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Everest Base Camp Trek: Team Summits Kala Patar

March 24, 2012

Posted by: Linden Mallory

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek

Elevation: 16,950'

Leaving Lobuche this morning we continued up the Khumbu Valley towards Everest Base Camp, following a shallow depression between the moraine left by the glacier pushing downwards and the mountains on the other side. The trail climbed gently, gaining a few hundred feet over the first hour and we all felt good as we walked in the morning sun. Eventually we reached the rock covered Changri Nup Glacier, flowing into the Khumbu Glacier from the west, and we picked our way across it's rocky surface, climbing up and down through the large gulleys on the surface. After reaching the other side we descended into Gorak Shep, the last village before Base Camp. Sitting in a shallow bowl wedged between the Khumbu and Changri Nup Glaciers and the slopes of Pumori, a large 7000m peak above, Gorak Shep feels a bit like a long lost desolate outpost in the mountains. The tea-houses are notably less luxurious up here and the cold a bit more biting, but when the winds start blowing and the temperatures drop at these altitudes the spartan teahouses begin to feel much more welcoming. We stopped at our tea-house in Gorak Shep and had a quick bowl of soup before setting out to climb Kala Patar, a rocky highpoint on one of the ridges above Gorak Shep that offers spectacular views of the mountains. It was warm and calm as we began the climb and the roofs of the teahouses soon shrank away behind us as we climbed higher, replaced by the rolling landscape of rock and ice of the Khumbu Glacier and its' surrounding peaks. Near 17,500' the afternoon winds picked up and the periodic gusts whipped past us, quickly dropping the temperatures and causing us to pull on warmer hats, gloves, and jackets. But the winds were not enough to deter us as we scrambled up through the large boulders of the final 200' to the prayer flagged summit of Kala Patar. In front of us we could see from the summit of Everest all the way down to Base Camp sitting along the Khumbu Glacier at its' base. Around us the peaks of the Himalayas stretched out in every direction. The skies remained clear, except for the small cloud trailing off of Everest's summit and the low hanging valley clouds creeping slowly upwards from Namche far below us. Despite the winds it was a beautiful view and we spent a good while up there taking it all in. Finally, as the cold began to creep through our layers, we turned around and made our way down the small and rocky trail back to Gorak Shep. With the sun starting to set over the mountains, we are back in our tea-house for the evening. The months of training and the days spent acclimatizing on the trail are paying off for the team as we reach these higher elevations. Everyone is handling the challenges of living at these altitudes well and we are looking forward to completing the final portion of our trek into Everest Base Camp tomorrow where we will spend the next two days. The team sends their best to everyone at home. RMI Guide Linden Mallory

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Hi Mommy! I can’t believe you are on top of the World. Can you see Richmond from there? How about the North Pole? I am so proud of you. Way to go!!! I love you and can’t wait to see you next week.

Posted by: Sally on 3/25/2012 at 7:36 pm

Congratulations Team Richmond! You made it! Each and every one of you absolutely rock! We are all so proud of you back home. Soak it all up, and be careful on the way down.

Posted by: Hugh on 3/25/2012 at 7:33 pm

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Vinson Massif: Reviewing and Sorting While Waiting for Weather

December 4, 2011

Posted by: Dave Hahn

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Vinson Massif

Elevation: 7,200'

It turned out to be a lucky thing we flew into Vinson basecamp last night. It would not have worked today as the weather has gone down. Looking at things philosophically, this is not a bad time to get a storm. Considering that it has been nearly two weeks now of generally good (and at times -perfect) weather, we were due for a change and we definitely did not want that change to come as we got higher -and more vulnerable- on the mountain. Our plan for this first day of the expedition involved sorting gear and reviewing climbing techniques. We thought we'd make a carry of supplies partway up the Branscomb Glacier, but with a whiteout and new snow falling, it was easy to scrap the carry in favor of napping. Travel to this point on the Antarctic continent from North America has taken days and nights and lots of "hurry up and wait" and so a rest before the climb begins in earnest isn't wasted time by any means. Especially when we can hear winds ripping the ridges above. The team doesn't seem stressed by the change in plan and do seem to be quickly adapting to expedition life on ice. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

Denali Expedition: Champion & Team Face Tough Decision, To Go Up or Down

May 31, 2023

Posted by: Nikki Champion, Leif Bergstrom, Lauren Macklin

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Tuesday, May 30, 2023 - 10:55 pm PT

