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Today was the first day we've been stymied by lousy weather but the forecast looks pretty good! We're just stuck in our tents waiting for sunshine and calm winds. The rest of the crew is taking the weather day quite well. Depending on tomorrow's conditions we may move to Cholera Camp (19,600') in a single carry because the distance is relatively short and the group loads will be light... We'll keep you posted! Stuck in tents, RMI Guide Billy Nugent and the crew

Once again, we (the Sherpa team and guides) were ready to go up through the icefall on a recon mission. Once again we nipped it in the bud at three in the morning due to falling snow and cloaking clouds. The clouds were still thick as clam chowder when the team assembled for breakfast. That didn't stop us from gearing up and going for a walk in the new snow for an hour or so along the route to just where things get steep and serious at the base of the Khumbu Icefall. It was eerie and beautiful to have the giant towers and walls of ice drifting in and out of our view as we trudged quietly through the snow. Out in front in the whiteout, it was nearly impossible to tell anything as to whether the next step would be up or down or sideways, but we managed to find the route by braille in any case. The goal was to get some exercise and some more practice and -as much as anything- to occupy the mind in what could be construed as dull circumstances. There is still a blanket of snow over everything and so hiking Pumori's ridges (as we've done to reach both Pumori Camp One and Kalapathar) doesn't seem wise, what with shallow powder over uneven rock. We passed the afternoon playing games and monkeying around with internet/3G connectivity. Tomorrow, for sure... up and at 'em. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

On The Map

The Four Day Summit Climbs August 31 - 3 September were unable to reach the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. RMI Guides Brent Okita & Zeb Blais reported poor visibility and increased winds and precipitation as the teams reached the top of Disappointment Cleaver (12,300'). The teams made the decision to turn around at that point and return to Camp Muir. The teams were able to relax at Camp Muir before starting their descent to Paradise. We look forward to meeting the groups at Rainier BaseCamp later this morning.

Today the team left the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and flew on a nearly perfect day into the Khumbu Valley. We landed at the famous and sometimes a little scary Lukla airstrip without any issues. It was a beautiful 45-minute flight into the Himalayas with amazing views of the mountains and even a glimpse of Mt. Everest itself. We hiked for a few hours along the only trail that leads up to BC (Basecamp). There are no roads here, just a winding footpath that is busy with trekkers, climbers, porters, and yaks carrying loads for the Everest expeditions. The team is currently relaxing at one of the many tea houses situated here in the lower Khumbu Valley. It's an incredibly beautiful and peaceful place to be, and I'm quite certain everyone is excited to be here. RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

On The Map

Not much to report from Camp 1, which is to be expected on a rest day. The good weather continues to hold and the team seems rested and eager for tomorrow's move up to Camp 2. We've been passing the time catching rays (Mark--shirtless!), jamming our iPods, and of course good old fashioned reading. A full day in the tent can inspire some serious restlessness, which we hope will propel us upward tomorrow. Signing off, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

Friday, September 4, 2025 - 10:11 pm PT

Hello again everyone 

The team had a really nice day here on Kilimanjaro today, waking to clear skies and a beautiful view of Kili right above camp. We had a light cloud layer which helped keep us cool while on the trail, which was nice as the sun can be quite intense here near the equator.

We started the day waking at 6:30 to start packing up before moving into our dining tent for a nice breakfast with porridge, fried eggs, toast, avocado and even some fresh fruit, and most importantly plenty of hot Tanzanian coffee. 

We hit the trail shortly after 8 am and slowly made our way up the rocky trail with occasional views of Kili above, while sharing the trail with all the porters. 

The trail climbed up a blunted ridge and eventually out of the trees and allowed for some truly spectacular views of the valley below. The team hiked for a little more than four hours before reaching out next camp that sits on the Shira plateau, which is the remnant of an ancient lava flow. 

Everyone is doing very well and we are currently relaxing in camp. 

RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Today was a huge day of logistics, travel and climbing uphill to Ixta high camp!

We started early knowing we had a few hours in the car. We said goodbye to our friends at La Malintzi (especially all our new sweet dog friends) and hit the road.

Clear skies prevailed and we had views of Ixta and Popo all day. When we were almost to the national park, we noticed plumes of clouds coming off Popo! So cool to see an active volcano.

We got to the base of Ixta, repacked our bags for the climb and started hiking. With heavy packs and over 12,000ft it was tough walking. Everyone did great and we made it to high camp in three hours. 

After an early dinner, we laid down in our tents as soon as we could knowing that the alarms would go off sooner rather than later - Ixta summit here we come!

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the team

It was worth another predawn start to get into Ngorongoro Crater first thing in the morning. The animals are a bit more active in the cool morning than on a hot afternoon. We wanted action. The drive to the gate from Plantation Lodge was brief, but then the drive on rough roads up to the crater rim and along that rim was a good deal longer. It was slightly surreal as well because we did it in thick fog. We got under that cloud layer though as soon as we began our descent into the “crater” (which is really a caldera). At first there was some enthusiastic pointing at individual zebra and wildebeest… until our team realized there were thousands of zebra and wildebeest… not to mention gazelles and cape buffalo. 

Our guide Jacob made the sighting of the day, pointing out four lionesses. We watched them move and rest… but they were clearly hungry and making their moves with breakfast in mind. We were all watching when one of them charged a Grant’s Gazelle. The Gazelle was moving fast but the lioness had cut off his exit possibilities and took him down before our wide open eyes.  The other three big cats made their leisurely way over to enjoy a snack as we watched. It was a cool day in the crater, the clouds never really did go away. But that seemed to be fine conditions for viewing wildlife.  We saw everything from hyenas to hippos… lots of hippos. But we weren’t seeing rhinos.  They exist in Ngorongoro but they are notoriously shy.  Finally, we spotted a pair of black rhinos from the crater rim on our exit. Emmanuel, our guide found the pair with binoculars and we each ticked them of… making four of the “big five” down… elephants, lions, cape buffalo and rhinos. Just missing leopards.

On the crater rim we visited a Maasai village and saw some fine dancing and chanting, watched the men make fire and throw spears and then entered their small huts to try to understand what it really is like to hold on to traditional ways and means in a modern world.

We were back at Plantation in plenty of time to enjoy the sunset, some excellent cocktails and a perfectly prepared and presented dinner.

Best Regards

RMI Guides Dave Hahn & Team

The storm finally hit. Crazy clouds were forming over the upper mountain as we went to bed last night. The morning at Vinson Base was devoid of sunshine and chock full of newly falling snow. It is actually a rare thing to get five inches of powder snow in this place, like rain in the desert, but that is what we got. Flying -either to get the successful summiteers out or to bring in our next team of climbers from Union Glacier- was not happening. It was a hunker down day. The word was that the teams up the mountain were doing the same. Rest and relaxation wasn't exactly an unwelcome plan for the day for my team. Most had sore feet and tired knees after the last few big days of up and down walking. Each climber is ready to be moving on when conditions permit, of course. Juan wanted to be sure that Eva Maria knew he was wishing her a very happy 21st birthday from Antarctica. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

Yesterday was a rest day in the colonial town of Puebla. This is a fun day for the team, one where everyone gets a chance to explore the town a get taste of this beautiful Mexican city. We reconvened at dinner to share the day's exploits. Trips to the city's fort, churches, shopping and general exploration were the missions recounted at dinner. Now it's off to Tlachichuca, where we will rig for our attempt on Orizaba. The weather looks more promising today, and we all hope it holds and improves for another few days. Wish us luck amigos. RMI Guide Jake Beren