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Everest Base Camp Trek & Island Peak Climb: Grom & Team Start Trek

March 20, 2014

Posted by: Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek

Elevation: 8,700'

Hello from the Khumbu everyone! Today we caught our early flights from Kathmandu and safely arrived at the famous Lukla airport on what was one of the smoothest flights I've ever had. Luckily for us there were no clouds in sight which allowed us an easy and very scenic flight into the heart of the Himalayas. Once in Lukla we relaxed and had breakfast at one of the tea houses while our bags were sorted and readied for our porters. We hit the trail just after 8 am and hiked casually along the trail taking in the clean fresh mountain air and all the beautiful sights of the surrounding peaks. We hiked for just over three hours stopping along the way to snap photos and enjoy the scenery of the lush green forest with towering snow capped mountains overhead. The team is comfortably settled in to another tea house here in a village called Phakding that sits on the edge of a beautiful blue river. All is well and everyone is delighted to be here. RMI Guide Casey Grom and Crew

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Congratulations on a job well done. We love looking at the pictures, Dot and Rog

Posted by: dot hemminghaus on 3/31/2014 at 8:07 am

Pastor Sylvia from Tx! Hi, I wish you a wonderful trek! I am looking forward to reading your posts, and seeing your beautiful pictures. that you for sharing your journey with all of us! Victory for you all! Pastor Sylvia Joplin

Posted by: Sylvia Joplin on 3/22/2014 at 8:54 pm

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Move to Camp 2 “Chopper Camp”

February 13, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

Clouds followed us up the mountain today from Camp One to Camp Two. Luckily, the group walked strong and we got to 'Chopper Camp' with enough time to set up tents and drink some soup before the snow started. Now, we're all tucked in and waiting to see what the weather does. With a bit of snow in the forecast, we're glad to be nestled in Camp Two instead of on the more exposed slopes of Camp One. The sun, the snow, and the waiting, it's all part of mountaineering, and it keeps things interesting! We'll touch base again tomorrow and let you know how the climb progresses! RMI Guide Katrina Bloemsma & Team

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Hi there Katrina; I am a cousin of your grandfather and jolly proud that one of my family does such brave things in the mountains. Are you going to be with the team for Mt Rainier this summer? I have a daughter living nearby there so Mt Rainier is one of my beautiful sites.
Keep up the good work!

Posted by: Jan Jonker on 2/16/2014 at 2:37 am

Craig_The pictures are beautiful! What color is your backpack? Have an EPIC time… Happy V-day! K & E

Posted by: Kim on 2/14/2014 at 1:20 pm

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Kilimanjaro: Hahn’s Team Ends with a Roar

September 27, 2013

Posted by: Dave Hahn

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Kikoti Camp was perfect last night. The team was refreshed and happy as we set out on our final day. Our course took us back through Tarangire National Park where we saw three young lionesses, a hunting leopard, a couple hundred elephants of all sizes, a thousand zebras and a heck of a lot of outstanding birds. By midday we'd left the park and were on the road to Arusha. Back at the lush and relaxing grounds of the Dik Dik Hotel, we rested, repacked and got ready to go our separate ways. We enjoyed a last dinner and a few more laughs together before jumping into the bus for the airport. Until next climb... Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Thank you to Mr. Hahn, the porters, and everyone at the various hotels for taking such good care of our climbers. You guys are awesome. I don’t think Eric will ever forget this trip.

Posted by: Mara on 9/27/2013 at 7:33 pm

Congratulations Jeff and Meredith! Well done and safe home from all of here in Toronto.
Alexa

Posted by: Alexa Colenbrander on 9/27/2013 at 12:49 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Fly on to the Kahiltna Glacier!

May 19, 2013

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Kel Rossiter

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,300'

Hey everybody, checking in from the Southeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier where we are settled into Basecamp after a day of exciting weather. We woke this morning in Talkeetna to a couple inches of new snow on the ground and thought it was going to be another day of waiting around for flyable weather. But when I checked in with K2 at 8:00 they said it was actually clear at Basecamp and that as soon as the snow showers in town stopped we'd potentially be on our way. Well, the clouds broke around noon and our intrepid crew loaded up onto a pair of otters and headed for the Alaska Range. Clouds enroute nearly forced us to turn around but our pilots were able to make it happen and delivered us safely to the Southeast Fork. Some unfortunate planes were forced to turn around after the runway shutdown because of a bank of clouds that rolled in soon after our arrival. These folks eventually made it in later on in the evening when everything cleared up. The views here are breathtaking, if a little humbling. Wish us luck as we head out on the route first thing tomorrow! RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Cotopaxi Express: Back at Historic La Cienega Hosteria

