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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Ben Luedtke, Michael Murray
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 9,000'
Welcome to the Blog! This first one will be written by me, Dominic Cifelli, but throughout the trip we pass the torch to all the climbers in order to gain different perspective on the day in/day out of the trip. Keep a lookout for your loved one's name on the blog and please enjoy!
We're off! Landing in Mendoza, we were greeted with the warm temps and long days of the South American summer. A far cry from the cold snap our loved ones are experiencing in the U.S.A. The day was filled with long lunches, a siesta or two, and perusing the local markets for gifts and very late Christmas presents.
The first days of an expedition are exciting and quite hectic as we prepare, check, and recheck our equipment for the journey ahead. I always find that once we start walking, everything gets simpler because we can no longer quadruple check that we packed that favorite pair of socks or brought the right mittens. What's packed is packed and the job will become putting one front in front of the other.
That's for tomorrow's enjoyment, however. The rest of the day will be filled with prepping the duffels and food for the rough ride they take on the mules to Basecamp.
We do this in the "town" of Penitentes, close to the entrance to Aconcagua Provincial Park.
Stay tuned and wish us luck as we try to finish up the monstrous task of packing for a three-week trip.
Adios!
New Post Alerts:
Aconcagua Expedition January 12, 2024
Get it! Wishing you all enjoyable and safe travels. You all trained and prepped so diligently, now it’s time to enjoy the trek to the top. Prayer and encouragement from Seattle.
Posted by: Ed DaPra on 1/16/2024 at 6:18 am
Good luck! Praying for a safe summit!
Posted by: Michelle DeMers on 1/15/2024 at 4:38 am
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Henry Coppolillo
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 15,000'
Our warmup stretch is coming to an end as we head to the Cayambe today. It takes a handful of days acclimatizing in cities and shorter day hikes before it makes sense to be sleeping above 15,000' at the Cayambe hut. All members of the team completed both acclimatization hiked, Rucu Pichincha (15,354') and Cerro Fuya Fuya (14,039'), in good style.
After a quiet night at the quaint La Casa Sol we are now at the Otavalo Market. People choose from a variety of activities here: souvenir shopping, a visit to the pharmacy or for myself enjoying an affogato in my favorite coffee shop.
Thank you for following along and look for updates from us in the coming days. Tomorrow is skills training on the glacier and the following night we will make our summit attempt on Cayambe!
RMI Guides Dustin, Henry & Team
Wishing you all a successful and safe climb. Especially a certain member of the team.
Posted by: John (Dad) on 1/15/2023 at 5:40 am
You’re doing great, team!
Posted by: Andrew on 1/14/2023 at 10:20 am
Looks like a tuff climb. I know you could do it Trey. You’re up to the challange.
Posted by: Phyllis Craig on 7/25/2019 at 7:48 am
Congrats Paul! I’m stoked you went back and looks like a summit or two. :) Enjoy Pisco! It’s amazing!
Posted by: Rue Beyer on 7/23/2019 at 9:30 pm
On The Map
Posted by: Brent Okita, Will Ambler
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Congratulations to the Four Day Climb team led by RMI guides Brent Okita and Will Ambler for reaching the summit of Mt. Rainier!
With clear skies and breathtaking views, today’s climb was nothing short of spectacular. Huge kudos to the team for their determination and teamwork on this unforgettable journey.
So stoked to be a part of this summit team! Thank you to all the guides! You all did such an amazing job keeping us on course and safe. I can’t thank you enough for this most beautiful experience!
Posted by: Michael Giardina on 7/19/2025 at 10:50 am
Congratulations Team for reaching the top. Take in the beauty.
Posted by: Maryann Marzo on 7/18/2025 at 3:31 pm
Posted by: Brent Okita, George Hedreen, Nicole De Petris, Mitch Valaitis, Margo Kerr, Fitz Elder, Mark Tucker, Imogen Von Mertens
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb June 3 - 6 led by RMI Guides Brent Okita and George Hedreen reached the summit of Mt. Rainier. The ropes teams were walking into the crater rim around 6:30 am PT. It's a beautiful day with clear skies. This marks summit #599 for RMI Guide Brent Okita. Wow!
After enjoying some time in the crater the teams will descend to Camp Muir and then Paradise later today.
Congratulations to all of today's climbers.
Brent is awesome!!! xox
Posted by: Jill Caven on 6/6/2025 at 10:02 am
Amazing!! Congrats !!
Posted by: Hélène Coulombe on 6/6/2025 at 8:47 am
Hey dad its Nick, have been having computer issues so I haven’t been able to check up too much. Looks like you guys are doing well. I hope the trip continues to be somewhat smooth, and I hope you’re having a blast! Love you lots!!
Nick
Posted by: Nick Marini on 7/6/2011 at 12:25 pm
Linden, your descriptions of camp are wonderful! It is nice to start the day knowing you are all hanging in there.
Kitty and I are holding down the home fort…all is well.
Posted by: laurie Colaneri on 7/5/2011 at 5:44 pm
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