Yet another weather day, we woke up to snow covered tents and cold temperatures. We had our final bagel meal of the trip, paired with smoked salmon. As we sat in and out of the clouds, and snowfall we waited for the other RMI teams to descend from 17,000' Camp. Tomorrow morning marks a decision point. We need a three day weather window to open up before Thursday for us, otherwise we run out of food at 14,000' Camp, and then have to go retrieve our cache from 16,300' and then eat our summit food. Leaving us out of food if a summit window did open up later. Tomorrow morning we should have clarity if Wednesday, Thursday, Friday will be a viable option. The other tricky component is a very large system seems to be slated to hit the mountain Friday, bringing more snow and more wind. This storm could run it's course as late as next Tuesday or so. Leaving us completely out of food by the time weather improves. All that said, with an updated forecast tomorrow morning we may make the call to either go for it, or to grab the cache and get out so we don't get stuck for the entire storm. We will check in tomorrow with whatever we hear!

RMI Guide Nikki Champion

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Proud of you Matt and team for all you have accomplished!

Posted by: Kathleen George on 6/1/2023 at 2:56 pm

Positive vibes headed your way for a good weather window! Keep it up Dawn, you got this!!

Posted by: Kendyl on 6/1/2023 at 4:47 am

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Mt. Elbrus: Northside Team Weather Day

August 12, 2019

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Mike Uchal

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Northside

Elevation: 12,300'

Sunday, August 11, 2019, 10:36 PM PST Our hope was that the forecast was overly aggressive in its wind prediction, but early in the morning, long before the sun rose, wind started to buffet our huts. As the morning wore on, the wind in camp wasn't much more than a touch unpleasant, but the evidence of its strength up higher rated in the plumes if snow ripping across the glacier above. It wasn't a difficult decision to stay in camp today in the comfort of our huts and try again tomorrow, when the forecast has the winds dropping to a manageable level. We passed the time with a lot of reading, napping, and some light core strength. Hopefully we see the forecasted change tomorrow! RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Mike Uchal, and team "we have collectively read an entire library"

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Kilimanjaro: Seth & Team Begin Climb

August 2, 2012

Posted by: Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 9,800'

Jambo! I am checking in from Machame Camp at 9,800', our first camp on Kilimanjaro. We arrived about two hours ago and have been relaxing in our dining tent. The hike today was very smooth as we got a nice early start and didn't have any delays at the Machame Gate (5,990'), our entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park. We were in the clouds all day and that kept the temps cool and perfect for walking. It was a great start to the trip! RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

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Have a fantastic time, be safe and see y’all when you get back!

Posted by: Karin Grantham on 8/4/2012 at 7:30 am

Have fun Chris V. We all miss you here in Florida. We are all cheering for you. It looks amazing. Post more pictures. :)
Team Parallon

Posted by: Manuel on 8/3/2012 at 10:31 am

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Mt. Rainier: Winter Seminar Experiencing Some Weather and Training at Camp Muir

April 10, 2013

Posted by: Brent Okita, JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 10,000'

With 80 mph winds and a blinding snowstorm at Camp Muir, it is a perfect day to conduct training inside. Our bunkhouse serves a cozy atmosphere in the storm allowing us to learn essential expedition skills. If we were in tents all we would be doing is hanging on! Our team is in great spirits and we are waiting out the storm until we venture outside. In the meantime, we're going to continue to sip coffee, lecture and do some rope work. Stay tuned! RMI Guide JJ Justman

Mt. McKinley: Knoff and Team Resting at 14,000’

July 1, 2012

Posted by: Adam Knoff

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Mt. McKinley has the gnarly reputation for being one of the hardest mountains in the world to reach the summit of. In circles of armchair mountaineers, horror stories bounce around like cheap cigars. What most people don't realize is how much down time comes with living the dream of climbing north America's highest peak. Yesterday we put in our first "average work day" with an eight hour round trip climb to Washburn's thumb at 16,500 feet. We cached food, fuel and clothing needed for our time on the upper mountain. This was our teams most difficult challenge to date which everyone handled like cagey veterans. Back to the down time. Of course the terrain on this mountain demands one's full concentration, but so does our time of rest. It is unnatural for all of us to try and sleep twelve hours a day with no darkness. The rigors of rest should not be underestimated. Today we woke from thirteen hours of hibernation and had a two hour breakfast demanding great effort to pull away from. Now we are preparing for a stroll to the edge of the world and then home for more sleep. Today is beautiful here at 14,000 feet, much more pleasant than our ten below nights. All is well and we look forward to climbing higher.. RMI Guide Adam Knoff

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everybody eat a lot
DG Chris and Michael U eat a lot
John, Tim and Mike R you eat a lot.
Nelson, Adam and Blais eat a lot
Be ready.

