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Posted by: Robby Young, Pete Van Deventer, Josh Maggard
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
May 26, 2015 - 12:17 am PT
Just like Johnny Cash said, "that train keeps a rollin'." The winds were down, a cloud of sparkling ice crystals hung around, reflecting the sunlight and solar baking everything, and we returned to a dead calm Windy Corner to retrieve our cash. We are one step closer now with all of our food up here with us. The next step is to take a run at the fixed lines and cache some food in the West Buttress. To prepare, we spent the afternoon practicing with our ascenders and getting prepped for that potential carry tomorrow. Mac and cheese with bacon for dinner to fuel us tomorrow. We'll hope to wake up with a green light to head up. For now, good night!
RMI Guides Pete, Robby, Josh, and team
On The Map
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek
We are back safe and sound in Kathmandu.
Everyone is enjoying the comforts here at the Yak & Yeti Hotel, a long hot shower, good food, and the warm temperatures.
It's been one amazing adventure with a great team and it will be sad to say goodbye, but we are all looking forward to getting back home to our loved ones.
Thanks for following.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew
When you think about mountain climbing, it can generally conjure up images of folks heading up and out in the predawn hours, headlamps shining as they make their way higher. While we'll get to experience that later in the trip, today's mission was to get our luggage staged at chopper camp, roughly 18,000' on Aconcagua.
We woke to more clear blue skies and absolutely still air. This rare combination on Aconcagua is something to savor, which we did as we departed camp at the civilized hour of 9 am and made our way up and over Ameghino Col and around towards Camp 2.
In very short order the team pulled into camp with our kits, got the gear stashed, and headed back to the comfort of our tents at Camp 1. We are currently sitting inside, trying to avoid the intense UV that is beating down out there.
This afternoon is the start of a nice long rest period for us, as we will be chilling here for the remainder of today and all of tomorrow. We'll check back in later!
RMI Guide Garrett Stevens
On The Map
Bill and Team! Yahoo… enjoy resting and relaxing as you trek downward. So looking forward to seeing you on January 23rd Bill…breakfast is my treat! D
Posted by: Dav'ne on 1/7/2014 at 8:46 am
Enjoy your day resting. Take lots of pictures.
Posted by: Martha on 1/7/2014 at 4:17 am
We had our best day yet climbing on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro today. By no means is it vertical rock climbing, however, ascending the Great Barranco Wall really makes you feel like you are climbing!
After we reached the top of the wall we traversed at an altitude of 14,500'. The weather didn't turn on us. However, the clouds rose up and engulfed us in a light mist as we climbed the final section into camp. We are now nestled in at Karanga Camp and the entire team is doing fantastic!
Tomorrow is high camp. An then the summit so don't go too far. We will have a summit report for you Sunday!!
RMI Guide JJ Justman
On The Map
Kalani and Dom, wow! Way to go, so proud of both of you and happy to be able to follow your adventure and cheer you on from afar. Be safe and enjoy! We miss you!!! Warm aloha…Sioson ‘ohana.
Posted by: Kimi Rapada on 8/2/2013 at 6:46 pm
Dom and Kalani, Awesome climb so far, huh? Can’t wait to hear all the details. Be safe. Debbie V
Posted by: Debbie on 8/2/2013 at 9:14 am
Posted by:
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside
Dobre Veycher,
After a long couple days of travel we arrived in St. Petersburg this afternoon. Compared to the throngs of summer travelers filling the terminals back home in the U.S., the airport here in St. Petersburg was comparatively calm and within a half hour of landing we were strolling into the afternoon sun with all of our equipment. The drive into St. Petersburg is a fascinating mix of eras and cultures, with the clean lines of the European inspired city mixed with neon Cryillic street signs, statues and archways celebrating the USSR, and giant billboards advertising the latest in electronics and hair care products. Plunging northward deeper into the heart of the city the wide boulevards gradually constrict and soon the buildings push in on both sides of the streets, occasionally intersected by the canals that help drain the city. With the warm temperatures of summer we saw several locals out on jet skis in the canals, navigating between the barges and tour boats at full speed, leaving bewildered visitors and boat captains in their wakes.
