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Namaste everyone.
This morning we left our tea house in Phakding and headed up the valley toward Namche Bazaar, which is the largest village in this famous valley. We hit the trail just before 8 along with quite a few other trekkers. Everyone did really well on the hike, and no one seemed to mind pausing often for the endless mules and Zopkyos (cross between a Yak and a cow) carrying loads headed up valley and basecamp as we made our up the trail. It was moderately busy on the route with trekkers and porters alike, but thankfully the traffic seem to flow pretty smoothly.
The team crossed a number of high suspension bridges without a problem, even with a light rain falling. Overall it was a really enjoyable day as we climbed up to just over 11'200 where Namche sits.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
RMI Guide Casey Grom and Base Camp Crew
Hello from Africa,
Today we woke to beautifully clear skies again with even better views of Kilimanjaro since moving up on the mountain. The days route took us up and around the well known and beautiful Lava Tower reaching just over 15,000', setting a new altitude record for some.
We also passed by many of the giant groundsels and towering Senecio trees that made us feel as if we were in some crazy Dr. Seuss story book.
All in all it was a really nice day with clouds gathering in the afternoon to help keep the temperature comfortable for hiking.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Seth Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Vinson Massif
Daniel-san, Thinking about you. Make me proud!
Posted by: Mr. Miyagi on 12/6/2012 at 12:17 pm
James and crew:
Thanks for the update Dave ... it is very exciting following your progress! It is so good to hear that things are progressing smoothly.
Fred K
Posted by: Fred Klingbeil on 12/6/2012 at 10:22 am
Posted by: Jeff Martin
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro


Posted by: Nick Scott, James Bealer
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

We woke to another windy day here at basecamp. After reinforcing our tent anchors, we had a delicious breakfast. The meal was leisurely and delicious, and everyone was in high spirits. We took a walk mid day to stretch our legs and get an incredible view of the mountain. The rest of the day was spent resting and sorting gear. Tomorrow the weather is supposed to become more favorable, and we plan on moving to Camp 2 in order to best position ourselves for the summit.
RMI Guide Nick Scott & Team
Posted by: Hannah Smith, David Price, Tatum Whatford, Dustin Wittmier, Kiira Antenucci
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,000'




After getting delayed by the rain we were able to make a dry push to Camp Muir yesterday. The stars looked to be aligning for a great summit day. We left the ridge at Camp Muir looking back at the lunar eclipse, psyched to be walking on the Cowlitz Glacier on a warm windless night. The team worked their way up the route feeling the altitide but also feeling determined to reach the top of Mt. Rainier. At 13,000' however, the mountain spoke to us telling us today, in fact, was not our day. Snow instability prevented us from climbing higher. We did not get the perfect day we were hoping for but we still got a gorgeous morning with beautiful views.
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Grayson Swingle
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 10,080'
Poor weather and low visibility kept RMI Guides Dustin Wittmier, Grayson Swingle and Team from reaching the summit on Mt. Rainier today. The team will be spending the morining at Camp Muir and return to Rainier Basecamp in Ashford later this afternoon.
Congratulation on facing this challenge and seeing it through to your full capacity! I hope your descent is smooth. Mother nature is a beautifully powerful force and I hope she sees you safely down the mountain today.
Posted by: Rosemary on 6/5/2022 at 5:07 pm
Dad - hello daddy. how are you doing? your daughter Elle
Posted by: Elle Bolton on 6/5/2022 at 1:17 pm
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
What a nice and informative Blog. I cannot wait to read more about the climb. Hoping for good weather for all of you! I will be watching from my warm couch.
Posted by: Sue Campbell on 12/13/2011 at 8:46 am
Great picture, Chuck!!! At 2,250 feet in my treestand, I didn’t have any trouble breathing! Have a great climb. We’ll be in Wmspt. when you get back.
Posted by: Charley Knauff on 12/13/2011 at 5:36 am
Pepper may man! Hate to see you didn’t summit on this one, but safety is why RMI is the best. Pepper, if you ever guide on anything in Europe, please let me know with lead time for training. I would love to rope up with you again.
Posted by: Barry Reese on 5/21/2021 at 3:44 am
Pepper! hey man. better luck next time. I am getting the itch. Thinking I might plan another climb. I am thinking Europe this time since I now live in Munich. Hit me up man. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Posted by: Barry D. Reese on 1/25/2020 at 11:22 am
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