July 9, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador

The Cotopaxi Team is safely off the mountain and checked into the historic La Cienega Hosteria in Lasso, Ecuador. Today has been a mix of excitement and frustration as we finally took our shot at the summit of Cotopaxi, only to be thwarted by the high winds that characterized our stay on the mountain. We awoke at midnight to a slight lull in the wind and began our climb just after one o'clock AM. The snow conditions proved to be tough with a thin ice-skin over unconsolidated 'corn' snow. After reaching just over 18,000 feet I had to make the tough decision to turn the teams around. The wind had increased dramatically, blowing climbers out of the trail and covering all of us in a layer of rime ice. It was maddening to get so close to our goal but in the end the importance of returning safely to our family and friends is, of course, the most important thing. Now we're set to celebrate the end of our trip with a great dinner at La Cienega before making the final leg of our journey tomorrow. We'll check in again when we arrive back in Quito. RMI Guide - Seth Waterfall

Aconcagua: Carry to Camp 1

January 13, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

The group woke for the third morning under the shadows of Ameghino and our objective, Cerro Aconcagua. The skies were a brilliant blue, and excitement ran high in the group over breakfast as everyone prepared for the day's carry to Camp 1 (16,350'). Group loads of food were doled out, and the group took up the slow, but steady pace that will be our mantra for the rest of the climb. It took us 4 1/2 hours to reach Camp 1. We took a nice 45 minute rest there and then we headed down to basecamp arriving by 5:00 pm. The descent took us less than half of our ascent time. Route conditions between basecamp and Camp 1 were very nice compared with what I have experienced in the last 10 years. Stokemeter

Tomorrow we will take one more rest day with the relative comforts of basecamp, before our move to Camp 1. We've received some of the posts left on the blog, and we are all grateful for your well-wishes. Signing off, Gabriel Barral and the RMI Aconcagua expedition

Aconcagua Expedition: Cifelli & Team Reach Camp 1, Establish Camp

January 21, 2024

Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Ben Luedtke, Michael Murray

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

THE CLIMB BEGINS
Today we awoke for an 8am breakfast, the last luxurious basecamp breakfast for a week and a half. Hell has it really only been a week in this dust?! From meeting in peruivian airports to tent mates, how have we only known each other 9 days and in tents for 7?

We quickly ate our food and stashed away our future mountain lunch. Before long we were making our way up the mountain again. This time we kissed goodbye to the sweet creature comforts of basecamp… have no fear the speaker made it on the pack list! Up the winding switch backs, through the penetentes, over the glacier streams, and up the final scramble to our new home, campo uno. We set up camp, acquainted ourselves with our new bathroom situation, and started treating our water.

Tonight we feast on quesadillas and Indian style tasty bites… good thing we have our blue bags at the ready (RMI please take the hint). Tomorrow we have another big day, a carry to 18,000' feet. On this trip we’ve learned many things. We’ve learned why the moon waxes and wanes differently in the southern hemisphere. We’ve mastered the game of euchre. We’ve etched our guides pet peeves into our brains so as not to do those things..purposefully at least. But what we have yet to learn is our future on this mountain, we can only continue to set ourselves up for success, having each others back, and controlling what’s in our power to control. Summit or not, one thing we will walk away from this mountain without a doubt is what we’ve learned about ourselves, our proven strength, our attitude, and our camaraderie as a team of strangers turned friends.

I’d like to make a call out to our two biggest fans Eddie and my mom Michelle, and our other fans the polish team and the burrows. We have yet to decide on a team name, please send your suggestions in the comments, no guarantees we will use it, but we would love your thoughts!

And lastly. Happy early birthday to my ride or die Ambre, I love the hell out of you and I hope you have the best birthday. Lord knows I was thinking of you crossing that river!

Climber Mikayla Demers

New Post Alerts:
Aconcagua Expedition January 12, 2024

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I’ve been bragging about my bad-ass best friend to anybody who listens… so honored to receive a mountain-side birthday wish!

You have been, and always will be, the shining image of perseverance. I know in my heart that little J will see you as one of his hero’s <3

Also, make sure you share the chocolate!

Posted by: Ambre Judd on 1/22/2024 at 1:22 pm

Thanks for the shout out! I’m following the team all the way. I love hearing about your days, food, and team work. I love the photos as well.

Team names: I kind of feel like it should include doctor (since there are so many) and burros maybe. Mostly because I like burros and I’ve got ornery, little, Cinderellie the mule. That is if your looking for something fun. The origin of the name Aconcagua appears to be in dispute. I found several meanings to include “Snow-capped mountain” - “Stone Sentinel” - and “White Sentinel”. Maybe something with Sentinel? Just some random thoughts.

Looking forward to the next post!

P.S. Love you Mikayla, Captain, Badass, baby girl!

