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Seth Waterfall checks in from the Jose Ribas Hut on Cotopaxi
It was another beautiful day here in the Khumbu valley, and we had some nice views of Ama Dablam as we headed out of Namche, but high clouds keep us from seeing Everest today. Normally that wouldn’t be ideal, but the clouds and light breeze made for ideal hiking weather and we’ll certainly see Everest again soon enough.
We hiked for about 6 hours today up and down, dropping all the way down to a river called Dodh Koshi, which is a stunning turquoise, then climbed slowing up the hill to the famous Tengboche Monastery.
Traditionally we have gotten a blessing from a famous lama in Pangboche, but that lama has moved on to a higher calling. So today we were able to request a private Puja with another lama at Tengboche and each received a blessing. The Puja is a Buddhist ceremony where the lama chants a Buddhist prayer and gives us a blessing to protect us from harm. Everyone receive a silk scarf called a khata and a sungdi, which is a string we wear around our neck that embodies the prayer.
We've since settled into a nice and warm tea house called Rivendale that is hosting a handful of trekkers from around the world.
Hot showers and good conversations have rounded out the evening and now it's time for a little rest.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the newly blessed crew.
New Post Alerts:
Everest Base Camp Trek, March 9, 2025
Posted by: Nick Scott, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
The climbers have all arrived and day one is in the books. While the guides were kept busy with preparations for the coming days, the climbers that arrived early had a chance to experience a bit of Mendoza. Everyone is excited and eager for the days to come. Hopefully the sudden thunderstorm this evening means our bit of moisture for the trip has come and gone and sunny, blue skies await us on the mountain. Here’s to hoping!
Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher, Nick Hunt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 348'
Great pics of the team! We are so proud of you Daniel and we follow you and your team every step of the way - to the top!!! Go, go, go….We love you! Mom & Rob
Posted by: Lena Akerman on 5/23/2014 at 7:13 am
Way to go Steve Hart!! Good luck to you and the team - Speedy and safe climb!
A warm rehab room and a cold beer awaits your return!!
Brett and team
Posted by: Team Fairway on 5/23/2014 at 5:59 am
On The Map
go pete and the team! barb and I are praying for you in this awesome adventure!
Posted by: mike tubbs on 5/25/2013 at 8:58 am
Happy birthday Pete! I baked you a huge cake but I guess I’ll just eat it myself. Hope the trek continues well!
Posted by: Dan bos on 5/25/2013 at 7:36 am
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 - 4:09 am PT
The stars and satellites were twinkling when we left Lungdhen at 5:25 AM. It appeared to be a perfect morning for our big climb. The trail was steep and unrelenting, right off the bat, but the team was moving well. By the first rest break we no longer needed headlamps and the jagged peaks were bathed in splendid sunlight. After the initial hills, we walked through rolling and sandy hills amid alpine lakes. We began to encounter the snow that fell while we were coming into Kathmandu a week ago. It got a little deeper as we got on the steep rock switchbacks and ledges that led to the pass itself. It was tricky going. There was no room for slipping or tripping. But our amazing guide team of Tenzing, Lakpa Tenzing, Santa and Rai were vigilant and enormously helpful. The team had certainly noticed the 17,600 ft of elevation when we hit the pass, but it was so magical to be standing there in bright sun with no wind and the whole world seemingly revealed, that the gang smiled through whatever pain they were feeling. Right there in front of us were Everest, Lhotse and Makalu (the first, fourth and fifth highest mountains in the world.) We ate, drank and took pictures. It was easy to just hang out, gazing at a thousand mountains and glaciers, but after about thirty minutes it was time to get busy with a safe descent. We’d made the pass at about 11 AM and were headed down the other side by about 11:40. The snowy path through steep rock demanded laser focus, but things got easier as we descended. We pulled into Gokyo 9.5 hours after we’d begun the day, having covered 8.7 tough (but beautiful) miles. Our guesthouse sits on the edge of a turquoise lake at nearly 15,700 ft. The team was happy to find their rooms in the comfortable Fitzroy Lodge.
Best Regards
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
PC: Dave Hahn
New Post Alerts:
Gokyo Trek September 28, 2024
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It was a beautiful morning down in the Barranco Valley, but we were excited to get out of there and get on the Great Barranco Wall.
We began walking at 8:00 am in the cool shadow of the wall. The weather pattern of the past few days continued, it was clear up high and cloudy down below and where we were, there was no wind. And thankfully, there were not too many other people trying to get up the wall when we were. This made it a little less stressful to figure out the handholds and footholds when the going got steep. Our team cruised through the tough parts with some fine coaching and spotting from Naiman, Philibit, Freddy and Thomas. We took a short break when we hit the easier going in the sunny midsection of the “wall” and then pressed on. At about 14,000 ft we pulled over one last edge and found ourselves atop the Great Wall. And even better, we found that our camp waiters had beaten us to the top with tea and snacks. We lounged in the sun, took photos and enjoyed the unreal views of Kibo’s imposing south face.
We then cruised through a couple of shallow -- but pretty -- valleys as we moved east. The final challenge of the day was to get down one steep side of the Karanga Valley and up the other steep side to Karanga Camp. The team had no difficulty though and we came into our new camp at 13,200 ft at about 12:30 pm.
We had an excellent lunch -- Tosha’s specialty pork schnitzel -- and some welcome hours of rest. Clouds formed up in the afternoon and we were actually thankful to get a little relief from the high altitude sun cooking the tent walls. We finished with dinner and storytelling and stars (as the clouds dissipated). There is s lot of excitement among our climbers at the prospect of getting to high camp tomorrow.
Best Regards,
Great photos, great smiles! Enjoy the adventure, Cindee (I’ve been looking forward to reading new installment every morning
Posted by: Olga Rotell on 8/25/2023 at 3:22 pm
So exciting to read and view the progress of the climb! Awesome to see what you are all are accomplishing every day! Shout out to Cindee and Amanda!
Posted by: Kasey Oldham on 8/25/2023 at 2:48 pm
Posted by: Jack Delaney, Mike Bennett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Seminar
Alaska certainly had a theme for the team this year and it was snow. We did not awake to clear skies, but instead 4 inches of fresh snow and more coming down! Our hopes were dashed for a flight off the glacier first thing in the morning. The team spirits remained high as we spent the day talking about life and the fragility of horses all while devouring any and all bacon that was left. Eventually the skies got a little lighter, then a little blue even and before we knew it - it was a beautiful sunny afternoon in the Alaska Range. After another few hours of hurry up and wait, a big red Otter buzzed into our life to whisk us back to civilization. Out of mountain boots, into showers and one final meal at Denali Brewing and our trip is complete. It was a great trip, with far more fun and stories than fit in this blog, until next time...
RMI Guides Jack Delaney, Mike Bennett and The Team
Posted by: Ben Liken, Dave Hahn, Sean Collon
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,000'
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On The Map
Thanks for the birthday wishes Joe and Sean. Hope you and the rest of the team get a break in the weather soon. Cheers to all of you and have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Tower on 7/12/2014 at 4:27 am
Looks like a wonderful trip stay hydrated get rest and most of all enjoy the view.
Posted by: PATTI RICHARDS on 1/21/2020 at 4:45 pm
Safe travels all! And hoping for beautiful weather for all the days ahead! :) XO
Guide Mom - Coeli Scott
Posted by: Coeli Scott on 1/21/2020 at 3:11 am
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