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Everest Base Camp Trek: Team Arrives in Namche Bazaar

November 3, 2013

Posted by: Elias de Andres Martos

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek

"Tashi Dele" from Namche Bazaar! What a lucky team we are! Scheduled to fly yesterday into Lukla, the morning greeted us in Kathmandu with cloudy skies, grounding the little aircrafts that are meant to bring climbers and trekkers alike to the Khumbu. After a long hour of uncertainty, (and with the news that Lukla was also shutting down,) we relied on our trustworthy outfitter personnel at the airport; Sagar and Shangkar pulled some magic and about an hour and a half later, we were boarding... a helicopter! This safer vehicle under such conditions, provided us with awesome views of Everest and Nuptse as we approached Lukla above the clouds and we continued to give high fives in disbelief of what we were experiencing. Soon after we met our Sherpa Nawang and porters at Lukla, we headed for Phakding, where we'd spend our first night at a Sherpa lodge. Continuing today with astonishing views along the lower valleys, we proceeded towards Namche, from where we are writing now as we enjoy a cup of milk tea. The biggest excitement of the day was provided by the many hanging bridges, the last of which is a new addition to the trail since last season and sits some 300 feett above the river! As the mystique of the Buddhist populated land embraced us, we enjoyed the great hiking trails ornamented with centennial Mani stones and prayer flags. Upon arrival, we enjoyed a hardy dinner at "Camp de Base Lodge" and we're now ready for a well earned rest. Tomorrow we'll meander in Namche optimizing our acclimating process with hopes of taking some sunrise pictures over Ama Dablam, weather permitting. Best regards from Nepal, RMI Guide Elías de Andrés Martos

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Mt.Rainier: July 4th - Summit!

July 4, 2013

Posted by: Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

Happy Independence Day! The Four Day Summit Climb July 1 - 4 teams reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today led by RMI Guide Billy Nugent. The teams enjoyed clear weather, light breeze and nice temperatures while they were on top this morning. They began their descent from the crater rim shortly after 7 am. The teams will return to Camp Muir to repack and then continue their descent to Paradise. The Expedition Skills Seminar - Kautz led by Seth Waterfall also reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today. After spending some time on top they began their descent to high camp where they will spend a final night on the mountain. Congratulations to today's summit climb teams!

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Way to go Terry!! So proud of you. See you next week in a warmer climate. Love you, Mom Mullin.

Posted by: brenda mullin on 7/5/2013 at 9:11 am

Congrats! Rainier is an amazing mountain and I’m glad you all enjoyed it! Congrats Keith!

Posted by: Melissa on 7/4/2013 at 10:29 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Billy Nugent & Team Move to 11,000’

May 22, 2013

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Kel Rossiter

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,000'

In the movie "Spinal Tap" there's a comical part where the rock god explains to an interviewer that, whereas most amplifiers only go up to ten, his "goes to eleven" in case he's really rocking out and "needs that extra push." Well, our strong team definitely needed no extra push in making it to 11K camp today. After a calm night at 9600' we woke to clear skies and prepared to "go to eleven." After caching some gear and food in a snow hole ( which we'll pick up tomorrow) we enjoyed the feeling of dramatically lightened packs and sleds as we moved up. Arriving in camp the team had its first experience with building a true Denali-style fortified camp. Some people were shoveling, some were cutting blocks, some were carrying them: everyone was working hard and in an hour or so we had a veritable Great Wall in place. Everyone enjoyed the upper body workout and the concrete results. The sun sets late at 11K (it's about 10pm now and still brilliant) and folks are settling in to a well-earned sleep. Tomorrow will be a "half-rest" day: we'll be making a three-hour trek to retrieve our cache, but without the work of breaking down and setting up camp we'll be able to also rest and acclimatize. RMI Guide Kel Rossiter

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Ecuador Volcanoes: Beren & Team Acclimatizing on Cerro Fuya Fuya

February 12, 2013

Posted by: Jake Beren, Ben Liken

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador

Elevation: 14,000'

The rain was borderline torrential in Quito last night, but as we got closer to our acclimatization hike, it let up for us. We had a great hike today, topping out on Cerro Fuya Fuya at over 14,000 feet! The team again did a great job climbing up this mountain and making the most of our time up high. Tomorrow we will head to Otovalo and do a little exploration of the market town. Afterwards it's up to the Cayambe hut! So far so good down here. RMI Guide Jake Beren

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I swear that is the rare specie of Ecuadorian houli in the red jacket.

