Today was half preparation (which we've been doing a lot of lately) and then finally.... Walking uphill. We took a "shakedown cruise". Roping up and then carrying a load about half the distance to Low Camp. It was a perfect day, in terms of weather. Clear, calm conditions with bright and strong sunshine. Great for getting started. We only went a couple of hours uphill on the broad Branscomb Glacier, but as usual, the view got better and better as we went. Eventually we were getting to see the surrounding spires and cathedrals of the Sentinel Range. Mount Shinn, Mounts Epperly and Gardner. And we couldn't miss the vertical mile of Vinson's West Face getting gigantic in front of us. Our goals achieved at "half camp", we cached the gear and supplies and rolled on down to Vinson Base. This evening was a little easier than last night, not so hectic since the camp was already built. We're hoping everybody gets a full rest tonight, as tomorrow could be another good climbing day.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
Good evening from Tingri.
We had a long day of driving on the road through the Tibetan Plateau... but it all was done in great spirits, as the grassy plains started to become rolling hills, and finally, snow capped mountains. We left Shigatse in the morning with rain, and the day became sunnier as we were devouring the kilometers that were also bringing us high. Entering the Chomolougma National Park (Everest) or reaching 17,000ft were only some of the exciting occurrences, alongside spotting the Turquoise Goddess (Cho Oyu) sneak from the clouds. A hike around the town of Tingri, where we're spending the night at an elevation similar to the one of Mt. Rainier, culminated the day. Tomorrow we'll be covering the last three-car hours of our Shishapangma approach, and we'll be at driver's camp, reuniting with our Sherpa team and cooks. Game is on!!!
RMI Guide Elías de Andres Martos and team
Jambo -
This group of intrepid mountaineers made quick work of the infamous Barranco wall. Working together, climbing with style and grace and a bit of support from are great local staff our team ascended and thirty minutes later we reached the top of the wall with high fives and a good photo opportunity. We were then on our way to our new camp at over 13,000' at Karanga Camp. The weather conditions are perfect and thank goodness for kissing the Blarney Stone before the climb.
The whole team is in great shape and feeling strong, boots and equipment are performing well. We are hoping the weather continues to hold to give us the best chances to stand on top of Kilimanjaro!
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
Buenes dias. This is the Aconcagua team checking in from Camp 2, aka Guanacos Camp. After moving from Camp 1 to Camp 2 yesterday, today was perfect conditions for an acclimatization hike toward Camp 3. We are planning on moving to Camp 3 tomorrow to take advantage of the favorable weather forecast. We'll update after the move. Adios until then.
RMI Guide Zeb Blais and Team
Sunday, June 9, 2019 - 1:42pm PT
RMI Guide Mike Walter checked in via SAT Phone from camp on the Easton Glacier of Mt. Baker. The team reached the summit this morning and enjoyed an almost 4,000' ski descent off the top of Mt. Baker. The team plans to spend a little time in camp recovering before they pack up and head to the trail head where they will return to town for a successful post-climb dinner!
Congratulations!
Sunday, June 24, 2018 - 8:59 PM PT
Oh what a day! We awoke to cool, clear skies and quickly readied ourselves to go retrieve our cache at 13,500. As we walked and the sun began to rise higher in the sky our numb digits started to gain some life and the beautiful views put a little pep in our step. When we returned from the cache we lounged in the sun, listening to Rusty’s eclectic musical mix and filling our bellies with a delightful bagel breakfast. Later we practiced running belays and traveling on fixed lines in preparation for tomorrow’s cache at 17,000'. Our Super Crew cruised on through it and will do great with tomorrow’s climb. We are now packing bags and picking out the perfect food to stash at 17,000' Camp. We plan to rise early for our climb and be back tomorrow afternoon for some proper rest time.
All is well here at scenic 14,000' Camp!
RMI Guide Mike Haugen & Super Crew
I hope the weather cooperates on your final day(s).
MS-150 riders missed Rusty’s intense bicycle face. Lol
Safe climbing to all.
Carlos
Posted by: Carlos Bernal on 6/25/2018 at 6:31 pm
Looks like the weather is finally in your favor! Hey Daddio (aka Craig Clark)- Finally have some news! It’s a GIRL! Another granddaughter on the way! Love you!
Yesterday we had a wonderful albeit long day climbing to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
The team woke at the enjoyable hour of 11:30 to thankfully clear skies after a very cloudy evening that had us wondering what lay ahead. We had a quick midnight breakfast of porridge, tea and coffee before hitting the trail at 12:30.
We climbed in hour increments with 10-15 breaks in between, which we've been doing every day thus far. The weather was very calm allowing us to take our time and not feel too cold which we were very thankful for. The climb took about 7 1/2 hours to reach the top, and thankfully the sun had risen shortly before reaching the top to help warm us and boost morale after climbing through the night. Once there, we hugged each other, enjoyed the view and took plenty of pictures while we waited in line to get our photos of the sign that adorns the summit.
