabernet seemed an appropriate pairing to the wonderful meal. The great company only made the evening perfect.
Tomorrow: Tarangire National Park!
Cheers,
RMI Guide Brent Okita & Team
Posted by: JT Schmitt, Matias Francis, Jackson Breen
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,000'
Sunday, May 22, 2022 - 10:15 pm PT
Back carry day.
Today was a little more relaxed than the last few, although we still got up early to beat the heat. We walked downhill to retrieve our gear from our cache, with commanding views of Foraker and Crosson. We were back at 11,000ft Camp by 11 in the morning and spent the rest of the day eating pancakes and reviewing mountaineering skills.
Weather permitting we hope to cache as close to 14,000' camp as we can tomorrow!
Thanks for following along.
RMI Guides JT, Jackson, Matias and the RMI team
Woop woop! Awesome work everyone and lots of love to Sam and Clare!
Posted by: Caleb Huntington on 5/23/2022 at 1:39 pm
Amazing photos. And glad for the sunshine and great progress. Houstons are glued to the blog!
Posted by: AMY HOUSTON on 5/23/2022 at 9:38 am
Posted by: JM Gorum, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,100'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides JM Gorum and Dominic Cifelli turned at 13,100' on Mt. Rainier this morning. Low visibility, moderate precipitation, and wind prevented the team from climbing above 13,100' feet. JM Gorum radioed the RMI Office to let us know that the team is currently descending and will be back to Camp Muir soon.
Congratulations to Today's team!
Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
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On The Map
Hey Jo (Gerald) awesome following the trip sounds like going well and weather treating you right stay strong bro. See you soon
Mike
Posted by: Mike weber on 6/2/2013 at 4:55 pm
Hey Betzalel and Ayla,
Gavi and I just wanted to tell you that we are so proud of you guys, and amazed by your adventurousness (if that’s even a word). We are def stalking your blog and can’t wait to see you summit! Also, we heard you guys got the go-pro - so sorry we didn’t get around to getting it for you, but don’t worry we’ll get you an even better wedding present! Anyway, hope you are doing well, missing you tons!!!!!
Posted by: Yael & Gavi on 5/30/2013 at 8:30 am
Jeff,
Sounds like its on like Donkey Kong!
Go get and get it man.
Love you,
Bro
Posted by: Chad Johnson on 1/20/2012 at 9:49 am
Wow, Jeff, moving right along!! I got butterflies when I read the agenda, I know you will do well, take care & stay calm, take in each moment, we all look forward to your stories. Luv to you, mum
Posted by: Norene on 1/17/2012 at 7:25 pm
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