Most Popular Entries
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Dustin Wittmier, Sam Marjerison, Michael Murray
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
June 24, 2023 10:41pm PT
It was an easy, restful day for our team today. We slept in, lingered over breakfast, and then set out at 11:20 to retrieve our cache above Windy Corner. In short order, we were back in camp and headed for the shelter of the tents as the afternoon sun got strong.
There were still lots of clouds and wind elsewhere, but we were certainly happy with the weather at 14k. Even so, we built snow block walls around camp after dinner, just in case forecasted winds materialize.
RMI Guides Dave Hahn, Dustin Wittmier, Sam Marjerison, Michael Murray and Team
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Safari time!
Today was our first day of safari and we headed a few hours west to visit the beautiful Lake Manyara. Lake Manyara is a brief stopping ground for many migratory animals and home to more than 300 different birds, not to mention the famous tree climbing lions.
Everyone enjoyed the day cruising around in our safari vehicles with cold beverages in hand while seeing the animals up close.
We managed to see a few wildebeest, zebras, Cape buffalo, giraffes off in the distance, tons of baboons, a few impalas and many elephants up close. And wouldn’t you know it, we even saw those tree climbing lions!
It was an amazing introduction to the incredible diversity of wildlife that Tanzania has and the team is very excited to see more animals tomorrow. We wrapped up the evening with a wonderful meal at our new lodge, The Plantation Lodge.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Safari crew
So proud of you Andy…want to hear all about your experience!!!!Love Aunt Sally
Posted by: Sally hodges on 8/18/2013 at 9:56 am
Congrats to Peter, Mike, Dan, and Dave on your achievement!
Posted by: Margaret on 8/17/2013 at 6:22 am
Go Gail Go! Aloha The Cori(ey)‘s
Posted by: Cori F on 2/12/2013 at 2:22 pm
Posted by: Mike Walter, Zeb Blais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,500'
so thankful to our guides, who got me to Muir safely through a lightning and thunderstorm, to my sisters for their support, and to my fellow climbers, who were inspiring and a pleasure to climb with. Here’s to better weather next time!
Posted by: Linda on 8/15/2014 at 9:19 am
I was one of the climbers and am glad our guides elected to let us go out and “poke our nose in” the inclement weather and actually get a little upper-mountain climbing experience rather than remaining huddled at Muir. Better luck next time… There WILL be a next time :o)
Posted by: KB on 8/14/2014 at 9:15 pm
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney, Jess Wedel
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 10,550'
If you were with us last night you would have slept out under the stars of the southern hemisphere, and when you woke after midnight you’d stay up a few minutes longer watching the Milky Way stretch from ridge to ridge. You might have dreamed of this trip for years or signed up only a month ago.You might be back for your second attempt, comparing this to your trek up Denali, or counting down for an Everest attempt. After all the prep and planning you’d be settling into the pace of the mountain and getting to know our guides. You’d hear about their careers in social work, Iowan ice climbing, and physics research and be grateful both for their expertise on Aconcagua and experience guiding together before. You’d want family back home to think you’re roughing it, and might not tell them about the malbec, bistec, and fresh vegetables prepared over an open fire for dinner - then, as the morning light grew in the Vacas valley you’d laugh again about mummy 10 movies and make your way to the tent for coffee. As you linger over a first-class breakfast Jess races from the kitchen to teach us the Spanish word for toothpick - palillo – with hip and hand motions to ensure correct enunciation for each syllable.
Then, we start to hike. Tim might teach you about the physiology of mammals in the Andes mountains, David would explain the nuances of altitude’s effect on the body, and Jack points to geological features and tells you how they came to be. At breaks we sample apple-flavored kettle corn and sandwiches with every sauce mixed together, cheer as a water bottle is rescued from the glacial river, catch our first sight of guanacos traveling together, and wonder how many birds we could name if put on the spot. Most exciting, and just before camp, we catch our first glimpse of the summit. It stood proudly with the snowfield in view and a wisp of cloud scarfed near the peak. Now, we stay out of the sun, read, and rest - thinking both about those we love back home and the big push that waits for us ahead.
Trusting our training, hoping for good weather, and gaining confidence from the group we passed who made the summit, we settle in for our last night before base camp.
RMI Climber Hudson Baird & Team
P.S. Jane, Shane says hi.
Nicole, Uganda was me sent by Jen. Love coming home to your updates! Living an adventure thru you. Love you - Sandy
Posted by: Sandy Murray on 4/7/2014 at 5:15 pm
Posted by: Geoff Schellens, Leon Davis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 8,000'
Peter describes the team's first day of skiing
Great job everyone!!! Your ultimate goal is only feet away!!! Wishing you all the best of luck these next few days. Praying that weather holds off for you and that you all have an indescribable trek to the summit!!! Can’t wait to read the post saying you all did it!!!
Josh - words can’t describe how proud I am of you. I’m bet one excited for you to reach the top! Not a moment goes by that you aren’t mentioned or thought about. Keep your spirits high, and know that we are rooting you on from TN. Everyone says hi!!! Oh yea, no babies yet, but could be one any day. Sending you all the strength, determination, inspiration, and will power in the world. You can do this!!!
Lots of love. Jess
Posted by: Jessica on 12/27/2013 at 8:40 pm
JJ and Barbara…..I am following you step by step. Can’t wait to hear all about the adventure. I am so proud of your accomplishments!!! ROCK ON! Deb
Posted by: Debbi LaPrevotte on 12/27/2013 at 3:30 pm
View All Comments