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Denali Expedition: Gately and Team are back at 14,000’ Camp

May 31, 2019

Posted by: Steve Gately, Ben Ammon, James Bealer

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Thursday, May 31, 2019 12:11 AM PT The team is know all safely back down at 14 camp and tucked in for the evening. Summit day was a long hard fought battle but everyone did fantastic. The morning of our summit attempt we woke up in early in an attempt to beat the crowds up our first obstacle, the "auto bahn". This section often takes a couple hours to complete without a break and is steep and exposed. The exposure of this terrain requires us to use a form of running protection that protects the team against a fall but is quite time consuming. The end of this hurdle puts you at Denali Pass and our first rays of welcome sunshine. From here steep rolling glacier takes us up and around a swirled white and black rock feature known as "zebra rocks". At the top of this feature we were faced with a gentle but cold 15 mph wind. The terrain mellows out quite a bit as we meander through open glacier past a prominent rock point known "arch deacons tower" and into the football field, a flat depression just before our final slope to the summit ridge. Once on the summit ridge a short but dramatic climb brings us to the summit. The team took a few moments to take pictures and celebrate the ascent before our attention was turned toward getting back home. All in all the trip took us 13 hours round trip, all at elevations above 17,000 ft. With the summit behind us we turn our focus now to trying to truly get back home. Cloudy and snowy weather are abundant in the extended forecast which means chances of flying off anytime soon are nil. Tomorrow we'll check the weather in the morning and make decision to further descend, or to keep the luxury of our fortified camp here at 14, or opt for better weather. That's all for now, it's late again as I'm writing this and I'm in need of some serious rest! Thanks for following along everyone! RMI Guide Steve Gately & Team

Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team Resting

June 26, 2012

Posted by: Adam Knoff, Mike Uchal, Zeb Blais

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Today is number six on the mountain and the first solely designated to rest. As discovered on day one of our long journey together, having fun is as necessary as being organized, fit and compatible. This morning the gang was allowed to sleep until their natural alarm clock pulled them from dreams of family, beer and showers. Six inches of fresh snow blanketed our camp here at 11,000 feet so we were all pleased to be staying put. Once all gathered in our perfectly designed cook tent, two hours were killed flipping flap jacks and drinking coffee. Now we have moved on to lunch where singing every song to Michael Jackson's Thriller album has trumped all else. There is not an unhappy soul in the group. Mike would like to wish mamma and papa Uchal safe travels on their adventure to Russia and beyond. RMI Guide Adam Knoff

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Singin MJ??? Has Gords schooled you all in the finer moves of the Thriller choreography?? When you run put of MJ Gords may treat you to some spot on GnR! Could make for a loooong rest day! Cheers everyone. The Reisers in N.Conway, NH

Posted by: Petah Reisah on 6/28/2012 at 6:54 am

Hi Michael, Hope you guys all enjoyed your day of rest. I am sure it was well deserved. Just wanted to tell you that your Dad is very jealous that you are surrounded by all that snow and cold :) Stay strong and safe. Love you. P.S. Jess says “HI”

Posted by: Dad & Lynne on 6/28/2012 at 4:54 am

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Aconcagua: Beren & Team Arrive Base camp

December 23, 2012

Posted by: Jake Beren, Leon Davis, Zeb Blais

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Greetings from Basecamp! Our team battled a bit of wind getting here, but here we are safe and sound. Our morning began with the more sensible members of the team riding mules across the Vacas River, while the rest of us "tough" (ie ridiculous) members waded across the icy stream. Once our icy feet had boots on, we hiked up the Relinchos Valley underneath a towering view of Aconcagua. It definitely looked windy up there, with spindrift ripping off the peak. Basecamp is somewhat better and after a good session of camp building in the elements, the team is ready for some well earned R&R. Tomorrow we rest and prepare ourselves for that break in the weather. RMI Guide Jake Beren

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CV & TP, merry christmas and good luck (don’t look down)... our thoughts are with you the whole lavado family…

Posted by: Lavado's on 12/26/2012 at 7:26 am

Kim and Scata families wish Dawn and the entire team an exciting climb. Keep warm and happy heart! —Mom—

Posted by: Hye Kim on 12/25/2012 at 5:00 pm

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Vinson Massif: Team Lands with Ease on the Union Glacier