Posted by: shamu on 7/2/2012 at 7:59 pm

Nelson - So wonderful to hear your voice from nearly the top of North America! I will be thinking about you tomorrow as your group contemplates a summit bid. I know that it is a trade off between rest and good weather. Pulling for you from home.
Love, Mom

Posted by: Jennifer on 7/2/2012 at 6:56 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team Part 2 Saying Hello

June 30, 2012

Posted by: Adam Knoff, Mike Uchal, Zeb Blais

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

We apologize to Mike and Nelson's family's for missing their hellos. Here they are saying hi to their followers. Nelson: Mom, Dad, I'm having an absolute blast. I love it up here. Thank you so much for making this happen. I'm feeling great and getting excited for the imminent summit push. Tomorrow (weather permitting) we'll get to the top of the fixed lines and up onto the famed West Buttress. Long story short, I'm having a great time. Thank you so much. To everyone else who I told to follow the blog (probably a good 3 people or so) this place is way sweet. Wicked fun. Big Rik--you need to get up here sometime, it's fantastic. Lynn--of course I'm winning and writing lots. I'll have plenty of stories for you all. It's cold, fun, and badass. Love, Nels Hi Susan, Mel, Hannah, family and friends! Thanks to everyone for your posts. Your thoughts mean so much. I'm having a great time, staying warm, and the guides make sure we eat very well. After being snowed in today, we'll hopefully move to high camp in the next few days where we stage our attempt for the summit. Miss you all! Love Mike

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Tim,

Been following the team’s progress—sounds like yet another awesome adventure! As promised—important news down here: Colorado continues to burn, Obama-“care” passed, and basically Repub’s and Dem’s still hate each other’s F’ing guts. Oh, almost forgot the most important news dominating the papers/internet: Tom Cruise and his wife are getting a divorce. Just goes to show you—we are still a bunch of collective idiots to care about that crap down here. So, PLEASE, march on! Live the dream for the rest of us shmucks! Be safe and know you’ve got your fans rooting for you—and, your entire team’s good fortunes. And, remember, Warrior II photo on top! And, take it easy on your team-mates up there—you CAN control that gas of yours—stop using the altitude as an excuse! Little Bro.

Posted by: Dan McLaughlin--aka, Little Bro on 7/1/2012 at 4:43 pm

Hey,
Oz is on his way to Georgia with the Barteks! I’m trying to stay out of the Raleigh heat—high today of 104! Boone sounds way better with a predicted high of 92.. Doing some work around the house and checking your weather and for updates..
Hope to hear from you soon!
Stephanie

Posted by: Stephanie on 7/1/2012 at 10:12 am

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Mt. Everest Expedition: Team Departs Base Camp for Final Rotation

May 7, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Elevation: 20,000

Today Dave Hahn, Linden Mallory and Sara McGahan woke up at 4:30 a.m. for a 5 a.m. departure for Camp 1. After a hearty breakfast of rice pudding (not a huge fan, but Linden and Dave are) cheese omlettes, toast and Lucky Charms (Sara always has the Lucky Charms) the team paid its respects' at our camp's Stupa before departing. How they paid their respects was by circling the Stupa in a clockwise rotation on their way out, and taking a moment at the front of the Stupa (which faces the ice fall) to pause/reflect/pray, and to also breathe in the burning juniper that had been lit. On a lighter note, the team also took a moment to each throw a horseshoe while walking out. No ringers or leaner's were recorded (not even close). The walk up the icefall began as the sun was beginning its rise over Everest and Lhotse. The trail has gone through some changes over the past week as the Khumbu Icefall continues its movements. The team encountered several new challenges, including one spot in which a crevasse had opened up. There was no ladder around, so the team had to jump over the gap. Sara broke out her skills from junior high field day and long jumped over a crevasse. Well done. And some people say that they never learn meaningful skills in school! The team was able to make it up to Camp 1 just before 10 am. Dave reported that it is very quiet at Camp 1. Hardly any people at all. It seems that most of the teams are now down at Base Camp beginning to rest for their summit pushes over the next few weeks. Our team spent most of the afternoon resting and napping, which, of course, is one of our teams' strengths! Three other members of our climbing team - Tsering Dorje, Dawa, Yubarj and Kaji (all except Lam Babu) - climbed to Camp 2 today with our South Col equipment, including oxygen tanks, masks, and regulators. This gear will be used by the entire team when they arrive at Camp 3 in a few days. They will be breathing oxygen at night and wearing the masks during their climb up toward the Col the following day. The grand plan is to return to Base Camp on the 11th and then rest for a week. If everything goes well, we hope for a summit bid to start around the 18th. Life at Base Camp continues. Today our neighbor Hamid, who is from Iran, came over with some written questions for Sara. Hamid is involved with a Children's Hospital that treats kids with Cancer. He is climbing to benefit the charity. He requested that Sara answer some questions (which are questions like "how did you get into climbing?" etc..) so that they can publish an article in their hospital newsletter. He also invited Sara to Iran to visit this summer. He is extremely nice (and has a daughter the same age as Sara) and he is VERY impressed with Sara. So, in summary, the goals of the day (Camp 1, Camp 2, etc...) were all accomplished, and everyone feels well. As we say in Georgia, we are hunkerin' down for a cold night and we will be up an at 'em early tomorrow. Bill M.

