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Today we left Quito and the city life is in our rear view. Yeah, the hotel is nice. Yeah, the coffee shop across the street knows my name and order. Yeah, the eucalyptus steam room is great. But we are here to climb, experience culture, be a little uncomfortable. All those other things are available everywhere else!
So, we turn our sights towards Cayambe. Today, we did one more acclimatization hike to Cerro Fuya Fuya and were once again fortunate to stay dry. Walking around in the high grasslands gave us a chance to breathe some fresh air and continue to work towards the physiological adaptations that will be advantageous for us on higher mountains. Tonight, we are enjoying a lovely rest in a classic Andean highlands hacienda before we head to the lower Cayambe hut tomorrow.
The team is in good spirits after reaching the summits of both acclimatization peaks. I seem to be the only person who is a bit chapped about missing the Super Bowl (once again) because we will be out of cell range. Oh well, I don’t actually care who wins, just as long as all the players have fun.
Anyways, it’s time to call it a night, keep us in your thoughts as we venture higher the next few days. Hopefully to 18,996’ by Monday morning!
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar February 6, 2024
RMI Guide Mike King calls from the summit of Pico de Orizaba.
Posted by: Mike King, Jenny Konway
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
On The Map
“Josh, I hope you’re having a great day! I hope you don’t fall down! ”
- Evan (3 1/2)
Hi Josh! It looks like you are in your element and having a blast! We can’t wait to hear about your adventures! - Lee & Lauren
Posted by: Evan "mountain polar bear" Hickmott on 1/24/2017 at 6:22 am
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Seth Burns, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,000'
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - 9:24 am PT
Day 7 on the mountain and our first official rest day of the trip. A late wake up, a leisurely breakfast, jovial conversations, and a time to rest, recuperate, contemplate, and prepare for what’s next. It was a beautiful day on the mountain, the sun was out with a light breeze to keep us cool, and views of the Alaska range stretching out before us to drink in. We’ve hit that beautiful moment in any grand outdoor adventure. When a group of random people, be it an expedition team or just a group of folks traveling down the trail at the same speed, spend enough time together that individual goals truly become a shared group goal. Not just because we have group food and gear to carry, but because we have become invested in everyone’s success, not just our own. It materializes in many ways, from sharing tips and tricks on the best way to stretch that aching IT band or hip flexor, to creating a team wide charcuterie board from all our snacks, to sharing the extra face wipes you may have that others didn’t bring. That type of camaraderie is so crucial for the team. Bringing much needed levity and support through all the challenges already experienced and the many more still to come. Today’s date holds a special place for me, 7 years ago, I was lucky enough to exchange vows with my wife Sophia (here on the mountain too) promising to always be there for that next adventure, partners in all the crazy things either of us want to do. Today is also a bittersweet day, as Sophia and I will head back down to base camp to head off the mountain, Denali has proven to be every bit as hard and grueling a challenge as has been advertised and cautioned. But we leave happy for the time we have been able to spend on the mountain and the incredible experiences we have been able to have with such an amazing climbing team. We will be watching closely and cheering on everyone else as they continue on this amazing adventure, while we head home and contemplate the next step in our adventure.
Happy anniversary Sophia, I love you dearly.
Oh little darling, don’t you look charming Here in the eye of a hurricane
Real or imagined, what does it matter Look come inside, can I get you to stay
- Hurricane (Johnnie’s Theme) by Lord Huron
RMI Climber Tait Pollard
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition June 9, 2024
All the best team, enjoy the adventure and every moment of it.
A big hug to Tony.
In bocca al lupo!
Massimo
Posted by: Massimo Monticelli on 6/20/2024 at 12:55 am
Climb faster Double-D McKinley
Posted by: Wild Bill on 6/18/2024 at 2:07 pm
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Ben Luedtke, Michael Murray
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 9,000'
Greetings from Pampa de Lena's! We awoke this morning at the rustic Hotel Ayelene eager to start our way up Aconcagua. We busily made final adjustments to our packs as questions about readiness filled our minds. Are we trained enough? Do we have the right gear packed? Will those croissants from this morning make it till break tomorrow? Will present Chris get in the way of past Chris helping future Chris pack?
But as we started walking questions like these fade away. Fueled by sweet bell peppers as we arrive at camp in style.
Climber Jon Honda
New Post Alerts:
Aconcagua Expedition January 12, 2024
Posted by: Adam Knoff, Chris Ebeling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
I love the energy this group brings! Looking forward to the stories of the summit bids and how it all goes! Adam is a wonderful human and guide- you are in good hands! Can’t wait for the next update! Safe travels to one and all! ❤️
Posted by: Chrissy on 1/25/2019 at 8:39 pm
Your blog is awesome. Best of luck. Safe and fun! Mom
Posted by: Jane Knoff on 1/25/2019 at 6:04 pm
Posted by: Robby Young, Alan Davis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Peru Seminar
Elevation: 12,000'
Hi to Jen & Mark from Uncle Ric!
Posted by: Ric Meese on 7/3/2018 at 11:16 am
Posted by: Walter Hailes, JM Gorum
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
On The Map
Big Daddy says “Go Big or Go Home!” and don’t come home until you go big. Keep up the good work, we look forward to the untold stories upon your return.
Posted by: Chris Ewers on 6/6/2018 at 3:56 pm
Tyler, luck be with you- I told Syd where you were- he’s coming to catch up with you!!!! You better climb bigger, faster harder!!! Haha! Love Ya, D and Lo
Posted by: Dee DEe Miller on 6/4/2018 at 7:16 pm
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Good luck Utah team! Looking forward to keeping up with all your adventures! Enjoy! Lee and Susie
Posted by: Susie and Lee on 2/1/2018 at 6:26 pm
Good Luck! Fingers crossed and thoughts are with you. You can do it.
Posted by: Lynette Elliott on 1/31/2018 at 3:55 pm
Hey Dustin! Loving this bringing back Awesome memories! All the Beat as you more higher!
Hey Team…Just so you know Dustin Rocks!!! But you all probably know that already!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 2/10/2024 at 4:36 am
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