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Posted by: Leon Davis, Mike King, Katrina Bloemsma
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Posted by: Mike Walter, Solveig Waterfall, Steve Gately
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,000'
On The Map
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Mike Bennett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 9,350'
The whole team arrived safely in Ecuador and with bags, which is always a good first step. I think we all experienced some bit of turbulence as we escaped the North American winter, but fortunately no door panels removed themselves unexpectedly during anyone's flights.
Yesterday's city tour happened without any hitches. Due to the recent political events, the streets are a bit quiet, but it seems like life is more or less returning to normal. It was great to have our city tour guide to help answer our questions and help us sort through what may have actually happened and what is a bit sensationalized in the American news media. Along with that, we made our first steps in acclimation both to the altitude and a different culture. Some physics experiments at the Museo do Intiñan (the indigenous equator museum) were capped off with us balancing eggs on a nail before heading to old town Quito and seeing some attractions.
Today, we awoke to another beautiful morning. Typically it is rainy in the afternoons here, but for our first two days we have been treated to nice days, start to finish. Blue skies made for a lovely hike up Rucu Pichincha and everyone did really well. We even had a few folks reach new altitude records, congratulations! Hopefully, there are more to come on this trip. The remainder of our evening involves cold plunging, hot tubbing, group dinner and one final night in the hotel before departing for the countryside.
Dustin
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Hey Dustin!
All the best to you and your Team!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/26/2024 at 4:26 am
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Today was the start of our safari adventure and we visited the beautiful Lake Manyara National Park. The lake is a brief stopping ground for many migratory animals and home to more than 350 different birds. Everyone enjoyed the day cruising around in our safari vehicles with cold beverages in hand while seeing a few animals up close.
We didn’t see a ton of animals today, but we did get up close to a few elephants, baboons and 6 beautiful lions! Also managed to see a couple of zebras and a giraffe off in the distance.
It was a nice introduction to the incredible diversity of wildlife that Africa has and the team is looking forward to seeing more tomorrow.
We wrapped up the evening with a wonderful meal at our new lodge www.plantation-lodge.com see for yourself!
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Safari crew
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
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At breakfast this morning there were plenty of our team singing the praises of Mweka Camp and 10,000 ft living. The sleep was sooooo much better than at 15,000 ft. Food went down easier as well, and we put away plenty of it before hitting the trail at 8 AM. Within a few minutes of walking, we entered the rain forest. The day was dry and clear but as we descended, the trail was wetter and more muddy. We had to drop 4000 ft without slipping. This was made a bit more exciting by the hundreds of porters from various teams trying to get down the slippery track with big loads at high speed. We finished the journey at 10:30am and signed our names in the National Park registry at the Mweka Gate. We then enjoyed a final lunch with our staff, after which we were treated to a spirited song and dance session with all 46 of the men who helped us. We expressed our gratitude with tips for all and then shook hands to seal the deal…and to bid farewell.
We loaded onto the bus and made the two-hour ride back to the Rivertrees hotel. It was then a comfortable afternoon of showers and gear sorting. The adventure continues tomorrow with safari, but we took the time this evening to eat and drink together in celebration of our successful climb of Kilimanjaro.
Best Regards,
Elsie and Emmett loved your pictures of the celebration. looks like everyone is celebrating this achievement of the climb. Congratulations to the WHOLE team.
Posted by: judy reiner on 8/15/2023 at 5:11 am
Congrats Team!
Woohoo, Allison! What an awesome accomplishment! Love you! -P
Posted by: Paula on 8/15/2023 at 1:35 am
We’re so proud of you Aimee. We were all rooting for you and can’t wait to hear all about the trip.
Love mom and dad. ❤️
Posted by: Laura and Steve on 5/25/2019 at 11:48 am
So proud of you Rebecca! Hope your toes and fingers stayed warm! Love, Mom
Posted by: Joyce Stuehringer on 5/25/2019 at 11:41 am
Posted by: Jenny Konway, Jordan Cargill
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,200'
Posted by: Zeb Blais, Jess Matthews, Hannah McGowan, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Congrats team Texas!
Posted by: Josh H on 7/15/2016 at 9:18 am
Posted by: Tyler Jones, Caleb Ladue, Blake Votilla
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7,800'
On The Map
Still trying to keep a little vertical distance from reality.
Posted by: Dad on 6/12/2016 at 5:41 am
Wow descending almost 10,000 feet and through a snow storm layer—thats a long day! I hope you’re all holding up well on this last leg down to base camp!
Ongun I can’t wait to hear from you! sending you my hugs!
xoxo
Karina
Posted by: karina on 6/11/2016 at 9:29 pm
Posted by:
Categories: Guide News
Steve and Team,
Great news on the weather front. The views must be spectacular!
Hope all proceeds as planned from here.
Hike well and be safe.
Dad
Posted by: Bill Gately on 5/20/2014 at 3:12 am
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