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Sayyyyyy!!! SOOO PROUD OF YOU FOR BEATING YOUR RECORD, THATS CRAZYYY!!! I’m so happy to hear your doing well and each person that blogs about ya’lls trek gives the impression that your just rocking it, not even phased by the huge mountain your defeating!!! “HOOSERS” said heard you were going up again today & that made me soo happy cause I know your doing amazing! Sounds like your doing a great job avoiding the weather thank goodness! And I actually cant wait to hear about all the cool things you’ve gotten to see, like did you get to see an avalanche?!?! Also, I’ve decided when you come home not only are we gonna have to throw amazingly fun parties for you, but im gonna make it my business to ensure you have the greatest food supply ever!! Reading your food each day makes me wish so badly i could just send you cookies or something because (i know this is lame) im even proud of you for being able to eat the meals you’re given without even letting it bother you! Basically everything you’re doing im just astounded by and am eagerly waiting to hear more about your trip!!! Hahahah laughed when i heard you were taking a lot of naps because sense spring break im addicted! Also, please be a little more studly…jumping over crevasses? COULDN’T BE COOLER!!!! And continuing the theme that your impressing and inspiring everyone who reads this blog and knows you, if you get the article in the children’s hospital newspaper pleaseeeee bring it back to atlanta so everyone can read it! Not only are you encouraging your friends and family, your journey goes far beyond that to inspire kids in Iran! Truly Sara, your a hero! I love and miss you sooo much and continue to be amazed by your hard work and perseverance even without your dad! Tell your team that they have our prayers and that everyone is pulling for ya’ll! <3 Kmy

Posted by: katherine on 5/8/2011 at 9:05 am

GO Sara GO!!!! Thanks Bill for all the news! We are all pulling for the team!

The Boys Lax Cats beat St. Pius last night 13-7 in an upset. Chris Reagan played awesome defense. Michael Thomas and Jimbo Izlar were on fire! Varsity Girls Lax beat Blessed Trinity this afternoon soundly. It was 13-3 when I left. Baley Pope and Anna Jump and Taylor Kaplan and Eve Knapp were leading scorers. Ansley Walker played amazing! Tell Sara that Taylor Bremer and Caroline Heys had lots of playing time.

Boys Varsity Soccer won tonight away in a playoff game and the Girls Varsity Soccer won last night down near Savannah. Varsity Baseball lost today. Boys Varsity Tennis WON State today! Banner day for Westminster Sports!!!
The Ensemble Concert was tonight with Womens and Mens A Cappella. Gracie had a solo!
Hugs to all from the Caswell Family! XOXOX Nancy

Posted by: Nancy Caswell on 5/7/2011 at 8:22 pm

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Mt. Rainier: Emmons Seminar Team Reaches Summit!

July 12, 2023

Posted by: James Bealer, Trevor Katz, Josh Geiser, Evan Redman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Guide James Bealer and the Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons July 8 - 13 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning around 8:30 am. It's a beautiful day on the mountain with a bit of wind. The team left Camp Schurman with an alpine start and will return their this afternoon. Climbers have spent the last several days training with cramponing, rope travel and ice axe arrest techniques and additional alpine skills. They put it all together to reach the top. Once back at Camp Schurman the team will spend a final night on the mountain. Tomorrow they descend to the trailhead and will return to Rainier BaseCamp in the afternoon.

Nice work team!

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