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Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Summit!

August 11, 2012

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 19,340'

Well hello, Mark Tucker here. On the top of Kilimanjaro one more time! Uhuru Peak looking all the way into Kenya, beautiful day! A big shout out to last week's team. Sorry to inform you, we had a pretty breezeless day. Hardly any wind. You guys had a tough day. You guys hung in there, fantastic. We have a colonel from the armed services with us on this trip and he brought out the Old Glory. A beautiful flag that he has had all over the world during his services. A real special moment for us all. The team is doing great. Everybody's doing well. We're going to go ahead and knock this one off and head on down here. All is well and thanks for checking in on us. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

RMI Guide Mark Tucker and team on the Kilimanjaro summit!

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Could not have done it without our fearless guide leading the way.

Posted by: The team on 8/13/2012 at 9:46 am

Great News! Congrats to all. The view from the top looks spectacular. Enjoy the climb down. We miss you.

Posted by: Gayle on 8/12/2012 at 9:24 am

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team 14K and a Snow Day

July 7, 2012

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Solveig Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

The weather forecast was right on this time... A day of snow. It was a little bit like the inside of a milk bottle for most of the time. There were a few hours when the clouds were thinner and the sun's heat could be felt through the storm, but the snowflakes never quit falling. It was not going to be a climbing day for our team and so we turned it into a fine rest day. Solveig Waterfall taught an excellent course in avalanche beacon use. Tim Hardin and Cody Doolan built the mother of all snow kitchens. The team listened patiently to old guide stories and chatted over the current events we could pick up from the Anchorage FM stations. We had a few sessions of cutting snow blocks and building walls around the tents. Mostly this was done for exercise and to get warm, since as yet this particular storm hasn't come with the wind which would necessitate walls. We are happy for that and are somewhat resigned to another day or two of this same system. Best, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Dear Cathy,I’m happy to hear that everybody is doing well even thought the weather is not colaborating. Just be pacient and careful and not to worry because you guys will make it to the top. Do not forget the pictures!!!

Posted by: Carmen Allen on 7/9/2012 at 2:28 pm

Cathy,
I enjoy reading the blog every morning. I hope the conditions will get better soon and you can move on! Alan and I need you for a long overdue ER meeting back here in San Diego!
Good luck to you and the team,
Gerhard

Posted by: Gerhard on 7/9/2012 at 1:12 pm

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Everest Base Camp Trek: A Visit with Lama Geshe

March 21, 2012

Posted by: Linden Mallory

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek

Elevation: 13,950'

The weather is settling into a predictable routine here in the Khumbu Valley, the morning breaks clear and calm and by late afternoon the clouds sweep up from lower in the valley and settle in around us. This morning was no different as were found a beautiful and clear day awaiting us when we awoke. We packed up our bags and headed up the trail, leaving the forest of Deboche behind us. The first stretch of walking was cold as we traversed the shaded side of the valley, but after crossing a short bridge above the raging river below, we found the morning sun and quickly warmed back up. The trail climbs from Deboche, gradually ascending along the hillside past row after row of mani stones - the rocks carved with Buddhist prayers - and through occasional archways, decorated with paintings of ancient stories. We entered the village of Pangboche where we stopped to visit Lama Geshe, a renowned Buddhist Lama of the region. Formerly living at the Tengboche Monastery, he now lives in a small unassuming building in the small village and is frequented by climbers, trekkers, and travelers alike seeking his blessing before their journey. We sat down in the small living room of his home with him and he offered us a blessing for the rest of our journey, chanting the prayers, tossing rice in the air, and draping a kata scarf (prayer scarf) around our necks along with a small piece of red rope into which he has sent his prayers. It was a very lighthearted ceremony, Lama Geshe breaking his rhythm every so often to laugh in a deep voice, or chuckling as he tried to pronounce our names. I always feel calmed by time spent at Lama Geshe's and we emerged from his home ready to continue onwards. We continued up the valley, gradually gaining elevation as we ascended above the river. After several hours we began the steep but notable climb over a small saddle well over 14,000'. The winds picked up by this point and were whipping past us as we crested the gap and descended the other side into Pheriche. Just as we reached our tea-house here the clouds crept over the pass as well and soon settled in around us. Our tea-house is one of the nicest to be found in the Khumbu and the owner Ang Nuru worked hard on improvements over the winter. Needless to say, the group was thrilled to find hot showers, warm rooms, and a beautifully decorated and comfortable dining room. We will spend the day here in Pheriche tomorrow, helping our bodies acclimatize to the new elevation before we move higher. The group continues to do well and sends their best to everyone back home. RMI Guide Linden Mallory