It was a true test of endurance for most of the crew, and I'm really proud of everyone. We descended back to high camp, had a quick lunch, repacked and continued further down the mountain to our final camp on the mountain, where we had dinner and then headed to bed for some well deserved sleep.
Today we woke at 7:00 feeling good, had breakfast, then enjoyed a goodbye song and dance from our gracious crew of porters, cooks, and local guides numbering 50. We finished the little celebration by handing out their well deserved tips and then hit the trail one last time.
It took a little over three hours to reach the park gate where the team had lunch then hopped aboard our awaiting bus for the ride back to the lodge.
Finally we are all safe and sound, and a little cleaner after an amazing seven-day journey up and down Kilimanjaro.
The team is currently relaxing and looking forward to Safari which starts tomorrow!
RMI Guide Casey Grom and a happy Kilimanjaro crew
Hello everyone -
The team arrived yesterday after a tiring day of travel. As most of the team is still adjusting to the nearly 12 hour time change we kept things simple with a little round of introductions and a brief overview of the days ahead. We then took a short walk to get dinner at a nearby restaurant before turning in for the night.
Today we meet with our local tour guide, Victoria, and had a wonderful tour of the nearby Red Square and the Kremlin. We visited several churches including the iconic St. Basil's, plus a brief stop at the famous GUM, which is a high end shopping mall that sits across the Red Square from the Kremlin.
We've just returned from dinner and are getting packed up for tomorrow's flight to the south which will get us closer to Mt. Elbrus.
Everyone is doing great and looking forward to heading to the mountains tomorrow.
That's all for now.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew
June 1, 2017
Hey there - this is Pete Van Deventer calling. We're back at 17 Camp happy to report after a successful summit day on Denali. We had really perfect weather, couldn't have gotten much better. We had 4 mile an hour kind of chilly breeze this morning, but by the time we got to the Football Field things we're getting pretty warm. It couldn't have been clearer or calmer up on the summit ridge. We got out out of camp nice an early today right after Mike Walter's team, and had Denali mostly to ourselves for a lot of the day. It was great, we are all back at camp and everybody's fed and happy and tucked into bed. The goal tomorrow will be the move back down where the air is thicker and temperatures are warmer. Ideally 11,000' or 7,600' and be at Base Camp shortly thereafter. Maybe Saturday morning to try to catch some flights out. So everybody is heading home, everybody is well and everybody is excited after a great day. We got some good photos and we really can't ask for much more than what we got today. Alright - we'll talk soon.
RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer
RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer calls from 17,000 ft Camp after a successful summit day.
From down under great climbing Mark and Rachel and fellow mountaineers on achieving your goal. Heartfelt thanks to Pete, Jess and Jenny for making it possible and particularly for maintaining your morale during that long delay at14K. In our eyes you three are real heroes. Hope weather holds fo a safe and enjoyable decent then celebrate. With our best wishes for a safe journey home. Phil and Vonne.
Posted by: Philip and Vonne Calvert on 6/2/2017 at 3:07 pm
Awesome job!! Congrats JT, Peter, Yon, Rags, Rachel, Mark, Pete, Jenny, Jesse on getting the summit. What an accomplishment. I’m there with you in spirit. Safe travels down. Looking forward to seeing your photos.
It was breezy all night and thru out the climb as we traversed along the west side of the mountain today. Dramatic clouds below on the Shira Plateau stayed around until the wind died down. We were hiking thru the highland desert zone among large volcanic boulders up to well over 14,500' when we began the big descent into tonight's camp Barranco at 13,030'. The south side of the mountain begins to unveil the dramatic upper mountain and a scattering of the beautiful giant groundsel tree not found many places on this planet is making an appearance. The team worked hard to get here and are glad to be sitting at the dinner table getting ready to begin another great mountain meal together.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
You are almost to the top. Keep up the hard work, Grace and I are rooting for you from RPI. I want to hear those pressure breaths from the other side of the globe!
Posted by: Evan and Grace on 9/23/2016 at 5:16 pm
Sounds like an amazing adventure! Can’t wait to hear about it in person. Also, congrats on the personal altitude record Mom!
Sending lots of love from Somerville :)
Posted by: Alexander and Hoagie on 9/22/2016 at 6:30 pm
The photo is beautiful! Good luck on tomorrow’s climb!
Charlotte
Posted by: Charlotte Williams on 11/29/2016 at 5:16 pm
The view of the mountain is gorgeous! Glad to read the weather is good. Hope it continues. Good luck!
Yuki
Posted by: Yukiko Loritz on 11/29/2016 at 9:08 am
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