The storm settled out late last night and we woke to clear cold skies this morning. The forecast was calling for improving weather and decreasing winds down to 15mph throughout the day. I was a bit skeptical of this forecast as I was seeing signs of approaching weather to the West over Chile. We opted to have a slow morning to allow the weather time to deteriorate if it was going to. After getting an updated forecast speaking yet again of calm weather we opted to start packing and head up to high camp. Of course a few minutes into taking down our tents a large lenticular cloud, often indicative of high winds, formed over the mountains rocky summit. By the time we were finished packing, clouds were rolling over camp and a gentle snow had begun to fall. Not more then 10 minutes out of camp the weather turned into a genuine blizzard! We turned around, made the 5-minute walk back and started to reestablish camp. Tomorrow is our last opportunity to go for the summit before high winds plague the area again. With the forecast still showing clear skies and light winds we'll opt to try for the summit from Camp II tomorrow morning assuming the forecast is correct. This makes an already big day that much bigger but the team is up to the challenge. Pray to the Weather Gods for us!
RMI Guide Steve Gately
June 7, 2015, 9:45 pm PT
After surviving our first chilly night at 14K Camp, everyone walked into the posh this morning to the sweet smell of blueberry pancakes. Cooking at 14,000ft is quite difficult on any day but Tyler made pancakes that would have made Grandpa Jerry proud.
Post breakfast we took advantage of the nice weather and prepared our camp for a nuclear winter. Hopefully the weather will stay nice but if not we are prepared for the worst. After our wall building session we did some more training for the upper mountain.
The guides set up a fixed-line obstacle course that everyone marched around in like a group of trained gorillas.
Tomorrow we hope to carry to the top of the fixed lines, but as always, we will see what Mother Nature brings.
RMI Guide Tyler Jones
A great evening of meeting the team included the necessary briefing, but more importantly a solid dinner. The next morning we loaded up our equipment from the hotel and started our drive into the mountains.
Our first stop is the Mexican Olympian trainatorium,La Malintzi. Our team of wanna be altitude aficionados showed great promise on our first foray. Everyone shook off some jet lag and travel weariness and performed admirably. We made our way through giant ponderosa pine forests, eventually leaving the trees behind and gaining the ridge ofLa Malinche, an extinct volcano and our first chance to work up high. The collective wrist-mounted technology consensus put our team at 13,800 feet above the sea. Not a bad first day. With a start like this I'd say we've got a great shot at some good times in the mountains. Stay tuned as we push on through this adventure!
RMI Guide Jake Beren
We wanted to let you know that our team reached the summit of Ixtaccihuatl today! Six of our climbers reached the summit. We had good weather today, although it was a little windy up high.
We have arrived in Puebla and it's been a long day. We are looking forward to a good night's sleep and a day of rest and exploration of this great town.
RMI Guides Solveig Waterfall & Chase Nelson
The team woke this morning after a wonderful nights sleep despite not being serenaded by the sounds of war drums and a seemingly lost pan flute player. If that wasn't enough we then treated the team to breakfast burrito's and real drip coffee!
Everyone is doing great after yesterday's efforts and today we focus on resting for our move to Camp I (16,200ft) tomorrow. Moving up is always such a good feeling. After 4 nights at Basecamp everyone is excited for a change of scenery and for most, getting to Camp I feels like we're finally starting the climb as we leave the creature comforts of Basecamp behind. Tonight we'll enjoy our last meal with silverware and plates until our descent. The gang sends there.... Well why don't we just let them tell you!
Loving the music here at base camp: Oasis, Bon Jovi, and Ace of Base! -Candace
We are both feeling good and relaxing with quesadillas at base camp on a rest day today. Love to all. - Jeff and Mere
I am taking a break from technology -Sam
I told people at work I didn't have access to email -Rebecca
RMI Guide Steve Gately
Woohoo! Sounds like you all are rocking it up there! So jealous that you get to enjoy the company of Candace!! She’s so much fun :) Be well! ❤️! Tiffany
The weather hasn't cooperated with us the past couple of days, and we're getting ready to pack up and descend through the Fisher Chimneys, and return to the trailhead. It's still raining here, and we have a lot of climbing ahead of us just to get back to the approach trail. We'll enjoy the climbing, but we're also looking forward to a warm shower!
We've done the bulk of the climbing on this route already, and only about 2000' stand between us and the summit. But there's no way we can move upwards in these wet conditions.
We'll touch base when we're back at the trailhead.
RMI Guide Mike Walter
The team is still stuck at 17,000' in blizzard conditions. Has been snowing continuously and winds blowing around 30 mph or so. The group is doing well; they have plenty of food and fuel and are just hanging out until the weather gets better. They will see how the weather looks in the morning. Dave will give us a call tomorrow with an update.
We moved to the 14,000' camp yesterday. The weather was clear and sunny above us and clouds below. A light wind kept things comfortable. We plan to make a back carry today to Windy Corner to pickup our cache. Everyone is doing well and in high spirits.
After the late night we enjoyed sleeping in a bit to wait out the storm. We woke up to the rhythmic sound of snow on the side of the tent. We had a lovely breakfast of bagels with lox and warm drinks before going back to the shelter of our warm tents. About a foot of snow fell overnight and into the early afternoon. Life on the glacier is peaceful. Reading, playing cards, and sharing stories made the time go by pleasantly. We organized our resources and are hoping to carry tomorrow. Just before dinner the visibility improved and we were able to watch the birds rejoice in the break in the weather. Dinner was accompanied by stupid jokes and cheerful laughter. Today was a great day, the team is in good spirits.
Peace, Love, and Gratitude,
RMI Guides Seth, Jackson, Ray, and Team
Thank you for these daily posts! You are in a majestic place with a group that sounds like a dream team! Thank you Jason and Grace for taking us along via your GPS tracker. May all of you enjoy this incredible experience. Be safe and lift up your eyes to the mountains!
Luv,
Grace’s folks- Lela & Victor
Message from Grace’s grandparents: We are so proud of your perseverance. We are looking forward to hearing about all of your adventures! Lots of Love, Granmie & Grandaddy
Posted by: Lela & Victor Ling on 5/19/2025 at 3:34 pm
Will.
Happy to hear you have started this amazing journey. Glacier life sounds beautiful and peaceful. Enjoy god’s beauty, be safe. Wishing the whole team the best. Praying for you all. HUGS !!
Love, Mom Sergi
Good news! RMI Guide Dominic Cifelli along with climbers Eric, Brian, and Ethan reached the top of Aconcagua at 12:15 local time. Reporting light winds and sunny. Beautiful day.
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Boyd and Team, I am sending good karma your way and praying for a safe summit tomorrow!
Posted by: George on 12/27/2016 at 4:53 am
Good luck on the summit attempt tomorrow! We are cheering you on Bob!
Joe and Karen
Posted by: Joe Reinkemeyer on 12/26/2016 at 8:20 pm
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