December 5, 2012

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Vinson Massif

Greetings from Antarctica. Today went about ten times smoother and easier than any previous attempt at getting onto the "last" continent. Our logistics company (ALE) gave a call at the civilized hour of 6:30 AM and advised us to put on our boots and check out of our rooms. We ate breakfast, got on a bus, cruised to the airport, breezed through security and boarded our transport plane. The Ilyushin 76 went "wheels up" at 9:30 AM and we were on our way. Just ahead of the 2:15 PM landing we got busy putting on warm clothes and glacier glasses. The Russian crew brought the big plane in for the smoothest landing on an ice runway that the world has ever known. A few minutes later we were standing out on the Union Glacier in brilliant sunshine and a brisk breeze, marveling at the new world and at the amazing machine we'd just flown in. We were chauffeured back to camp in deluxe 4 wheel drive vans with giant tires. A series of informative and essential briefings and feedings were attended over the following few hours. The ALE staff took excellent care of us and Seth Waterfall and I felt we were attending a great reunion as we met all of the friends we've come to expect to see in the odd corners of the globe. Weather was perfect around camp as we set up our tents. There was the faintest of breezes and a big bright sun. The plan is for our team to get on a Twin Otter sometime tomorrow morning for a flight to Vinson. The sun isn't setting tonight but the team will get tired anyway at some point, despite all the excitement at this new place and quiet conversations going on in a dozen different languages around camp. We do need rest. Tomorrow is another huge day. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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It’s wonderful to hear that things are going so smoothly! Hopefuly this trend will continue. Oz’s Holiday Play was a huge success—he was excited and did an awesome job. Your mom and I taped parts of it on our phones… Staying in Raleigh this weekend—he has choir commitments and I think we’ll do a Tacky Christmas light tour this weekend too! Miss you!
Stephanie

Posted by: Stephanie on 12/7/2012 at 10:55 am

Christopher: Remember, Amundsen not Scott. I’ll see you when you get back. julia.

Posted by: Julia Havlovic on 12/6/2012 at 7:19 pm

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Carstensz Pyramid: Team Checks in from Putigapa

June 30, 2012

Posted by: Alex Van Steen, Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Carstensz Pyramid

Elevation: 11'000'

Hey there Mark Tucker here with the Carstensz climb. I am not quite sure what of the amazing sites in front of me I should speak of when it comes to leading a Jungle tour. We round a corner here in this neck of the woods, I guess jungle. A gentleman appears with a big spear, a large bow, something sticking through his nose, and wearing only a gourd tends to get my attention. A wondrous place it is. It is like jungle gym, thank goodness for roots, I have a new a respect for them as a whole. We had an ascent on some very steep terrain. The team is climbing so strong and so well and the support we are getting from our local staff is wonderful. We are now in Putigapa which is just a meadow swamp land at about 11,000’ and it is still very forested and we have yet to find the tree line. Mother Nature was kind to us again today we were able to get all of our gear, tents and dining area set up before the rains started. Right now it is raining pretty hard, we are all dry, but pretty happy. We are tired, but that just comes with the territory. We wish you were all here and we will check in later. RMI Guide Mark Tucker & Team

Mark Tucker checks in from Putigapa

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When your on that mountain, all you gotta do is give ahundred puhcent. You know me and my boyz dwade and chris all we do is get the rings. If you ever make a big desicion call me up (1-800-got-ring)

Posted by: Lebron (The King Who Got His Ring) James on 6/30/2012 at 8:54 pm

Hey Team!!!! Hope you all are not too worn out so far! You are in our prayers! Keep having fun p.s. Katie I hope you are not using as much chapstick as you did on kili or else you will be out by now….

Posted by: Billy (Bmeister) Mcgahan on 6/30/2012 at 8:49 pm

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Mt. Rainier: May 27th Summit!

May 27, 2023

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Bryan Mazaika

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Dave Hahn and Bryan Mazaika reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 7:15 am today. Dave reported excellent conditions and the Ingraham Direct route is in great shape. The teams spent about an hour on the summit celebrating and enjoying the views. They are on the descent and will reach Paradise later this afternoon.

Congratulations Team!

Ecuador Volcanoes: Wittmier & Team Reach Summit of Antisana

February 3, 2023

Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador

The dry weather held out for us and we summitted Antisana at 6:30am yesterday. Clouds threatened in the distance, with a fantastic lightning show in the direction of the Pichincha Volcano. However, it was mostly calm and clear at Antisana, until the summit where wind and rime ice conditions convinced us to not hang too long.

Antisana is well-liked by climbers for it's challenge and aesthetic beauty. The mountain is heavily-crevassed with numerous seracs. The largest snow bridge we crossed yesterday stretched nearly 20 meters! The use of steep snow climbing techniques and running belays are required, especially in the final 1500 vertical feet of the ascent.

