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Mt. Elbrus Expedition: Gorum & Team Explore the Mountain

July 9, 2019

Posted by: JM Gorum

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside

Elevation: 7,500'

Moscow is cool and all, but it’s nice to wake up in the mountains. Cheget is a quiet little place, and there isn’t much going on in the morning hours. We had a casual start to our day, with an 8 am breakfast being the first item on the agenda. Breakfast was pretty normal fare. Eggs, toast, oatmeal. I usually can’t stand oatmeal, but here it’s basically soaked in cream and butter, so I can’t really complain about that. The team did a great job fueling up for our late-morning chairlift ride. I believe that everyone left breakfast on the edge of being uncomfortably full, which is really the sweet spot. From the hotel it’s about a five minute walk to the bottom of our chairlift. We hopped on, and skimmed the tops of the trees for about fifteen minutes. It really was quite a stylish ascent. We had butterflies, wildflowers, and chirping birds below us, and nothing but blue skies above us. We unloaded at the midway station, and walked to the top of the next lift. At around 10,000 feet we hung out, took some photos, discussed the climb, and soaked up some sun. I think about 1/3 of the team have earned nicknames at this point. Some not suitable for print. After we were satisfied with our day’s exercise, we rode the chairlift back down, more or less onto the deck of our lunch cafe, ate again, and then spent the rest of the day exploring town or relaxing. Tomorrow we’ll head up onto the mountain and stay there through the weekend. I think we’re all looking forward to it. RMI Guide JM Gorum

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Tyler- Hope the weather provides safe travel & great climbing conditions to the summit & back for your team. Looking forward to next batch of pics ! Dadio

Posted by: Kim Shearburn on 7/12/2019 at 8:41 am

Everyone looks great! We can’t wait to hear what your nickname is! We love you and are hoping for a safe climb for all of you.

Posted by: Carolyn Rossi on 7/10/2019 at 3:08 pm

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Incorporating Yoga into a Training Plan

January 16, 2015

Posted by:

Categories: Mountaineering Fitness & Training

Yoga studios have popped up nearly everywhere it seems and are as common as gyms in many places. Combine that with all sorts of free online classes and podcasts, and yoga is an activity that is readily available to nearly everyone. There are numerous different styles which focus more heavily on different aspects of the practice, such as stretching, building core strength, or mental training. The combination of strength, stretching, and focus that yoga builds can hold a lot of benefits for athletes, but many do not include it in their training routines. Yoga has a place in your training routine as you prepare for your next climb. It builds strength: Training for climbing often focuses on a handful of major muscle groups in the legs and core. We do squats for our quads, carry weight up stairs to build our quad and hamstring strength, and do sit-ups and other core exercises for balance and to help stabilize a pack. All of this training does a great job building the major muscle groups we need, but often leaves the surrounding smaller muscles underdeveloped and leads to imbalances that can ultimately lead to injury. Frequent and consistent yoga practice helps to develop those smaller muscle groups that are often left out, helping to balance out the body. Many yoga poses have a strong focus on balance: Consistent yoga practice helps to develop increased balance and coordination. In climbing, good balance and coordination translate directly to more efficient movement, and ultimately to being able to climb for longer, at a more comfortable rate. Yoga involves a lot of stretching and is a great way to increase your flexibility: Yoga improves joint and muscular flexibility, translating to greater range of motion, which in turn, yields an increase in performance. Increased range of motion also allows greater strength conditioning since the force can be exerted over a greater period. The increases in strength and performance ultimately lead to greater muscular efficiency, benefits which will certainly be felt on your next long summit day! The Shavasana portion that usually concludes each class help you to develop mental control: Stretching and strength poses were originally included in the practice of yoga to prepare the mind and body for the meditation and mental training that follows. Developing the ability to calm your mind, quell your doubts, and focus on the task at hand makes climbing a much more enjoyable experience and will improve your success in the mountains. The number and different types of yoga classes can be intimidating for someone exploring the practice of yoga. Shop around until you find a studio that you like, and explore the different classes they offer. Don’t be frustrated if you can’t do the poses at first; stick with it for a few weeks and you’ll make huge improvements in your practice and will see the benefits creep into the rest of your training. _____ Questions? Comments? Share your thoughts here on the RMI Blog!

Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer and Team Looking to Tomorrow

June 2, 2014

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Josh Maggard

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Sunday, June 1, 2014 11:34 pm PT The best laid plans are always subject to change. Our first view out of the tent this morning was of blue sky, but when we turned our gaze towards the summit, we found a large lenticular cloud spinning over the mountain, with jets of snow shooting up into the sky. Needless to say, we spent another day in camp. Our prospects look good for tomorrow, with a favorable forecast of high pressure for the next several days. We've said this before, and some are wondering how much longer we can wait; the team made the decision today that Tuesday would be our definitive up/down day. On the plus side, a slew of independent climbers made the jump to 17,000' today despite the winds, so that should alleviate some of the congestion tomorrow. We redecorated our posh tent today with a sun painted in Gatorade, a hockey player's face (looking towards the Stanley Cup), and the quote "we're doin' it". Spirits are still high despite the waiting, and we have a lot of hope that tomorrow will deliver for us. For now: off to bed to rest up for the fixed lines and West Buttress tomorrow! RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Josh Maggard, and team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hey Team Lowry might do the line dancing yet! Keeping my fingers crossed for all of you. Go go go gang.

Posted by: Frank Haasbeek on 6/3/2014 at 4:23 am

Hoping Team Lowry had the opportunity to go up…can’t wait to read your next entry and hear the good news.

Posted by: Nick Spanakis on 6/3/2014 at 4:16 am

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Mt. Elbrus: Grom & Team Fly to Mineralnye Vody

July 8, 2013

Posted by: Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside

Elevation: 11,000'

Today the team left Moscow and caught a flight to Mineralnye Vody, which is a medium size city here in southern Russian known for its abundant mineral springs. The flight over Russia's inland reminded me of the rural Midwest back home. We quickly hopped on our waiting bus and headed further south into the Baksan Valley where Elbrus sits on the border between Russia and Georgia. The area is mostly farmland with a few small towns that are predominately Islamic via its Turkish roots. We arrived in Cheget which sits at the base of Elbrus and is our launching point for our climb. We are currently getting ready for bed in our hotel after a wonderful authentic Russian meal. It was another long day of travel and the team is doing great. Everyone is looking forward to stretching their legs tomorrow. RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Glad everyone and every thing is doing great. Success to all. The blog is wonderful. Almost feel like I am there!! Mom

Posted by: Gerri Seaton on 7/10/2013 at 12:20 pm

Larry: You are looking great, sage and youthful. All the best for another of the Seven. Godspeed, Walter Tell the peak “hey” from Lori and I, June 2010.

Posted by: walter glover on 7/9/2013 at 5:51 am

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Prepare for a Couple of Days at 14,000’

July 12, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

A restful rest day was had by all... Mostly. We slept late, until almost 9 in the morning, and then emerged to find the world a dozen shades of grey as multiple cloud layers shifted slowly about. Our chefs prepared a sumptuous breakfast of egg and bacon quesadillas and we sat about in down coats telling stories for a bit before returning to the comfort of the tents for the day, determined to catch up on sleep and hydration. Our weather forecast made it plain today that we could expect at least a couple days of snow and so it was decided to grab back two days of food from the cache we'd placed at 16,200' yesterday. Geoff and Zeb made the round trip in 2 hours and 15 minutes... just in time since shortly after their return it began to snow heavily. Continued snow will make the cache inaccessible for a time as we may need to let avalanche conditions settle. The team got out in the weather long enough to beef up the tent anchors and eat a hot dinner in the POSH dining tent. Despite the forecast and the snow, spirits remain high. RMI Guide Dave Hahn

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Do hope there is enough Kungfu chicken to go round…
Take good care all of you, stay happy and healthy and get there!!

Posted by: Claire Munting on 7/12/2011 at 6:39 pm

HEY SPENCER HOLD ON THERE TONTO WEST AND I ARE ON THE WAY WITH FRESH LINENS AND MORE COFFEE AND A LATTE. HEY AND WOULD YOU LEAVE YOUR LEFT OVER STUFF WHERE WE CAN FIND IT. YOU KNOW US JUST KIDDING!!!!PRAY FOR THE BEST WEATHER FOR YOU AND YOUR TEAM. GET TO THE SUMMIT!!!!

Posted by: TOBY EMERSON on 7/12/2011 at 1:58 pm

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Ecuador Seminar: Hailes & Team Wrap Up Their Time in Ecuador

February 18, 2025

Posted by: Walter Hailes, Nicole De Petris

Categories: Ecuador

A Final Day in Ecuador: Reflections and Goodbyes

After an incredible adventure, we made our way back to Quito, wrapping up our time in Ecuador. We squeezed in some last-minute souvenir shopping, picking up mementos to remember the trip by. As the evening approached, we gathered for a wonderful final team dinner, reminiscing about the amazing experiences we had shared. Conversations turned toward the future, with talk of returning to climb Chimborazo and Antisana. But for now, we had to say our final "see you laters," cherishing the memories made and the bonds formed.

