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Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Coming off the plane in Arusha, the city in Tanzania where we base from to go to Kilimanjaro, the first thing that strikes the senses is the smell of trees and vegetation we simply don't have in the northern hemisphere. There, too is a subtle, but pervasive smell of the wood and charcoal many people use to cook with. It smells wonderfully of Africa to me.
Our group all arrived at least a day early to take advantage of their time here in this beautiful country, and so we were able to meet one another earlier than usual. This was a good thing because it allowed some lost luggage to be recovered and a GI problem to resolve itself, two problems I rarely see, but that are not unknown when travelling halfway across the globe.
Our team is a nice mix of veteran climbers with Mt. Rainier under their belt and folks who have rarely spent time in a tent. But everyone is engaging and interesting, and conversation is easy. A good sign of things to come.
While half the group opted to get their equipment check done yesterday so they could get in a day safari in the local Arusha National Park, the other half chose to do their check today and enjoy a leisurely afternoon before we begin our expedition up the flanks of Kilimanjaro. Both great options.
Our team breakfast this morning will be followed up with a group dinner tonight, enjoying the amazing food here at the Rivertrees Country Inn. Normally we would lament leaving such fine food during our week of climbing, but not this time. The chef taking care of our food needs this week is amazing! Gourmet dinners and hearty breakfasts await us at every camp, prepared by an incredibly talented chef by the name of Benson. You'll hear more about this guy later, but for now we're doing well and eager to start our climb.
Word has it that upon making the summit, a couple of our climbers are going to reward themselves with some beautiful Tanzanite jewelry. I love the idea!
Wish us luck as we begin our big adventure! We've been waiting for this climb to all come together for a long time, and in a few hours, we will be taking our first steps up towards the summit of this wonderful mountain.
Jambo!
RMI Guide Brent Okita
On The Map
Sarah,. . . this is a totally wonderful and thrilling achievement! Congratulations!
We can’t wait to hear all about it. Love Dad & Susan
Posted by: Richard on 2/16/2014 at 10:28 pm
Way to go! Good work, Sarah and team! Thank-you for the blog, comments, etc. Sarah, you have the genes!
Love,
R&C
Posted by: Rondi Saslow on 2/16/2014 at 9:00 am
Posted by: JJ Justman, Katrina Bloemsma
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
On The Map
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
Posted by: Mike Walter
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
On The Map
On The Map
way to go james! cant wait to see all your pics and hear all your stories!
Posted by: tina on 6/17/2013 at 7:04 pm
Hello Googoo and the rest of the climbers, our prayers are with you all, we are proud of you, keep it up and come back safe, love you, Areg
Posted by: Areg Abramian on 6/17/2013 at 6:29 am
Posted by:
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
RMI Guide Billy Nugent checks in after reaching the summit
Hey DREW!... its Grandpop here. What a greta adventure .he photos are awesome When you get back, i’ll want to see all of them and hear of the adventure.
Take care on your way down.
Love,
Grandpop
Posted by: Bob AKA "Grandpop" on 5/29/2011 at 7:24 am
Solveig you are the greatest. We are so proud of you! Have a safe trip down, Way to go! Aunt Virgnia, Laurel,Holly,and Heather
Posted by: Virginia Peterson on 5/29/2011 at 3:50 am
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Devin Guffey, Josh Geiser
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 20,310'
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Good evening readers,
The team did it! At 620pm on Wednesday we stood on top of Deanli! The weather held with mostly clear skies and winds no greater than 20mph. It was a cold cold day. We wore most of our jackets and multiple layers on out legs. It was a long, hard day. We had the summit to ourselves. Tomorrow we head downhill to lower elevations where everyone will feel much better. We still have some big days ahead of us but the end is near. We would like to thank everyone for the good weather vibes and positive vibes! And for all the support from back home. Y'all are amazing!!
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and Team
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition June 2, 2024
Congrats on the summit to the TMac attack and the rest of the team. Have a safe trip down. Sending good vibes and much love.
- Harold Pitt M.D.
Posted by: Harold Pitt on 6/21/2024 at 5:26 pm
Congratulations everyone on making it up!! Way to go Shane. Stay safe heading back down.
Posted by: Sonny Digiovanna on 6/21/2024 at 8:13 am
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Chase Halbert, Matias Francis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,000'
The team woke up to a foot of fresh snow this morning, which led to our activity of the morning. Shoveling. Once that was out of the way, the team transitioned to game time. A variety of games and a few lucky beginners carried us through the afternoon. Some cheesecake for dessert has the team powered up hoping for better weather tomorrow. We're seeing the winds of change and feel positive about the next couple days!
RMI Guides Matias, Chase, Pete, and team
Hi Marc
I Hope you’re having a good day! And that conditions r improving. We are so proud of you! Good luck today to u & ur whole team!
Nicole
Posted by: Nicole gabai on 5/25/2021 at 11:37 am
marc - wishing you good weather to complete your mission. the pix are amazing. best wishes to everyone! olga
Posted by: Olga on 5/24/2021 at 10:48 am
Mark Tucker Checking in from Barafu Camp
How exciting!
Wishing you all an enjoyable Day 1 of hiking!
Wishing everyone an incredible experience hiking up to the peak and coming back!
With cheers, good luck, and best wishes,
Suganthi Subramanian
Posted by: Suganthi Subramanian on 7/31/2023 at 10:50 pm
I am so excited for all who are about to embark on this wonderful journey. Wishing you all a great climb and hope this trip is all you hoped it would be and more.
Good luck to all.
Cheers,
Barb
Posted by: Barbara Heck on 7/31/2023 at 1:17 pm
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