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Aconcagua: Cifelli and Team Reach Basecamp

January 24, 2023

Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney, Jess Wedel

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

TREK TO BASE CAMP

Our first start before sunrise,

The wake-up call came at five.

Soon the climbers were busy,

Our camp was a beehive.

Quickly our duffles were packed,

And our tents were taken down.

Our daypacks readied for travel,

We were soon Base Camp bound.

Our first task of the day,

Was a frigid river to cross.

The pain upon entering hit shockingly fast,

But once forded no toes had been lost.

Up Relenchos Valley we trekked,

Steep canyon walls on each side.

We passed mesmerizing formations,

That Jack our geologist would describe.

We stopped once and marveled,

At guanacos high on the hill.

Their grace and their splendor,

We carry with us still.

We trekked all day on a trail of dust,

And rocks, and then more rocks.

Some big rocks to step over,

Some small ones in your socks.

Finally Base Camp came in sight,

We slightly quickened our pace.

3500’ gain, 7.9 miles in 6 hours,

This was truly no race.

We were warmly greeted at camp,

With cold drinks and snacks to eat.

The afternoon feast was ended,

With a delicious chocolate treat.

We have all settled into camp life,

Playing cards or just laying low.

As we think of the mountain,

And those we love down below.

By: RMI Climber Tim Cavanagh

Mt. Rainier: Five Day Climb Reaches 11,800’

May 1, 2021

Posted by: Avery Parrinello, Robby Young

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 11,800'

The Five Day Climb led by RMI Guides Robby Young and Avery Parrinello climbed the Ingraham Direct route and were able to reach 11,800' before high winds forced them to turn. The team spent two days at Camp Muir on this climb and will be descending later this morining. We expect them back at Rainier Basecamp to clelebrate this afternoon.

Congratiulations to Today's Team!

Mt. Everest: Hahn & Team Greeted by Specatular Views on Pheriche Rest Day

April 2, 2014

Posted by: Dave Hahn, JJ Justman, Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Elevation: 13,950'

A great day at 14,000 ft and above. In the pattern we've come to expect, it was all blue sky and sunshine to start the day and then cloudy and even a bit snowy to end the day. But we made excellent use of the sunny and calm morning to go for a hike about 1,200 ft up on the hills behind Pheriche. Right off the bat, we enjoyed views of the sixth, fifth and fourth highest mountains in the world. Everest is now hidden from our view by Nuptse, and that will continue until we are above our final tea house in Lobuche, but Cho Oyu, Makalu and Lhotse were trying their utmost to make us forget our central goal of the trip. They had to fight it out with closer giants like Ama Dablam, Towoche, and Cholatse. Giant eagle/vultures cruised overhead as we climbed, hoping we'd leave one or two climbers behind, but everybody kept up just fine and the birds went hungry. We took a bunch of hero shots at our high point and beat feet back down to our luxurious digs in Pheriche. In the afternoon, the team strolled next door to receive an excellent lecture on altitude illness given by one of the docs of the Himalayan Rescue Association. The dining room was not nearly as busy as it had been yesterday and the team enjoyed slightly better internet connectivity through the late afternoon and evening. And that is good, since we don't expect much web surfing in Lobuche for the next couple of nights. We'll try to get our progress out if possible, but of course -no news from us is good news. Mark Tucker, our soon-to-be basecamp manager, brought his basecamp trekking team back down to Pheriche as planned today. Nice to see him and his gang. We'll say goodbye to him in the morning as he continues guiding his folks back down to Lukla before sprinting back up to be with us. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Nicole and team,

You guys are an inspiration. Stay safe! GoGEEdi!

Words of encouragement: YEAH BITCH!! - Jesse Pinkman

Posted by: Paulie on 4/14/2014 at 5:53 am

James:
Your trusty admin team has all the lab billing up to date. Stay safe. Darla

Posted by: Darla Sorah on 4/4/2014 at 11:08 am

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Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team March Up Ski Hill

June 22, 2012

Posted by: Adam Knoff, Mike Uchal, Zeb Blais

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,800'

Hello to all from the June 19 Denali expedition. If the saying "make hay while the sun shines" applies to mountaineering, this team could feed a lot of cows. I am thrilled with our team dynamic and progress. Yesterday we ate breakfast, got ready and were blessed with clear conditions at base camp. K2 Aviation worked hard to get us all on the glacier which allowed us to pack up and move out. We arrived at the base of Ski Hill by dinner. Today we woke to perfect weather and the team again showed great enthusiasm to get moving. By 6:45 a.m. we were marching up Ski Hill with full loads. We arrived at 9,800 feet by 11:30 and are now enjoying a steamy afternoon sun bathing. Stay tuned for tomorrow's next episode. This is Adam Knoff signing off.