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Corell - the mountain goat in you never, ever ceases to amaze all Nalles and Hasses. Thank you for keeping us in the loop about this extraordinary expedition. While you commune with the gods in the Himalayas, we are chatting them up as well in Sedona, AZ. We are searching out vortexes and UFOs and will report back on our findings,

Lots of love, E & Co

Posted by: Ellen Hass& Co on 3/23/2012 at 7:48 am

Now that VCU is out of the tournament all of Richmond is rooting for you. I get asked about all of you constantly, so it’s fun to report how well everything is going.

Please report back on what you think “gunga galunga” means. Keep it up!

Posted by: Carter Sr. on 3/22/2012 at 6:37 am

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Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team at Camp 4

May 16, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

A weak low pressure system over the mountain has brought an increase in clouds today, but it's still pretty pleasant at Camp 4. More significant than the clouds, is a high pressure system to our east that has increased the winds up high. Today it looks like it is blowing in the 35 mph range at high camp, and winds are forecasted to increase to 70 mph in the next few days. So for now, we're still on standby, hoping the winds dissipate quickly so we can move up high soon. The team is in good spirits and eager to climb. Camp 4 is a good place to be waiting, as we have a very comfortable camp and we're acclimating and getting stronger each day we spend here at 14,200'. We'll keep you updated with our status and the weather outlook. RMI Guide Mike Walter

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Keep at it Jeff,
You are a continued source of inspiration! Stay safe and enjoy each moment!
Our love and thoughts,
Erik and Meredith
P.S. Got the postcard-love it. Cheers!!

Posted by: Erik on 5/18/2011 at 10:20 pm

David,

Paul and I are sending good weather vibes your way! Have a safe climb!

Laura

Posted by: Laura Piccard on 5/17/2011 at 1:44 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team As the Wind Blows

July 5, 2012

Posted by: Mike Uchal, Adam Knoff, Zeb Blais

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

This is the June 19th Denali Expedition welcoming you to the first episode, of the new hit saga, "As the Wind Blows." Time flies when you're having fun at 17,000 feet. We're now going on our third full day at high camp. We've determined that the forecast provided by the National Park Service, is reliable as a politician in an election year. Despite the gale force winds and frigid temperatures, the team remains positive. We pass the time eating junk food and sharing iPods as our batteries last. Zeb and Adam ventured to 19,000 feet yesterday to check snow stability and rock conditions after high winds and snowfall. The avalanche danger a concern. They've deemed the route safe, which now leaves the ball in the court of Mother Nature. 17,000 feet is a harsh waiting room, which increases the longing for family, friends, and the creature comforts of our homes. We invite you to wait with us lower 48 as we pass the time here at 17K. Stay tune for the next episode of, "As the Wind Blows." RMI Guide Mike Uchal

RMI Guide Mike Uchal with the First Episode of As the Wind Blows

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Nelson-

You are an inspiration! I cannot wait to hear about your big adventure. I’m really proud of you. Take good care and I’ll see you later this year.

