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Torres del Paine: King & Team Complete O Circuit, Ready for Towers tomorrow

February 16, 2023

Posted by: Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Torres del Paine

We had a nice warm night in our Dome tent thanks to Jim who kept the fire stoked. The morning brought clearer weather and a nice dry day. Paine Grande and it's massive glacier came into view after yesterday's blizzard.

As the team closed the "O" circuit with 10.5 miles of rolling terrain we were fortunate to see 20+ condors flying in close proximity to the trail, often in groups of 5-6. The trail brings us back into the estancia sector to where we began hiking eight days ago. This was a nice way to wrap up what's been an overcast & at times windy and damp trip. Tomorrow we will get an early start to beat the day hiking crowd up to the Towers. Keeping our fingers crossed for clear skies and dry weather.

Thanks for following along,

RMI Guide Mike King

Mexico’s Volcanoes: Wittmier & Team Climb La Malinche, Enjoy Super Bowl

February 13, 2023

Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Lauren Macklin

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico

Elevation: 10,000'

Today we are headed to Ixtaccihuatl via a several hour bus ride from the La Malintzi resort. It was a restful evening feasting on a parrillada and watching the Superbowl on a Spanish telecast. A well-deserved restful evening after successfully summitting La Malinche, which is hit or miss and dependent on how much argument (in Spanish) you’re willing to engage in with a heavily armed police officer. This time they left us alone, perhaps because it was such a nice day with no threat of lightning or rain.

Now we are in transit to Amecameca for some last-minute supplies. Today is mostly a travel and organization day, not quite a real rest day yet. We will update via InReach from the mountain so you can follow our progress!

RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier

Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Remain at 14,000 Camp

July 6, 2021

Posted by: Mike Walter, Nikki Champion, Ben Luedtke

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Tuesday, July 6, 2021 - 1:00 pm PT

There's not much new to report today. We're still at 14,000' Camp, waiting for an opportunity to head downhill to the airstrip. Unfortunately we're also still in a snow globe. Apparently it's totally socked in all the way to Talkeetna, with rain in town, so all of the planes are grounded a well. We've got plenty of food and fuel, and we're warm and dry in our camp. The forecast is grim, but we're not desperate, and we'll patiently await a change in the weather.

RMI Guide Mike Walter

Mt. Rainier: June 24th SUMMIT!

June 24, 2014

Posted by: Brent Okita, Mike Uchal, Christina Dale, Seth Waterfall, Mike King, Robby Young

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

Early this morning the Four Day Summit Climb led by Brent Okita reached the summit of Mt. Rainier. Brent reported clouds above and winds 20 mph, and some new snow on the mountain. The team has started their descent and are now en route back to Camp Muir. The Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons Team led by Seth Waterfall reached the summit via the Emmons route at 11:50am this morning. The will spend a bit of time on the summit before starting their descent. Congratulations to Today's Teams!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Good job NS fellas! Hope you have some good snaps to show us - looking forward to you coming home :)

Posted by: Megan on 6/24/2014 at 6:53 pm

Well done Andrew and crew. Suggest you take the elevator on the way back down. I guess you are the next guy to climb the mast.

Posted by: Herbie on 6/24/2014 at 5:48 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team’s Good Living at 14,200’

May 30, 2014

Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher, Nick Hunt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

May 30, 2014 - 11:12 pm PT The view from the vestibule this morning was not what I'd have called heartening. Clouds and snow dominated the picture, adding visual texture to the soft but incessant howl of the winds coming from the Buttress above. We could still see most of the landmarks around camp, but in the shadow of the early morning it didn't look promising for our carry. So, after talking with Leah and Nick, I happily crawled back into my warm sack. We later awoke at the more reasonable hour of 9:00 to get the stoves fired up and start our day. No one complained about not climbing. I think having a real rest day was welcome by all. So what do we do on these days? First of all, we hang out in the Posh an extra hour or two, then we cut a few snow blocks to further reinforce the walls we built around our tents yesterday. It was impressive seeing the team rally and build some really good walls. I think everyone was feeling good and happy to be doing something. Twelve hours in a tent can do that to a person. But a rest day is a rest day and some good tent time is a must. A group was playing an animated game of BS next door to us in the Posh. Others were catching up on things on the radio. Naps are never a bad thing, and in this tent a few games of cribbage were contested. We even got in a bit of rope craft review and knot tying practice. Such is life for the climber hanging out at 14,200' waiting for Mother Nature to offer us a little friendlier weather to continue our climb up the flanks of one of her most beautiful mountain creations. We're all doing well and happily waiting this little set back out. Cheers, RMI Guides Brent, Leah and Nick

