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Posted by: Peter Whittaker, Ed Viesturs
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Hello everyone,
Today the we had an early start and left behind our beautiful lodge as we have headed to the mountain towards the start of the climb. We left around 8am and drove along the rural country side and small villages for 2 hours before reaching the Kilimanjaro National Park entrance.
Most of the area surrounding Kilimanjaro has been cultivated and primarily used for coffee and banana production, plus a variety of other agriculture needs. There are still a few areas that have been untouched and resemble more of a savannah that Tanzania is known for. Kilimanjaro’s base is mostly forested and resembles more of a jungle, this area is called the cloud forest.
Once we arrived at the park gate we had all of our gear weighed and divided into loads for our porters and other staff to carry before hitting the trail. Once everything was in order we started our climb slowly making our way up the winding trail that ascends continuously through the thick forest. Thankfully the overhead canopy provided a bit of relief from the hot sun overhead.
The team hiked for about five hours, reaching 10,000' and arriving at our first camp. After settling into camp and get situated the team was served a nice warm meal for dinner.
Everyone is doing well and looking forward to a good nights rest.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew
Wow, looks like a lot of fun! I hope you are having a great time Katy!
Posted by: April M on 9/2/2022 at 3:50 pm
Go Sultan - You got this!
Posted by: Jimmy on 8/31/2022 at 7:21 am
Posted by: Casey Grom, Dustin Wittmier, Emma Lyddan, George Hedreen, Jenna Burkey, Mira Schoeberlein
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb August 19 - 22 led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Dustin Wittmier reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. As of 7 am the teams were enjoying time in the summit crater. There are currently a few broken clouds but otherwise a clear and sunny day. Teams will be returning back to Camp Muir and then descending the remaining 4.5 miles to Paradise. There program will conclude with a celebration at Rainier BaseCamp later this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
My son Lucas was roped up with each of the guides at some point during the climb and had nothing but praise for all of them. My wife and I want to thank Mira, George, Casey, and Dustin for leading a safe, informative, and successful climb! Cheers to all of you!
Mark & Erin
Posted by: Mark A Swanson on 8/23/2022 at 6:54 pm
Posted by:
Categories: Mountaineering Fitness & Training
Posted by: Peter Whittaker, Ed Viesturs, Tyler Jones, Walter Hailes
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
I was so lucky to have great guides and awesome teammates, as well as blessed by good weather on Mount Rainier. Biggest peak of my life so far, and thanks to Tyler, Jess and Josh!
Posted by: Phil Knight on 7/2/2015 at 8:15 am
Wow, so impressed, so relieved, so proud of you Chris, my amazing Daughter in Law. You keep on meeting challenges with determination, grace and grit! Love you very much, Mama Carol
Posted by: Carol Waring on 6/25/2015 at 9:11 am
Posted by: JJ Justman, Katrina Bloemsma
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 19,600'
On The Map
So close, Rich! Hang in there! I hope the weather holds out and you all summit tomorrow! Love you very much and miss you! Will see you very soon!
Good luck to you and the team!
Love, Susie
Posted by: Susie on 2/18/2014 at 10:43 am
Good morning Brenda ( Sweetie Pie) :-) today is the big day to the summit team 7 goes!! Have fun drink water . The Jay an I are in LV with Travis he says hello all A’s eight classes! Have fun today love you, Richie & Sea Jay. Xxxxxooooxx
Posted by: Rich larscheid on 2/18/2014 at 5:09 am
RMI Guide JJ Justman checks in while the team prepares for Orizaba summit.
On The Map
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Taylor Bickford, Emma Lyddan
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,000'
Tuesday, June 7, 2022 - 11:39 pm PT
Today we had our second birthday of the trip, mine! We celebrated by loading up the heavy packs and making the move to 17,000' Camp. We headed out this morning with clear skies, but low clouds slowly overtook 14,000' Camp and the fixed lines. We remained in and out of the clouds for the entire climb of the West Buttress, with occasional bouts of sunshine and snow. Overall, a beautiful, tough day on the Buttress. Right before dinner time we rolled into 17,000' Camp, where we set up camp and started making water and hots for a late dinner. The next few days of weather look favorable, so I think we'll squeeze the summit in within the next two days. Check back in tomorrow either post summit, or post rest day!
Happy Birthday Nikki! We’re so happy things seem to be going well for the team. Hope Taylor and Emma fixed you dinner last night and let you sleep in a bit:). May the weather gods continue to treat you all well. Go Team! Love, the Wilhelms
Posted by: Tracy on 6/8/2022 at 5:39 pm
Happy Birthday, Nikki! Videos are breathtaking! I can feel the wind and snow from my easy chair! Way to go! Cheers, Jerry, your 3rd level uncle, twice removed!!?
Posted by: Jerry Worden on 6/8/2022 at 4:04 pm
Hello again everyone
The team had a really nice day here on Kili today, waking to clear skies and a beautiful view of Kilimanjaro looming in the distance. We had a light cloudy layer which helped keep us cool while on the trail, which was nice as the sun can be quite intense here near the equator.
We started the day waking at 6:30 to start packing up before moving into our dinning tent for a nice breakfast with porridge, fried eggs, toast, avocado and even some fresh fruit, and most importantly plenty of hot coffee.
We hit the trail shortly after 8am and slowly made our way up the rocky trail with occasional views of Kilimanjaro above. The trail climbed up a blunted ridge and eventually out of the trees and allowed for some truly spectacular views of the valley below. The team hiked for a little more than four hours before reaching out next camp that sits on the Shira plateau, which is the remnant of an ancient lava flow.
Everyone is doing very well and we are currently relaxing in camp.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew
Guten tag Herr Stowers-
We’re rooting for you in Clinton.
What an awesome experience!!
Can’t wait to hear all about it when you return.
Eric & Daniela
Posted by: Eric and Daniela on 9/1/2022 at 8:13 am
Bob and John,
That photo is heaven!!! I can’t imagine the beauty of that moment!!! Eat well and wish you both the strength to continue forward!!!!
Sending hugs
Mom Candy
Posted by: Candy Sinner on 8/31/2022 at 8:06 pm
Hi! I have done one day of ice climbing basic skills in Iceland in 2016. I am interested in the 4 day or 5 day rainier summit trip. I was wondering if Ed Viestrus and Peter Whittaker are still taking people up there? if so, which dates?
Posted by: irene on 11/4/2017 at 11:47 pm
Fantastic! Thank you weather gods for the favorable weather. Looking forward to the first hand report.
Posted by: Cheryl McConnell on 6/29/2016 at 9:35 am
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