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On The Map
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Our first day got off to a successful and fun start. For one, after 2 1/2 days of flight delays and less than stellar performance by my airline, I finally arrived in Arusha in time for our team meeting and a little breakfast. Our last two teammates got to the hotel just as we were beginning our orientation. Everyone's baggage even made it!
It was fun getting to know everybody and I think we all agree we have a pretty fun group. With equipment checks all done and a great dinner we're excited to get underway and start making our way up this beautiful mountain.
Sunrise on the mountain from 25,000' this morning has done nothing but pump me up to start our climb of Kilimanjaro. We're ready!!!
--RMI Guide Brent Okita and team
Joe and I are amazed again at you! Have a great trip with Nick!
Posted by: Terry DeCola on 7/21/2022 at 9:46 am
Hi Norm! We are at the Qatar airport in Doha. All is well and everyone is doing fine! We all miss you guys and hope you’re having a wonderful time! We love you! XO Val, Christian, and Jess
Posted by: Valerie Cognetto on 7/21/2022 at 8:04 am
Posted by: Seth Waterfall, Solveig Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 18,701'
RMI Guide Seth Waterfall calls from the el Pico de Orizaba summit!
On The Map
congratulations to the climbing team and their guides on the climbing and summiting of the two mountains in Mexico. I sure wish I was a few years younger as I would have enjoyed those climbs also. Cant wait to see the pictures and hear the stories about your trip.
Posted by: Warren Larson on 3/10/2013 at 1:48 pm
Congratulations!!!!! Have a safe trip back.
Posted by: julie grooms on 2/16/2013 at 9:05 pm
Hello everyone!
Right out of camp we were faced with the only significant technical obstacle for this climb. This hurdle is the great Barranco Wall, which rises about 1,000 ft and looks as intimidating as it sounds. Thankfully there is a nice narrow trail that weaves its way up and through the wall and all the way to the top. Most of it feels more like steep hiking, but there are a few places that require the use of our hands to help us climb up.
The team did a good job of moving steady and allowing a few porters through with their loads precariously balanced on their heads. Which was astonishing to see!
After reaching the top we took a nice break and enjoyed the amazing views of the ice-ladened south face and valleys below. The team continued our hike for a few more hours up and down through a few valleys before reaching today’s endpoint.
All in all, it took only about 4 hours for us to reach our next camp called Karanga, named for the big and beautiful valley which it overlooks.
Casey and crew
You’re reaching new heights of both the mountain *and* your life. Way to go, and keep those steps humming!
Posted by: Gloyboy on 9/3/2022 at 5:17 am
Congratulations on scaling Barranco wall! Continued prayers for all the crew.
Posted by: Elaine on 9/2/2022 at 2:25 pm
Posted by: JJ Justman, Dave Hahn, Billy Nugent, Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest
Elevation: 17,575'
On The Map
Nicole and team. We are so thankful that you and the team are safe and praying for the missing climbers.Your family are all sending you strngth and love. We love you so much Nicole, please take care of yourself. Spoke to dad, brothers, cousins, and we are praying for your safety. Aunt Mimi is with me now. Your loving Aunt Ginny
Posted by: ginny marasco on 4/18/2014 at 11:59 am
Nicole Lobiondo: Wonderful to hear you are all safe and staying confident. You are in great hands and praying for you all. You got this! Love, Nicole
Posted by: Nicole Howard on 4/18/2014 at 6:50 am
It was just a little on the cold side this morning at Shira Camp. Kibo -Kilimanjaro’s main peak- was between us and the sun. But we were far above the clouds and it was clear up high, so the views more than made up for the cold temps. The sun was on us by the time breakfast had finished and so things were comfortable when we got walking at 8:30 AM. Our path led directly toward Kibo and the terrain was easier than what we’d dealt with yesterday. We worked up broad, gently angled slopes. Old lava flows. Obsidian chunks were easy to find amongst the sagebrush and wildflowers. By 11 AM we were higher than Mount Rainier and a short while later we were higher than Mt Whitney… thus breaking altitude records for everyone on the team (except Kim who has been to 19,000 ft). We made it to the Lava Tower -at 15,200 ft- just after noon. Clouds had formed up again and so it was cool, but not so bad that we couldn’t enjoy some lunch. We began working downhill at 1 PM. It felt good to drop altitude and to get back into warmer air. We took a break just as we got into a garden-like grove of giant senecios and lobelias… the “Dr Suess plants” of Kilimanjaro. Another careful hour of descent had us walking into 13,000 ft Barranco Camp just after 3 PM. We settled in at the base of tomorrow’s main objective -the great Barranco Wall.
