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Posted by: Jess Wedel
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek and Lobuche
Elevation: 16,500'
Monday, March 24, 2025 - 6:02 pm PT
Hello to all our friends and family!
Today we had a rest day in Pheriche but it wasn’t your typical rest day because we still went to over 16,500ft!
I challenged our team to help acclimate by taking a more active rest day. So we woke up early, had a quick breakfast and headed uphill to a peak behind Pheriche called Nangkartshang.
The weather has been a little unsettled with clouds, wind and snow so we said we’d just climb until it didn’t make sense but we got so lucky! Clear skies and insane views greeted us the whole way as we ascended from 14,000ft to over 16,000ft.
I prepped the team before the final rocky summit block, “it’s always windy and cold on top so we won’t stay long and make sure to add all your warm layers” but when we got up there it was so still with no wind at all and the sun beaming down on us. What a treat! We took our time, took lots of photos, and breathed in that thin air.
After stressing our bodies just enough, we headed back down. But let me say, this crew took the spirit of the Himalayan tahr with them and SAILED DOWNHILL. I could barely keep up and we were back in Pheriche in time for lunch.
After lunch, we all rested, read books and relaxed in the warm sun.
A near perfect rest day in Pheriche! Everyone is doing so well.
RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Lobuche team
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Everest Base Camp Trek & Lobuche, March 16, 2024
Today was the real first step of the adventure. We woke up early to catch one of the first rides on the gondola and we’re glad we did. The team enjoyed beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes, Rucu Pichincha itself, and the cityscape of Quito to start our morning up in the hills. The weather out here in Ecuador is notoriously unpredictable though. Shortly after we set out, we were surrounded by clouds and a breeze that chilled us for the remainder of the climb. Still thankful for no rain, we climbed on and reached the summit in style. The best part of the climb? Well of course it was the coffee and donuts that awaited us at the top of the gondola. The Euro-style café there has sprawling views of Quito and coffee that tastes extra good after a hard day’s work. The team is headed back to Quito for our last night here before we head out to our next peak, Fuya Fuya.
Posted by: Mike Walter, Nikki Champion, Ben Luedtke
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
Wednesday, June 30, 2021 - 6:26 pm PT
The winds and clouds from yesterday and last night disappeared and we woke to crystal blue skies this morning. After breakfast we loaded our packs with food and fuel and headed out of 14K Camp, up towards the Headwall. The first two hours were in the shade, and chilly, which made for great climbing weather. We were finally in the sun by the time we hit the fixed ropes and the temperature was downright pleasant.
We ended up putting our cache in at around 16,400' and headed back to camp, beating both the heat and the many climbers descending from high camp.
Back in camp a little after 2pm, we had plenty of time for a nap before dinner. Now we're set up with our cache up high. We'll take a rest day tomorrow and then wait for a good weather window to head up to high camp and hopefully have a chance for a summit bid.
Following along with you Aaron! Great photos and I may paint a few - enjoy the snow it’s HOT here! We love you
Mom and Dad
Posted by: Mom on 7/2/2021 at 8:53 am
Posted by: Josh Maggard, Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 348'
Well done Renee!! Amazing achievement.
Posted by: Michelle T VEC on 6/3/2015 at 11:58 pm
Wow Renee!! Congratulations!
You are an example to us all!
Posted by: Kelly T on 6/3/2015 at 6:37 pm
Posted by: Ben Liken, Brent Okita, Leon Davis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
That was the strongest experience of my life. I was overflown by emotions of so many kinds. Special and the hugest THANK YOU go to Brent, Ben, and Pepper - our guides who kept planting confidence and motivation in the team along all of these 4 days. It’s inspiring and uplifting to work with so passionate and professional people, I took quite a few learnings from you guys back to my normal life. Another thank you goes to the whole team – it’s amazing to experience how completely strangers become a tag team and overcome difficulties with the right leadership.
Posted by: Alik Levin on 8/17/2014 at 9:38 am
Just a note to express a heartfelt “THANK YOU!” to our awesome guides: Ben, Brent and Pepper. What an amazing climb! Ben, Brent, Pepper, you were so dedicated, patient and professional throughout our experience, I have no words to express how much I learned and how much I admire you.
Thank you so much!
Christian.
Posted by: Christian Molnar on 8/16/2014 at 9:40 pm
On The Map
Posted by: Seth Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Way to go Eddie! You made it through the gear check. You’re on your way now! Let’s see how many names you can remeber of your team mates. We’ll spot you Tom and Bob.
POOKA POWER!
Posted by: Jim Citrano on 8/2/2012 at 3:04 pm
Hope everyone enjoys their climb! Have fun Chris, and all be safe.
Posted by: Elizabeth & Doug on 8/2/2012 at 4:33 am
Corell, Elsie and Lucy- The rest of Team Waki is thinking of you all and wishing you great weather for summits! Know you all can do it and be safe while having fun.
Posted by: Kathryn LeBey on 7/26/2011 at 7:11 pm
Hi! Uncle David Good Luck and don’t fall! Stay warm! We are swimming and won the division championship!!! We love you! Andrew Robert & William
Posted by: The Sandeen Boys on 7/26/2011 at 6:03 am
Just do it! Happy trails!
Posted by: Ruby on 11/4/2022 at 1:39 pm
Go Joe Go !!
Daryl
Posted by: Daryl on 11/2/2022 at 7:36 pm
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