Most Popular Entries
Hello Hello,
Checking in for our Torres trek. It's been a whirlwind couple of days, but we arrived safely, are somewhat rested, and are packed and headed for our first hike of the circuit.
Though the trip started with a slight snafu with the penguin tour. We pushed our departure back and were rewarded with dolphins, whales, seals, penguins, you name it. An unbelievable ride across the Magellan strait. A day spent in Puerto Natales, a port town at the edge of fjord, had us rearranging gear, catching up on some much-needed rest, packing our backpacks, and shopping for some souvenirs. Situated in this valley, we get sweeping views of the mountains across the way.
Now we are at Camp Serón, our first camp and a relatively gentle hike to warm up our legs and take in the view that Torres Del Paine National Park has to offer. Today was international flat not just what is called “ Patagonia Flat” it was a joy to start walking after the few days of hotels and the cherry on top? Condors and a Puma. Just our luck.
We’re excited for tomorrow and we’re each hoping to not lose in farrow or get skunked in our now daily cribbage tournament. Till tomorrow
Thanks for following along,
RMI Guide Dominic Cifelli
New Post Alerts:
Torres del Paine Trek February 1, 2025
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Ben Liken
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
Today was a concatenation of surprises which threw all of us in a vortex of emotions and awe! The journey started o’dark early, navigating from the Vacas Valley at Casa de Piedra, straight into fridged knee high white waters to access our next route. Pins and needles shocked our legs but the cold waters quickly awakened those that were not yet awake. The team was ready as we headed into the Relinchos Valley, navigating the long narrow edges that overlooked the raging river stemming from Cerro Aconcagua as the team deadheaded towards base camp. Passing many mules and sparking multiple conversations of chapacubras, lemmings, and jackalopes, helped to preoccupy our conversations and made for a quick traverse. We were treated by Dom and Ben to a delicatessan delight with homemade ham and cheese sandwiches which was a bonus and boosted our spirits. We climbed high and at a good pace until we reached Aconcagua’s base camp.
Other highlights - we saw an Argentine Bolo Mouse which Ben said had a poisonous tail, passed by a heard of Guanacos as they gazed the fields, and mistook the sound of the closing bathroom doors for thunder snow.
All in all a great day as it could only be summed up only to this Aconcagua Slayers Rhyme:
Twas the night before base camp, two camps down one to go! From Pampas de Leñas to Casa de Piedra, all bedded down early, and ready to roll. Tossing and turning, the thin air spoiled in their sleep. The stench from no showers wrenched as they slept. Tucked tightly in their tents, the storms rattled and the winds howled, but did not prove to be a battle! No cap!
Dressed in their Patagucci, all tired and weak, they strolled with their feet, crossing creek to creek. The harsh cold weakened and dampened their feet but was match to slow the Aconcagua Slayers beat. Morale was so high that they could not deny, they trekked on to no demise and accomplished their prize! Base camp conquered, what a feat, nothings going to stop the Patagucci peeps!
Time for some Farkle gone wild.
RMI Climber Nathan Karlen
New Post Alerts:
Aconcagua Expedition January 8, 2025
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Chad Gaffigan, Luke Wilhelm
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 348'
Sounds like a scary end to your trip! Glad everyone is safe. Hope you all are enjoying a Great dinner, hot shower, and comfy bed!
Posted by: Shannon Smith on 7/9/2019 at 7:11 pm
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Vinson Massif
Dave and Team -
Hi Guys! I will be following you on your journey to get an idea of what to expect when I arrive there in a couple of weeks.
-Larry Seaton
Posted by: Larry Seaton on 11/22/2013 at 6:52 pm
On The Map
Posted by: JJ Justman
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside
On The Map
So glad to hear the weather has improved and the sky is being kind to you guys!Hope the spirits stay high and every one stays safe. Love you Robin.
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa on 6/7/2013 at 9:10 pm
Thinking of you, Lori. Thankful for these e-mails, I look forward to them each day. Met Wendy by chance at Culvers, special. Keep having good weather, and good luck to you all. Mom
Posted by: Fern Hansen on 6/7/2013 at 7:22 am
Posted by: Seth Waterfall, Solveig Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 17,340'
Seth Waterfall calls from the Ixta summit!
On The Map
Wow you met your goal!!!you must be on top of the world. We are thrilled for you Ryan. You are truly amazing.
Praying for you and the team..
Love you,
Proud mom&dad;
Posted by: nancy mccalley on 2/13/2013 at 9:22 pm
Congratulations to the entire team and guides for your summiting. I’m especially proud of Brandon, and I know this has been an awesome experience for him.
Posted by: Brad Grooms on 2/13/2013 at 11:40 am
On The Map
Do hope there is enough Kungfu chicken to go round…
Take good care all of you, stay happy and healthy and get there!!
Posted by: Claire Munting on 7/12/2011 at 6:39 pm
HEY SPENCER HOLD ON THERE TONTO WEST AND I ARE ON THE WAY WITH FRESH LINENS AND MORE COFFEE AND A LATTE. HEY AND WOULD YOU LEAVE YOUR LEFT OVER STUFF WHERE WE CAN FIND IT. YOU KNOW US JUST KIDDING!!!!PRAY FOR THE BEST WEATHER FOR YOU AND YOUR TEAM. GET TO THE SUMMIT!!!!
Posted by: TOBY EMERSON on 7/12/2011 at 1:58 pm
Shout out to Alex and Kristina. Sending loads of great good wishes to them and your whole team for a fantastic adventure. XOX
Posted by: Deb on 2/6/2025 at 6:57 am
View All Comments