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Posted by: Geoff Schellens, Zeb Blais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Posted by: JJ Justman, Katrina Bloemsma
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
On The Map
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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
I hope this is the right team! I wanted to give a shout out to Frank Saunders! I am watching progress here in Memphis at Armstrong! What an incredible experience! So proud of you! Have fun and can’t wait to hear all about the details when you get back!
Posted by: Monica on 5/31/2011 at 6:46 am
sounds you you all had a great deserved day of rest. Maile I know how much you like to have your nap so I hope you got one in. Hope the weather holds for you guys Miss ya girl xoxo Mom
Posted by: ginny myers on 5/30/2011 at 6:42 am
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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Posted by: Seth Burns, Joe Crawford, Bryan Mazaika, Jackson Breen, Ben Thorneycroft, David Rathbun, Erika Barrett, Nina Bridges
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guides Seth Burns and Joe Crawford led their Five Day climb teams to the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Seth radioed from the crater rim at 8:47 am. Its a goregous day on the mountain with clear skies and cool temperatures. After spending some time in the crater the team will descend to Camp Muir and spend their second night on the mountain. Tomorrow they will continue down to Paradise.
Nice work today team!
Posted by: Dave Hahn, James Bealer, Mitch Valaitis, Nicole De Petris, Rosie Hust, Miles Watson, Stella Johnson, Nina Bridges
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 10,080'
The Four-Day Climb from May 26–29, led by RMI Guides Dave Hahn and James Bealer, was unable to make a summit attempt this morning due to sustained high winds and stronger gusts. The teams remained safely sheltered at Camp Muir and will begin their descent to Paradise later this morning.
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Ben Luedtke, Michael Murray
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
Today was a “rest day,” which in Spanish apparently means “do your chores, pack your bag, unpack your bag, repack your bag, go for a hike up a steep hill and move rocks back and forth until you can hardly breathe.” And at 18,000 feet, just putting your shoes on can leave you breathless.
We did find some time for relaxation, however, with euchre, naps, confessions of past dating catastrophes, exchanging pro tips, and the best views we’ve had yet.
We also practiced making our camp look like we’re on a proper expedition rather than having a yard sale.
And we continued working on our hand tans.
Most importantly, we had time to ponder the important questions we’ve been debating over the last couple of days:
Why do mountain guides value a Coke more than the Hope diamond? And why do they carry only one trekking pole while we all carry two? What do they know that we don’t? And why won’t they tell us.
How much stuff can you squeeze into your sleeping bag at night so it doesn’t freeze?
How can 10 Brazilians take up so much space?
What did the Russian climber do with the other Russian climber’s body that night?
Do blue bags come in other colors … or would that be confusing? And why don’t they have scatalogical humor printed on them so you’d have something to read at night?
How can I get rid of all my extra food so I don’t have to carry it up … and then down … the rest of the mountain?
And why do they call this camp TWO, even though the sign says camp THREE and it’s actually our FIFTH camp?
In any event, as much as we miss the daily comforts of home, there is something liberating about simplifying your life down to the contents of a single backpack - a bed that packs down into a cubic foot, one pair of shoes (as uncomfortable as these mountain boots are), a single bowl, a single spoon, one shirt, one pair of pants and in many cases a single pair of underwear. No decisions about what to eat for dinner. No traffic. No TV. No politics. Just endless, unparalleled views and good company. Liberating.
Wish us luck.
RMI Guide Dominc Cifelli and Team
Postscript: What do you call a mountain guide without a girlfriend?
Homeless.
New Post Alerts:
Aconcagua Expedition January 12, 2024
Hey, incredible team! We’re so proud of you for taking on this monumental challenge. Remember, few people dare to chase their goals with such determination, but you are doing just that.
As you conquer Aconcagua, know that you’re not just climbing a mountain – you’re proving to yourselves and to the world that dreams are worth chasing!
Keep pushing forward, and know that we’re cheering you on every step of the way!
-Sandra & Marion Champlain (Ben’s cousin & auntie)
Posted by: Sandra Champlain on 1/25/2024 at 6:23 am
That is a hilarious joke. “Homeless.”
Posted by: Ed DaPra on 1/24/2024 at 6:58 pm
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Elevation: 8,700'
Hello again,
Hurry to wait was the name of the game this morning. The team woke early for the airport. It's a hectic scene at the Domestic Airport with people flying both fixed wing and helicopter. Everyone anxiously waits hoping they get to fly. Some cloudy weather separated the team as one helicopter took off, one was waiting for air traffic to clear, and one helicopter needed to arrive in Kathmandu. After a long morning and great patience by the team, all members arrived in Lukla by 1pm. A quick lunch fueled us to make our way to our first Teahouse. The start of our trek takes a downward trend with rolling uphill mixed in. Everyone looked strong and capable as we made our way along the crisp clear river below and up and down cobbled stairs. A walk across the river via suspension bridge brings us to our home for the night. Here we are great by a yippy dog and hot lemon ginger to warm us on a crisp afternoon. First day of the trek is complete. Tomorrow we will make our way to Namche where we will spends two nights acclimatizing and souvenir shopping. As for now we are cozied up in our beds ready for so earned sleep.
Goodnight all,
RMI Guides Hannah Smith, Abby Westling, and Team
What a beautiful place! We are rooting for you all.
-The Hutchins clan from Idaho
Posted by: Jen Hutchins on 3/23/2023 at 8:29 am
Hi Keith (Lewis)
I am so excited for you and a little scared. Your mom keeps me in formed of all your adventures and accomplishments, and I could not be more proud of you. Everyone back home is thinking and living vicariously through you, have a wonderful and safe trip. God be with you and your team.
Love,
Stacy your Virginia cousin!
Posted by: Stacy Turner on 2/11/2014 at 8:47 am
Keith (Rich), love looking at the pics- how lucky you guys are to be surrounded by those gorgeous mountains! Love reading the blurbs of your days! Hope you are enjoying every minute…Doug and I are living through you guys (and the peace and quiet there) as the whole neighborhood is having a dance party in our playroom! Enjoy the moment! xo
Posted by: Nikki on 2/10/2014 at 4:07 pm
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