Most Popular Entries
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 6:10 pm PT
Well, that was a thorough soaking. On night one of Ixta we camped at the trailhead. It rained all night without a break. In the morning it was still raining, but showing signs of clearing so we packed up and headed towards high camp. About an hour in to our hike, the sun came out, revealing our surroundings. We were treated to views of Ixta proper and Popo with a dusting of snow. However, around 5pm the clouds rolled back in and it rained hard again.
It rained throughout the night, a very cold rain. When I woke up to check the weather on a few occasions I was pelted by sideways sleet. Oh right, it was quite windy as well. Sustained moderate winds and precipitation throughout the night thwarted any chance of making a summit attempt. But we can chalk the whole experience up to more acclimatization and for some members of the team, 15400' was a new altitude record or sleeping altitude record.
This morning we descended from high camp, following the direction of a new dog friend. If not already soaked from the night prior, this hike ensured everyone was completely wet. Needless to say, we are all looking forward to some good meals and rest in Puebla tonight and tomorrow. We are keeping our optimism alive for Orizaba and are honestly feeling prepared. Hopefully this weather pattern clears out before Saturday.
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier
I think I know who one of those Egyptian craftsmen is!
Posted by: Jessie on 5/29/2015 at 9:58 pm
Enjoy the moment. Following each blog and the breathtaking photos. Much love
Posted by: Carolyn Walllgren on 5/29/2015 at 5:48 pm
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
On The Map
Posted by: Henry Coppolillo, Seth Burns, Jackson Breen
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Mt. Baker Seminar Update
Yesterday, the team trained on Mt. Erie, learning essential climbing skills like rope management, knots, belaying, and Leave No Trace principles. Early this morning, they regrouped, reorganized their mountain gear, and began the hike to Hogsback Camp. The 5–6 hour trek gained 2,200 feet through lush forest and alpine meadows, arriving at camp at 5,800'. The afternoon was spent setting up camp, practicing mountain skills, and relaxing in the alpine setting.
Posted by: Sam Marjerison, Ben Thorneycroft, Felipe Guarderas, Layne Peters
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Expeditions Skills Seminar - Kautz June 6 - 11 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning via the Kautz Glacier route. After several days of training the team put their skills to the test ascending the Kautz Ice chute and Wapowety Cleaver. They reached Point Success at 8:50 am and crossed to Columbia Crest, the true summit of Mt. Rainier 14,410' arriving at 9:12 am. The team enjoyed a bit of time in the crater and then began their descent. They will return to camp for a well deserved rest and spend a final night on the mountain. Tomorrow they will continue their descent to Paradise, returning to Rainier BaseCamp to conclude their program.
Way to go team!
PC: Felipe Guarderas & Layne Peters
Another great climb, Sam!! Love reading some of the details — stay safe!
Gram & Gramp ❤️
Posted by: Jeri Marjerison on 6/11/2025 at 8:26 am
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Leif Bergstrom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7,800'
May 17, 2024 11:22PM PT
First mountain day in the books. After a pretty grim weather forecast, we had planned to sleep in a bit and have a later breakfast. To our surprise, K2 Aviation called us at 7:30 AM to tell us the weather looked great and to make our way over to the hangar.
By 9 AM, we had changed into our mountain boots and loaded into the plane. After a beautiful flight, we landed at basecamp - unloaded, organized, and rigged up the sleds, buried a basecamp cache for our return, and made our way out onto the lower Kahiltna.
It was a long heavy day - the one day of the trip we carry everything we brought.
Under blue skies, we rolled onto the base of the Ski Hill, built camp, and settled in.
We had a dinner of mac and cheese with bacon and got gear ready to cache tomorrow.
Hoping for another beautiful day, but just glad to be moving.
Check in tomorrow!
RMI Guides Nikki Champion, Leif Bergstrom and Team
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition May 14, 2024
Thank you for the updates! You guys are all doing great! Sending you well wishes for a safe climb!
Posted by: Abby Roberts on 5/19/2024 at 9:21 am
Great start. Keep the good weather coming and climb safe
Posted by: Doc Peters on 5/18/2024 at 5:28 pm
This morning at Barranco, the clouds were lapping at the mountain just a hundred feet below us, but it was crystal clear up above. We were out of camp just after 8 AM and doing battle with the Great Barranco Wall. Climbing through this section requires hands on some careful holds and feet on some well-chosen ledges in the lava. We cruised it. We pulled over the top of the wall (at 14,000 ft) in about an hour and forty minutes.
Somehow, Benson, our chef, had beaten us to it and had a picnic table set up with refreshments. We lounged about in the sun and took pictures with Kibo’s impressive south face as the backdrop. Then we traveled on, traversing several shallow valleys.
Finally, we dropped down a steep hillside into the Karanga Valley and then up the just-as-steep opposite side of the valley. This climb took us into Karanga Camp where we ate lunch and rested and told each other tall tales for the afternoon.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team
You got this Carrie! Lifetime memories in the making.
Posted by: Phyllicia Thomason on 8/13/2023 at 9:06 am
We are thinking of you all, especially our dear Allison Reiner, every step of this way.
So much love to you all!
Posted by: Amber Klein-Adam on 8/13/2023 at 4:39 am
Posted by: JT Schmitt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Always smarter to stay safe. Now just wasn’t the time. Mountain will always be there.
Ya may not have reached the summit but you all had an experience many will never get a chance to have.
Not to mention the knowledge to pursue future endeavors.
Hi 5 folks.
Its still a damn solid accomplishment. Some folks cant even get off of the couch so I tip my hat to all of ya
All about the journey not the trip.
Posted by: Loco Raindrops on 8/15/2019 at 5:12 am
Sorry to hear this. I know they worked really hard and must be extremely disappointed.
Posted by: Jenni on 8/14/2019 at 7:53 pm
Posted by: JM Gorum, JT Schmitt, Dustin Wittmier
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,200'
On The Map
Sending you all our love from Idaho, Brit and team! Glad you are all in this together :)
Posted by: Kat on 6/7/2019 at 8:23 am
Good luck Kirk, I hope the weather holds out for you.
Posted by: Tony and Carrie on 6/6/2019 at 8:44 pm
Great update and photos :). I hope the weather treats you right for Orizaba! Have fun B!
Posted by: Heather Collins on 10/12/2023 at 9:34 am
View All Comments