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Posted by: Jess Wedel, Josh Geiser
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
We did it! Everyone made it to the top (and safely back down) of Pico de Orizaba - what a day! We climbed for the third time this trip in perfectly calm, bright conditions and then got to watch a storm build from a single wisp of a cloud.
100% on top for all three very difficult mountains is not normal. I wish I could say it’s good guiding but the reality is it’s the character and determination of this crew.
It’s not been smooth sailing, have I see the biggest blister in my guiding career? Yes. Have we depleted the Imodium reserves? Also yes. Did we have not 1 but two pairs of boots break apart in seemingly unfixable ways? Why yes, yes we did. (shout out to duct tape and voile straps)
But it speaks to the resilience of every person on this team. I see in each of these team members an understanding of what it’s like to go to the depths of pain and suffering and move in it and through it with grace.
As we talked about at the beginning everyone on this trip has a connection to the American Lung Association - we climbed every step for the loved ones we’ve lost, for the hope of something and some cure someday. And in the midst of it all - pain and suffering - we found hope and a belief in ourselves that we could make it through - just one more step, just to the next break. Moment by moment we live in the mountains and in our lives - keeping hope alive for what’s to come no matter how we feel in the now.
Thank you to each of you at home that donated and supported these 8 team members to believe in something bigger than themselves (a world with clean air, a world where there is a cure for all lung diseases) and to have the chance to do something hard along the way.
And thank you to mis Chivos (I know you all are reading this!!) it’s been a trip of a lifetime getting to know each of you, your incredible stories, your compassion and care for each other (and every animal we came across), your willingness to let loose and laugh on playgrounds and your trust in Josh, Allan and I to push you and challenge you in all ways in the mountains.
With so much gratitude,
RMI Guide Jess Wedel
New Post Alerts:
Mexico's Volcanoes February 22, 2025
Posted by: Christina Dale
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek and Lobuche
Hi Team - Phew! Glad to hear the flight went smoothly! I was a little nervous when Bruce and Michael told me about the airport, and my curious self started down the deep and dark hole of the internet. Looking forward to tomorrow’s update!
Posted by: Katie F. on 3/20/2019 at 9:48 am
We are so proud of you, Doug. All your hard work and training has paid off. Can’t wait to hear all about your adventure! Mom and Dad Hicks
Posted by: Byron and Nancy on 9/5/2013 at 6:54 am
Way to go Jack and Beth!!! Sorry to hear you couldn’t make it all the way to the top, but way to get to 12,300’!!! Can’t wait to hear more about it next week!
James Rogers
Posted by: James Rogers on 9/4/2013 at 5:23 pm
Posted by: JJ Justman, Seth Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Northside
Elevation: 12,300'
On The Map
So fun to be able to follow you and your fellow travelers on this blog, Matt. Appreciate the updates and photos. I sent the CBS interview website to Gr. Aunt Reet in NJ….she loved it! Also sent to Mathis family in K.C. Sending prayers for good weather and safe footing!
Posted by: Rita Redfern Morrett on 8/29/2012 at 10:59 pm
If this is Ryan Eddy’s team….God speed and have fun!
Posted by: Ryan Santos on 8/29/2012 at 1:48 pm
RMI Guide Jake Beren checks in from the summit of Pico de Orizaba
That’s an awesome job ... safe travels home!
Posted by: Jon McHenry on 2/20/2011 at 9:03 am
Congratulations on a brilliant climb! Now y’all get right down from there immediately…
Posted by: Christina Doren on 2/19/2011 at 1:27 pm
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Henry Coppolillo, Tatum Whatford
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,000'
Sunday, May 28, 2023 - 6:42 pm PT
Today didn't work out exactly as planned. When we got up it was calm as promised, but a complete white out in camp. Snow was falling lightly, straight down. We dragged our feet to see how it would evolve. As the sun came up, the clouds did push up a bit, and with some sight it was clear the wind was moving strong up high. Within a few hours, that wind made it to camp as well. So we spent the day in the tents dodging intermittent snow showers and wind gusts.
We are hoping that tomorrow brings us better summit weather and that Mother Denali let's us pass.
Good luck to you and the team!
Posted by: Marilyn Goltry on 5/29/2023 at 3:53 pm
On The Map
Crosby, Stills and Nash wrote “Southern Cross”....great tune!
Posted by: Randy Christofferson on 12/18/2013 at 11:10 am
Wow!!! What an awesome experience sleeping! Sounds like you’ve had a great day of trekking. Love reading the updates. Can’t wait to hear what tomorrow brings. Love ya Josh
Posted by: Jessica on 12/17/2013 at 4:43 pm
Posted by: JJ Justman, Seth Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Northside
Matt. Everyone is praying for your safety and successful expedition. We love you and look forward to seeing you soon. Mom & Dad.
Posted by: molly on 8/26/2012 at 1:06 pm
Posted by: JJ Justman
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside
Shouldn’t the date be July 24, rather than June?
Also, what was the wind/weather at the summit like, and what time did they summit?
Thanks!
Posted by: guest on 9/20/2012 at 11:55 pm
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