Safe travels!

RMI Guide Walter Hailes

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Aconcagua: Smith & Team Rest At Camp 2

January 20, 2023

Posted by: Hannah Smith, Ben Luedtke, Daniel May

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

Good evening,

Not a whole lot to report from Camp 2. Our night was noisy with wind, which didn't let up till later in the afternoon. With the winds blowing in the morning making the camp look all sparkly we decided to stay put and not participate in the windy day.The carry is not a crucial part of our agenda so it is OK that we opted not to carry to high camp. We spent out day watching the snow Dance off the ridges and the top.Tomorrow will be another rest day before we make the move to high camp where we launch for the summit. The winds should be lessening as our day approaches. For now we snuggle into our sleeping bags for warmth and enjoy a other hypoxic sleep at 18,000'.

Goodnight all,

RMI Guides Hannah, Ben, Dan and Team

Denali Expedition: Schmitt & Team Enjoy Rest Day at 11,000ft Camp

June 8, 2021

Posted by: JT Schmitt, Alan Davis, Kiira Antenucci

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,000'

Tuesday, June 8th, 2021 - 3:34 pm PT

We slept in till ten today, then enjoyed a delectable brunch of bagels and lox. Seems like an interesting dichotomy to be eating such luxurious meals in such an inhospitable place.

We are spending the remainder of the day resting, eating and stocking up on calories and sleep to give us the strength we need to hopefully carry to just below 14,000' Camp tomorrow.

RMI Guides JT, Kiira, Alan and the RMI team

Aconcagua: Scott & Team Begin Trek to Basecamp

January 22, 2020

Posted by: Nick Scott, Dominic Cifelli

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 9,000'

Today we left behind the comforts of civilization and began our trek to Aconcagua Basecamp. The first day turned out to be a hot and dusty one, with only the occasional breeze to cool us down. After several hours of walking through the desert we reached Pampa de Lenas, our camp for the night. Our outfitter Grajales was waiting for us with pitchers of lemonade to relieve our parched mouths and a spread of orange slices and snacks to replenish our energy. While our accommodation for the night may be modest, our dinner certainly won’t be. Tonight is the night of the famous Lenas Asado! A traditional Argentine BBQ cooked over an open fire under the stars. After such a long walk today, you can be sure our appetites are primed and ready for the meal to come.

All the climbers did well today, but another long day is in store for us tomorrow as we make our way closer to basecamp and deeper into the mountains.

RMI Guide Nick Scott

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

We love you Dad/Gramps/Mark!

Posted by: Chelsea Miller on 1/23/2020 at 4:27 pm

Good luck dad! (Joe D.) Reading the blogs all the way from Pa. Keep up the good work, everyone! ❤️

Posted by: Nicole on 1/22/2020 at 4:56 pm

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Mt. Everest: Hahn & Team Have a Snow Day

April 13, 2015

Posted by: Dave Hahn, JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Elevation: 17,575'

The snow began falling about the time we got into our sleeping bags last night. It didn't quit. When we poked heads out for a look-see around 3:30 AM, it was still piling up pretty good, and so there wasn't any consideration given for going ahead with the icefall plan for the day. Back to bed and wait and see, was the plan. It had snowed about a foot by breakfast. The gang assembled and we spent the day biding our time. We didn't have great conditions for walking with powder snow over uneven rock and ice. The clouds and flurries hung in all day. We could hear and occasionally see puja ceremonies going on at the camps around us. All-in-all it was a quiet day of waiting. We'll see what tomorrow brings. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

PMR, like the beard, true mountain man look!!

Ken

Posted by: Ken Nelson on 4/13/2015 at 10:30 pm

Larry,
An oven, was that really an oven in JJ’s picture? Amazing…
Glad your getting some good food and company up there. Love you!

Posted by: Debbie Worden on 4/13/2015 at 8:58 pm

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Most Popular Entries

Mt. Elbrus Expedition: Gorum & Team Explore the Mountain

Incorporating Yoga into a Training Plan

Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer and Team Looking to Tomorrow

Mt. Elbrus: Grom & Team Fly to Mineralnye Vody

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Prepare for a Couple of Days at 14,000’

Ecuador Seminar: Hailes & Team Wrap Up Their Time in Ecuador

Aconcagua: Smith & Team Rest At Camp 2

Denali Expedition: Schmitt & Team Enjoy Rest Day at 11,000ft Camp

Aconcagua: Scott & Team Begin Trek to Basecamp

On The Map

Mt. Everest: Hahn & Team Have a Snow Day

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