Katie

Posted by: Katie Taylor on 7/6/2012 at 2:49 pm

Nelson,
We just found out what your doing this summer! We are following you everyday!
Be safe and strong! We are anxious for clear weather! I wrote to James today to tell him what your up to. He completed Air Assault and has checked into Camp Buckner!
He is looking forward to visiting you at college this year! We loved seeing all your adventure photos from last summer and are so impressed to find out what your doing this summer! Not many people in the world can even attempt what you are doing! Glad to know you and be part of your life!
Thinking of you,
The Kinsey Family

Posted by: Lori Kinsey on 7/6/2012 at 2:30 pm

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Aconcagua Expeditions: Scott & Team Rest at Camp 2

January 21, 2022

Posted by: Nick Scott, Jack Delaney

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,500'

Another rest day for the Aconcagua summit hopefuls. Unlike other more snow covered mountains, there is a lot of down time on Aconcagua. Some love the rest, others tend to go stir crazy with cabin fever. At least today the sun is shining and the wind is light allowing for ample time to breath deep and enjoy the views outside of our tents. The weather trend still looks favourable for a Sunday summit attempt. Hopefully the wind holds long enough for us to tag the top.

RMI Guide Nick Scott

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Congrats on making it to camp 2! Sounded like a grueling climb. Hoping tomorrow brings good weather for your summit.
Way to Steve and gang
Susan

Posted by: Susan Dietz on 1/22/2022 at 3:28 pm

Enjoying all the updates, keep up the good work and hope the weather is in your favor for the rest of the trip!

Posted by: Anne Morehead on 1/21/2022 at 5:53 pm

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Climbers Receive Puja Blessing

April 12, 2009

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Elevation: 5,343 meters

The clouds blew in the right direction today. In fact, everything lined up just right in most ways today. It was an auspicious day... so judged by our Sherpa team after a careful reading of the Tibetan calendar. Auspicious enough that our Puja ceremony was held today. Doubly Auspicious because it was Easter Sunday. Thrice Auspicious because it was the nicest day we've had in a week. Peter Whittaker revealed that he'd stayed up last night with a few of the Sherpa team in the kitchen to decorate Easter eggs. Not so surprisingly, the Sherpas had not gone through that particular ritual before and Peter said they fully got into the task, coloring boiled eggs and attaching bright stickers. They were excited at the convergence of Easter, the planned Puja and a Sunday to boot. Peter kept all of this to himself and arose at 5 AM to hop down the bunny trail to his partners' tents and quietly salt the area with Easter eggs. He said he was surprised to run into another rabbit out there secretly doing the same thing. Linden Mallory had his own egg planting plans for the morning and was busily hiding colored plastic eggs with prizes within. After breakfast and before the Puja began, the team (those who had not been bunnies) chased around searching for eggs. Jeff Martin and Linden made things interesting by mentioning that two of the eggs held special prizes. Ed Viesturs quickly tracked down the one that granted its discoverer the free drink of his choice from Gorak Shep. It took Seth Waterfall a bit longer to hone in on the bright blue egg that held the $20 cash prize. And then it was Puja time. The Puja is a ceremony quite important to our Sherpa team, and thus to us as well. In it, we ask the blessing of the mountain gods before setting foot on this sacred -and dangerous- mountain. A lama came up from Pangboche in order to read the correct prayers and chants. Our Sherpa team had worked throughout the morning to prepare a stone chorten as a sort of alter for the ceremony. Incense and juniper were lit as a way of sending fragrant smoke upward in offering. Partway through the three hour observance, a prayer mast was erected and flags unfurled in all directions. Our First Ascent team sat drinking tea and taking pictures of the colorful scene... but also contemplating the seriousness of an undertaking that requires so much blessing. The latter stages of the Puja involve a good deal of celebrating and toasting and tossing of rice. Finally, everybody grabs a big handful of Tsampa (barley flour) and tosses half of it in the air while saving half to smear on the faces of ones climbing partners. As you'd expect, this gets out of hand... and into hair, cameras, eyes, ears and everything as one and all laugh, shake hands and fist bump. Our Sherpa team then invited us to join them in linking arms for a last half hour of carefree dancing and singing. We sang along and nobody seemed to mind that we didn't know either the words or the dance steps. The word is that the last 200 meters or so of the route to Camp I are giving the Icefall Doctors a special challenge. We are hoping each day now to hear that they've forged some sort of passage. Tomorrow we resume our training at the foot of the Icefall. We'll be rested, blessed and ready.

