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Posted by: JJ Justman, Elias de Andres Martos
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 14,000'
JJ Justman and Team Calling in from High Camp on Orizaba
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Ben Luedtke, Mike Bennett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 348'
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 - 2:53 am PT
We are back on flat ground. After descending 10,000 feet in just over 19 hours, with 2 hours of “sleep” in the middle, we arrived at basecamp at 8:30 am, and our hearts leapt to see the red K2 planes bank sharply left and land at the lower landing field about 9 am. Seemingly landing on the lower landing area never occurs this late on the season (it’s good to know Dom is wrong sometimes, and that damned 20” of snow brought us some good luck).
As we descended through the snow and the rain, I thought how little we knew about what we were undertaking, as we begun our journey just 20 days ago. Did we understand the physical challenge, the might of this great mountain, the real beauty of the Alaska range and the wild vistas and beauty we were about to experience, the hardships, the dangers, the nerve tingling emotion and anxiety of traversing the West Buttress? Did we know our true physical and mental strength, whilst knowing how effectively useless and powerless we were on this extreme place? Did we know that none of what we achieved could have been achieved without our three amazing guides - Dominic, Ben and Mike? They are the true heroes of this journey.
They have received passing words of praise from my team mates in the recent blogs. However, no words can describe their role, their effort, their workload, their expertise.
If we carried 70 lbs in our backpacks, they carried over 100. If we pulled 50 lbs in our sleds, they pulled 100. When we bolted to our tents after caching gear at a higher altitude, they went immediately and prep’d dinner and hot water. They prep’d, served, clean up after every breakfast and dinner. Bagels and bacon, bagels and smoked salmon, burritos, quesadillas, cheesecake, tortellini and chicken (and Aardvark!), ramen, and never to forget Mac’n’cheese with bacon bits - I never knew how many dishes could have bacon bits- OR CINNAMON!!
They dealt with faulty gear, our mental and physical challenges - “Ben, I have a blister” which would be followed with Ben applying a gel pack to my pinky toe. “Mike what layers should we wear on this next leg?” They were positive and honest at all times, cheerleaders and coaches, story tellers, fun facters, and quiz masters. Without them the last three weeks could not have happened. I think it is fair to give special mention to Dominic. He gets to make the big calls, to say when to move, when to stay, and finally when not to proceed on safety grounds. I have met and observed many leaders, -the good, the bad, and the ugly -, in my career. I can say without hesitation that Dominic’s leadership skills rank with the best I have seen.
We are honored and fortunate to have spent the past 3 weeks with Dominic, Ben and Mike. They make dreams come true.
RMI Climber Myles O'Neill
New Post Alerts:
Mt. McKinley Expedition June 9, 2025
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Greetings from High Camp!
Today we woke to the sound of rain drops on the tent. Which you’d think we’d be accustomed to at this point, but thankfully the rain stopped as we were having breakfast. We had a relatively nice three hour hike to High Camp with a brief view of Kili looming high above. Everyone did great and the team is feeling good.
The team has just wrapped up lunch and discussed in great detail the plan for tomorrow’s climb. Everyone knows what we’ll be wearing, what will be in the pack, as well as the schedule.
Our game plan will be to wake at 11pm and have a quick breakfast at 11:30, then hopefully hit the trail right at midnight. The team has been doing great thus far and I’m expecting us to reach the summit in seven to eight hours if things go according to plan.
Wish us luck!
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Kilimanjaro summit bound team!
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro January 6, 2024
Officially on the graveyard shift it seems! Nice work everyone. Especially my brother in law!
Posted by: Elsie on 1/13/2024 at 2:53 pm
Awesome news! Enjoy the views!
Posted by: Amy Jahner on 1/13/2024 at 2:02 pm
Posted by: Steve Gately, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Awesome news Colin!!! All your training paid off. Congratulations and can’t wait to see the pics and videos.
Posted by: Mark Lockareff on 9/3/2019 at 11:13 am
Congratulations Colin! You embraced the challenge and conquered the Summit. I truly admire your indomitable spirit!!
Posted by: Sharon Lockareff on 9/3/2019 at 10:37 am
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Posted by: Mike King, Avery Parrinello, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
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Safe climbing! We’re following your blog and hoping you can get the weather move on up.
Posted by: Stephanie Smith on 6/18/2019 at 4:44 pm
Hi y’all!
EIGHT DAYS?!!! I’ve been without connectivity for 4-5 days. I thought King et al was taking new group up. Okay, weather forecast looks promising. Igloos sound fun. But, it sounds like your turning native. Climb forth and conquer! Lol! Be safe
Posted by: Susan Moore on 6/17/2019 at 9:42 pm
On The Map
Tyler - Ecuador..Mountain climbing?...I guess that means my Fathers Day card will be late… ha ha…Have a great trip and Text when you can. We love you! - Mom and Dad
Posted by: Andy Hardin on 6/20/2015 at 6:29 am
Posted by: Brent Okita, Pete Van Deventer
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Way to go Kate!! Congrats—You must have seen a spectacular sunrise. What a great accomplishment—can’t wait to see the pics. and hear what the experience meant to you.
You are an awesome niece and Goddaughter!!
Posted by: Uncle Dan and Aunt Pat on 8/27/2014 at 9:10 pm
Awesome job Kate! We are so stoked for you and can’t wait to hear all about it! Check another one off the list!
Courtney and Melissa
Posted by: Courtney Baker on 8/27/2014 at 8:33 pm
Well done, Myles & the team.
So glad you all made it back down to base camp safely.
What an experience!
Well loved following your every step via the blog.
Judy
Posted by: Judith Lee on 7/1/2025 at 9:02 am
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