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Tim you are half way there. I am sure you are thinking this is no problemo. Keep the calories up to keep the fire burning. Skip

Posted by: Skip on 6/24/2012 at 10:57 am

You’re a long way from Oklahoma buddy! Diane and all the turkeys miss you. Ate one last night!

Posted by: Fanta on 6/23/2012 at 3:02 pm

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Everest Base Camp Trek: Tucker & Team Arrive in Everest Base Camp

April 1, 2012

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek

Elevation: 17,575'

Mark Tucker here at Everest Base Camp. Wahoo! We have a star and moon lit night staring up at the Khumbu Icefall... It is as beautiful as it gets. We had an extra day we spent there at Gorak Shep. We tackled Kala Patar under some pretty good conditions. Took an extra day so we can really enjoy Base Camp here. We walked into a fantastic set-up as usual. Our [RMI] Operations Manager, Jeff Martin, is amazing. Can't say thanks enough for what he does to put this trip together and the way he slaves here at this altitude, it's just incredible and we just owe a special thank you to Jeff. We are real comfortable and a fantastic meal. Our local cook, Kumar, whipped it out. Showers tomorrow and we'll hopefully go for a nice walk on the end of the glacier, see some Himalayan peaks, and show the team around. Kim and John are doing fantastic... It's been quite a haul to get here... Looking forward for the next phase to continue just the same. We are going to do some good training tomorrow, get all geared up. Work through a few of the bits and pieces that will get us ready for the climb of Island Peak. All's well here and this is no an April Fool's joke so I'm not pulling a fast one on you. We'll be talking to you tomorrow. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

Mark Tucker from Everest Base Camp

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So happy to see you made it to Base Camp. I just know you have smiles that shine for miles. Keep up the good pace and stay safe…Love you both

Posted by: Kerry Munroe on 4/2/2012 at 3:12 pm

Hey… take some pictures of the moon! Good to hear made it to base camp. Next week will get all caught at school.
Hi to Kim and John!

Posted by: Pamela on 4/1/2012 at 11:41 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Rest Day at 14K Camp

July 13, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Oddly enough, we had great weather today, but we couldn't really put it to good use. We stayed in our 14,200' camp. Forecasts called for dire weather and a couple of our gang were under the weather, dealing with minor colds, so we decided to give everything and everyone a day in which to get better. In fact, none of the other teams on the mountain moved either. We know of four, one other guided group at 14 Camp and three teams up at 17,200'. The National Park Service team packed up their camp and flew out of 14 today by helicopter, their season finished. To take advantage of the fine sunshine and to stretch legs, most of our team roped up and took a short walk to the "edge of the world" on the rim of Genet Basin. It offers magnificent views nearly straight down to the Northeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier and also a good look at the lower portions of the West Rib climbing route. Obviously, if we have the opportunity tomorrow, we want to get back to work on the West Buttress route. RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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have been following your progress on the blog and praying for a summit and safe return for you and all the team members, can’t wait to hear all the stories when you return, take lots of pics and hope you will give presentation at the medical society mtg when you return

God Bless,

Kenny Tidwell

Posted by: Kenny Tidwell on 7/14/2011 at 8:11 pm

How’s the bacon supply holding out?

Posted by: Joe on 7/14/2011 at 4:18 pm

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Mt. McKinley Expedition: Beren and Team at 14,000’

June 16, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Hello, this is Jake Beren with the RMI Mt. McKinley Expedition calling from 14,000’ camp. We arrived here yesterday and are happy in our brand new home and happy place. Before moving camp we made a carry the day before with our gear. The team is looking great, very strong as we climbed yesterday. We arrived late afternoon and set up shop. Today we are going to do a little bit of training and potentially make a back carry to pick up our cache. So all's well here, it’s a beautiful sunny day here in the Genae Basin. We are looking up at the fixed lines. The RMI Team lead by Tyler Jones made their move to 17,000’ camp this morning and are just doing great and heading up the West Buttress as we speak. So, that's all from 14,000’ on Mt. McKinley. It's great to be here with a good crew. We'll be checking in the future. This is Jake, Mike, Gilbert and team standing by at 14,000’.

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Enjoy my bredren and sistren. positive vibes to you.

