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Posted by: Eric Frank, Mitch Valaitis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 12,500'
The team turned around just above the Cleaver yesterday due to difficult walking conditions and challenging weather, which proved too demanding for the group. Eric and his team departed Camp Muir this morning at 7:40 a.m. and are en route back to Paradise.
Everyone is safe, in good spirits, and coming away with valuable mountain experience.
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Safari time!
Today was the first day of safari for us and we headed east to visit Lake Manyara, which is know for its tree climbing lions, flamingos, and more than 400 different species of birds.
We had a nice day viewing the wildlife that hardly seemed to notice us, despite being only feet away at times.
We didn't manage to see any of those famous lions, but we had a very close encounter with Elephants. Nothing dangerous, but they passed close enough that we could have almost touched them.
We did manage to see zebras, Cape buffalo, giraffe, baboons, impalas and so many birds we lost count. It was a pretty nice introduction to the incredible bio-diversity that Africa has, and everyone enjoyed the day riding around in our safari vehicles.
We wrapped up the evening here at the beautiful Plantation Lodge with a wonderful meal and great conversations.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the safari team
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro January 6, 2024
Posted by: Brent Okita, Jordan Cargill, JT Schmitt, Ross Morgan, Gloria Roe
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Posted by: Tyler Jones, JM Gorum, Bryan Mazaika
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 348'
Posted by: JJ Justman, Christina Dale, Jess Matthews, Lucas Haaland
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 9,600'
Posted by: Eric Frank, Geoff Schellens
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
I shall be in Arvin ,California on Monday ,June 16th….ELEVATION 449. Someone in this family has to stay grounded and out of the clouds…...MOM….always the voice of reason!
I will stay close to my phone so I don’t miss any important calls.
Happy Fathers Day to all of you Dads out there, following the expedition!!!!!!!
Posted by: Patty Stenderup on 6/14/2014 at 6:27 pm
Hey John and UWR Team,
Monday, June 16, around noon, I should be at 14,505’ on Mt. Whitney for my annual trek. You may be on your summit push near that time, 20,237’. The sum is 34,742 feet. I will wave towards you! That is cruising altitude for most airliners. What a special coincidence, that is the day the Forest Service gave me my permit. Your Mother should have quite the day. Good luck to the UWR Team.
Love, Dad
Posted by: Kent Stenderup on 6/14/2014 at 4:32 pm
Way to go ..Be safe
Posted by: lil hammerstrom on 5/28/2011 at 8:55 am
On The Map
Dave hurry back to work, I am having them future all my packages…Waiting for your return. Be safe.
Posted by: Stacee Holmes on 5/13/2011 at 9:12 pm
I am happy to hear clear skies. Enjoy the beauty and be safe. Love you Drew.
Posted by: Shirl on 5/13/2011 at 7:34 pm
Friday, September 4, 2025 - 10:11 pm PT
Hello again everyone
The team had a really nice day here on Kilimanjaro today, waking to clear skies and a beautiful view of Kili right above camp. We had a light cloud 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 dining tent for a nice breakfast with porridge, fried eggs, toast, avocado and even some fresh fruit, and most importantly plenty of hot Tanzanian coffee.
We hit the trail shortly after 8 am and slowly made our way up the rocky trail with occasional views of Kili above, while sharing the trail with all the porters.
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
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari September 2, 2025
Great fun following Casey’s posts and the team’s adventures. Greetings to Dena and Rusty from Grammy and Gramps. Yet another mountain on the bucket list to scratch off
Posted by: Ron Frishmuth on 9/6/2025 at 2:50 pm
Glad you had a beautiful day on the summit! You’ve got chill skills!
Posted by: Michelle Mom on 5/30/2018 at 11:21 am
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