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Posted by: Geoff Schellens, Seth Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 18,701'
RMI Guide Seth Waterfall calls from the summit of Pico de Orizaba.
On The Map
On The Map
Casey, I’d recognize that jacket anywhere. Larry, the beard is looking great. Hope you are having a blast. Missing you and all the gang. Looks chilly there. It’s 98 degrees in the shade in Houston. Enjoy.
Posted by: Cindy Calder on 7/12/2013 at 7:43 am
Hey Casey and Larry!!!! You guys look great!!! We will be following y’all all the way to the top.
Posted by: Holley Harris and Cindy Calder on 7/11/2013 at 8:47 pm
On The Map
Hats off to you all….it’s been a blast following this trek and moments where we wish we could be there with you b/c VERY hot here in upstate NY…travel mercies on the descent. Gil:I’ve been keeping Chandler in line. ~(:)
Posted by: Dana Holly Troy on 7/7/2013 at 8:16 am
Hola Guapo,
I have to assume you are summiting since there has been no news for two days!
We are munching nervously on the rest of your Kit Kat bars…..“oh my goodness!”
Forest Gump would say: “Run Guapo Ruuuun”!
Can’t wait to hear!
Lots Love!!
Posted by: marion and maya on 7/6/2013 at 7:13 am
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside
RMI Guide Billy Nugent checks in from 17,000'.
on pins and needles waiting to see if you guys summit today! i’m hanging out with connolly tonight in order to have my own little adventure. i miss you much! love you- janie
Posted by: Janie on 5/27/2011 at 9:44 am
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Mike Bennett, Ben Luedtke
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
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Friday, June 20, 2025 10:02pm PDT
You must go up to go down, and go down to go up.
The team started the day with a simple yet efficient breakfast of cereal and coffee before donning their crampons, roping up, and beginning their walk out of camp at roughly 8:30 a.m.
The climb out of 14 Camp quickly gains elevation, built up by rolling slopes that offer brief stretches of reprieve before reaching the base of the fixed lines. A steep and icy headwall, the fixed lines provide both access to the upper mountain and a formidable challenge to anyone seeking passage. Installed each season by climbing rangers and maintained by guides, the fixed lines serve as a two-lane highway to Denali’s flank—the West Buttress.
The team made great progress, gaining elevation quickly as they found a rhythm in the often awkward and unfamiliar technique of fixed-line travel. After nearly 1,000 feet of “jugging” up various rope sections, the team broke through to the ridge, rounded a corner, and found shelter at the base of the Buttress—the high point for the day. Sheltered by rocky outcroppings, the team took a well-earned break while the guides collected gear to be left behind and dug out a cache.
Once the gear was stashed, the team turned and began the quite different, yet equally challenging, descent down the lines. Using arm wraps and steady footwork, they made their way down in a timely and stylish fashion.
Good snacks, a cozy tent, and the promise of a rest day awaited them upon return to 14 Camp.
RMI Guide Michael Bennet & Team
New Post Alerts:
Mt. McKinley Expedition June 9, 2025
Such an amazing experience and kudos to the climbing rangers and guides who install and maintain the fixed lines (had to look up what that is). 14,200 ft!! All your hard work and preparation is paying off and we cannot wait to hear more and see photos.
We’re all so proud of you, Mikayla and team!
Love,
Tante Mary
Posted by: Mary McKinley on 6/22/2025 at 1:14 am
Hi dad -
It’s me wells. I’ve been missing you so much. I love you. I’m proud of you for doing hard work. It’s good that you’re okay. I’m about to go to bed, but I wanted to leave a quick comment. And I love you.
Love wells
Posted by: Wells hal on 6/21/2025 at 10:01 pm
We had an amazing night to climb the highest peak in Mexico, 18,491’. The skies were clear, near full moon and warm air in the first 2 hours out of Piedra Grande Hut.
By the time we got done meandering through the labyrinth there was a cold breeze and the temps dropped as we neared the toe of the Jamapa Glacier that dominates Pico de Orizaba’s Northside. The Team got their crampons on and up we went for what seemed like forever. The climbing is similar to Rainier’s glaciers. There had been some new snow in the last 10 days and a rain event that was proceeded by a lot of wind and a cold front. The result was a thick ice crust on the lower glacier. The guides had begun talking about turning the climb due to the inability to arrest a fall in these conditions if they persisted in the steeper slopes. Fortunately the snow softened and the team reached the summit around 8:15 am.
During the descent the clouds came in and we descended to the hut. With wet clouds rolling through camp and temperatures dropping we loaded up and road down the bumpy road to Senior Reyes’ climbing hostel. Beers, showers, beers, food, packing and sleeping in that order gets us to the airport tomorrow afternoon. It’s been a fantastic Mexico Volcanoes trip with a great group of climbers.
RMI Guides Mike King & Dustin Wittmier
On The Map
Posted by: Mike Walter, Taylor Bickford, Nikki Champion
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 20,310'
On The Map
Congrats to Eric and the team on a job well done! Can’t wait for everyone to come down safely and warm up :)
Posted by: Savannah on 7/1/2019 at 10:59 am
Congratulations Eric and team!!! An amazing accomplishment!
With aloha,
The Schusters
Posted by: Annie on 6/30/2019 at 9:36 pm
On The Map
I am glad you are having a great time Damian! Mmm, caviar.. I am so jealous! Good luck and have fun!
Posted by: Leona Partridge on 7/23/2014 at 9:28 pm
It looks like an amazing day was had by all. Have a great adventure Damian.
Posted by: Melann Partridge on 7/23/2014 at 8:03 pm
Taylor…..YOU DID IT…How was the weather??? Lots of snow?
How was it different from Oct? Deb
Posted by: Debbi on 1/25/2014 at 2:19 pm
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