Posted by: jason thompson on 6/17/2011 at 7:08 pm

Hey Jake and your team!! It is so exciting to watch the progress of your expedition. Please tell Clay Gilliland that all of his friends in Hot Springs are keeping all of you in our prayers for a successful and safe trip.
Tom Baird

Posted by: Tom Baird on 6/17/2011 at 5:03 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Team Jones- Freeze or Fry! Carry to 16,400’

June 8, 2013

Posted by: Tyler Jones

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Saturday, June 8, 2013 Bonjour, from the fryer at 14 camp. The essence of climbing the great big mountains is that in the shade we freeze and in the sun we fry. Our carry to 16,400 ft went well and we are now ready for some more rest time. Today was a long hard effort getting out of the tents around 6:45 with not a breath of wind and clear skies; the not so fuzzy part was -10 F air temp. This had us all moving quickly to eat another bowl of oatmeal and down a cup of coffee before departing camp and wiggling vigorously to keep the fingers and toes warm. When we reached the half way mark in our second leg of the carry, the sun popped up over the West Rib route and the rays warmed us to our core. It took just a half hour for us to be climbing in our base layer, welcoming the fry portion of our day. The fixed lines on the West Buttress Head Wall were in great condition with fabulous cramponing - the teeth biting in the snow as if we were on steep green grass. I envy green grass as the only natural colors we have observed are white, blue and the light brown of the granite ridges rising thousands of feet above. We chopped in firm snow to create a cache hole just big enough to drop food, fuel and supplies. The team then descended down the buttress a short way before a hot and relatively easy and smooth decent off the fixed lines and a short stroll back to our 14 advanced base camp! In the tents yet again hiding from the magnificent orange ball in the sky! The future of the day and for tomorrow is to chill, eat, drink, and rest up for our summit push hopefully next week! We miss you all! The guides are currently craving an ice cold coke, some one please have one for us! Till tomorrow be happy be chill all is well! Ciao, RMI Guides Tyler Jones & Garrett Stevens

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James,
Cheers, what a challenge! Trust that you will be well hydrated and alert all the way to the summit with high spirit. Continue your adventure safely and enjoy what nature offers there. Following RMI blog. Praying for you and the team successful journey. Love, mom and dad

Posted by: Soonja Choo on 6/9/2013 at 5:27 pm

Go Fallout Go!!
Sounds like the team is doing great…keep it up!

sincerely,
-Deputy Dawg

Posted by: Steve Kennedy on 6/9/2013 at 4:50 pm

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Aconcagua: JJ & Team Headed to Basecamp

December 6, 2012

Posted by: JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 9,000'

Hello everyone, this is Team 1 on Aconcagua. Well, not just yet. Today the team left the comfort of civilization and we hit the dusty trail towards base camp of Aconcagua. The trek in is amazing. You are surrounded by giant mountain cliffs, a roaring river and occasionally a soaring condor. With light packs we enjoyed the warm weather while tanning our pasty legs. After a picnic lunch by the Vacas River we arrived at our first trekking camp at 9500 feet. If anyone can guess the name of this camp I will personally carry your pack next year into Aconcagua's base camp! The team is doing great! This evening we enjoyed hanging out with the Cowboys who work with our mules and gear to get into base. We enjoyed an authentic asado steak dinner cooked over an open fire, topped off with an avocado tomato salad. Life is good in the mountains! RMI Guide JJ Justman

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Sounds like a great time. Go Team!!!!

Be safe Robert, see you on Christmas Eve.

Jo Ward

Posted by: Jo on 12/7/2012 at 4:33 pm

Good luck on your climb Mike!
Mike

Posted by: Mike on 12/7/2012 at 1:49 pm

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Cotopaxi Express: Nugent & Team Ready for Summit Bid

July 5, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador

Elevation: 16,000'

Hey everybody, it's Billy calling in with another dispatch here from the Jose Ribas Hut on Cotopaxi. We went out on the glacier today out and did some training. Got ourselves back up to speed with all the fun stuff in a typical climbing school: cramponing, ice axe arrest and basically getting used to working with our tips. The crew did really well despite the high elevation. We just had a great meal here, courtesy of the caretakers at the hut and we are going to be early. We are getting up in the middle of the night to take a crack at the summit. So right now I'm outside looking at nothing but stars. We are hoping this weather holds for us... We'll see what happens and we'll give you a call tomorrow and let everybody know what came of us. Signing off for now. RMI Guide Billy Nugent

RMI Guide Billy Nugent checks in from the Jose Ribas Hut on Cotopaxi

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Everest Base Camp Trek: Tucker & Team Arrive in Everest Base Camp

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Rest Day at 14K Camp

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Mt. McKinley Expedition: Beren and Team at 14,000’

Mt. McKinley: Team Jones- Freeze or Fry! Carry to 16,400’

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Aconcagua: JJ & Team Headed to Basecamp

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Cotopaxi Express: Nugent & Team Ready for Summit Bid

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