Most Popular Entries

Hey Mark Tucker at Everest Base Camp, checking in. Woke up to clear blue, not a cloud in the sky. Here in the early evening, we've got a little light snow- not unusual. The team is doing well. We had a very productive day: some showers, lots of writing, reading... I don't know about arithmetic, lots of photos, and a venture into the Icefall. We are sharing our camp with Jeff Martin, the RMI Operations Manager. It's a pleasure he is setting everything up for the team that's coming in. Actually the bags that went straight from Kathmandu to Base Camp just arrived for the climbing team. I'm sure they are posting on the website. But their gear is all here and that is always a nice thing. A little bit chilly, as you can imagine. My hands are freezing on this phone but we are going to duck into the dining tent where we will have another three to five course meal and have a little heater in there. Play a little bit of cards and relax and we are already gearing up for tomorrow. Our descent will begin back back towards Lukla. So we are keeping that fresh in our mind. Everybody is doing well and thanks for following. We'll talk later. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

2,200' higher in the Andes is a noticeable change in temperature! While our mornings at Base Camp were chilly before the sun reached us, it was downright cold this morning at Camp 1 as we prepared to leave. The cold nip was softened a bit by the views: there wasn't a cloud in the sky and we watched the entire range around us soak in the morning light as we packed our bags. Once again we hit the trail as the sun reached us, following a long traverse out of Camp 1 towards a shallow basin at the head of the slope. After a few minutes we settled back into the rhythm of climbing and the time ticked by as we ascended. After several hours of climbing, traversing rock slopes, crossing small snowfields, and weaving around large boulders, we crested the gentle saddle on the Northwest Ridge of Aconcagua and arrived at Camp 2. Known as Nido de Condores, or Nest of the Condors, Camp 2 sits along a ridge line of distinct rock towers and the views are impressive: to the north stands Mercedario, another 6000m Andean peak, to the east lies Chile, and to our south: our climbing route up Aconcagua. We sat up there in the good weather for a few minutes after unpacking our gear just to enjoy the panorama and get used to the ever higher altitudes. Once satisfied, and with our packs nearly empty, we descended back to our tents at Camp 1. Yesterday's snow squalls are a thing off the past and we've enjoyed sunshine all afternoon. Tomorrow we will pack our gear and move up to Camp 2. RMI Guide Linden Mallory

The Four Day Summit Climbs led by RMI Guides JJ Justman and Garrett Stevens reached the summit this morning at 6:40 a.m. They reported partly cloudy skies, 35 mph winds, and freezing level around 10,000'. The climbers ventured over to Columbia Crest, the highest point in Washington, before beginning their descent at 7:50 a.m. Congratulations to the climbers!

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

As in all expeditions weather always play a big part. Today we experienced a pretty big storm that will be on the radar for the next three days. The forecast is calling for 4 feet of total snow fall with winds up to 40 mph. We spent the day learning basic knots and learning to take care of camp during a storm. The weather was a big part of today's lesson. It has snowed about a foot and is still snowing as I'm sending this dispatch. We all are staying busy and dry and doing well. We'll see what happens over night. Will keep you posted. RMI Guide Andres Marin

On The Map

We're half way through the second day of safari and we are off to a great start. We had an early breakfast at our safari lodge and then drive to Ngorongoro crater. Before entering the crater we visited a Maasai village. Once inside the crater we got lucky and have been able to see some of the big cats. We're about to have lunch now and then we'll do some more game viewing. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

After a short hike today we finally arrived at the exit gate of Kilimanjaro National Park and meet up with more of the Dik Dik staff who had prepared a wonderful lunch for us. It took about two hours to reach the Lodge where we greeted by all of the lodge staff outside awaiting our arrival singing and dancing. It was a very warm welcome and left everyone with big smiles. As you can guess there were hot showers for all and a few naps too. We finished the evening with a celebration dinner and handed out summit certificates to everyone. Now it's time to enjoy the success and do a little animal watching! Safari starts tomorrow! RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

On The Map

Saturday, June 26, 2021 - 10:40 pm PT

The bad weather hadn't finished, but we made our break for 11K Camp just the same.  What is Denali without some wandering in whiteouts?

It took about four hours and that put us into 11K at 3PM.  So nice to see our friends in Mike Walter's group. We dug in right next door to them. Still light snow falling and a lot of cloud, but we are delighted to have different scenery when we can see it.  Tomorrow we'll go back down to retrieve loads.

RMI Guide Dave Hahn

The team woke up to gorgeous weather and we enjoyed another lengthy breakfast of eggs, hashbrowns and bacon before heading down to 13,600ft to grab our cached gear. We spent the afternoon fortifying our camp by quarrying snow blocks to build walls around our encampment. With a little time left to spare before dinner we all walked out to an area known as "The Edge of the World". By walking out to the edge of Genet Basin, where 14K Camp sits, you're met with 6,000ft of relief straight down to the Northeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier. One by one each climber is belayed out to a perch of rock that overhangs the immense exposure. Easily some of the most epic and grand photos you'll ever take in your lifetime. We're back at camp now and ready to dive into another dinner. Tomorrow the plan is to take another rest day and finish fortifying our camp ahead of some stormy weather arriving this weekend. The team is all doing great and enjoying their time here at 14,000ft. RMI Guide Steve Gately

Today was a big day for the team. Our 9 a.m. launch saw us cruising down the Relinchos Valley in good style and at a good pace, with a little bit of swagger in our step. The first river crossing was enough to wake up the feet, and by the time we hit the bottom and started across the Vacas River we were in full stride. After a nice foot/leg bath in the cold and swift Vacas River, we were on the good track that runs down and out the valley. It was a long hike, and while the scenery helped occupy some of the time, by the 9th hour most folks were ready for the welcome sight of Pampa de Leñas, our campsite for the night. We arrived and promptly set up tents. Good thing, too, as a rain squall passed up the valley and forced our crew into the small stone shelter next to the guardaparque hut. The rain couldn't dampen our spirits or our appetites, though, and we feasted on fresh asado (beef grilled over wood coals) and vegetable salad, washed down with delicious red wine. The expedition is almost over, and the laughter drifting out of the cramped little shelter told the tale of new friends made, challenging experiences shared, and a bond that has turned this group of strangers into a strong, cohesive team. We'll finish the last little hike tomorrow, head into town, and rejoin the ranks of the civilized folks. Thanks for watching our progress, and keep it tuned in for the last of our updates. RMI Guide Garrett Stevens