After reaching the hotel, we dropped our bags in the rooms and then snuck out for a quick dinner at a trendy little cafe around the corner. On our way out we met up with the RMI Team led by Casey Grom, returning from a successful climb of Elbrus. They reported fantastic conditions on the mountain and great climbing up high.
With the sun setting out to the west over the North Sea we are turning in for the evening. Tomorrow we will spend the day visiting St. Petersburg and getting settled into the new time zone before heading south to Elbrus and the Caucasus the following day.
A moderately stormy day on Mount Vinson. We chose not to do our intended carry because of persistent wind and cloud, which when combined with the normal cold temperatures makes travel a little dicey. Or at least a little more dicey than we hoped for for our intro to the mountain. Instead we practiced a bit with our avalanche beacons, beefed up the snow walls around our dining tent and went for a three- hour hike with light packs when conditions improved slightly in the afternoon. Forecasts call for less wind tomorrow and we'll hope to take advantage.
Posted by: JJ Justman, Katrina Bloemsma
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
The time has arrived. We are nestling into Plaza Argentina Base Camp. The weather has been too nice on our trek in. It certainly explains why there is a sun on the flag of Argentina. We wish there was a swimming pool at base.
The entire team is doing very well and it is nice to unload all our gear knowing we don't have to pack up duffels for the mules. Speaking of mules, we want to thank our cowboys for helping us get to BC. The boys from Grajales are the very best. Second to none and they are part of the RMI family.
It's time to relax...we will keep you posted from 13800 feet.
RMI Guide JJ Justman and Team
Get it Dad!!! Wish I was climbing up there with you! Love you!
-Ezra
Posted by: Ezra on 2/8/2014 at 1:40 pm
Way to go Casey! Enjoy your adventure. We are thinking of you and praying that you get up and down the mountain safely and with incredible memories.
Posted by: Emelie Kallen on 2/8/2014 at 9:42 am
Posted by: Seth Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
We're on safari!
We didn't sleep in too much today. We left the hotel just after 9 AM and spent some time in the city of Arusha. We did some shopping and stocked up on drinks for the road. After about 2 hours of driving we had lunch and entered Lake Manyara National Park. The game viewing here is always great and the lake is very full these days. Here's a shot of a large elephant crossing the road in front of us.
RMI Guide Seth Waterfall
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Well known for its river valleys, wetlands, gently rolling hills, rocky outcrops, acacia woodlands, and numerous baobabs (the upside down tree). We are here at the Tarangire National Park which is one of my favorites. Perfect conditions weather wise during the game drive today. Wide open spaces and views to behold. Here we are at the Kikoti Luxury tent camp for the night after a great game drive through the park. I was just escorted to my tent by a man with a Rifle and another with a spear. Not uncommon for night movement while living in the bush.
Sure hope I survive the night so I can report in tomorrow.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
Posted by:
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
We enjoyed our night at the Kikoti Camp spending time by the open fire after dinner. This tented camp is really luxury camping, a bit rustic but not roughing it and a very peaceful location out in the bush.
After breakfast we toured Tarangire National Park on a three hour game drive seeing lots of elephant and a nice glimpse of a cheetah! This morning was cloudy and cool but we enjoyed warm and sunny conditions this afternoon. We made a stop for souvenirs and last purchases on our way back to the Dik Dik. We will spend some time repacking and organizing for our flights this evening. After dinner we will leave the Dik Dik Hotel and transfer to the airport.
Overall the trip was a great success. We made some new friends, climbed Kilimanjaro and had fun on safari. We can't believe it is already over.
Thanks for following our adventure.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
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Go Renee. Am waiting with bated breath to hear you’re at the summit. I hope it’s as awesome as the views do far. I think all of the VEC are behind you babe. Good luck and much love xxxxx
Posted by: Glenda on 5/30/2015 at 1:46 am
Rennee you are doing not only us here at the VEC, but your family and more importantly yourself proud ! Everyone is 100% right behind you all the way my friend :)
Thanks to the rest of the team for looking after our little Duvo ! Great photo’s and updates !
Onwards and upwards all :)
Posted by: Paul your GOD Webbyyyyy on 5/26/2015 at 9:23 pm
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