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Flying into Quito you begin to grasp the magnitude and astounding beauty of the volcanoes surrounding the city. The dichotomy of the lush Amazonian rainforest and the high, snowy mountains leaves one with a sense of the diverse ecosystems of Ecuador. Our first day included trip introductions, getting to know each other and exploring the city. We spent the first half of the day at the equatorial line, learning about the indigenous people of the Amazon and their culture. The second half of the day we explored old Quito, checking out stunning architecture and discussing the current politics of Ecuador. Our second day we took a teleferico or gondola up to around 13,000ft to begin our acclimating hike up to the summit of Rucca Pichincha at 15,354ft. Everyone enjoyed snacks and laughs at the summit before heading back to Quito for a delicious Mediterranean dinner.
Best of Luck to the entire team from US, especially from Chicago and NY. Wish I was there with you guys.
Good Luck on Antisana and Chimborazo. Carpei Diem…!!!
Fernando Carranza Sr.
Posted by: Fernando R Carranza on 11/2/2023 at 1:00 pm
Stunning sunset!
Posted by: Jean Wittmier on 11/1/2023 at 11:35 pm
Blue skies and sunshine were enjoyed by the Four Day Climb June 21 - 24 led by RMI Guide Joe Hoch. The team reached the summit of Mt. Rainier around 5:30 am today with good route conditions. Climbing time from Camp Muir to the summit is currently taking a little over five hours. The team is working their way back to Camp Muir and will continue their descent to Paradise later this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
What an amazing team with fantastic guides! Thank you to everyone that braved the heat to make our dream a reality. I will never forget you guys!
Posted by: Ruth on 6/24/2021 at 10:56 pm
So very proud of you! Congratulations!! ❤️❤️
Posted by: Jackie Brumage on 6/24/2021 at 11:52 am
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Mike King, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 18,818'
Sunday, May 29, 2022 - 6:33 pm PT
Today we climbed Iliniza Norte to it’s quite pointy summit at 18,818 ft. The entire group made the top in a mere two and a half hours from the hut. We began at 6:30 AM in partly cloudy conditions. It was a little cold and windy at first, on icy and slippery rock and dirt, but things improved. We got amazing views of Cotopaxi and Iliniza Sur, but the rugged rock scrambling required to get up Iliniza Norte kept us well focused on the task at hand. We hit the top at 9 AM and spent 30 minutes before beginning a careful descent. The team moved well, with excellent help from our local guide staff, and we were at the base of the mountain by midday.
We enjoyed a celebratory steak lunch at a restaurant on the way to Cotopaxi National Park and then made our way uphill and into the park to the Tambopoxi Lodge. Clouds cleared from the mountain at sunset and we had amazing views of our big objective of the next few days.
Best Regards,
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Good morning,
The team is getting a final bit of relaxation at Chilcabamba Eco Lodge this morning. It's blue skies and the mountains are out. The group seems to be in good spirits as they prepare to head to the Jose Ribas Refugio today, where they will rest for the evening before a very early start tonight. The summit of Cotopaxi and the climbing route is visible from Chilcabamba this morning, giving everyone some additional motivation!
All the Best for clear skies Dustin!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 2/3/2022 at 4:34 am
Good luck, Dustin, Avery, and team!
Posted by: Dylan Richey on 2/2/2022 at 9:27 am
Posted by: Tyler Reid
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Chile Ski
Dereesa, great pictures of the trek. Looks like everyone is having a great time! Suzanne
Posted by: Suzanne Diers on 3/20/2019 at 9:30 am
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Sam Hoffman, Nicole De Petris, Ellison Boord, Cal Seeley, Mitch Valaitis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day Climb June 3 - 7 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today. After training and climbing the last few days the teams put their training to work. The climbing teams enjoyed some time in the crater before starting their descent around 8:30 am. From the crater rim, RMI Guide Dave Hahn reported a perfect day with no wind and beautiful conditions. The teams will return to Camp Muir and then continue their descent to Paradise later today.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Happy to hear y’all had a perfect day for the summit! Can’t wait to hear how it was Travis!
Posted by: Ryan on 6/9/2023 at 6:37 am
Glad to hear everyone made the summit on a good weather day. Congrats to Travis! Looking forward to hearing stories and seeing some cool photos.
Godspeed on a safe return to all!
Posted by: Scott S on 6/8/2023 at 6:35 am
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Dustin Wittmier, Devin Guffey
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,000'
Good evening,
What a day, what a day! One step closer to the summit! Today started rather frigid. The clear skies made for a cold morning. Our toes and fingers were screaming for warmth. But as usual once the sun hit camp, everything warmed up. The classic freeze or fry. It was a productive day, that started with a refresher on fix line travel then followed by a carry to 16,200'. Getting our gear up there sets us up for a move to 17,000' Camp when the weather looks good. We are going to be patient and wait till it looks good and then go for it. Tomorrow will be a rest day. The team is pretty good at chilling which is good on expeditions. Keep your warm toes and fingers crossed for good weather for us in the coming week!
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and team
All of us are doing good here but we miss your cute face D
Posted by: Jeannette Arnold on 6/29/2021 at 4:14 pm
Wow—you’re making quick work of formidable “hills”! Motorcycle Hill must’ve been a beast!
Looking forward (I think) to seeing entertaining photos from the Edge of the World… Steven, I hope you didn’t think it would be fun to jump in your photo op—eeks! The “classic freeze or fry” is a new concept for me, and yet another reason to admire Team Smith’s fortitude and determination. 17,000’ camp awaits!
- Pam
Posted by: Pam Singleton on 6/21/2021 at 10:47 am
Amazing seeing the ruggedness of the mountains. Looks like you are in good hands. Enjoy every day, our family prayers are with you all. Breeze please!
David Eicher
Posted by: David Eicher on 4/5/2011 at 7:59 am
Bill and Sara, I am thinking of you both every day. I love reading about your expedition and I pass them along to my office staff and I brag about you (mostly about Sara, Bill, sorry). You are both really cool.
It is in the low 80’s today here on the posh rock of HHI. Flip flops and shorts….sand and shore, but alas, no sherpas and no excitement…..love to you both. cathy
Posted by: cathy on 4/4/2011 at 7:39 am
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