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Climbers Arrive In Sherpa Capital Namche

March 30, 2010

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Elevation: 11,500 ft.

We seem to be repeating ourselves here in the Khumbu, saying "that couldn't have gone any smoother" over and over. Sure enough we got out of Katmandu right on schedule yesterday morning with an easy flight in a Dornier 228 twin engine prop plane. We all survived the uphill landing in Lukla, had a fine breakfast there and then hit the trail at around 8 AM. There are twelve of us at the moment, plus Raju and Lama Babu (our climbing sirdar). We'll be joined any day now by climber Michael Brown, but for the moment, there are four climbers, four guides, two trekkers and two team managers and everybody is walking well. The gang walked just fine on somewhat crowded trails yesterday, through farms and small villages to Phak Ding. There we moved into Jo's Garden, a traditional "tea house", for the night. It is a peaceful place, with the Dudh Khosi -a river of constant whitewater- flowing furiously past and erasing all other sound. For many of us, the night was our first of full sleep in what seemed like a week -what with the hectic packing, repacking, flying, packing, more flying, early starting and jet-lagging. Today all seemed to be in good moods and good health and so we joined the busy trail again for the walk upriver. By late morning, we'd entered the National Park and found a nice outside table at a cafe for lunch. A few plates of rice and potatoes later and we got back into the walking. We tackled the notorious Namche Hill and cruised past about a hundred trekkers, porters and pack animals all grinding up in low gear. Conditions were just perfect for gaining about 2000 vertical feet since the ample cloud cover and a few gentle breezes kept the heat tolerable. But the clouds did rob us of what could have been a first view of Everest from the trail. No matter, we'll see it soon enough. The team is tucked in at Camp De Base, a fine lodge in Namche, the "Sherpa Capital" as everyone calls it. We'll spend three nights here, trying to get used to the big jump in altitude (we are up around 11,500 ft now) and enjoying the shopping, communications and social opportunities of this bustling and spectacularly placed town. Tonight, since it will be the first at true altitude, we won't be able to drink much alchohol... but if we could, we'd be toasting Mark Tucker's mom, who turned eighty back in California. Happy Birthday from the RMI Everest 2010 team!

Everest Base Camp Trek: Grom & Team Enjoy Rest Day in Pheriche

March 18, 2025

Posted by: Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek

Elevation: 13,950'

Greetings from the Khumbu Valley!

All is well here at 14,000ft and the team is doing great.

Today was a planned rest day to help our bodies adjust to the ever thinning air up here. And that’s what we mostly did. We split into two groups with one exploring around camp and seeing what yaks do when they’re not carrying loads on their backs, and the other went off in search of Yeti’s. Which took us up a nearby hill and just over 16,000ft. Unfortunately we didn’t see any yetis, but we did have some amazing views of the Valley and could see Cho Oyu, and Makalu (both 8000m peaks) in the far off distance.

The remaining part of the day was spent reading, writing, and napping in the warmth of the sun room of our tea house.

RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Base Camp crew!

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Kilimanjaro: Hahn & Team Enjoy their Last Day in Africa

September 1, 2023

Posted by: Dave Hahn

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

There were elephants walking between our tents in the night. We went to sleep to the sound of them eating grass and shrubs. Breakfast at Lokisale was just before sunrise and so we got the maximum value from our final day on Safari. We hated to leave such a comfortable camp, but we were excited to see what we could see. Within a few minutes drive, we’d crossed back into Tarangire National Park, but a considerable distance from the main gate. Our drivers took us along a gigantic swamp which was teeming with wildlife. We had the place to ourselves for hours. The team was still looking high and low for leopards when we found lions. Two big males, out for a mellow morning of hunting. They simply walked toward herds of hartebeest or Cape buffalo without much stealth, hoping to get lucky.

Then we saw a lioness and her two cubs laying about and doing cat things. Before the morning was out we’d gotten glimpses of another leopard and a couple of Cheetahs. Not close enough for photography but close enough that we felt very lucky to see them. We headed for the main gate eventually, after a hundred more eagles and giraffes, a dozen hippos, a million impala and wildebeest and zebra. There were hyenas and mongooses and darn near everything else… except bears and tigers. And mile after mile of beautiful East African savanna and forest.