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Proud of you dad, hope you make it all the way to the top. Make it count. Get ready for some seriously hot and humid weather back in Jupiter.
Love you.
Ali

Posted by: Ali on 6/1/2014 at 10:25 am

Hope you are doing well.Love seeing the blogs and your progress. I Love& miss you.Girls are doing good.It’s been a good trip here so far. Who knew that the girls like to fish.Scottie has taken them fishing a lot.You calling me on my birthday made my day.I had so much more to say.Love you.Good night.

Posted by: Robin Wagner on 6/1/2014 at 2:28 am

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Kilimanjaro: Hahn & Team Settle in at Karanga Camp

September 20, 2013

Posted by: Dave Hahn

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 14,500'

Our first steps out of the Barranco Camp at 8:30 this morning brought us to the Great Barranco Wall. It can be an intimidating feature when seen from a distance as it appears to be just that... a wall. But there is a trail of ledges and handholds and well-worn steps over the lava outcroppings that can work just fine for scaling the wall. Our entire team was climbing well and strong and as it turned out, our main concern was traffic. It was rush hour on the wall. Hundreds of porters and climbers from other teams were all trying to squeeze through the ledges at the same time. Things eased by the halfway point as the crowd spread and we were able to concentrate on the big steps. We were up the wall in about an hour and onto much easier hiking. We'd enjoyed some pretty decent views upward toward Kilimanjaro's main peak earlier in the day, but we were still seeing nothing below but a sea of clouds. Gradually we came to be under a giant umbrella of cloud centered on the summit. It was a relatively short time before we dropped into the Karanga Valley and climbed out its steep opposite side to walk into Karanga Camp. We are all getting into a pretty smooth routine now of breaking camp, climbing and then moving into new camps. We sheltered in our tents for some light afternoon rain showers, and were happy to come together in the roomy dining dome for afternoon tea and dinner. Partial clearing after dinner allowed great views of the lights of Moshi, glowing far below. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

It’s a great accomplishment for all of you. You did it Liz & Kym! Woof & Marj

Posted by: Marjorie Schupbach on 9/21/2013 at 3:26 pm

Hi Sis! I hope you are having a great time up there, I just wanted to tell you that Mom and I are always thinking about you and woof woof Norman too! I hope the weather improves for you all soon and at least on Summit day. Love you!

Posted by: John S on 9/21/2013 at 9:19 am

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Mt. Kilimanjaro: The team visits Lake Manyara

September 12, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

On our first day of safari we headed south to Lake Manyara, which is know for its colorful flamingos and tree climbing lions. It wasn't long before we spotted our first of many elephants to come. In fact we stopped just short of a mother and her baby and watched them cross between our two safari vehicles. It was surreal to see them so close and feel as if we could almost touch them, while they barely noticed us. We then headed off to our normal lunch spot but had to find another place as several lions had beaten us there. We think we counted 5 all together, two young males and a few females, but it was a little tough to tell as they were trying to stay cool in the bush. After a nice hot meal provide by our traveling chef Michael, we headed off to see other animals and a quick visit to the hippo pond. Along the way we spotted a huge Monitor (giant lizard) in a creek and spotted many zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, bush bucks, and a few warthogs too. All in all it was a pretty rewarding first day on safari. We are spending the night overlooking the lake in a nice tented camp called Kirurumu. Everyone is doing great and excited for what tomorrow might bring. RMI Guide Casey Grom and Crew

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Incredible. What an experience…but come home now. Can’t wait to see pictures.

Posted by: Tiff on 9/12/2013 at 4:07 pm

WOW!! What an awesome day! Thanks for putting up the pictures. Can’t wait for the stories..

Posted by: Tracy O. on 9/12/2013 at 3:34 pm

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Mt. Rainier: July 19th - Team Turns at 13,600’

July 19, 2013

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 13,600'

The Four Day Summit Climb July 16 - 19 led by RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer and the Expedition Skills Seminar -Paradise led by Garrett Stevens were unable to summit this morning. A snow bridge over a crevasse collapsed this morning preventing the groups from continuing their ascent. This collapse happened at approximately 13,600’. All climbers are continuing down safely. The teams will return to Camp Muir to re-pack and take a short break before continuing down to Paradise. We look forward to seeing the groups at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon.

