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Monday, August 5, 2024 - 5:25 pm PT
It was an early start but not an early exit as we left La Paz this morning. A gasoline shortage in Bolivia left us scrambling to find a spot to fill up our van as we headed to Isla del Sol. After several hours of navigating La Paz and El Alto traffic we finally made it to the highlands with views of the Condoriri mountains and Huayna Potosi. A quick ferry and a failed short cut down a dirt road eventually led us back to the standard route through the town of Copacabana which sits right on Lake Titicaca. Yet another curve ball was thrown our way as a fiesta in the town for the Bolivian independence day shut down our route to the boat that was awaiting us to bring us to the island. After several detours and side roads we finally made it to our private boat that would bring us to the Island of the Sun.
Isle del Sol is a special island for the Andean people as it is the center of creation for them. On our walk from the boat to the Eco Lodge we passed by a pre-Incan Temple, and terraces built in the 1300's for farming. The island itself does not have cars and provides spectacular views of 6,000m peaks that we'll be heading to shortly. It is also a perfect place for us to acclimatize at 13,000' and enjoy the laid back island life compared to the hustle and bustle of La Paz. After an excellent dinner of fresh caught trout from the lake and local beef we are settling in for bed. As I write this we are being treated to views of a massive lightning storm over the mountains, feeling thankful to be here in our comfortable casitas and headed towards the high peaks in a few days when the weather is forecasted to improve.
RMI Guide Andy Bond
PC: Andy Bond
New Post Alerts:
Bolivia Expedition, August 3, 2024
Posted by: Steve Gately, Billy Haas, Caleb Ladue, Pete Van Deventer, Seth Waterfall
Categories: Guide News Guide Grant
Posted by: Brent Okita, Henry Coppolillo, Erika Birkeland, Michael Murray
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day Climb July 22 - 26 led by RMI Guides Brent Okita & Henry Coppolillo were standing on Columbia Crest just before 7 am today. Brent reported a gorgeous day on the mountain with very light winds. The teams began their descent from the crater rim around 7:20 am. They will return to Camp Muir for a short break to pack up their gear. They will then descend to Paradise and transfer back to Rainier BaseCamp later this afternoon.
Yesterday winds were high so the team did some additional glacier travel skills and explored Ingraham Flats. These photos are from their adventure yesterday courtesy of Brent.
Everyone has now arrived in Quito and I must say it was a pleasure to show up to this morning's orientation and count all nine people present. An added bonus is that all luggage is accounted for, although one luggage lock key was lost. Turns out those can simply be pried open with two screwdrivers.
We enjoyed a nice weather day for our city tour and Mitad del Mundo museum tour. It was just cloudy enough to filter some of the intense equatorial sun and it also never rained. Everybody learned at least something new about physics or practices of the indigenous peoples of Ecuador, the two main focuses at the museum.
Tomorrow we turn our focus towards getting the body moving. As a preparation about half the team spent the afternoon cold plunging and in the sauna. I can still taste the eucalyptus when I take a deep breath. Anyways, that's all to say that we are feeling ready to hike Rucu Pichincha tomorrow and hopefully reach a new high point for a few of the team members!
Posted by: Jake Beren, Steve Gately, Megan Budge
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,000'
RMI Guide Jake Beren checks in from 17,000 ft on Denali.
On The Map
On The Map
Posted by: Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Last night some of our team arrived in Mexico City and were welcomed by the beautiful, lit up statues in the city center.
Today, folks had the opportunity to explore and rest for the rest of the trip ahead. Some enjoyed a walk through Chapultepec park, where tree lined sidewalks provide a nice reprieve from the bustling city. Others explored the city streets and food while also taking the day to rest.
This evening our team finally gathered to meet and discuss our adventure ahead.
Welcome to our Mexico's Volcanoes blog!
RMI Guide Abby Westling and Team
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 10,550'
Aconcagua team reaches Casa de Piedra. Yesterday we had a nice overcast four hour day into Pampa las Lena's. This has been a windy and rainy trip so far. We had a nice asado last night and to celebrate New Years. We'll enjoy a quiet/unstaffed camp. We are hopeful that the rain holds off for tomorrow as we head to Plaza Argentina basecamp.
RMI Guide Mike King
Happy New Year! Glad the weather has changed for you.
Wander is missing you but had a few good runs at the Cary trails. XO Momma & Dad
Posted by: Momma on 1/1/2023 at 11:29 am
Happy New Year!! Took the tree down today- pine needles everywhere haha! Missing you, Alison! Xoxo Lydia, Matt & Wilhelmina
Posted by: Lydia on 1/1/2023 at 11:26 am
Posted by: Casey Grom, Ben Liken, Nick Scott
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Congratulations Casey, we saw in paradise on Saturday when they returned from their mountain school!
Posted by: Luis Carrasco on 6/12/2017 at 10:13 am
Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
On The Map
Is that why you got such a big snow blower?
Posted by: Charles on 6/5/2013 at 2:27 pm
Gerald you continue to amaze us! Stay safe and enjoy the climb
Posted by: eileen & mike meehan on 6/3/2013 at 3:15 am
Lindsay, it’s unfortunate that you could not summit ... I would still think that the journey to 17K was an amazing experience anyways. There is always another time!
Posted by: Manish on 6/17/2017 at 5:38 am
Cheryl so sorry to hear that you weren’t able to summit but I’m sure this has been a very unforgettable experience. Wishing you a safe trip home and can’t wait to see you.
Posted by: Jo on 6/16/2017 at 4:43 pm
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