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At breakfast, there was overwhelming consensus that a whole night at 10,000 ft was better than half a night at 15,000 ft. We were rested and we had appetites again and we were talking about showers. But we still needed to get down the final 4000 ft of trail to the Mweka Gate. Our staff pulled out all the stops for a good sendoff breakfast and then we got walking down through the forest. At first the trail was dry and pleasant, but around 9000 ft that changed. It got slick and muddy and treacherous. The forest was beautiful, of course, but we couldn’t look around much because every step required care and concentration to avoid slipping. Cheerful porters balancing great awkward loads came running down the slippery track but we had to tiptoe. That technique worked well though, by 11:00 we were on drier and easier ground coming to the Mweka Gate at 6000 ft. We signed out with the National Park and then rode a short distance to a local shop that hosted our team lunch and farewell ceremony with our staff. It was a cheerful session of dancing and singing. We tipped each and every one of the 44 Barking Zebra staff and tried to express our gratitude for their efforts. After goodbyes and a little souvenir shopping the team boarded the bus for the two hour ride back to Rivertrees Inn in Usa River. Showers at last! After all of that we got together for a celebration dinner out in the garden. The trip isn’t over, by any means, but we are entering a far more comfortable phase as we head toward Safari.
Best regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
Wow! What a wonderful experience and incredible journey! Loving your adventure Cindee & Amanda! Can’t wait to see more!
Posted by: Allie Frankie & Tillie on 9/2/2023 at 2:53 pm
Congratulations on this awesome achievement! Can’t wait to see the safari! Woo-hoo!
Posted by: Kasey Oldham on 8/29/2023 at 2:44 pm
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Ben Luedtke, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
Good evening all,
Today we said goodbye to Aconcagua High Camp and hello to basecamp. We woke to a breezy, chilly morning as we broke down camp. Cold fingers and toes couldn't slow down our packing with so much incentive to go down, one being more oxygen. We made our way back to our previous camps to pickup gear left behind. With each stop our packs got bigger and heavier. Descending almost 6,000' puts some hurt on the body, especially the toes. But the team moved well and before you knew it we were back at the comforts of basecamp in our camp shoes drinking beer and juice and munching down delicious wraps. After enjoying our drinks and food, we sorted gear for tomorrow and patiently waited for dinner. Everyone's tummies are bottomless pits right now. Instead of setting up tents most of the team has opted for a slumber party in the dome tent where we eat our meals. It's one less chore in the morning before hitting the trail to the Park entrance. Tomorrow is a big day walking down to Lenas but it does conclude with a Carne asada celebration dinner. That is it for tonight. Now it's time to enjoy some much deserved and needed rest.
Goodnight all,
RMI Guides Hannah, Ben, Dan and Team
Awesome Hannah!! I love following along!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/25/2023 at 9:17 am
Posted by: Brent Okita, Alex Halliday
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,000'
Thinking of you all!
Amie
Posted by: Amie Oberg on 8/10/2019 at 8:27 am
Posted by: Brent Okita, Solveig Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Congrats to all my fellow climbers who made it the summit. I enjoyed meeting you all and climbing with you. Also a big thanks to Brent, Sean and Nick for their guidance and professionalism. All the best to you and can’t wait to see the pictures!!
Posted by: Andy King on 8/26/2013 at 8:03 am
Was a great time climbing with you all. A special shout out to my rope team members Harry, Kim, and guide Sean on getting to the top. This was an amazing time with a first class organization. Rick King (yea, one of the Wisconsin King brothers).
Posted by: Rick King on 8/25/2013 at 7:21 pm
Posted by: Jake Beren, Josh Maggard, Leon Davis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,200'
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On The Map
Team Caraccio is thinking of you Mike. You are an inspiration to us all. Love Lori
Posted by: Lori on 6/11/2013 at 4:15 pm
Thinking of you Michael. I love you and miss you!
Vien
Posted by: Vien Vail on 6/11/2013 at 11:13 am
HOOOOOOORAH! Can’t wait to see the Summit picture! and very happy to get the phone call. Congratulations! Rest now and eat…soon you will return to reality with a super accomplishment and memory. Love, Mom
Posted by: Pat Gray on 1/12/2013 at 9:20 am
Glad to hear the weather is cooperating finally. Hope you were able to summit and if not, I’m sure you are having a blast! I am jealous and next time you can take me along just to be your interpreter!
Love you,
Tia Ginni
Posted by: Ginni Fennema on 1/11/2013 at 8:52 pm
Posted by: Seth Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Best of luck on your ascent!!!
Posted by: Judy Brangan on 8/3/2012 at 9:18 am
Christopher,
Wishing you and your team well!
Stay safe and make wonderful friends and memories!
Love and Prayers,
Mom and Dad
Posted by: Eileen Veres on 8/1/2012 at 9:13 pm
...lol…I think the same people who named a peak an ISLAND built the uphill descending trails : ) The photo you posted tells you trail story well. That mountain in the background has got to be Mt. Everest…it’s gorgeous. Love your spot tracker maps. I need to find out what time it is in Nepal versus where I live in Southern California. Thank you for your updates…it’s so fun following all of you on your trek.
Posted by: Lynn Via on 4/7/2013 at 11:44 am
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