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Mt. Everest Expedition: Team Checks in from Base Camp

April 8, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Elevation: 17,575'

Hello from Everest Basecamp, We arrived here at Base Camp on Wednesday (April 6th) at lunchtime to a camp that had been fully constructed on top of a glacial moraine. The staff of 10 Sherpas and porters had been working weeks to carve flat sites for sleeping tents, a dining tent, a communication tent, a storage tent, a cooking tent, two bathroom tents, and a shower tent for our group (we got to shower yesterday!). It was a ton of work, but the camp is awesome, and it is located in the best spot in all of Everest Base Camp. We have so many comforts of home, including solar lights on the walkways between tents (very cool), 40+ movies, solar chargers for every kind of gadget, a propane heater for the dining tent, etc. Each of us has our own sleeping tent, which provides much comfort and quiet (especially for Sara!). Everest Base Camp sits on a glacier that is surrounded by the tallest mountains in the world. In a word, the place is incredible. Within a mile of where we are camped is Tibet (China), whose border is at the peak of a series of mountains to the north of us. In every direction is a massive peak, glacier packed, that is picturesque in beauty. I highly recommend a trek to Everest Base Camp to everyone. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is also very clean. The camp has had a large clean up effort in recent years (and it shows), and all expeditions are now required to carry every last piece of garbage out with them. Dave Hahn (and RMI) put together a schedule that got our group from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp in 10 days. This could have been done much faster (as fast as 5 or 6 days), but our goal for this expedition is not Base Camp. Our strategy (thus far) has been to go slow so that we remain healthy, and without the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Since we arrived a couple of days ago, we have been resting, slowly acclimatizing our bodies to this altitude without headaches, coughs, queasiness, or other symptoms of AMS. So far, we all feel strong. What we wanted to avoid was having to descend to a lower altitude to deal with these issues. Going forward, we will be "climbing high and sleeping low" as well as working on our mountaineering skills. First and foremost will be working on the skills needed to climb the Khumbu Icefall, and we will go slowly so that we are fully acclimatized, and our skills are such that we can move rapidly through the icefall. I feel that we are in great hands. Climbing with Dave Hahn is like playing basketball with Michael Jordan. As we walked up the valley Dave would be recognized by dozens and dozens of people. He patiently posed for countless photographs, and spent time with almost everyone who walked up to him. Some folks just shouted out "You Da Man!" to Dave as he walked by. One Sherpa guiding a climber down from Base Camp was shouting and fist pumping at Dave as he walked by (very funny). Yet, despite all this, Dave remains so very humble and takes so much time to patiently explain things to Sara and me. We have lots and lots of questions about gear and our climb, and he always breaks everything down into simple steps that are well thought out. The guy is incredible, and given that it is his 20th expedition to Everest and all of his many accomplishments and rescues, he is a legend (we have, however, instituted a $1 fine for Dave for everyone he knows - so far its up to $56). Before coming over here to Nepal last year I really didn't give much thought to what a Sherpa does. I always just assumed that they were people who carried huge loads up the mountain. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Sherpa are a group of people that come from the mountainous region of Tibet, and because of this, are incredible high altitude athletes. But they also take great pride in their training. Our climbing Sherpa are trained in all sorts of high altitude skills, including medical care. Porters, on the other hand, don't go up the mountain, they carry many loads up to base camp and perform other duties in the camp. All of our climbing Sherpa on this trip have reached the summit of Everest, all multiple times. Truly amazing athletes and people, and never without smiles on their faces. While Kathmandu is approximately 75% Hindu and 25% Buddhist, the high mountain region of Nepal is almost entirely Buddhist (a good portion of the porters come from other areas of Nepal, and are not Buddhist, but virtually all the Sherpa are Buddhist). Religion is extremely important to the people here, and every town and important location has Stupas, prayer flags, or carvings in stones that represent the importance of their religion in everything they do. No Sherpa will go on to any high mountain (including Everest) until a Puja ceremony is performed. Our Puja ceremony is slated to take place tomorrow, and our Sherpa have spent many hours building a site for this ceremony out of stones in our camp. Sara M. will report on this ceremony in our next update. Historically, communication from Everest Base Camp has been though satellite phones. This year it was announced that 3G service would be available at Base Camp. But, this is not really the case, and our communication is not quite up to standards that we are used to. Because the cellular tower is solar powered, cell phone service works at Base Camp from the hours of about 9 am to 4 pm Nepal time, not the best time to call home to the United States. We have found that checking and sending emails still is problematic, and the most reliable way is still though (the very expensive) satellite phone. So, that's it from Everest Base Camp. We spend our rest days trying to nap, playing cards, doing puzzles, and playing Yahtzee and Apples to Apples. Sara and I have a fighting chance against Dave and Jeff Martin in Yahtzee and Apples to Apples, but Dave is rumored to be a world class Scrabble and Chess player, so we are pretending that we don't like those games for now (the RMI game box is stocked with about a dozen games, so I think we can avoid Scrabble and Chess for at least a few weeks). Last night Sara introduced Dave to all sorts of music that he had never heard before, such as Miley Cyrus, the Jonus Brothers, and even Linkin Park and B.O.B. It was quite a learning experience for Dave and Jeff. In the next few days Mark Tucker and Linden Mallory will be arriving at Base Camp, and we will be losing Jeff who will head home. We are excited to see Linden and Mark, but we will be sad to see Jeff leave. Thank you again for following our blog. Bill M.

