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RMI Guide Eric Frank calls from the summit of Orizaba, Mexico.
On The Map
Posted by: Seth Waterfall, Tyler Jones
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Posted by: Jake Beren, Pete Van Deventer
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 10,600'
I’ve been to Mordor (Tolkein modeled Mordor from Bloemfontein, South Africa, apparently), and this was worse.
Posted by: Suman on 9/13/2012 at 5:55 pm
The Camp Muir telemetry shows gusts to 80mph, but who is measuring wind speed when you are staring into the depths of Mordor! Speaks volumes about the leadership and confidence inspired by the guides. Great experience all around.
Posted by: Pete on 8/30/2012 at 12:20 pm
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Torres del Paine
Oh boy what a day.
Another day on the trail and today, is one of the longest distances.
What started as a light drizzle transformed into moody cloudy overlooking the vast scenery that Torres Del Paine offers. Baby blue glacial lakes, jagged ridges, and jurassic valleys were the theme of the day as we walked the Patagonian flat trail. To top it off? The Paso de Vientas showed us what it was made of. Just enough wind to make it fun, not quite enough to lift us off our feet like a kite.
Lago Dickson was the destination of the day, and it's like a mirage here. A small peninsula surrounded by the lake that feeds the Paine River. We walked the beach, played farkle (of course) and tried out a new (Alex and Jackie created) card game.
The team goes to Camp Pedro's tomorrow, our most rustic of the trip. We'll get ready for the big climb and descent over John Gardner pass. Wish us good weather and safe travels! So far, the weather has been just our luck, Patagonian perfect.
RMI Guide Dominic Cifelli & Team
New Post Alerts:
Torres del Paine Trek February 1, 2025
Posted by: Andy Bond, Jack Delaney, Joey Manship
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,000'
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 - 11:52 pm PT
The word of the day is casual. We woke up casually. We ate brunch super casually. It started around 9:45 and ended around 12:30pm. We casually devoured breakfast burritos fortified by wild Alaskan game sausage provided by the legendary Bleys. Food comas quickly afflicted much of the crew. Everyone casually waddled to their tents for the afternoon to indulge in naps and further snacking. Some folks managed to stay conscious enough to read books and watch TV or movies. Eventually the dinner bell was rung and the tents casually began to rustle with life. Dinner tonight is a repeat of a classic - ramen but this time with the addition of some newly acquired Korean spice paste. It added some much needed flavor as our ability to taste is deadened at this altitude. Another weather day has passed uneventfully, but each day we wait we get more clarity about the weather for our potential summit window. Anticipation is slowly growing amongst the team as the day to begin our summit push gets closer.
RMI Guide Jack Delaney and the Bond Girls
I feel certain that your window will be wide open to make that summit! And what a thrill it will be!!!
Posted by: Mary McKinley (Tante Mary) on 6/21/2023 at 8:32 pm
Sounds like a nice relaxing day. There’s lots of anticipation, excitement, and support in my little corner of the world for your reach for the summit. Ultreia!
Posted by: Michelle DeMers on 6/21/2023 at 3:38 pm
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Henry Coppolillo, Tatum Whatford
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,000'
Thursday, May 18, 2023 8:12 pm PDT
Finally, we got to stretch our legs today!
We woke to beautiful conditions in camp, the first time we haven't woken to the tents flapping and slapping. We smashed an oatmeal breakfast and coffee and grabbed backpacks, sleds, and snowshoes and beat feet back to our hole in the snow that held all our best food and treats. We made quick work of the day, three hours round trip, and came back to sunny camp, warm tents, and dry sleeping bags. It was also our last day hauling sleds until we descended for good. So, when we walked into camp there was much rejoicing.
Tomorrow we plan to carry another cache up high to Windy Corner or 14 Camp depending. That will set us up to be ready to make a big move to 14!
RMI Guides Pete, Henry, Tatum and Team
Let’s go team! I have a hard time thinking about Brian being stuck inside a tent for days and nights. Hope he has a tent mate that likes to play cards! Moving and climbing are much more fun. Miss you hubby! Jack and I are following along and wishing you well while Lou meditates silently onn your climb.
Posted by: Tory Goltry on 5/20/2023 at 8:15 am
Wonderful to hear…“sunny camp, warm tents, and dry sleeping bags” - the simple pleasures of life on a mountain.
Praying for you all, and have a special place in my heart for my niece Bailey. She is an inspiration to her friends and family.
Posted by: Uncle C on 5/20/2023 at 7:33 am
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Ben Luedtke, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 16,200'
Good evening loyal readers,
Today was our rest day. These days can be tough mentally as the day creeps by slowly. A lot of reading, listening to podcasts, and music, watching TV shows, and simply looking at our surroundings to pass the time. The winds stayed calm for most of the day making for a toasty sit in the tents. Tomorrow the winds are supposed to ramp up which could make our move to Camp 2 a little sporty. Everyone is excited for the move because it gets us 1600' closer to the top. We are all tucked into our sleeping Bags ready for some sleep so we can walk uphill.
Buenos noches,
RMI Guides Hannah, Ben, Dan, and Team
Hey Hannah! Strength & Stamina & Great weather wishes to you and your team!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/19/2023 at 3:40 am
Buenas Suerte! Keep the news coming! Everyone acclimating well? Sounds like it. I recently (September ‘22) visited a brother in Taos, NM and did a trail half marathon starting and ending at the Ski Valley(9300 feet -11,400) . I sure would love the opportunity to try an adventure like Aconcagua! Cheers.
Posted by: Terry Reilly on 1/18/2023 at 4:54 pm
Posted by: Jake Beren, Josh Maggard, Leon Davis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,200'
On The Map
Thinking of Galen and the rest of the team and hoping that Windy Corner is not too windy for your ascent, and that the weather lets you enjoy the mountain at each step along the way. Stay strong and safe. Kathleen and Bill, Arlington, VA
Posted by: Kathleen and Bill on 6/12/2013 at 6:59 pm
James and Others:
It sounds like “Miss McKinley” is making sure you appreciate what you have courageous chosen to pursue (and in due time achieve). Knowing you ... you are enjoying the challenge even more ... while becoming even more aware of your unique adventurous drive, persistence, and stamina! Please help each other stay patient, optimistic and (most importantly) safe. Best of success as you all continue to ascent!
Fred
Posted by: Fred Klingbeil on 6/12/2013 at 12:23 pm
Posted by: Elias de Andres Martos, Jake Beren
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7,300'
On The Map
Sounds like everyone had a great day. I hope the weather continues to be perfect for your trek.
Posted by: Laura Crumley Rito on 6/7/2012 at 8:54 pm
Posted by: Mike Walter, Pete Van Deventer
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 348'
Congrats to the team and Mike for another well lead expedition. A little quicker than last year :)
Posted by: Jeff Rapp on 5/31/2012 at 2:40 pm
Nicely done folks! Welcome back Rich!
Posted by: Erik on 5/31/2012 at 9:06 am
I am beyond thrilled for you Dave, and the team! Sending great vibes for your descent of Orizaba! Enjoy!!
*L
Posted by: Lori Macaluso on 3/9/2019 at 11:24 am
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