By noon we were out of the park and driving east toward Arusha. We made a final stop at the cultural center on the city outskirts and stretched our legs while surveying the artwork. We reached our comfortable and familiar Rivertrees Hotel just after 3 PM. Then we started having to say goodbye to one another as our itineraries diverged. Some of us are flying today, some tomorrow, some are continuing the expedition to the shores of Zanzibar. It was a good team and so we are confident of seeing each other again on some future adventure. Even so, there is just a little sadness that it all has to end for now.

It was pretty fun. Thanks for following along.

Best Regards,

RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

We sure have enjoyed your blog and making us feel like we were on the journey with our friends! Congratulations to all on the tour! Safe travels home to everyone! Can’t wait to hear more about your trip and pictures on IG Cindee! Much love!

Posted by: Allie Frankie & Tillie on 9/2/2023 at 3:18 pm

Thank you, Dave for your wonderful blog. I think you should write for a travel magazine.Your comments and insights are so descriptive - all of us on the other side of the world could imagine being part of your expedition. Thank you for taking good care of our daughter Melanie, and her close friends, Debi and Dan. More travels in the future for these adventurers? You bet!! Wishing you all the best, Janice Smiley

Posted by: Janice Smiley on 9/1/2023 at 6:05 pm

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Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Summit!

June 9, 2019

Posted by: JM Gorum, JT Schmitt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 20,310'

UPDATE: Sunday, June 9, 2019 - 8:27 PM PT The team is all safely back at high camp. Everyone did an excellent job on the way down. - JM Sunday, June 9, 2019 - 5:24 PM PT This is John Michael Gorum, calling from the summit of Denali believe it or not, at long last and multiple attempts, we made it! Beautiful day, climbing in light layers and light gloves. [We are] taking photos and some snacks on top and about to head back down. I will send an email update when we get back to camp. All right, you'll hear from us later. RMI Guide JM Gorum

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Brit—

Congrats to you for a long, challenging and incredibly successful climb!

We could not be any more happy for you and the other climbers.

GREAT JOB!!

Tom and Becky

Posted by: Tom and Becky on 6/11/2019 at 8:29 am

Congratulations to all the team quite an achievement ;;well done beautiful photos beautiful clear skies ;my French man is right behind you guys they did a gear climb to camp 5 return to camp 4 .monday 10 th June ;so maybey a summit attempt in the next few days ; his satellite connection is not great so i have been following you guys ;;nice job;;;

Posted by: tracy mccall on 6/11/2019 at 1:51 am

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team at High Camp

February 16, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

It was a day. We awoke to a foot of snow and 30mph winds at Aconcagua's Camp 2, brr! After a slow morning breaking down camp we headed uphill through wind and snow toward Camp 3. It was hard going and the team had to dig deep to get to high camp, but everyone walked in together, heads high and looking forward to the next challenge. Tomorrow, we go for the summit! RMI Guide Katrina Bloemsma

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hi sweetie hope U had a nice day of relaxing! Looks like better weather will make the summit experience all the sweeter, Love you, miss you, Richie &. Sea Jay. Xxxxxxoooo

Posted by: Rich larscheid on 2/17/2014 at 7:46 pm

Hoping this email finds you full of thrills and cheers and at the summit! Keeping you and yours in my thought!
Stay safe and full-up with incredible memories…Diane

Posted by: Diane Hart on 2/17/2014 at 1:56 pm

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Carry to Camp 1

December 21, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Hello everyone in the lowlands! We thin-air breathers are now back in base camp after a terrific day. The team carried gear up to Camp 1. Aconcagua is a big undertaking which requires a lot of food, fuel and gear. We established Camp 1 at 16,200 feet. The team is honestly doing so well! We moved as one unit up and down. I like this because it keeps people motivated and we can pass the time with chit chat. Once we arrived at Camp 1 we emptied our packs and then Leah and I filled a couple of duffel bags full of food and gear. Now back at base camp we are surviving the heat and several climbers are in a championship round of Yahtzee. RMI Guide JJ Justman

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Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Getting Ready for their Safari

July 30, 2012

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

We had an easy hike out of Kilimanjaro National Park this morning. After such a full day on the mountain yesterday, it was just a walk in the park today. A nice lunch was prepared for us at the Mweka Gate, which is the exit point from our route in Kilimanjaro National Park. Had a nice send off with our local staff with singing, dancing and gifting for the great service we had throughout the trip. After our celebration dinner it is now time to repack for the next part of the adventure.... SAFARI here we come! RMI Guide Mark Tucker

Exploring Namche Bazaar

March 27, 2010

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek

Elevation: 11,300'