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team On The Move

July 7, 2013

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Zeb Blais

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Saturday, July 6, 2013 14 K at last! But we had to fight our way up here, it didn't come easy. Back down at 11,000 ft in the early hours of the day, it looked as though we might get decent weather. At least, if one was looking up at the West Buttress, there was good visibility and not much sign of wind, if one turned and looked West, however, there was still a massive flow of cloud, as there had been all week, often overflowing and engulfing camp. We ate breakfast and packed, it seemed especially difficult to get going after having become so deeply dug in for the best part of a week, but we managed. Naturally, as we roped up and and got ready to walk, the clouds swept in and the wind came up. We came full on into strong, steady winds as we topped motorcycle hill and it seemed we found even stronger winds at the crest of squirrel hill. All of this was while inside a big white freezing cloud, so we were getting rimed up and frosty as we leaned straight into the storm to climb higher. On the polo field, we still had wind but we were getting occasional sun breaks. Windy Corner lived up to its name today. Getting past it was the key battle of the day, but we knew if we could pass the corner we could leave the wind and cloud behind. Sure enough, as we reached our cache from yesterday, we'd found a calm and sunny glacier. It took another ninety minutes to get into "Genet Basin" which we reached at 3:30 PM. We were happy to rejoin the teams we'd shared 11 camp with. There were plenty of empty camp sites with good walls, so building our nest at 14,200 ft was made slightly easier. The team was a little weary after pushing through such harsh conditions, but all were excited to be back in the game, to have new and awesome views and to have beat the forecasted "next storm". Yes, that is right, we are in for another one. The western sky was full of wind sculpted wave clouds, as if a fleet of flying saucers were attacking Mount Foraker. By the time we finished dinner, Denali was cloud capped as well and the snow was starting to fall at 14,200. Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Yea, ravens at 13,000 ft?!? Those must be some bad ass ravens

Posted by: Fred on 7/7/2013 at 5:54 pm

Erik Nelson’s uncle and aunt here, following the journey eagerly. Proud, Praying, Positive! The Mariners’ Cove crabbing operation has been fun and successful. Hoping the same for your adventure, Erik and team.

Posted by: Jay and Carol Sigafoos on 7/7/2013 at 2:31 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Haugen & Team Rest Day at 14K Camp

June 23, 2013

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Mike Uchal

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Sunday, June 23rd, 2013 We woke up with a couple of inches of snow on the tents this morning. No storms or winds, just the friendly June kind of Denali snow. We had a very pleasant rest day. We checked in with the camp gossip and watched a few teams head up the fixed line towards 17k. Our plan is to head up to 17,000 ft and make a camp. We have really been doing a great job of sport eating and no one has had any problems with this altitude. We are all very excited because we do not drag any sleds up past this camp. RMI Summit Team 6 P.S. Lance wants Penny to know that he is keeping up with his dental hygiene. (But the rest of him has not washed in ten days! Also, Uchal says Happy 2nd Birthday Lulu!

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hello Gregory Grasshopper! We all had a fun time in Austin, swimming in the Pedernales, eating, and catching up. We are thinking of you and hope all continues to go well. Midge and Pete say hi.

Love you,
Mum and Bubs

Posted by: Anne Sullivan on 6/24/2013 at 8:05 pm

Great photos and updates! Thank you, it really helps us at home feel more involved, and informed. Great progress and no more sleds. Yea! Glad to hear all are doing well and managing to have a bit of fun too. Message to Steve, love you and missing you, hope you are having a wonderful time.remember, take lots of pictures!

Posted by: Tania K on 6/24/2013 at 1:33 am

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Most Popular Entries

Torres del Paine: King & Team Complete O Circuit, Ready for Towers tomorrow

Mexico’s Volcanoes: Wittmier & Team Climb La Malinche, Enjoy Super Bowl

Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Remain at 14,000 Camp

Mt. Rainier: June 24th SUMMIT!

Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team’s Good Living at 14,200’

Kilimanjaro: Hahn & Team Settle in at Karanga Camp

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Mt. Kilimanjaro: The team visits Lake Manyara

Mt. Rainier: July 19th - Team Turns at 13,600’

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team On The Move

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Mt. McKinley: Haugen & Team Rest Day at 14K Camp

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