Mt. Rainier: Four Day Climb Teams Unable to Summit due to Weather

August 9, 2023

Posted by: Casey Grom, Joe Hoch, Charlie Harrison, Leif Bergstrom, Raymond Holt, Evan Redman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 13,400'

The Four Day Climb August 6 - 9 led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Joe Hoch were unable to reach the summit of Mt. Rainier today. The lenticular cloud over the mountain brought snow and winds and the teams reached 13,400' before deteriorating weather encouraged them to turn around. The climbers will return to Camp Muir for a quick stop before continuing to Paradise this afternoon.

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

You came very close! Darned bad luck with the weather. Great effort getting up there, can’t wait for the stories.

Posted by: Olga Walker on 8/9/2023 at 8:09 pm

Great effort. Much to be proud of. Managed challenges but can’t manage Mother Nature.
Be proud of yourselves.

Posted by: Margery Marshall on 8/9/2023 at 2:14 pm

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Kilimanjaro: Team Climbs to Barranco Camp

July 21, 2022

Posted by: Brent Okita

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 13,030'

Barranco Camp!

Following a lazy afternoon at Shira Camp relaxing, enjoying tent time and playing cards, we were again treated to another incredible dinner by Tosha, our world class chef. This set is up for for today's trek up the Shira Plateau to Lava Tower 15,200' where we enjoyed a leisurely lunch in perfect weather. From here our descent through the giant groundsels, lobelias and senecios of this unique and beautiful valley was easy and fun. Climbing under the steep, western side of this mountain with the remains of its glaciers was impressive, and soon brought us to Camp at 13,070'. With its dramatic beauty and views down valley to the city of Mosha this is surely the most picturesque Camp on the route. Plus, we see our next challenge right in front of us: the Barranco Wall. Our local guides are impressed with the team, commenting on the strength of everyone. An insight I've shared since the first day.

RMI Guide Brent Okita & Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Best of luck to eyeryone! Way to go, George! We can’t wait to hear about your adventure…. The Luther family in Cincinnati is cheering you on!

Posted by: Phil and Sally Luther on 7/22/2022 at 9:38 am

So fun to follow all of you! I’m praying for an amazing adventure for you all!!!

Posted by: Andrea Murphy on 7/21/2022 at 1:51 pm

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Mongolia: Frank & Team Arrive Back in Olgii

July 23, 2019

Posted by: Eric Frank

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mongolia

Elevation: 5,610'

Many miles of dusty roads brought us out of the mountains and back into civilization this afternoon. The small town of Olgii, population 30,000, which felt like a isolated outpost last week now feels like the big city with amenities such as hot showers and the occasional strip of pavement. For dinner we were treated to a traditional Khazak feast with a performance on the dombor, a two stringed instrument similar to a guitar. Despite a lack of physical activity today, everyone seems a bit tired and we are all headed to bed early to get ready for our flight back to Ulaanbataar tomorrow morning. RMI Guide Eric Frank

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Most Popular Entries

Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Summit!

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team 14K and a Snow Day

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Everest Base Camp Trek: A Visit with Lama Geshe

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Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team at Camp 4

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Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team As the Wind Blows

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Aconcagua Expeditions: Scott & Team Rest at Camp 2

Climbers Receive Puja Blessing

Mt. Rainier: Four Day Climb Teams Unable to Summit due to Weather

Kilimanjaro: Team Climbs to Barranco Camp

Mongolia: Frank & Team Arrive Back in Olgii

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