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Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Ben Liken
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
Today was a concatenation of surprises which threw all of us in a vortex of emotions and awe! The journey started o’dark early, navigating from the Vacas Valley at Casa de Piedra, straight into fridged knee high white waters to access our next route. Pins and needles shocked our legs but the cold waters quickly awakened those that were not yet awake. The team was ready as we headed into the Relinchos Valley, navigating the long narrow edges that overlooked the raging river stemming from Cerro Aconcagua as the team deadheaded towards base camp. Passing many mules and sparking multiple conversations of chapacubras, lemmings, and jackalopes, helped to preoccupy our conversations and made for a quick traverse. We were treated by Dom and Ben to a delicatessan delight with homemade ham and cheese sandwiches which was a bonus and boosted our spirits. We climbed high and at a good pace until we reached Aconcagua’s base camp.
Other highlights - we saw an Argentine Bolo Mouse which Ben said had a poisonous tail, passed by a heard of Guanacos as they gazed the fields, and mistook the sound of the closing bathroom doors for thunder snow.
All in all a great day as it could only be summed up only to this Aconcagua Slayers Rhyme:
Twas the night before base camp, two camps down one to go! From Pampas de Leñas to Casa de Piedra, all bedded down early, and ready to roll. Tossing and turning, the thin air spoiled in their sleep. The stench from no showers wrenched as they slept. Tucked tightly in their tents, the storms rattled and the winds howled, but did not prove to be a battle! No cap!
Dressed in their Patagucci, all tired and weak, they strolled with their feet, crossing creek to creek. The harsh cold weakened and dampened their feet but was match to slow the Aconcagua Slayers beat. Morale was so high that they could not deny, they trekked on to no demise and accomplished their prize! Base camp conquered, what a feat, nothings going to stop the Patagucci peeps!
Time for some Farkle gone wild.
RMI Climber Nathan Karlen
New Post Alerts:
Aconcagua Expedition January 8, 2025
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Dominic Cifelli, Matt McEttrick
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,200'
The storm that moved in so deliberately yesterday evening seemed to pause this morning. At 6AM it was calm at 14k although we could hear big winds up on the crest of the West Buttress. Cloud was all around us, but it wasn’t doing a lot. We ate a slow breakfast and watched the weather. Having no other appointments or engagements, we decided to walk uphill to attempt our carry of supplies. The goal would be 16,200 ft, the top of the fixed lines. We were underway by 9 AM, by which time it was snowing lightly. Since we had two hours of straightforward uphill trudging before the start of the more complicated climbing, we figured we would give the weather a chance to improve. It did not. We turned around at 15,300 ft with the winds seemingly on the increase up above and snow beginning to fall heavily. It only took thirty minutes to reach camp again.
Winds began to hammer our camp by early afternoon and so we built big walls of snow-bricks to protect tents. Thankfully, the fury was short lived and not all that furious. We got a break by late afternoon, which certainly made dinner a bit easier to enjoy in the cook tent. The storm is still with us at 9 PM, ripping the upper reaches of Denali, but sparing 14 Camp for the time being.
We’ll give our carry another try tomorrow should we get the chance.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team
On The Map
What a great accomplishment! Congratulations to everyone. Happy one year, Chris and Jeff! I’m trying some wedding cake in remembrance.
Posted by: Joan on 9/22/2013 at 9:31 pm
So awesome! Chris and Jeff, an anniversary to remember! love, margit
Posted by: Margit Liesche on 9/22/2013 at 6:46 pm
On The Map
Posted by: Seth Waterfall, Tyler Jones
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
On The Map
Best of luck to your climbing crew. Look forward to your posts and pictures.
Posted by: Mike Morrissey on 6/17/2012 at 8:25 pm
WOW!I am impressed and envious Lee. Enjoy yourself and be safe. I look forward hearing your story when we run.
Posted by: Bill R on 6/17/2012 at 9:08 am
On The Map
I can’t wait to see your pictures when you get back!!
Posted by: Pam Jerome on 3/25/2012 at 9:33 am
Posted by:
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek
RMI Guide Linden Mallory checks in from Gorak Shep
On The Map
Hey Bill and Sarah,
Lisa gave me this link to your blog. Really enjoying following along. It brings back great memories of my trek into base camp. I gave Lisa a prayer flag that I brought back from Nepal to hang at your house until your return. I’ll be praying to the weather gods for good weather for an ascent. Keep safe and warm. Can’t wait to hear more.
Clay
Posted by: Clay Rolader on 4/3/2011 at 5:41 am
Hi Tim! I have finally been found by the chest cold that everyone has had. Papa and I are a few days into it. I am totally living through your notes and pictures! I can imagine the cold clear air as you take each rest step. Sounds like you are with a wonderful group! I just adore Linden’s descriptions. I almost feel as if I were there. Please thank him for that. Honey, I love you and miss your sweet face every day. I go in the closet and smell your shirts! Pathetic, I know! I don’t care! I will be paying my bills sometime today, and then looking at making your boat and building payments. Every one is making this as easy for me as possible. Tom has checked in, skip and cass have both been here. You are missed! I love you! A&F Deb
Posted by: Deb McLaughlin on 4/2/2011 at 10:21 am
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Mike Bennett, Avery Stolte, Layne Peters, Tate Hughes, Nina Bridges, Julian Kral, David Rathbun
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb August 17 - 20 led by RMI Guides Dustin Wittmier and Mike Bennett reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams delayed their departure from Camp Muir a bit due to the colder tempertures, with a 2 am departure, they reached the summit around 8 am. They enjoyed some time on the summit before turning around and retracing their steps. Once back at Camp Muir the team will repack and continue their descent to Paradise.
Nice work team!
Awesome Dustin!!!
Very Cool Pictures!!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 8/21/2025 at 3:45 am
The climbing team spent a lovely five days on Mount Baker after a sunny day at Mount Erie. Despite the initial cold, rain and high winds, the team prevailed physically and mentally through training and good laughs. The summit wasn't in the cards due to challenging route conditions that didn't lend themselves to safe travel. However, the team kept spirits high and explored crevasses and additional skills high up on Mount Baker. The mountain isn't going anywhere!
RMI Guides Dan May, Ben Thorneycroft and Team!
Hello Dave Hahn & Team
Great picture of the camp at 14000!
Is the hump in the background the summit?
Posted by: Joseph P McEttrick on 7/3/2021 at 3:19 pm
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