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Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Vinson Massif







I am thrilled to announce to the blogosphere and those actually following that our intrepid group of mountaineers all reached the summit of 18,996’ Volcan Cayambe this morning at 6 am. Having been on this mountain close to a dozen times, I can honestly say this was likely the nicest route conditions and weather combination I have ever experienced. Excellent snow texture, light wind and perfect temps made for a day that will be hard to follow on our next two objectives.
Our day began slightly less than perfect with an 11pm alarm jolt which politely ripped me from my sleep which I had finally achieved a mere 30 minutes before. Oh the joys of an honest alpine start.
After flipping a coin to decide if I should put my harness on before doing something usually done before the harness goes on, the quarter landed tails so I harnessed up and hoped for the best. While continuing to ready ourselves, one of our team members opted not to join the climb because of a strained knee which was heartbreaking news, so upon departure, we were six instead of seven. Maria, you were with us in spirit the entire way!
As the climb progressed, even the local guides couldn’t stop commenting on how beautiful the night was. This is also Hannah’s first big mountain in Ecuador so she better not get too used to this. Especially on Cayambe. We all need to crack a cervesa and toast the weather gods.
With incredible summit photos and hugs proof of our ascent, the descent went as smooth as the climb. Three hours after leaving the top everyone was safe and sound back at the hut drinking coffee and eating freshly prepared scrambled eggs. Shortly after breakfast we loaded the trucks and headed back to town.
By 3:30 this afternoon we had put a serious dent in our hacienda's beer supply and couldn’t believe we were standing on the summit a mere eight hours previous. Ah the beauty of not having to pack up camp and keep marching! This is how mountain climbing should be (most of the time).
Now the team is continuing to celebrate and fight off the exhaustion that comes with ten hours on the move at altitude. They are strong in more ways than one!
Congrats to a job well done.
Posted by: Casey Grom, Ben Liken, Christina Dale, Augi Fleer, Nick Sinapius, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb July 25 - 28 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Ben Liken. Clear skies and warm temperatures continue in the area. Once the teams return to Camp Muir they will take a quick break to re-hydrate and re-pack their gear before continuing the remaining 4.5 miles to Paradise. The teams will celebrate their achievements later this afternoon at Rainier Basecamp.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Posted by: Win Whittaker, Josh McDowell
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Congratulations Climb For Clean Air (CFCA) Climb Group #3 for the awesome accomplishment. We hare so proud of you all and happy we got the opportunity to train with you.
Posted by: Tideworks Mountaineers on 7/26/2019 at 10:07 am
Congrats to all! Great work, team!
Posted by: Daniel on 7/25/2019 at 5:33 pm
Posted by: JJ Justman, Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
It was great to share the experience with all of you.
-Steve
Posted by: Steve Bussolari on 9/30/2012 at 6:32 pm
Absolutely an amazing experience. Loved every minute on the seminar and climb.
Posted by: Brian Christianson on 9/29/2012 at 6:13 pm
Posted by: Bryan Mazaika, Steve Gately, Dominic Cifelli, Nick Sinapius, Lacie Smith, Joey Manship
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb July 14 - 17 led by RMI Guides Bryan Mazaika and Steve Gately reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. As of 7 am they were in the summit crater. The cloud deck is below Camp Muir, so the teams were enjoying clear skies and light winds. After returning to Camp Muir later this morning, the teams will continue another 4.5 miles to Paradise. Once back at Rainier BaseCamp they can relax and celebrate.
Congratulations to today's teams!
Congrats to all the climbers! Huge shout out to Samia for getting out there and crushing it! One minute you’re in NOLA, below sea level, and the next you’re at the top of Rainier! Don’t ever stop!
Posted by: Nora on 7/17/2022 at 10:01 am
Congratulations to scott and mike. Great job making it to the top what a great accomplishment. Look forward to hearing about your adventure.
Posted by: Eileen on 7/17/2022 at 9:42 am
Posted by: Mike Walter, Taylor Bickford
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Mike Walter checked in from camp this afternoon. Mike reported avalanche conditions and decided to turn due to unstable snow conditions, rain on snow, some natural avalanche conditions and 30 - 60cm postholing.
They hope to climb thru Coleman-Deming and then hike out tomorrow.
Posted by:
Categories: Guide News Guide Grant

Posted by: Alex Van Steen, Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Carstensz Pyramid
On The Map
Houston`s climate is not that bad after all. Hope you all will keep up the good spirit and enjoy the reward of being able to do what you are doing.What an experience it is. I am curious to see some pictures after you are all back in good health.
Pap en Mam
Posted by: Richard van Steen on 7/2/2012 at 6:26 am
Alex, Mark and team, Amakane!Mark your blog reminds of a poem my Mom wrote “Oh give me a mountain to climb! Im leaving the jungle trail, the steamy swamps and the lowlands, give me a mountain to scale. I’ve been cut by the jungle grasses, I faint in the tropical heat, to plow through the mire is exhausting the mud has made heavy my feet….” You will soon be wondering at the towering crags above you, gasping at the vast unclimbed faces! Hey that wall of roots is pretty wild, eh? 5.8 climbing in the jungle! Ka noae!
Posted by: amy on 7/2/2012 at 2:29 am
Fantastic journey. To reach such a ‘high’. Congrats to each of you for the safe adventure, These moments that you share with us, that will be held in the depths of your minds and hearts, will become a part of you for life. Thanks for allowing us to read, just a little, about your moments in time.
Posted by: Terri L. Jennings on 2/15/2022 at 10:16 am
Memories of the static electricity on Cayambe!! That sure was an experience! So cool you had great weather!!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 2/15/2022 at 3:04 am
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