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Posted by: Geoff Schellens, Zeb Blais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Posted by: JJ Justman, Steve Gately, Mike King
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
On The Map
Monday, July 3, 2023 - 9:05 pm PT
It has been a windy snowy 24 hrs at 11,000ft. Not very pleasant to be outside of the tents for long. We are biding our time, waiting to make a break for it.
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
Congratulations & Happy 4th of July!
Jokes are all downhill from here… :D
Posted by: FAUSTINE SAMEC on 7/4/2023 at 9:24 pm
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Devin Guffey, Erika Birkeland
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,000'
Saturday, May 21, 2023 - 10:30 pm PT
Good evening readers,
Today we woke to a wet rain falling on our tents. The plan was for an early start but we postponed our departure by a few hours watching the clouds. After yummy breakfast burritos we began breaking down camp and hit the trail. The team made their way back up Ski Hill on our way to our new home at 11,000' Camp. After walking for a few hours of descent weather we hit a hot pocket that made everyone go into a heat panic. But we persevered and made it to some cooler temps. At our last break the snow flakes got bigger and a chill hit the team but this was short lived and we were back to being hot as we rolled into camp. It was a tough long day with heavy packs but it sure feels good to be here. We made camp, ate dinner and it's off to bed to let the bodies recover. Tomorrow we will back carry down to our cache to be reunited with all our gear and then rest for the majority of the day. Snow falls as we get snuggled in. Frequent taps on tent walls make the snow slide down. We will see how much snow falls through the night.
Good night all,
RMI Guides Hannah, Devin, Erika, and Team
Wow impressive to read and how encountered. Hard to believe hot pockets up in the snowy mountain. Keep up the good work.
Go Bethany Go!! Love Mom and Dad
Posted by: Jan L. Gray on 5/21/2023 at 7:29 pm
Rest up well tomorrow, Anna. Veggies will be waiting for you when you get back!
Go team, Tatas!! Keeping all of you in our prayers.
Love you, Anna!
Mom & Dad
Posted by: Kathy on 5/21/2023 at 7:14 pm
Today was the day! Cayambe summit bid.
The guides “woke up” at 11pm to check the weather outside and stepped into an uncharacteristically warm and cloudy night. Glimpses of stars came in and out of view with the wind dull and chilled. We decided it was go time and, given the hour we estimated it would take the team to gear up, we put our chips on an improving trend. Clear it did, as we donned our backpacks and set up the rocky, first section of the route. It takes us about an hour plus to get to the base of the glacier on Cayambe due to the varied, and sometimes involved terrain you navigate to get there. Our nerves quickly gave way to the necessity of focus on the tricky terrain and that’s when it gets fun!
After a quick break at the glacier to eat, put our crampons on, and rope up, we were climbing. That warm night gave way to a clear, chilly, moonlit night with views of the surrounding peaks and towns. With perfect conditions and beautiful weather, the team climbed in style for the 4000ft and 7 hours of ascent.
100% of the team stood on top of Cayambe today. An accolade not often achieved by teams attempting these tall peaks.
Proud of the grit, dedication, and attitude this team has. While it’s a shame the trip is ending, I know I’ll see these climbers back in the mountains soon enough.
This is the Cayambe Express trip.
Signing out.
RMI Guides Dominic Cifelli, Seth Burns and Team
Dominic ,Joes going to want a cold coke, after climb like that !
Congratulations!,
Posted by: Daryl on 11/5/2022 at 7:52 am
On The Map
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL. Can’t wait to see pictures and give you hugs. Enjoy the rest of of the adventure.
Posted by: Barbara Sluboski on 1/27/2019 at 7:23 pm
Way to go, Joe! Congrats to all of you on the expedition. Safe travels coming back!
Posted by: Aaron Williams on 1/27/2019 at 6:26 pm
On The Map
We’re following your climb every evening, with fascination, excitement and joy. It looks like an outstanding route! You seem to be moving very smoothly and steadily! Our very best wishes and support to you all!
Posted by: Uncle-ing and Auntling on 2/14/2014 at 11:16 pm
Great job Holly, Sarah, Chris, & Eric! Sending u lots of energy for the summit push and the downhill!
Posted by: Michelle on 2/14/2014 at 10:25 pm
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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Posted by:
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Hello again Everyone,
Today we woke to beautiful clear skies and astounding views right out our tea house windows. There are huge mountains in all directions and it’s very surreal being here at 11,000' and seeing just how incredible the Himalayas look in person.
This morning we had a leisurely breakfast and then went on a short hike to access a view point where we could see Everest, Lhotse (4th tallest) and Ama Dablam. Everyone enjoyed the views and spent time taking it all in. We then headed to a nearby mountaineering museum which was also throughly enjoyed.
The team then did a little exploring on our own and eventually met up at the amazing “Eat Smart” cafe where we had fresh juices and a delicious lunch with fresh salads, a rarity in this remote part of the world.
The remainder of our rest day was spent shopping and getting knock-off down pants to keep us comfortable and warm when we get higher in mountains.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the puffy pants crew!














Hey dad! (Lew Smith Best of luck to you and the team this week! Stephanie and I can’t wait to hear about your climb and the expedition, we are so very excited and proud of you! Stay strong, climb smart, get adequate rest, eat and drink well, and remember, “an easy pace puts a smile on your face.” Don’t focus on the summit, rather, focus on putting one foot in front of the other…do that, and you’ll reach the top. The weather looks good for the next few days, so hopefully, the mountain will allow you and team to summit. I heard the following Dan Fogelburg song a few days ago and immediately thought of you and the team. We love you!
“The higher you climb,
The more that you see.
The more that you see,
The less that you know.
The less that you know,
The more that you yearn.
The more that you yearn,
The higher you climb.
The farther you reach,
The more that you touch.
The more that you touch,
The fuller you feel.
The fuller you feel,
The less that you need.
The less that you need,
The farther you reach.
The higher you climb,
The more that you see.
The more that you see,
The less that you know.
The less that you know,
The more that you yearn.
The more that you yearn,
The higher you climb.
The higher you climb,
The more that you see.
The more that you see,
The less that you know.
The less that you know,
The more that you yearn.
The more that you yearn,
The higher you climb.”
-Dan Fogelburg
Posted by: Kyle A. Smith on 1/27/2014 at 6:17 am
Steve and team,
“On the mountains of truth you can never climb in vain: either you will reach a point higher up today, or you will be training your powers so that you will be able to climb higher tomorrow.” - Friedrich Nietzsche
Hike well and be safe.
Dad
Posted by: Bill Gately on 1/27/2014 at 4:14 am
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