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We awoke to a fresh blanket of snow here at Everest Base Camp. That didn't slow down the Sherpa team from making a run to Camp 2 with more equipment for future forays. The snow has already melted away here but the upper mountain still shows some fresh snow. It is great to see our climbing team get some time up high. They will return to Base Camp tomorrow but will be heading back up for another rotation soon. The pieces of the puzzle are fitting together nicely thus far. RMI Guide & Everest Base Camp Coordinator Mark Tucker

We deserved a leisurely start to our rest/acclimatization day in Pheriche. So we dragged feet and drank coffee until 9 AM before heading outside. The morning weather could best be described as "splitter". As in, it was perfectly blue sky and ultra clear air. We were looking for light activity at altitude to enhance our acclimatization. Right out the back door of the lodge there happens to be a hill that is perfect for such activity. Up we went with a plan to be back by lunch. Immediately we had a view of Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world. That compensated us for the loss of Everest, which we can no longer see. Before long we were seeing the craggy summit of Makalu, fifth highest, and we'd regained a view of Lhotse (#4). We bumped into a number of other teams that we've come to know on our little trek circuit, each out for the views and the exercise. Those views only got more incredible as we worked our way up the giant stairmaster to about 16,500 ft above sea level... 2,500 feet above our lodge. We were being circled by eagles and cooled by breezes so we couldn't stay too long to enjoy the view... Lunch and an easy afternoon were calling. The team trooped to the nearby Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) clinic to receive a great lecture by one of the docs on altitude and common trekker illnesses but spent the rest of the day napping, gaming and chatting. Tomorrow we hope to push on to Lobuche. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

On The Map

We have arrived in the quaint little ski town of Penitentes. It was nice enjoying the "good life" in Mendoza. However, it's a refreshing change getting into the high desert mountains near Aconcagua. The team organized our gear to be carried in by the mules. Then it was quickly off to dinner at Hotel Ayelen. I'd like to joke that it was the team's last good meal. However, we have several kilos of filet mignon and fresh chickens to grill and I'm planning on making my 2001 award winning homemade pesto served over hand made angel hair pasta. Sorry, we won't send photos of that, don't want to make you too jealous. RMI Guide JJ Justman

On The Map

Mark Tucker checking in from 9,999'. Camp 1 on Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route in the Machame Camp reporting all is well. We just had a great day. A little bit overcast. It actually sprinkled just enough to keep the dust down. Last trip it was quite a dusty monster but boy, conditions just couldn't be better. The team is climbing very well, no issues. Great meal, no headaches. Everybody is just climbing into their tents and looking forward to a nice rest. Big day tomorrow but nothing these guys can't handle. Obviously I've got a couple of layers. I've got my heavy coat on just to stay comfortable but it is very pleasant out tonight. The clouds have now blown out and it is a very starry, starry night. We have a real nice camp, a little higher than most groups, so we have our own little private Idaho, which is sort of a bonus. As usual there are a few other teams out here but they are doing okay as well. We are having a blast and we appreciate you guys keeping tabs on us. We'll report back sooner than later. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

On The Map

It doesn't always happen like this up here, but when you can fly out of Talkeetna at 9 am, just like you planned, it is a real sweet start to a trip. We landed on a warm glacier and spent the day settling into our new pace on the mountain. Building camp, rigging sleds, reviewing some techniques and most importantly checking out the views. It is stunning here and perfect weather for starting this adventure. If it holds we will wake up and head towards 7,800' camp at the base of Ski Hill tomorrow, testing our new knowledge and taking our first literal steps. Til then, RMI Guides Jake Beren, Elias de Andres Martos, Thomas Greene and the gang.

On The Map

The Four Day Summit Climbs led by Peter Whittaker, Ed Viesturs and Leon Davis reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning at 6:30 a.m. The teams reported a beautiful day up top: sunshine, clear skies and calm winds. The teams will return to Camp Muir and complete their descent to Paradise later today. At 9:00 a.m., the Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons led by Pete Van Deventer also made the summit via the Emmons Route. They began their descent shortly after and will be descending back to Camp Schurman for the evening and returning to Rainier Basecamp tomorrow. The Four Day Climb of Forbidden Peak in the North Cascades led by Andres Marin reached the summit yesterday and will descending to the trailhead this afternoon. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb teams!

Hello, this is RMI Guide Jake Beren calling to check in from our Mexico's Volcanoes program. We are happy to report that we reached the summit of Orizaba today at 9:00 a.m. local time. Our team did a great job on the climb. We are headed back to Tlachichuca to celebrate and enjoy our last night in Mexico. Tomorrow we will return to Mexico City for our outbound flights.

May 27, 2023 8:44PM PT

The weather was spectacular today: sunny with very light wind. We took advantage and moved to high camp at 17,200'. Six hours of climbing and another few of building camp and we're all situated. After hydration, lots of calories and some rest, we're hoping to try for the top tomorrow, weather permitting. Fingers crossed!

Mike

After a relaxing evening at Casa Sol, this morning finds us in the indigenous center of Otavalo. We're spending a few hours strolling the streets and exploring the bustling Saturday market. Saturdays here are a sensory overload of sights, smells, and sounds, as the market is loaded with handmade crafts, jewelry, woven goods, art, and more. Delicious aromas from all of the restaurants and food vendors fill the air. After lunch we'll head up to the Cayambe Climbers' Hut, where we'll spend the next two nights. It will be our first stint at sleeping up high, above 15,000'. The plan is to go out to the toe of the glacier tomorrow to review climbing techniques, such as cramponing and self arrest with the ice axe. We'll retire early tomorrow night in preparation for our alpine start and summit attempt of Cayambe, Ecuador's third highest mountain at nearly 19,000'. Thanks for following our adventures. We'll touch base again tomorrow from up at the hut. RMI Guide Mike Walter

On The Map

June 7, 2014 - 7:23 pm PT The past day and a half have been a whirlwind. Awakening early at 14,200' the skies had cleared spectacularly, a very nice change from the snowy weather we had getting to camp. With new snow on the ground climbing back down to 11,200' camp was easy. We picked up our cache and visited with friends and some fellow guides before heading down glacier to Basecamp. Because the glacier was in great shape we could travel during the day without needing to get on to a nighttime schedule to walk when the snow is cold and crevasse bridges stronger and safer. Six hours later we were at the airstrip on the southeast fork of the Kahiltna Glacier. An hour later the great pilots at K2 had landed and were whisking us back to civilization. It was a rush to get in a shower before the restaurants closed. But we made it and gorged on some wonderful food and cold beverages. A visit to the infamous Fairview Inn to celebrate our trip led some to hydrate to excess into the wee hours of the morning, but incredibly all made it to breakfast at 8:00. And now we've split up and are going our own ways. Part of the team are going fishing and enjoying this great state some more, while the rest of us are flying home. Leah, Nick and I are among those going home, opting out of fishing this time so we can see our loved ones, and take a well deserved rest. Thanks for following along on our great adventure. See you next year! RMI Guides Brent Okita, Leah Fisher and Nick Hunt