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Wednesday, August 9, 2023 - 1:55 am PT
Jambo from 10,000 ft on Mt Kilimanjaro. The start to our expedition went just as smoothly as it could possibly go. We were up and eating breakfast at Rivertrees by 7 AM and on the road by 8:15. Traffic on the main highway wasn’t too bad and we made fine progress, reaching the Machame gate to the National Park by 10 AM. There, at 6000 ft, we made final preparations for walking and we waited while the finishing touches were made on our climbing permit. By 11 AM, everything was set and we set out walking. We followed VV -one of our four local guides- into the rain forest. The weather was cloudy and humid but as we walked, there was enough clearing that we had occasional blue sky and sunshine through the big trees. Gradually the trail steepened and we began to make real progress. We stopped for snacks and rest breaks several times over the course of the five and a half hours it took to reach Machame Camp. Just out of the rainforest, we’ve graduated to the Giant Heather zone. Our support team established a fine camp and welcomed us in late afternoon. The blue skies were gone by then and the clouds had thickened up again. We got settled in for dinner in our dining tent at 6:30, just as it got dark. In the end it was a big day from start to finish and nobody lingered for very long following dinner. Between lingering jet lag and all of the hard work, the team was quite ready for a first night in the tents.
Best Regards
Thinking of you, Amigos!
Posted by: Laura Bryson on 1/13/2013 at 7:08 am
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Wednesday, August 9, 2023 - 9:16 am PT
The drive to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater brings you to well over 6,000', and on this day clouds obscured the views until we had descended most of the way to the crater floor. But this didn't get in the way of seeing the animals we had come to see.
This area is truly one of the greatest wildlife habitats of the world. And we weren't disappointed today. There wasn't much we didn't see, and we got up close and personal with many animals. Well, from the safety of our Landcruiser.
Lions, of course, were the highlight of the day and we were lucky enough to get multiple sightings. The list of animals we saw covers most of what you'd see in a National Geographic special, but the sheer numbers of animals continues to impress. Thousands, and this is not even prime season, according to our wonderful safari guide/drivers Chacha and Jacob.
We ended the day visiting a Maasai village where we were entertained with some dancing, a fire starting demo, view of their traditional living space - the boma - and their school. Yes, it was all a little staged, but it was also nice to know that we were helping support the village financially.
We're now enjoying the comforts of this wonderful lodge after a long day. Doesn't get any better!
Tomorrow, Tarangire National Park. Can't wait!
RMI Guide Brent Okita
Lion PC: Mike Tully
A safari is on my bucket list and I hope to do this in 2024. Love seeing the photos which brings this into reality. Have a great safari and thanks for the blog.
Cheers,
Barb
Posted by: Barbara Heck on 8/9/2023 at 5:55 pm
Posted by: Andy Bond, Grayson Swingle, Cal Smith
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,541'
Brother-had a glass of Malbec tonight and thought of you! Actually, we are thinking of you everyday and sending good thoughts your way during this epic adventure! Excited and proud of you!! Love you Dave!
Beth, Peter and Foster.
Posted by: Beth Glein on 12/19/2013 at 9:51 pm
Hi Kim!! Would you mind terribly flying back to ATL before you start the major climbing?? Your darling niece Sophia forgot to give you her lucky hermit crab! You better plan on receiving at least 300 comments from us during the next 24 days. Hugs & Kisses from your favorite sister.
Posted by: Lora Sue Fluffysparklepuff on 12/17/2013 at 5:36 pm
Posted by: Linden Mallory
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside
Rolf, Grandpa John celebrated his 92nd birthday this week by buying a new bike. Says he wished he had taken a trip like this and would have joined you if he were only younger.
Posted by: Martha Snyder on 6/7/2012 at 8:17 pm
Go Rolf Go!! We are thinking about you and following these blog updates with excitement. Up, up and away! Best of luck!
Posted by: Erin Buckley on 6/5/2012 at 9:15 pm
We’ve officially arrived in Argentina and the team is finally together — which means the expedition has truly begun (because nothing counts until everyone and every bag is at the table).
Today was all about our first chance to sit down as a full group. After a long couple days of flights, luggage wrangling, and crossing hemispheres, we gathered for dinner to swap stories, meet faces that until now only existed on email threads, and confirm the important things — like who packed the best snacks.
Which brings us to the real highlight: our first gelato stop. Not our last, but a very important milestone nonetheless. Here’s a photo. Proof of life. Proof of carbs.
The energy is high, the team is already laughing, and somehow everyone still seems optimistic about carrying heavy packs into the Andes. A strong sign.
Tomorrow we’ll dive into gear checks, a full orientation meeting, and some last-minute shopping around Mendoza before we start heading toward the Vacas Valley. For now, we’re soaking up being together in the same place, enjoying the calm before the climb, and leaning into the very scientific expedition strategy of starting with joy, caffeine, and gelato.
So far, so good. ����️
RMI Guide Jess Wedel and team
New Post Alerts:
Aconcagua Expedition January 28, 2026
Hi Jess. You look fabulous!! I’m praying for your group and will be following your journey. I AM SO EXCITED!! I feel like I’m part of the team!!❤️
Posted by: Debra Jones on 1/31/2026 at 5:58 am
Hello again everyone,
Right out of camp the team was faced with the only significant technical obstacle for this climb. This hurdle is the great Barranco Wall, which rises about 1,000ft and looks as intimidating as it sounds. Thankfully there is a nice narrow trail that weaves its way up and through the wall and all the way to the top. Most of it feels more like steep hiking, but there are a few places that require the use of our hands to help us ascend. Everyone enjoyed the challenge and were breathing hard climbing here at 13,000ft.
The team did a good job of moving steady and allowing a few porters through with their loads precariously balanced on their heads. Which was astonishing to see!
After reaching the top we took a nice break and enjoyed the amazing views of the ice ladened south face and valleys below. The team continued our hike for a few more hours up and down through a few valleys before reaching today’s endpoint.
All in all, it took a little over hours for us to reach our next camp called Karanga, named for the big and beautiful valley which it overlooks.
We’ve just wrapped up an amazing lunch and are relaxing in our tents before dinner.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Kili crew!
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari September 2, 2025
RMI Guide Billy Nugent calls from the Cayambe summit!
On The Map
Way to go Dad! We love you!
Anne, Sarah, Jake and Abe
Posted by: Jen Blodgett on 2/18/2014 at 11:48 am
Woohoo! Go team, go!
Posted by: Amy on 2/18/2014 at 8:43 am
Sweet dreams to the brave and fabulous! Love you Allison!
Posted by: Liz DePasqua on 8/9/2023 at 6:57 pm
The climb begins. So excited for u & your team!!
Posted by: Rosie on 8/9/2023 at 5:28 pm
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