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Hello again everyone.
Today the team once again woke to beautiful clear skies and mountains in all directions.
As per usual, we hit the trail after breakfast and slowly made our way further up valley to the village before Base Camp, called Gorak Shep. Which in the Sherpa language means “place where the Raven died”. And it’s very fitting.
Being the last village means there are less tea houses = busier and food quality diminishes. Plus it doubles as storage for the Everest expeditions gear while they aren’t climbing. It’s a dry dusty place and we are happy to be only spending one night here.
Once at camp we had a nice lunch and then a few of us ventured out to hike up Kala Patar Which means black rock. About half way up there are spectacular views of Everest and we stopped to take a few pictures. While some called it good, a couple of us finished hiking to the highest point roughly 18’500ft.
Everyone is doing well and very excited to make it to Base Camp tomorrow.
And just so everyone back home knows, once we reach Base Camp, there may not be cell reception or probably no WiFi either. We might be off grid for two days, but I promise I’ll update as soon as we are back in service.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the nearly at Base Camp crew!
New Post Alerts:
Everest Base Camp Trek, March 9, 2025
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Seth Burns, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,000'
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Sunday, June 25, 2023 - 8:00 pm PT
After three consecutive days of carrying load up the mountain our sore limbs couldn't have been more grateful for the well earned rest day. We started the day late with eggs hash browns and bacon which could easily give local diners a run for their money. Most of the group relaxed in their tents enjoying their digital and analog ways of entertainment as we waited for dinner as we all know rest days come with a feast. We had pasta.
The chess pieces have been moved by us and mother nature and we have reached a stalemate. We have the three musketeers to help us reach the top in style. With Dom leading the wolf pack who would happily fall in the crevasse to save the rest of us; Seth always doing the needful without expecting anything in return and Dan lightening the mood of the group after a hard day with his cheeky one liners. All we need now is the good karma of 10 souls to give us a 72 hour window to summit the mountain. No matter what the future holds, our place will never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
Marching to the summit, One step at a time.
Onwards and Upwards��
RMI Climber Saurabh Sharma
Posted by: Seth Waterfall, Pete Van Deventer
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Northside
On The Map
Congratulations everyone especially Grasshopper!! So amazing to realise your dream! xxx
Posted by: Kate on 7/1/2013 at 9:03 pm
cannot wait to see lance either!!!!fridge is full. Brits are doing great at Tour de France.Come back quick to watch!xxxxxx
Posted by: elisabeth on 7/1/2013 at 7:12 pm
RMI Guide Seth Waterfall checks in from the Kilimanjaro Summit
On The Map
Matt
Great!!!
We have been following you every day.
Love
Mom and Dad
Posted by: MaryAnn and Arthur on 8/8/2012 at 7:42 am
WOOOO HOOOOO!!!! Go team! tamara, you rock!
XO
ALICIA
Posted by: Alicia Schwartz on 8/8/2012 at 7:21 am
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Gokyo Trek
We saved the best for last. The best weather at least. While we’ve had clear mornings up high, we were aware that it was still cloudy down below for much of our trip. Not today though. It was clear from the start in Lukla today and the airplanes and helicopters took full advantage. While we had coffee and breakfast in our last tea house, the aircraft were hustling in and out of the nearby strip. We headed over at our appointed times and got on a helicopter for Kathmandu. There was none of the usual stress about wondering if we could go or not. We were gone. The whole team was in Kathmandu by mid morning. Then we did about what you’d expect… showers, naps, gear sorting and shopping. We got together at the end of the day to trek through traffic for a final team dinner. After dodging mules and yaks, the potholes and taxis of Kat were no problem for us. Finally -at dinner- we could declare victory and acknowledge how thoroughly lucky we’d gotten. Things had seemed pretty uncertain at the outset. We’ll start getting back to our own side of the globe in these next days.
Best Regards
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
New Post Alerts:
Gokyo Trek September 28, 2024
Posted by: Mike Walter, Caleb Ladue
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 12,500'
Logan - I was thinking of you as I watched the colorful sunrise from sea level this morning. Looks like it was beautiful at 12,500’! Hawken says he’s proud of you for getting as high as Little Tahoma. Love you! ~ Susie
Posted by: Susie on 8/28/2017 at 1:36 pm
Greg, we have been thinking about you all weekend! Hope it was a wonderful trip and that you felt well during the ascent! So excited and proud of you! Know we love you and can’t wait to hear all about your adventure! Love Mom and Dad
Posted by: Julie Oyan on 8/28/2017 at 8:44 am
Posted by: JJ Justman, Steve Gately, Mike King
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 19,600'
On The Map
You can do it! Saying prayers for good weather for you and will sacrifice something to the weather Gods for you. You are the best. Very proud of you!
Cutter dog says Hi!
Love,
Mary
Posted by: Mary fox on 1/28/2014 at 7:31 am
Incredible! You guys have dealt with an unbelievable amount of varied weather conditions! Looks like the mountain is giving it everything she has to you guys…well done for doing such an excellent job! We are so proud of you, dad (Lew Smith)! I know this is the toughest climb you’ve ever done, but from what it sounds like, you and the team are doing awesome! Just like I did in the Marine Corps, you remember your training. When the poo poo hits the fan, your hard work and training kicks into gear, and I’m quite sure that’s what it has been doing for you while on Aconcagua. Keep it up, dad! You guys are so close. I pray that you have good weather conditions, so that you have a window of time to go for the summit. We will see what Aconcagua will do; if she will allow you and the team to stand on top. I hope so! Best of luck and climb on!!!
Love ya,
Kyle and Steph
Posted by: Kyle A. Smith on 1/28/2014 at 5:32 am
Posted by: Seth Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
James and Team
Good to hear things are progressing well. Looking forward to following your ascent and blog. Stay safe.
Fred K
Posted by: Fred Klingbeil on 8/27/2013 at 4:33 am
Paul(my mountain man),
I’m extremely proud of you! I love you and miss your presence. Cannot wait to climb with you in May!
Sherri
Posted by: Sherri on 8/26/2013 at 12:32 pm
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