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Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek and Lobuche
Elevation: 9,350'
Namaste!
We woke to a little new snow on the ground today, but thankfully it was clear and sunny for our final hike to Lukla. There were endless loads headed for basecamp as always, because much of the needed supplies arrive via plane or from a few days away by mules and the only transport options are porters or pack animals.
It was our third consecutive day of eight hours on the trail to cover the nearly 40 miles that took us nine days to ascend on the way in. The team is more than happy to finally be here!
Also to note. The current FKT (fastest known time) to hike from Everest Base Camp to Lukla is currently held by one of RMI’s amazing guides, Jess Wedel. Somehow she ran this rugged trail in just under 11 hours. Just so happens that she’s back here to climb Mount Everest and raise funds for the prevention, early detection research and awareness to combat Ovarian cancer.
If you’re interested in following her climb of Mount Everest, you can find her here at
instagram.com or anymountainsong.com
With a little luck we hope to be back in Kathmandu tomorrow morning!
Keep your fingers crossed for us.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew
Jambo everyone back home!
We had a slower start today to allow the many porters to get a jump start on the route and ever narrowing trail.
Right out of Barranco Camp we were faced with the only significant technical obstacle for this climb of Kilimanjaro. This hurdle is the great Barranco Wall, which rises about 1,000' and looks as intimidating as it sounds. Thankfully there is a nice narrow trail that weaves its way up and through the wall and all the way to the top. Most of it feels more like steep hiking, but there are a few places that require the use of our hands to help us climb up.
The team did a good job of moving steady and allowing a few porters through with their loads precariously balanced on their heads. Which was astonishing to see, especially since everyone did it in the rain which has been with us for two days now.
After reaching the top we took a nice break hoping to see the mountain, but the clouds only teased us. The team continued our hike for a few more hours up and down through a few valleys before reaching camp.
All in all, it took only about 4 hours for us to reach our next camp called Karanga, named for the big and beautiful valley which it overlooks and revealed itself only when we were headed to bed.
Spirits are high and there have been no complaints from this tough and fit crew!
RMI Guide Casey Grom and team!
On The Map
Looks amazing!! Hi Brad, I hope you are having the time of your life!! “See” you back at work soon!
Posted by: Jane Iannucci on 1/25/2020 at 10:44 am
On The Map
The RMI Bolivia Team checks in from 18,000 ft on Illimani.
I am so very, very happy that you are all off the mountain and that you all summited! You are amazing! Thank you to the guides for bringing everyone down safely. Just don’t think about climbing again anytime soon, okay? My hair is grey enough the
way it is! Congrats, Mattie! We can’t wait to hear all about it!
Mama
Posted by: Bird on 6/3/2017 at 4:54 pm
From Maddies crew at work. Good luck and good climbing. The blogs have been wonderful and you all are an inspiration to all of us mopes at sea level.
Posted by: Steve on 6/2/2017 at 5:36 am
On The Map
Posted by: Mike Walter, Abby Westling, Henry Coppolillo
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
We woke to a cold, clear sky this morning and fired up the stoves with hopes of climbing up to High Camp. Real time communication with friends currently at High Camp, and updated weather forecasts kept us grounded, though. The current wind and an increasingly windy trend are keeping us at our comfortable camp at 14,200' today. We continue to rest and acclimate as we await favorable weather for our foray up high. Spirits are high and we are optimistic that we will get our shot soon.
Until then, we are lounging in the sun, reading, listening to music, and hanging out--all part of the expedition experience. We will keep you updated on our status. As we patiently wait for our chance to move higher, we are happy to be in the mountains.
RMI Guide Mike Walter & Team
Been keeping up with the updates - I am excited and proud of this crew and this climb. You’ll move up the mountain soon and we are all on the edge of our seats for it!
We are cheering you all on! (Love you, Abby!)
Happy and strong climbing!
Posted by: Rae on 5/25/2022 at 6:18 am
An outstanding experience that is for sure. Hope your reasonable weather is coming soon. Stay safe and enjoy the wait. Always thinking of you
Posted by: Anne on 5/24/2022 at 8:06 pm
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
Many thanks to our guides Andres, Leah and Levi for making it the experience of a lifetime.
Can’t wait to do it again on another mountain!
Posted by: Chris Lynn on 7/9/2012 at 8:53 pm
Way to go everyone! Can’t wait to see some pictures!
Posted by: W.B. on 7/9/2012 at 4:21 pm
Rich F., Cannot wait to hear the details. Be safe!
N
Posted by: Neil D on 1/1/2012 at 8:02 pm
Congratulations!!!!! /What a wonderful achievement!
All your admirers need now is to see you at home.
It was exciting to follow the trek because it made it seem more real. Looking forward to your return.
Love Mom and the rest of the family
Posted by: mary doyle on 12/27/2011 at 4:06 pm
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