May 29, 2014 - 11:07 pm
The team got through their first night here at 14,200' in splendid shape. Most actually got their best nights sleep of the trip.
Although we got a few extra winks of sleep this morning, we got up early enough to pick up our cache at 13,500' and were back before noon. This allowed us plenty of time to get in some training before we hopefully make a carry up the fixed ropes and finally on to the West Buttress, the namesake of our route up Denali.
But before we could call it a day and enjoy some quality time relaxing in the tents, we built a 'proper' latrine complete with high walls to protect us from the wind and blowing snow. These walls do double duty to afford us some much appreciated privacy as well.
Walls were also built up around our tents, which will be of huge benefit if the forecasted winds appear tonight.
We'd like to end with a parting shout out to three generations of Greg's family celebrating their birthday today. Happy Birthday Sarah, Robin and Ken!
Good night everyone.
RMI Guides Brent, Leah and Nick
Sounds like you’re making good progress, staying rested, full, warm and safe. Well done team. My compliments to all. We love you and we’re all cheering you on. Dad, Nicole, Frank, Emma and Baby Jake.
Posted by: Nick Boekenoogen on 6/16/2014 at 5:32 am
Hey,
Tell Rick Popp that we have been keeping track of the blog from time to time and that all the HTK killers are rooting him on. Things are good at home and we are all looking forward to his return.
This is Adam Knoff from the Ecuador Skills Seminar. I am happy to announce that we have successfully summitted Cotopaxi this morning on a glorious, calm day. People could say it was in great style. I am very proud of the team for their efforts as it took some fortitude to get up on a cold and windy day. The expedition seminar has concluded its climbing on the mountains and we are happy to be tucked in here at La Cienega and drinking cervezas and very comfortable. Everything is fabulous. We will touch base tomorrow. Gracias. Adios.
RMI Guide Adam Knoff
RMI Guide Adam Knoff calls in after Cotopaxi summit.
Today we awoke to a blue bird sky and prepared for another day of trekking. After three nights at Namche Bazar (11,300 ft.), the team was feeling good and it was time to continue on towards Basecamp. As we hiked above Namche and wrapped around the hill side, the major peaks came into view. With the clear skies, we had magnificent views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. The hiking was great and I was amazed at how well maintained the trails were. We passed many locals working on breaking rocks and stacking them into place, creating the feeling of cobblestone streets in many places. As we continued on the trail we eventually dropped down into the valley floor where we stopped and had lunch in Phungi Thanga (10,662 ft.) which Dave Hahn jovially refers to as "Funky Town"! After yet another gluttonous meal in the sunshine watching yaks, porters and trekkers go by, we decided it was time for us to continue on as well. After a river crossing on a swinging wooded style bridge, we slowly made our way uphill to Tengboche where the Tengboche Monastery is located. After resting and drinking Fanta's, Coke and water (with some making a quick dash to the local bakery for chocolate cake!), we hiked a short distance downhill thru a Rhododendron forest to arrive in Deboche (12,533 ft.). Now in Deboche, we are staying at the Ama Dablam Garden Lodge where we will spend two nights. Once again, things have gone smoothly and everyone is having a good time and staying in good health.
Today was our first day of safari and we headed west to visit the beautiful Lake Manyara. Lake Manyara is a brief stopping ground for many migratory animals and home to more than 300 different birds.
Everyone enjoyed the day cruising around in our safari vehicles with cold beverages in hand while seeing the animals up close and in their natural habitat.
We managed to see a few zebras, Impala and a tons of baboons, plus many elephants up close. The highlight was seeing a very large python high up in a tree canopy. It was an amazing introduction to the incredible diversity of wildlife that Tanzania has and the team is very excited to seeing more animals tomorrow.
We wrapped up the evening with a wonderful meal at our new lodge.
Thursday, May 30, 2019 9:51 PM PT
Luck was on our side! We woke to clear skies and sunshine. And you know what sunshine means, we went and played in some crevasses. Psyched that the weather hadn't arrived yet, we hit the snowy trail and walked to a beautiful section of the glacier. Tall rocky peaks stood all around us. Their sides full of hanging glaciers. We were safe out of harm's way but could see their ominous appearance. We spent the day ice climbing out of the crevasse and practicing our rope ascending skills. Everyone did a fantastic job in both activities. By the end of the day the forecasted weather started to creep in on us. A light breeze pushed at our backs almost assisting us back to camp. The clouds have begun to lower and small flurries float around camp. It is one of our team members birthdays tomorrow, and he is wishing for good weather. Let's hope his birthday wish is granted and this forecasted snow storm stays away another day.
Goodnight all,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and Team
The Four Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guides Geoff Schellens and JM Gorum were walking onto Columbia Crest, the very top of Mt. Rainier at 6:10am this morning. The team reported warm temperatures, calm winds, and clear skies above the smoke layer that is currently covering the lower elevations of Western Washington.
Congratulations to today's team!
RMI Guides Garrett Stevens and Casey Grom led their teams of Four Day Summit Climbers to the summit of Mt. Rainier today. Garrett reported a thin cloud cap starting to form but a pretty nice day overall. Winds were very low on the lower portions of the mountain but had increased near the summit. The teams will spend a bit of time in the crater and then descend back to Camp Muir. After a short break the teams will continue down to Paradise and conclude their program with a short celebration at Rainier BaseCamp.
Congratulations to today's Summit Climb teams!
Hammer, praying you will do your climb as high as you can go and come back safe and sound to your family. Hope your’re having a great experience! Mum-Z
In the North Cascades, Washington, RMI Guide Lindsay Fixmer and team reached the summit of Mt. Shuksan. The team climbed via the Sulphide Glacier and reported beautiful weather throughout the climb.
Congratulations Climbers!
June 7, 2014 - 7:33 pm PT
The team got busy today by hauling a load of food and personal gear up to the next camp at 14,000'. Everyone performed well and we were able to cover the distance in just over four hours- a great pace.
All along the trail, we passed groups who were either hauling gear up to cache or moving camp from 11,000' to 14,000'. It was fun to say "hi" and encourage groups we have met along the way. The small tent city that has surrounded us for the last few days will reassemble up higher as groups ready for a summit bid.
Sitting at 14,000' this afternoon, the team got our first good look at the route. We talked through the flow of the climb and got excited. Hopefully, a few more short days will bring us the time to see if all of our preparations are sufficient to get to the top.
Thanks for following our journey.
RMI Guides Eric Frank, Geoff Schellens and the UWR team
May 31, 2014, 2:11 pm PT
We are still here at Kahiltna Base camp.
We received another foot of new snow overnight and it shows no sign of slowing or stopping.
We are all staying hopeful that the weather will break sometime in the next few days and we can finally get a big meal and that long awaited hot shower!
RMI Guide Mike Walter
Sounds like you’re making good progress, staying rested, full, warm and safe. Well done team. My compliments to all. We love you and we’re all cheering you on. Dad, Nicole, Frank, Emma and Baby Jake.
Posted by: Nick Boekenoogen on 6/16/2014 at 5:32 am
Hey,
Tell Rick Popp that we have been keeping track of the blog from time to time and that all the HTK killers are rooting him on. Things are good at home and we are all looking forward to his return.
Keith and Liz
Posted by: Keith Wilson on 5/30/2014 at 9:02 am
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