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

I am following along and thinking about you guys every day! I love the map as well as the blogs! Know that many, many prayers are sent up on your behalf every day. What an amazing journey!!!

Posted by: Jan on 4/11/2011 at 10:40 am

Dear Bill and Sara, Can you please be a little more specific about exactly what the heck you all are eating up there? We would like details please. Any candy? All climbing food that you add water too? Do you have headaches? Sunburn? Are you drinking enough water? Have FUN! Love, archiegarylillisophieella

Posted by: Archie and all on 4/10/2011 at 12:15 pm

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Everest Base Camp Trek & Island Peak Climb: Entering Sagarmatha National Park

March 25, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek

Elevation: 11,300'

Yesterday's afternoon clouds cleared overnight and it was a warm, beautiful morning here in the Khumbu. Leaving our teahouse in Phakding we wound our way up the valley, traversing above the raging Dudh Kosi on steep hillsides that descend thousands of feet from the peaks above. Wherever the terrain offers a break small terraces have been carved into the hillsides and with spring arriving here in the lower Khumbu the fields of wheat and vegetables are starting to sprout while along the trail the cherry, magnolia, and rhododendron trees are in full bloom. We walked through the fields and villages, crossing back and forth from one side of the valley to the other on swaying suspension bridges that stretch above the milky blue water below, and soaking in the spring bloom along the way. By midday we officially entered into Sagarmatha National Park, the park that bears Everest's Nepali name. Just past the Park entrance the trail emerges from the villages and green fields of the lower Khumbu and begins to climb to Namche Bazaar. A strong breeze was blowing up the valley when we crossed the suspension bridge at the base of the climb and the hundreds of prayer flags and white kata scarves stretched along it flapped in the wind, distracting us from the void in between the slats at our feet that stretched between us and the river hundreds of feet below. The hill up to Namche is the first big climb of the trip, gaining over 2,000' from the valley floor to where Namche sits. In a series of switchbacks and long traverses we made our way upwards, staying well clear of the trains of dzopkyos - yak/cow hybrids favored at these lower elevations - that came barreling down the hill without much concern for those in their path. It was a healthy climb but felt good to put our heads down and climb for a bit. Despite the spring temperatures lower in the valley a glance around the mountains above revealed fresh snow and as we arrived into Namche light flurries of snow blew in, at times blowing uphill as the flakes were buffeted by the swirling winds at the confluence of the two valleys. With tired legs we retreated to the teahouse, content to watch the low hanging clouds play amongst the peaks across the valley. It has been a great day of walking and the team is settling into trail life well. We are spending the weekend in Namche, visiting the Saturday morning market tomorrow and exploring some of the surrounding villages as we acclimatize before going higher. -RMI Guide Linden Mallory

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Linden,

I am enjoying your posts. This sounds like a great adventure and I wish I was there. Say hello and give my best to Tim McLaughlin. Have a blast!