Posted by: John Loschky on 2/12/2013 at 8:02 pm

Hurray! Keep up the good work.

Posted by: Caroline on 2/12/2013 at 4:39 pm

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Mt. Rainier: Four Day Climb Reaches Summit

May 24, 2025

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Joe Hoch, Celeste Wilson, Calvin Jiricko, Bailey Servais, Tom Skoog, Fitz Elder, Miles Watson

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Climb led by Dave Hahn and Joe Hoch reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 7:30 AM today!

It’s a beautiful, sunny day with light winds, allowing the team to spend about an hour on the summit soaking in the views and celebrating their accomplishment.

Congratulations to all!

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WOOHOO!!!!!

Posted by: T Northrup on 5/24/2025 at 4:08 pm

Awesome job Zach!!!

Posted by: Dave Kestel on 5/24/2025 at 1:31 pm

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Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Prepare to Ride Out Storm at 14,000 Camp

July 6, 2021

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Dominic Cifelli, Matt McEttrick

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Monday, July 5, 2021 - 9:50 pm PT

Score one for the weathermen. They weren’t kidding about this storm. It is real. Came in during the night and by morning it was snowing and blowing and we couldn’t see much. There wasn’t any question of moving camp up to 17,000 ft. In fact, we retreated somewhat. Just after breakfast, RMI Guides Dominic and Matt geared up for the toughest of missions. They trudged out into the teeth of the storm to climb up to retrieve our food cache on the West Buttress. Yes, we were proud to have just placed it there two days ago, but now we can’t afford to be separated from those supplies should avalanche conditions set up in the coming days… which seems likely. The guys had hard going, breaking trail in rapidly accumulating snow. At the 16,000 ft ridge crest they were dealing with winds easily in the 50 mph range, the kind that sound like jet engines even from way down here at 14k. We had plenty strong winds in camp, but of course we were in shelter and comfy, warm and dry. Dom and Matt grabbed the cache and bolted safely back to camp in a total of four very difficult hours. But their work significantly eased our ability to meet our new primary goal: riding out the storm.

Best Regards,

RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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On the edge of my seat awaiting your next update. Stay safe, all!

Posted by: Susie Lambert on 7/7/2021 at 3:59 am

Kudos to Dom and Matt for their sprint to recover the cache on the West Buttress!

Hope that the storm abates and progress continues toward 17K.

Joe McEttrick

Posted by: Joseph P McEttrick on 7/6/2021 at 9:44 am

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Mt. Rainier: Five Day Summit Climb Unable to Make Summit Attempt

June 15, 2017

Posted by: Win Whittaker, Paul Rachele

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 10,060'

The Four Day Summit Climb June 12 - 15 led by RMI Guides Win Whittaker and Paul Rachele enjoyed a nice hike to Camp Muir yesterday after completing their Climbing School the day prior. This morning, however, the weather prevented the teams from making a summit attempt on Mt. Rainier. Win reported high winds and precipitation in the form of snow. The teams will descend from Camp Muir and return to Ashford this afternoon.

Mt. Everest: Preparations Underway for Last Rotation

May 5, 2013

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Seth Waterfall, Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Elevation: 17,575'

Cinco de Mayo and we are here with some nachos. No Margaritas, that will be later. Perfect weather, another beautiful day. Lots of prep work for the upcoming rotation. We took out the oxygen masks and regulators. They may use them if a night at Camp 3 becomes available. So important to double check the equipment before sending it up the hill. Our whole Sherpa team will start out early in the AM for Camp 2 and stay up there until Camp 3 is built and loads are in place at Camp 4. The Sherpa team is such a great group of men, we cannot thank them enough for all their help. The climbing team will rest one more day, then head up for the final rotation before the summit push. Dave and Seth have been doing fine work of all the details, what a couple of super guides we have leading this Expedition. A big shout out to Karla, Happy B-Day! Mt. Everest Basecamp Manager Mark Tucker

