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Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
On The Map
Sounds like the summit is in your grasp. Go team and stay safe. Glenna & Bob Scaife
Posted by: Glenna Scaife on 6/10/2011 at 6:40 pm
Sounds like you’re all getting more sunshine than we’ve been getting in Napa, CA! Glad to hear the weather isn’t nasty. I know you’re all enjoying an amazing experience. Here’s smokin’ to you Larry!
Posted by: Brenda Roberts on 6/10/2011 at 12:56 am
It was another beautiful day here in the Khumbu valley, and we had some nice views of Ama Dablam as we headed out of Namche, but high clouds keep us from seeing Everest today. Normally that wouldn’t be ideal, but the clouds and light breeze made for ideal hiking weather and we’ll certainly see Everest again soon enough.
We hiked for about 6 hours today up and down, dropping all the way down to a river called Dodh Koshi, which is a stunning turquoise, then climbed slowing up the hill to the famous Tengboche Monastery.
Traditionally we have gotten a blessing from a famous lama in Pangboche, but that lama has moved on to a higher calling. So today we were able to request a private Puja with another lama at Tengboche and each received a blessing. The Puja is a Buddhist ceremony where the lama chants a Buddhist prayer and gives us a blessing to protect us from harm. Everyone receive a silk scarf called a khata and a sungdi, which is a string we wear around our neck that embodies the prayer.
We've since settled into a nice and warm tea house called Rivendale that is hosting a handful of trekkers from around the world.
Hot showers and good conversations have rounded out the evening and now it's time for a little rest.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the newly blessed crew.
New Post Alerts:
Everest Base Camp Trek, March 9, 2025
Posted by: Jess Wedel, Josh Geiser
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Hola from Ciudad de Mexico!
The American Lung Association Climb for Clean Air is off to an exciting start - the team has been arriving over the last few days and I am happy to report that everyone made it.
We spent the day exploring this vibrant city, enjoying endless tacos al pastor and some of us even ventured to the Frida Kahlo museum.
Tonight we had our first official team meeting. We talked about the itinerary, gear, but the most important part was hearing about all the reasons why this trip matters so much - raising funds and awareness for the American Lung Association and climbing mountains while doing it. The connections to the cause all stem from love, from grief but the team is all united by a need to do something.
One thing is for certain, it’s going to be a special climb with a really special group of people.
Tonight, we sleep with the sounds of the city outside our windows, knowing tomorrow we’re off to our first of three mountains - La Malinche.
RMI Guides Jess, Josh and “LOS CHIVOS”
New Post Alerts:
Mexico's Volcanoes February 22, 2025
We woke up early to a taste breakfast at the hacienda. Quickly loaded the bus and headed out. Our first stop was the vibrant Otavalo Market. The colors of the woven textiles, the aroma of fresh flowers, and the lively chatter of local vendors filled the space. We wandered from stall to stall, picking out unique gift. Some crazier than others.
After a few hours of shopping, we drove south toward Cayambe, passing through rolling hills dotted with grazing cattle. The road twisted and turned, leading us to a spacious hut at the foot of the volcano.
Along the way, we grabbed some hearty sandwiches, some of which were bigger than expected.
Finally, we arrived at the lower hut on Cayambe. The clouds scrouded the mountains most of the day but we did get a quick peak at the snowy slopes we hope to climb.
Nicole taught a master class on climbing knots. Everyone diligently practiced tying while laughing at our mistakes but feeling accomplished as the knots became second nature.
RMI Guide Walter Hailes
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar February 4, 2025
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Matias Francis, Chase Halbert
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,000'
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 12:36 am PT
It's been a wild day. Things were perfect this morning to move. We didn't rush out of camp, instead letting sun start to dry the frost from our tents before we packed them. The climb to 14,000' was pleasant all the way. There were some periods where a mild breeze cooled us, but in a way e were thankful for some respite from the heat of the sun. Once we got to 14,000' Camp, it got exciting. Just as we started to set up the first tents, we got hit with a blast of wind that was probably pushing 40 mph. Another was quick on its heels. And that was how it went - sudden strong blasts that weren't tied to hitting us from any one particular direction. It was a magnificent display of teamwork, as everybody came together to get tents up and then a wall built to provide some shelter from the gusts. We got a hot meal and are now deep in sleeping bags staying warm and drifting off to sleep. All in all, it was a great day and a great illustration of how Denali keeps you on your toes.
RMI Guides Pete, Chase, Matias, and team
Sending positive thoughts to Cram from the CZ. You got this!
Posted by: Z on 5/29/2021 at 6:37 pm
Glad you got up there Marc! Wishing you calm and less freezing weather along the way! Felix has been learning a lot about Denali and always has questions about how big it is.
Love, Little Sis
Posted by: Sandi on 5/26/2021 at 2:56 pm
On The Map
Keep on climbing team,
And don’t forget the pics! We will be waiting for it.
The Northeast is covered in a blanked of snow… and is pretty cold in Tampa too.
Matilde
Posted by: Matilde on 1/3/2014 at 7:06 am
Glad to know the climb is going well! Wish I could be there with my bud James Blackwell! I’m living life through you, tub buddy!
Posted by: Dr. Bizzle on 1/3/2014 at 6:48 am
Thinking of you, Amigos!
Posted by: Laura Bryson on 1/13/2013 at 7:08 am
Congrads to the whole team, your success if fueling my last 2 WMD of training! Any words of wisdom for this newbie to rainier?
Posted by: Edward muranti on 8/22/2012 at 8:34 pm
Daniel, Tonight hot drinks at high camp tomorrow the SUMMIT! everyday a celebration! laughing joyfully about your ice climbing adventure… Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Penn on 8/22/2012 at 4:45 pm
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Leif Bergstrom, Hannah Blum
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
Thursday June, 12, 2025 9:21pm PDT
Our final rest day in the books. We let the sun warm our tents before we finally crawled out to share a meal of hashbrowns and eggs. After a relaxed and slow morning, we then spent the day basking in the sun like lizards, seeing what other climbers were offering up, and getting our gear ready for the summit push - which would be starting tomorrow.
We are all very excited and looking forward to moving to 17,000’ camp tomorrow.
RMI Guide Nikki Champion & Team
New Post Alerts:
Mt. McKinley Expedition May 27, 2025
Stephen and team,
I just heard you made it to the summit. Amazing! I’m so excited for you. Way to go pushing yourself through this challenge. I hope to hear about this adventure someday.
Posted by: Tammy Nemetz on 6/15/2025 at 4:43 am
OMG!! You are almost there and our adventure novel will come to an end! We can’t wait to read the final chapter!! We are cheering you on and we are in absolute awe of your strength, courage and tenacity!! Stay safe and warm!
<3
Stephen’s Fam
Posted by: Deb Kendall on 6/13/2025 at 9:56 am
HEY!!! You guys look awesome. Missing you. Have fun and be safe.
Posted by: Tiff on 9/6/2013 at 8:36 am
great to see all of you GOOD LUCK LOVE DAD
Posted by: randy on 9/6/2013 at 7:01 am
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