Climbers on this trip have now summitted the fourth (Antisana) and third (Cayambe) highest peaks in Ecuador. If future trips bring them back here, they have Cotopaxi and Chimborazo to round out the top four. But for now, Cotopaxi continues to erupt, so those plans will need to be on hold.

After the 11-hour day of climbing, we descended to camp, ate one final Locro de Papas (potato soup), packed up camp and made one last trip in 4x4s down to the bus. We said our goodbyes to the Ecuadorian guides who have taken care of us along the way and we rejoined Victor on his bus for the two-hour ride back to Quito. The afternoon was spent relaxing in the hotel and I'll say the cold plunge felt better than ever. Today, most folks head back to the United States to regale their families with stories from another successful climbing trip.

Thank you all for following along and consider joining us next year!

RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier

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Brings a smile to me…

Posted by: Terri L. Jennings on 2/4/2023 at 7:30 am

Awesome Dustin! Really enjoyed following along!
Farmer Dave

Posted by: Dave Kestel on 2/3/2023 at 1:35 pm

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Kilimanjaro: Grom and Team Visit Lake Manyara National Park

February 4, 2022

Posted by: Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Hello one last time.

Today was our last day here in Tanzania so we opted for a moderately leisure departure from the tranquil Plantation Lodge.

Our first stop was to a huge gift shop so everyone could bring back a few souvenirs.
By the looks of it, a few people back home are getting some nice gifts too.

We made a quick stop off at Lake Manyara National Park. Normally the safari sightings here are always exciting, but sadly that was not the case today. It’s been incredibly wet this year and most of the drivable roads have been either flooded or completely washed out.
It was expedited to say the least.

The team has returned to our original lodge and are packed up headed for the airport.
Your loved ones should be home soon!

Thanks for following,

RMI Guide Casey Grom & Crew

Vinson Massif: Team Almost Summits But There’s Still Time

December 12, 2012

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Vinson Massif

Elevation: 12,400'

Hard day of mountain climbing. We got up at five minutes to six this morning, excited that the sun was shining and the wind wasn't blowing. As we ate breakfast, we could see cloud moving in from the Northeast, but our hope was that we could climb before anything serious moved in. We set out from high camp at 8:15 and made good and steady progress. It was a tough day to dress for as everyone continually cycled from too hot to too cold and rarely spent any time being just right. We watched cloud caps forming and dissipating on the peaks as we gained altitude, but eventually the clouds just kept building on Vinson. We'd reached 15,340' with 700' to go... roughly two more hours to the top. But we couldn't do it. The winds had picked up and snow was flying and people were tired, so it was a lousy combination for tackling the exposed summit ridge in cold conditions. Down we went and into a cold headwind. As expected, life was a lot easier when we got out from under the cloud cap, and by the time we'd reached high camp we were back in blue skies and sunshine. Hard to come so close and come away without the summit... But we'll keep trying. We have more food, more fuel, more muscles and more ambition. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Sterling, Tough Luck! But then that’s what all that training was about. You could probably do this a few more times. Hopefully the second try will be successful.
Good Luck!

Posted by: Dave & Shirley on 12/13/2012 at 3:21 pm

Hi, Jules!
Good luck on summit bid #2 and Seven Summits #7! You rock!
Lily

Posted by: Lily Lo on 12/13/2012 at 3:00 pm

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Mt. Rainier: June 18th Summit!

June 18, 2019

Posted by: Walter Hailes, Josh McDowell

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Five Day Summit climb led by RMI Guides Walter Hailes and Josh McDowell took advantage of the weather and reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 9:30 am today. Josh reported warm temperature with winds of about 35 mph. The team will descend to Camp Muir where they will spend another day on the mountain and descend to Paradise tomorrow. Congratulations to today's team!

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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

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Most Popular Entries

Denali Expedition: Gately and Team are back at 14,000’ Camp

Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team Resting

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Aconcagua: Beren & Team Arrive Base camp

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Vinson Massif: Team Lands with Ease on the Union Glacier

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Carstensz Pyramid: Team Checks in from Putigapa

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Mt. Rainier: May 27th Summit!

Ecuador Volcanoes: Wittmier & Team Reach Summit of Antisana

Kilimanjaro: Grom and Team Visit Lake Manyara National Park

Vinson Massif: Team Almost Summits But There’s Still Time

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Mt. Rainier: June 18th Summit!

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