Rory

Posted by: Rory Robertson on 3/26/2011 at 6:55 pm

Linden,

enjoying following your progress on the blog…you write well…a nice tribute to Holderness (even if you never took English from me!!) Be safe and have fun…R

Posted by: Richard Parker on 3/26/2011 at 4:59 am

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Mt. Baker: RMI Team Reaches Summit via the Coleman-Deming Route

June 23, 2021

Posted by: Taylor Bickford, Henry Coppolillo, Stephen Inman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades

Elevation: 10,781'

The Mt. Baker Coleman-Deming Climb team June 21 - 23 reached the summit of Mt. Baker this morning around 7:30 am. RMI Guide Henry Coppolillo checked in to let us know the team has returned to camp and will pack up their tents and gear and continue their descent to the trail head, completing their program later this afternoon.

Congratulations to all the climbers!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Woohoo, it was a great day on the mountain! Plenty of sun and clear views - thanks team!

Posted by: Matt Byrne on 6/24/2021 at 2:46 pm

Congratulations to everyone on reaching the summit!

Posted by: Tracey Inman on 6/24/2021 at 12:49 am

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Mt. Rainier: Fourth of July Summits!

July 4, 2019

Posted by: Steve Gately, Mike King, Joe Hoch

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Climbs led by RMI Guides Steve Gately and Mike King reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 7:30 AM PT. RMI Guide Joe Hoch reported warm weather and dying winds on the summit. Joe said, "It's finally starting to feel like July!" The teams will spend some time on the summit before beginning their descent. They will return to Rainier BaseCamp in Ashford this afternoon. Happy Fourth of July and congratulations climbers!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Awesome job girls! Knew you could do it.

Posted by: Steven Graves on 7/4/2019 at 11:24 am

So proud of y’all!!! You did it

Posted by: Elizabeth Poynor on 7/4/2019 at 9:32 am

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Aconcagua: JJ & Team at Casa de Piedra

January 6, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 11,200'

We are cooking with gas now...and fire! Team 3 is at 11000 feet at Casa de Piedra. We had a beautiful day trekking in the warm sun surrounded by the high Andes mountains. Now, the dining table is up, the chickens are on the grill, the homemade pesto is sautéing, and the angel hair pasta is cooking. Everyone is doing fantastic and our motto is "a well fed climber is a strong climber". So we are going to sit down to a nice meal and get ready for our final day of trekking into Aconcagua base camp. RMI Guide JJ Justman

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Hope you are still warm.

Posted by: paula hall on 1/7/2013 at 9:07 am

Jeffrey Hall: what is going on with your tracker?? no 10 min ping?????

Posted by: Paula Hall on 1/6/2013 at 8:40 pm

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Kilimanjaro: Seth & Team Arrive Arusha

July 31, 2012

Posted by: Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Everyone has made it to Arusha, Tanzania! A few of the team arrived early and the rest of us just flew in. It's a loooong trip from the USA! All of our baggage is here so tomorrow we'll check the gear and pack up for our Kilimanjaro ascent. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

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Best of luck on your ascent!!!

Posted by: Judy Brangan on 8/3/2012 at 9:18 am

Christopher,
Wishing you and your team well!
Stay safe and make wonderful friends and memories!
Love and Prayers,
Mom and Dad

Posted by: Eileen Veres on 8/1/2012 at 9:13 pm

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Aconcagua: RMI Team Moves to Camp 2

January 18, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

The team woke early today to make our move to Camp 2. Just over three hours after leaving Camp 1, the group rolled into our new home under bright sunny skies and a chilly breeze. Everyone was relieved to shed the weight of packs at 18,000 feet. Tents are up and everyone is resting and beginning the process of acclimating anew. Stokemeter

Tonight and tomorrow are supposed to be very windy, so we will see in the morning if we are going to do our scheduled carry to Camp 3, or whether we will sit tight. We'll let everyone know tomorrow! Today's stoke meter is resting between 6 and 7. We worked hard, but everyone is excited to be that much closer to our objective. Until tomorrow, The RMI Aconcagua expedition

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Garrett, your new nickname is Captain Stoketacular. FYI.

Posted by: Amy on 1/19/2011 at 10:23 am

Lisa, I am sitting at my computer following your awesome adventure step by step! Girlfriend, you rock!