Posted by: Michelle DeMers on 1/22/2024 at 8:40 am

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Vinson Massif: Mallory & Team at High Camp in Position for Summit Bid

November 30, 2014

Posted by: Linden Mallory

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Vinson Massif

Elevation: 12,400'

Another brisk night broke clear and calm at Low Camp and when we poked our heads out of the tent this morning, we caught site of a new scene for us down here: not a cloud in the sky and not a puff of wind blowing over the mountain tops above. It was a good sign that it was time to move to High Camp. We packed up our gear, rationing down the extra wait and second sets of miscellaneous gear to keep our pack weights manageable and set off for High Camp. Crossing the upper portions of the Branscomb Glacier to the fixed lines was warm - hot even - as the sun baked down on us and the white faces all around us reflected the rays. We were down to climbing in just a few light fleece layers and our mood matched the high temps. Mid afternoon found us beginning to climb the large 3,000' face off of the glacier to the upper plateau of the Vinson Massif. We put our heads down and made solid, steady progress up the lines that run up the face. We paused at series of ledges partway up for a quick bite to eat and a drink and then continued upwards, reaching the top by early evening. Another hour of climbing a gentle glacial slope brought us into high camp and we quickly set about hacking a flat tent platform into the ice and frozen snow. Once the ground was level and the tent was up we built a long snow wall out of blocks of snow to buffer us in the event of winds later tonight. After we were finally settled, we took a moment to venture over to the edge of camp where a sheer face drops away to the Branscomb far below. The view was nothing short of spectacular. The Antarctic Ice Sheet stretched out as far as we could see, shimmering on the horizon in the evening light. Below us, the Branscomb Glacier flowed around the foot of the face and down past Base Camp where it melted into the sea of ice. Above us, the summits of Shinn and Epperly stood watch over the landscape with Vinson's true summit hiding just behind the ridge line above High Camp. It was a solid day of effort to climb up here and set up a warm and comfortable camp but we're all feeling well and happy to be up here. If the weather holds we hope to make a summit bid tomorrow or the following day - depending on conditions. RMI Guide Linden Mallory & Team d'accord

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Incredible stuff!! As Mal Moore used to say, “Leave somet’n ya’ momma gave ya’ out there…!” Good luck on the summit!

Posted by: Tom on 12/1/2014 at 5:50 pm

It is now your new day, your Dec. 2nd, though we here in the USA are still in Dec. 1st. Hope all went super yesterday and thinking of you all. Big hug, Carol

Posted by: Carol Colleran on 12/1/2014 at 3:27 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Slightly Elevated at 9,600’

June 30, 2013

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Zeb Blais, Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,600'

Saturday, June 29th, 2013 Conditions at 4:45 AM were perfect for moving from 8,000' on the Kahiltna Glacier to 9,600 ft. So we did. We'd gotten up at 2:00 a.m. to have a hot breakfast and we could see scattered clouds overhead and a cap above Denali's summit but there was no wind. Our route up Ski Hill was blissfully free of dicey crevasse crossings and the snow surface had frozen up enough to make walking and sled pulling a bit easier than yesterday. Even so, Ski Hill was long, slow, and uphill. We were up to 9,600' in just over three and a half hours. Already by this point, digging in and building a new camp in a beautiful place was becoming routine. Clouds cleared down valley so that we had unobstructed views of nearly the entire length of the Kahiltna while we worked. The sun became brutally intense by midday, but by then we were sheltered in the tents, napping, drinking water and reading. We got together for dinner in the evening as things cooled down. We talked strategy for our move to 11,000', secured camp for the night and turned in early once again. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Thankful for technology that gives a picture into this experience. 93 in Tacoma. Headed for Whidbey and Dungeness crab tomorrow. Prayers for your safety going up constantly.

Posted by: Donna Nelson on 6/30/2013 at 4:23 pm

Mike & Max Reese + team - Wishing you cold , firm snow and calm weather during your ascent! Thinking of you while sitting on a beach in Costa Rica. Best Wishes!

Posted by: David Reese on 6/30/2013 at 3:05 pm

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Kilimanjaro: Mark Tucker & Team Visit Lake Manyara

August 14, 2012

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Mark Tucker here checking in from Kirurumo, a luxury tented lodge. Half of the team began their journey homeward bound. We wish them all the best on their travels. We stopped at Lake Manyara for some safari game viewing and ended up here. We are about a quarter of the way to Ngorongoro Crater, so a little bit of a drive tomorrow, but more safari in our near future. A luxury tented camp once again doesn’t look like anything on the mountain and everybody is enjoying it. All is good, having a blast. Wish you were all here

Mark Tucker and Team checking in from Kirurumo

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Did you get close enough to see the flamingos?

Posted by: Carl and Cindy on 8/14/2012 at 4:44 pm

Steve, the hippos are huge. Apparently the hippos are
are not bothered by people being nearby.

Mom

Posted by: Darlene Fox on 8/14/2012 at 4:11 pm

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Most Popular Entries

Everest Base Camp Trek & Island Peak Climb: Grom & Team Start Trek

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Move to Camp 2 “Chopper Camp”

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Kilimanjaro: Hahn’s Team Ends with a Roar

Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Fly on to the Kahiltna Glacier!

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Cotopaxi Express: Back at Historic La Cienega Hosteria

Aconcagua: Carry to Camp 1

Aconcagua Expedition: Cifelli & Team Reach Camp 1, Establish Camp

Vinson Massif: Mallory & Team at High Camp in Position for Summit Bid

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Slightly Elevated at 9,600’

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Kilimanjaro: Mark Tucker & Team Visit Lake Manyara

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