Greetings from Namche, The clear weather has continued to hold and we were greeted to spectacular views of the three summits Kwangde bathed in morning light across the valley. The weekly Saturday morning market was going on this morning. Ending at 9am in order to allow the Sherpa from surrounding areas to get back home with their goods, the market is perched on a series of three terraces on the eastern side of Namche. Traders spread their goods out along the narrow terraces, bartering over items that range from fresh vegetables to spices to buffalo meat to packaged foods and cheap knockoff running shoes. We wandered amongst the action, admiring both the diversity of goods and the setting in which it all takes place. As the market began to wind down we climbed up to the Army Post that sits above Namche. From it's hilltop perch we caught our first glimpse further up the Khumbu Valley to the looming Everest massif. Everest's famous pyramidal summit was clearly visible alongside that of Lhotse, Everest's neighbor and fellow 8000m peak. From both summits flew giant plumes of snow and wind, indicating that the jet stream still lies firmly planted over the region and the climbing season is still several weeks off - although expeditions began their approach now to be in position for when the jet finally abates. A small museum sponsored by the National Park sits at the Army Post as well and we took the opportunity to learn more about the regions fauna, flora, geology, and culture. Afterward we dropped by another small museum run by a deaf Sherpa who is a talented photographer and has tirelessly assembled an impressive collection of traditional Sherpa artifacts, relics of former mountaineering expeditions, photographs of many traditional Sherpa holidays and festivals, and a meticulous log of all Everest summiteers, Western and Sherpa alike. Afterward we had a relaxing afternoon in Namche, wandering it's narrow streets and small shops packed with goods, visiting the recently renovated Monastery perched on the hill at the edge of town, and taking time to relax atop some of the large boulders carves with colorful Buddhist prayers and take in the mountainous panorama in the afternoon sun. While a restful day, today has been important in our acclimatization process and in preparing our bodies for the thin air higher up. Tomorrow we will build upon this by climbing to several villages above Namche to visit them before returning to Namche for our last night here on the ascent. The team is feeling strong and looking forward to tomorrow's day hike.

Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer & Team and 14K Camp Life

May 29, 2014

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

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

May 29, 2014 - 7:22 pm PT Today has been more of the same from the last few days: snow, some light winds, and evidence of strong winds up high. As the weather continues to stall groups here at 14K camp, more and more groups have arrived to join the community. When we arrived, 14K Camp resembled a tiny village of tents and snow walls, but sprawl has taken over and camp looks more like a city everyday. As the population grows, so does the sense of community, since everyone is dealing with the same problems. When they announce the weather over the radio at 8 pm, small clusters of climbers come together across camp to listen and discuss afterwards. As you walk through camp, the weather is on everyone's tongue; what is it going to do tomorrow, when will the window come, and what is causing this pattern is discussed a hundred times a day. A small barter market of food, toilet paper, and entertainment has sprung up. It feels like a small emptiness opens every time a team runs out of days and has to head back downhill, but their space (both physical and psychological) is quickly filled by the arrival of a new group. All of this helps to keep us patient and sane as we wait. Tomorrow will likely be a continuation of this trend, but the awaited window does seem to be showing itself in the forecasts, so the end may be in sight! Best, RMI Guides Pete, Robby, and Josh

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Mt. Rainier: August 1st - Teams on the Summit!

August 1, 2013

Posted by: Brent Okita, Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

Today's Four Day Summit Climbs led by RMI Guides Brent Okita & Billy Nugent reached the summit crater of Mt. Rainier just before 7 am PT. Brent reported clear skies, a windless and gorgeous day. The smoke from the Eastern Washington fires seems to have cleared and the cloud deck is below Paradise at about 5,000’. The teams will return to Camp Muir in the late morning and then continue their descent to Paradise. We look forward to seeing the teams at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb teams!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

What a birthday present! I’m so proud and happy.

Posted by: Karen Oldfield on 8/1/2013 at 10:40 am

Congratulations Michael - Knew you could do it!!!
The Buckeye Nation is proud of you. GO BUCKS!!!!!

Posted by: Eric And Julia on 8/1/2013 at 9:53 am

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Climbers Arrive In Sherpa Capital Namche

Everest Base Camp Trek: Grom & Team Enjoy Rest Day in Pheriche

Kilimanjaro: Hahn & Team Enjoy their Last Day in Africa

Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Summit!

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team at High Camp

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Carry to Camp 1

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Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Getting Ready for their Safari

Exploring Namche Bazaar

Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer & Team and 14K Camp Life

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Mt. Rainier: August 1st - Teams on the Summit!

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