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hello Dave : We meet at base camp about 3 wks ago. I was on a 3wk trekking & climbing trip. It was the adventure of a life time . I had many high lights of the trip , right at the top was getting to meet you and talk a little about mountaineering. I’m thankful for the time you spent with me . Good luck on the climb with your team , be safe & may God bless you and your team !!! Now go get #15. Grant

Posted by: Grant phelps on 5/8/2013 at 7:38 am

Collaborative efforts from all team members and Sherpas can only mean success!!!! The best of luck to all of you on the summit push. Looking forward to pictures of your successful ascent. Blessings your way.

ABQ Uptown #985 NM/CO/AZ

Posted by: Rachael C. Lujan on 5/6/2013 at 7:24 am

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Aconcagua: JJ, Geoff & Team Arrive in Mendoza

December 4, 2012

Posted by: Geoff Schellens, JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 2,449'

Hello RMI Family! Yes...I know, our first Aconcagua team photo certainly doesn't look like a mountaineering expedition. But you have to start somewhere. And you might as well start out in style. The entire team made it into Mendoza with all our mountaineering gear. Today was a busy day for Geoff and I. Between airport pickups we did some food shopping for fresh vegetables, fruit and a little filet mignon. We had our team meeting where we discussed gear, food and what lies ahead. However, for now...it is time to enjoy Mendoza. The land of spectacular food and amazing wine. Stay tuned and we will continue to provide updates of how much fun we are having. RMI Guides JJ Justman & Geoff Schellens

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A friend of mine attempted Aconcagua in his 50s with a group of people and guides. Some young guys looked at him and complained that they’d probably have to be carrying his stuff near the top. Near the top, only my friend and one guide were capable of going on. But they had to turn back, because everyone else was sick or injured. ;-(

Posted by: Hank Halle on 12/15/2012 at 3:19 pm

JJ - Looks like a great start. Please leave a little wine for the Jan 2 trip!

Posted by: Peter Rogers on 12/6/2012 at 11:26 am

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Ecuador’s Volcanoes: Team Readies for Cayambe Summit Attempt

December 5, 2011

Posted by: Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador

Elevation: 15,300'

Hello everybody back home. This is Casey Grom checking in from the Ecuador’s Volcanoes Expedition. Just letting you know that everyone doing quite well up here at the hut at Cayambe. We woke up to a beautifully clear morning and were able to see most of the volcano through the valley here. We had a nice leisurely breakfast then we hiked for just over an hour to access the lower part of the glacier here on Cayambe. We reviewed some of our climbing techniques that we will need for tomorrow’s upcoming summit climb. Everyone seems to be doing great. We made it back to the hut. We just finished up a nice lunch. Folks are taking some naps. Looking forward to an early dinner tonight and getting a most likely midnight start for our summit time tomorrow. We will do our best to call from the summit to let everybody know how things are going. At very least we will call tomorrow when we return from our hopefully successful climb. Once again, everyone is doing great and we will check in tomorrow. Thanks. RMI Guide Casey Grom

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Most Popular Entries

Everest Base Camp Trek: Team Arrives in Namche Bazaar

On The Map

Mt.Rainier: July 4th - Summit!

Mt. McKinley: Billy Nugent & Team Move to 11,000’

On The Map

Ecuador Volcanoes: Beren & Team Acclimatizing on Cerro Fuya Fuya

Mt. Rainier: Four Day Climb Reaches Summit

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Prepare to Ride Out Storm at 14,000 Camp

Mt. Rainier: Five Day Summit Climb Unable to Make Summit Attempt

Mt. Everest: Preparations Underway for Last Rotation

On The Map

Aconcagua: JJ, Geoff & Team Arrive in Mendoza

Ecuador’s Volcanoes: Team Readies for Cayambe Summit Attempt

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