Posted by: Karen on 1/19/2011 at 9:39 am

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Aconcagua: King & Team Carry Gear to Camp 1

January 3, 2023

Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,400'

Today was our first real day of climbing and the first real test for the group. We carried loads from Basecamp up to Camp 1 at 16,400', an altitude record for some of the group. This day was used to help the group acclimatize and help split up the weight we carry up to our first camp. The weather was ideal, with beautiful clear skies and a light breeze. We made good time uphill and even more efficient on the downhill. We’ll spend the rest of the afternoon rehydrating and replenishing calories.

Tomorrow is a rest day for the team and we are anticipating some unsettled weather over the next few days.

Thanks for following along.

RMI Guides Dom, Jack & Mike

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

We’re excited to hear about your upcoming weather pattern and what that will mean with your schedule. Weather here is off, all we have is ice right now, can’t walk, snowshoe, or ski.

Good thing you’re remote right now, Alison, everyone is dropping like flies here. Matt caught some crud. A few days later Caleb came down with it (they overnighted with Dad at Grampie’s camp), and now Willa has it.

Pups are holding down your office like champs.

Grandad is being awarded on March 4th at the annual Welsh Society in Philadelphia for all of his work on their history and for the association, over the years!

Stay safe and well! Love, Momma & Dad XOXOXO

Posted by: Momma & Dad on 1/4/2023 at 5:49 am

anticipating next camp: How do llamas and their cousins ford glacial streams? Or do mules do it for you?
As ro “downhill”, explain please. Up and down each one of you, more than once?

Posted by: Renate Lellep Fernandez on 1/3/2023 at 8:30 pm

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Mt. Rainier: July 7th Team on Top!

July 7, 2021

Posted by: Casey Grom, Taylor Bickford

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Climb Teams led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Taylor Bickford reached the summit of Mt. Rainier. The team climbed into a cloud cap with wind, blowing snow, and poor visibility, so they did not get to spend too much time on top. They are on the descent and will be back at Camp Muir soon.

Congratulations to today’s teams!

Mt. Rainier: Hahn, Wittmier & Muir Seminar Teams Reach Summit

May 13, 2021

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Jack Delaney, Stephen Inman, Dustin Wittmier, Dominic Cifelli

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir led by RMI Guides Dave Hahn and Dustin Wittmier began on Sunday May 9th with the team meeting at Rainier BaseCamp for a full day orientation. With gear checked, sorted and packed they departed Paradise on Monday morning en route to Camp Muir. For the last two days they have based out of Camp Muir working on mountaineering techniques to prepare them for a summit climb of Mt. Rainier and more. Today they got their chance to test their skills climbing to the summit of Mt. Rainier. Just before 8 am PT, RMI Guide Dave Hahn radioed that the teams were ten minutes from the crater rim. He reported perfect conditions with light and variable winds, and an overall nice and sunny day. After they enjoy some time in the crater and get all the photo ops, the group will start their descent and return to Camp Muir for their final night on the mountain. Tomorrow the teams will descend to Paradise and return to Rainier BaseCamp. The weather has been great all week and we hope they enjoyed their time on the mountain.

Congratulations to today Seminar teams!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Congratulations!! Well Done! Sooooo happy and excited for each one of you!

Posted by: Kendra Madrid on 5/14/2021 at 12:27 am

Congratulations! So happy for you all!!

Posted by: Tracey Inman on 5/13/2021 at 2:22 pm

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Most Popular Entries

Mt. Everest Expedition: Team Checks in from Base Camp

Everest Base Camp Trek & Island Peak Climb: Entering Sagarmatha National Park

On The Map

Mt. Baker: RMI Team Reaches Summit via the Coleman-Deming Route

Mt. Rainier: Fourth of July Summits!

Aconcagua: JJ & Team at Casa de Piedra

Kilimanjaro: Seth & Team Arrive Arusha

Aconcagua: RMI Team Moves to Camp 2

Aconcagua: King & Team Carry Gear to Camp 1

Mt. Rainier: July 7th Team on Top!

Mt. Rainier: Hahn, Wittmier & Muir Seminar Teams Reach Summit

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