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Yesterday we hiked almost all the way up La Malinche. At 14,440 feet, just a few minutes from the top, the park security emerged from the cloud to inform us that the mountain was closed due to the threat of lightning. My own assessment of the lightning risk was lower than his, but this guy didn’t seem in the mood to discuss and I wasn’t going to bring my rudimentary Spanish skills and a trekking pole to a gun fight. Oh well.
On the way down, we got thoroughly soaked and were happy to hop in the showers at the La Malintzi Resort before eating a hot meal and getting to bed early.
At the moment, we are in route to La Joyita, the trailhead for Ixtaccihuatl. We will spend the night there and head to high camp tomorrow.
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier
Posted by: Adam Knoff, Dustin Wittmier
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Today the entire team was assembled for the first time. With a couple last minute emergencies, the group is now down to eight. We are disappointed some folks had to cancel, however we are happy to report that all who planned to make it here are in country with luggage in tow.
After a quick orientation we were shuffled onto the bus for a tour of Quito and a trip to La Mitad del Mundo (The Middle of the World). This is not a reference to Middle Earth, but instead is a museum at the Equatorial Line. We were treated to a variety of scientific representations of the Coriolis Effect. Two members of the team were able to balance an egg on a nail. In reality, this is possible anywhere in the world but Dustin keeps a close eye on this activity for when it comes time to assign rope teams.
Our tour then proceeded to El Panecillo and old town Quito. It rained for most of the day, but we made the most of it and it cleared up just enough on top of El Panecillo to have a great view of the city.
By the time we returned to the hotel most of us were pretty exhausted. Many team members' flights arrived late last night so people were given the choice to run around town or just relax in the rooms. I think most chose sleep!
We are all in good spirits, healthy and ready for our first acclimation hike tomorrow up Rucu Pichincha.
RMI Guide Adam Knoff
Congratulations! I can’t wait to hear about the next climb!
Posted by: Lindsey Fisher on 7/21/2019 at 1:44 pm
Thrilled you all made the summit and enjoyed the day. So proud of you Trey.
Posted by: Phyllis Craig on 7/21/2019 at 8:31 am
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Josh Maggard
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,200'
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On The Map
Critt I Love You!! Your lil sis is so proud. Keep being awesome!
Posted by: Heather Hartnett on 5/20/2015 at 6:13 am
So glad you are all well and safe. Kinda glad it’s not me freezing my butt off up there, but secretly wishing I was as strong and daring as you all. Push on to 14,000 with a warm heart of love and encouragement from us all back here Renee :-) We miss you and can’t wait for you to come back xxxxx
Posted by: Paul on 5/20/2015 at 4:22 am
On The Map
My fingers are crossed for good weather tomorrow. Excited for everyone to return home safely to their families.
All my love,
Sydney
Posted by: Sydney on 4/7/2015 at 9:46 pm
On The Map
Chambos,
Call when you get there! : )
Posted by: Jordo on 8/25/2013 at 4:18 am
Hello Bruce, Michael, Katie, Jess and Chris…. and congratulations!!! We have been following closely knowing there is a 7 hour difference. You’re not missing anything here. Have a safe trek down. Cant wait to see that view from the summit. Get a small rock from the mountain as a paperweight. Love you all. Mom
Posted by: Joyce on 8/24/2013 at 8:10 pm
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
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
Posted by: JJ Justman, Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 10,600'
Hope the weather hold out for your team. Good luck and thanks for a great adventure last week.
Posted by: Gary Butcher on 6/1/2013 at 3:59 am
Looks like you guys had beautiful weather! I’m so jealous! Have fun and stay safe!
Posted by: Michaela on 5/31/2013 at 10:49 pm
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Ben Luedtke, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
We woke in our beds ready to start the day. We ate breakfast, grabbed our duffels, and loaded the van. A quick 45 minute drive (there was air breaking being done by all) brought us to Penitentes. We weighed our duffels for the mules and reloaded the van to bring to the trailhead. The team made quick work of today's hike. Lulls of no breeze made for a hot walk but when the wind did hit it it was the best feeling. A couple rest breaks and some frogger with another team got us to camp. To say we are roughing it would be a lie. We enjoyed melon and nuts for a snack at a picnic table waiting for our mule team to arrive. For dinner was Carne Asada, chorizo, potatoes, cabbage salad, bread and wine. No complaints over here. Things will get tougher, but not just yet. Tomorrow is another day hiking along the Vacas River. Weather was good today and hopefully good tomorrow.
Good night all,
RMI Guides Hannah, Ben, Dan and team
Hey Dustin! All the Best to you and your team!!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 10/10/2023 at 3:26 am
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