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Hi! Hello!
After early (too early, some may say) alarms, we loaded our bags on the van and left the comforts of Cusco behind. We drove on winding mountain roads as the sun came up behind us and after nearly four hours, we made it to Sorayampampa. We met our Peruvian guides - Carlos & Elbin, as well as our chef, cooks and the mule wranglers. The team that makes it possible for us to have this experience!
After getting everything packed up, we officially started on the Salkantay trail. Up the valley we went, with the 20,000+ foot Salkantay peak towering above us.It feels so good to finally be on the trail - we just finished a delicious dinner and even though it’s 7:30pm, we’re all tucked in our tents and sleeping bags.
It’s the highest and coldest place we’ll sleep on this whole trip but everyone is doing great.
RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Salkantay team
PC: Jess Wedel
New Post Alerts:
Machu Picchu August 15, 2024
Posted by: JT Schmitt, Alan Davis, Kiira Antenucci
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,000'
Monday, June 14, 2021 - 9:31 pm PT
Today we carried supplies and personal gear up to 17,000' Camp. The team performed amazingly for their first time on fixed lines and dealing with thousands of feet of exposure and running belays.
We floated past other teams, seemingly effortlessly as they cached lower on the West Buttress, but we were moving so efficiently and the day was perfectly clear and windless, so we decided to cache all the way at 17,000' Camp.
It’s now 8 o’clock in the evening and we are about to enjoy some dinner and a much deserved night of rest.
All the best from the team at 14,000' Camp.
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Leon Davis, Mike King
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 16,200'
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.”
—T.S. Eliot
Posted by: Janet on 1/30/2013 at 11:51 am
Wishing you all a calm & clear day for the next big push - Best of luck tomorrow! Lots of Love, Mom & Dad
Posted by: Paula & Bill VanDeventer on 1/29/2013 at 5:18 pm
On The Map
Lee,
Enjoy every moment. Would be awesome to take in that much of creation’s beauty…so untouched by humans. Can’t to see your photos. We are praying for your safety. love the Ortmeiers:)
Posted by: maren ortmeier on 7/2/2012 at 5:23 am
Great to hear some news! I will certainly be praying for you, Lee, and all your compatriots. You’re as high now as I’ve ever gotten . . . keep going! I can only imagine what it actually looks like seeing it with one’s own eyes. And I suppose the Creator must be bigger than this, since He made it! :-}
Posted by: Fr Paul Duchschere on 6/28/2012 at 8:45 am
RMI Guide Mark Tucker from Chukung
On The Map
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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Devin Guffey, Erika Birkeland
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7,200'
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June 1, 2023, 9:14 pm PDT
Hello all!
After a a quick nap of a couple hours we woke at 10:00 pm and packed up our camp. Just before midnight we began our walk out. During our nap the clouds faded away and gave us a beautiful view out. The air was crisp and so were the views. The moon light the dusk sky and hues of pink and purple faded in and out. We were the only team walking on the Kahiltna. As we took our final steps uphill on Heartbreak Hill we were greeted by a sea of tents at basecamp. Many hopefuls waited to check in and try to fly out. We had a couple hours before check in so we grabbed our sleeping bags and took another quick nap. As teams awoke you could feel the anxious and desperate energy of teams wanting to get off the glacier. Unfortunately, none of the RMI teams were able to fly. One plane even got stuck here at basecamp unable to fly out with the clouds engulfing camp so quickly. Our once clear morning turned into a wet afternoon. We are now curled up in our tents trying our best to stay dry and optimistic as we wait for weather to improve to we can off. A celebratory beer cached at basecamp has helped the mood. If we close our eyes we can pretend we are showered and sitting at the brewery. Weather is suppose to improve by Saturday so fingers crossed for clear skies both here and in Talkeetna. As for now, after only some naps we are pretty sleepy from our walk out.
So goodnight all,
RMI Guides Hannah Smith, Devin Guffey, and Erika Birkeland, and Team
Posted by: Mike King
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Torres del Paine
We got picked up in Puerto Natales and enjoyed seeing rehas, guanacos & a fox during our scenic drive to the park. Our hike to Seron was 8.5 miles. The trail winds through beech trees with dry rolling grasslands along the Paine River. We had nice weather, wind to keep us cool & cloud cover for the UV. At camp, the team is enjoying some down time, charcuterie & dinner to conclude the day. All is good down in Patagonia. Camp Lago Dickson tomorrow.
Thanks,
RMI Guide Mike King
We got an early start from Puebla after a fun and relaxing rest day. The drive to Tlachichuca takes us through agricultural communities and around a massive Audi/VW manufacturing plant that appears to have just sprung up in the middle of nowhere.
We will pack our bags for the Orizaba climb before enjoying a light lunch at Sr. Reyes' 100+ year old soap factory turned climber’s hostel. From there we load up in some 4x4 trucks that crawl their way through sprawling corn fields and dense pine forests until we get to Piedra Grande Hut where we will spend the night. Aside from the packing, the only other objective today is to go for a hike into the lower portion of Orizaba’s labyrinth section to stretch the legs and lungs a bit. This gives the Team a chance to see what the first 3+ hours of the climb will be like. Hopefully we are checking in next from the summit of Orizaba tomorrow morning. Thanks for following along.
Trust today’s climb went well. I see a lot of nasty weather around Mexico City.
Posted by: Roger Coffey on 11/16/2019 at 11:43 am
Thinking of everyone as you prepare to summit! Stay safe and strong ! Enjoy the adventure !
Posted by: Ann VanO on 6/16/2021 at 8:44 am
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