We napped and read and sipped tea through the remaining afternoon hours. Dinner finished up by 8 PM and we marveled at the stars on this moonless night.
Best Regards
Looking string, Kim! It looks like you, Bella and the team are just cruising along. I know better though. The effort is real - so is the joy. Keep on keeping on!
The boys are still wondering were you actually are and are a little concerned that you would go on an adventure without us.
You amaze me everyday. I love you.
John
Posted by: JOHN GILMAN on 8/19/2022 at 6:48 am
Everyone looks psyched to take on the challenge. You all have got this! Thank you, Dave, for the great daily accounts.
Posted by: Michael Brewer on 8/18/2022 at 8:31 pm
Posted by: Win Whittaker, Mike Uchal
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 10,080'
See you at Paradise with Rainier! Hugs to all!
Posted by: Candace Weisser on 7/18/2019 at 9:32 am
Sending prayers for safe climb and return to base camp.
Posted by: Marilee Adams on 7/18/2019 at 8:08 am
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Hello everyone,
We spent today touring Tarangire National Park which is home to more elephants per square kilometer than any place on earth, and a huge diversity of other animals, it was amazing to say the least.
We saw elephants, giraffes, warthogs, impala, mongoose, baboons, ostrich, and a lot of other animals, and 13 lions! Several of them were cat napping in trees and even one that was still dinning on last nights feast by the looks of things.
We ended our day at a remote and off grid camp within the National Park and surrounded by wildlife. The camp has screened in rooms that allow the night sounds of Africa in. Hopefully everyone sleeps well tonight!
This is our last dispatch as we will exit the park tomorrow and head back to our lodge near Arusha for a quick break and shower. Then it’s off to the airport to return to our loved ones.
Thanks for following along.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Safari crew!
Thank You letting us take this amazing trip with all of you. Great blog and beautiful pictures. Enjoy your last day!
Posted by: Kim Scogna on 9/8/2022 at 1:58 pm
What an amazing adventure! Thank you for taking us all along for the journey.
Posted by: Linda DuPertuis on 9/8/2022 at 12:11 pm
Posted by: Luke Wilhelm, David Price
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Day 15
Our team is so resilient. This storm continues to pound the mountain, but our positivity is overwhelming it! It was another really windy and cold one. Despite the bad weather, we were able to get out and stretch our legs a bit. It felt great to move around! The team kept themselves busy this afternoon sorting and preparing gear. If the weather allows, we plan to move to Camp 3 tomorrow.
Till next time,
RMI Guides Luke, David & Team
I’m in awe of both the physical and mental strength you all have to push forward! Stay strong team. You can do this!
Posted by: Amanda Schimkus on 2/5/2022 at 4:05 pm
Hey Pop/Tim,
It wouldn’t be an adventure if everything went as planned! I know you will be persevere these hardships and conquer this challenge. Just know that we are all rooting for you and miss you. I’ve got a laundry list of “man” projects around the house for us to complete upon your return which should motivate your prolonged stay in Aconcagua. Take care and be safe!
Love your favorite son-in-law,
Chris
Posted by: Christopher Nicholson on 2/5/2022 at 12:42 pm
RMI Guide Linden Mallory on the team departure from Everest Base Camp.
I miss you so much! These pictures are beautiful! I wish iwere there with you. I couldn’t do the climb right now, but you could rent me a helicopter driver! I am going over to Seattle on Friday the 15, and will be at the airport Saturday morning to greet you! ONE MORE WEEK!!!!!!!!! I love you! Sweet man
Posted by: Deb McLaughlin on 4/7/2011 at 11:17 pm
Tim,
Lay off those cigars so you can make it to the top!
Wish I was there!
Rick
Posted by: Rick on 4/5/2011 at 6:40 pm
Enjoy Tibet while you guys are still there! It’s a beautiful place and I wish I had enjoyed everything while I was still there. Hope everything’s going well!
Posted by: JonathanL on 4/14/2011 at 6:04 am
Great Job Bill McGahan and Sara Rose McGahan (as Adam and Owen now refer to you guys :))! What an awesome adventure!
Posted by: izzy on 4/12/2011 at 12:34 pm
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