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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
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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,
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Matias Francis, Chase Halbert
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,200'
Sunday, May 23, 2021 - 11:47 pm PT
Though it's almost June, the temps this morning hit us like the coldest winter chill. When we first crawled out of the tents it looked like today would be the day. It was cold, but the winds were light in camp. Above, huge plumes of snow launched off of the upper elevation ridgelines, a clear visual of how hard the winds were blowing aloft, but with them coming out of the north, we hoped the mountain would provide shelter and that the warmth that came with the sun would tame the winds. Instead, the opposite happened. As we ate breakfast the winds steadily increased in camp to a small squall, injecting snow through any opening in tents or clothes. Word from higher up said 14,000' Camp was no better. So we got the message and settled in. They've calmed considerably since this afternoon and the forecast calls for them to continue to diminish, so we know we'll get our shot to move up. The group is doing really well with the weather hang. Rounds of gin rummy, kindles, and movies are keeping everyone occupied, as well as a quick wall building session to protect our bathroom tent. Someone mentioned working on content for the Denali calendar as well. Fingers and toes are crossed we get to go climbing tomorrow.
RMI Guides Pete, Matias, Chase, and team, brought to you by Alice in Chains
(Previous blogs brought to you by Outkast and The Scorpions)
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Posted by: Adam Knoff, Lindsay Mann
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,200'
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On The Map
This is from your mother, Mark…and I suppose me, too!
Lots of love Mark..so glad things are going well. Good luck and success to you and your teams.Thrilled that you might reach the summit today! Love, Mom…and Merabeth
Posted by: Merabeth Lurie on 7/5/2014 at 1:15 pm
Congrats on making it to High camp. You guys are like Rocky and keep going no matter what is thrown at you! Can’t wait to read your next blog from the summit!!
Posted by: Jerry Hildebrand on 7/5/2014 at 12:04 pm
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Aug 7, 2023 1:55PM PT
A sound sleep and much needed recovery was had by the team after our descent to Mweka Gate and the thin air of 6,000'. Negotiating a slick, slippery path down the 4000' to our waiting bus and celebratory lunch proved tricky, but no casualties were had.
We said our goodbyes to our new friends who supported us this week on Kilimanjaro. We all welcomed the showers, dancing, and comfort at our hotel - plus the ability to connect with friends and family.
Tomorrow our safari begins the second half of our adventure. Catch you then!
Welcome back down to earth where the breathing is easy. Congratulations to all who make this climb. What a great feeling you must all have.
Glad there were no casualties. A good week for you all.
Cheers,
Barb
Posted by: Barbara Heck on 8/7/2023 at 2:49 pm
Posted by: Eric Frank, Seth Burns
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 12,800'
The Five Day Climb led by RMI Guides Eric Frank and Seth Burns climbed the Ingraham Direct Route on Mt. Rainier and reached 12,800'. Firm route conditions kept the team from climbing higher.
The team is at Camp Muir where they are in and out of the clouds. They will spend some time re-fueling and organizing their gear before starting their descent.
Congratulations Team!
Posted by: JT Schmitt, Alan Davis, Kiira Antenucci
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7,300'
Friday, June 4, 2021 - 3:09 pm PT
After our dry run yesterday, we got to do the real thing today. We landed on to the Kahiltna at precisely 10 am, and boy was it already hot! We were hoping to hit the ground running, but talking to teams coming off the lower Kahiltna and looking at the temps we decided to take the day to review skills, dig a cache and organize.
Due to the hot temps we are switching to a night schedule so we will sleep through the heat of the day today and depart when things firm up! Morale is high and we are super excited to be on the mountain!
RMI Guide JT Schmitt and team
Kyle & Team: We’re thinking of you and wish you the best. You’ve got this! -Jonas and everyone in Anchorage.
Posted by: Jonas Walker on 6/6/2021 at 9:45 am
Happy to hear about you progress. Sounds toasty. Use that sunscreen,
Posted by: richard loftus aka Kiira's Gramps on 6/5/2021 at 2:54 pm
On The Map
The team is making great progress. You’ll be at the top before you know it!! Praying for continued safe travels. From James’Madre
Posted by: Dolores Graham on 7/10/2013 at 4:24 pm
you all look great! ask Chris to point out where I would have stopped, Im sure u will all make it to the top. its great to be able to read these updates!
Posted by: Ryan Wolf on 7/10/2013 at 2:16 pm
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
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