We lay in our tents listening to the sounds of heavy rain, snow, hail, then lighting and thunder at High Camp in Ixta. Miraculous, at 1 am the weather cleared and we packed up to head for the summit. We climbed through the dark night into a dense cloud. Everyone made it to the summit with a layer of rime ice surrounding their faces. We had quick hugs on the summit then hustled back down. The weather progressively worsened on our descent to a point where the winds were so strong we couldn't stand against them. It was a true blizzard and everyone on the team did so well getting down safely. We definitely had a full value climb with lots of excitement.
RMI Guide Christina Dale
We spent a quiet night at Machame Camp with clouds above and below. Those of us lying awake, still wrestling with jet lag, were never able to detect even the faintest of breezes rustling tent fabric. 6:30 was our wake up target and although we were right on the mark, Kilimanjaro itself decided to sleep in. We were never able to see Kibo, the central peak, due to clouds. We set out at 8 AM in pleasant walking conditions -never in danger of overheating- with the sun obscured. The trail led steeply upward through a giant heather forest. We climbed slowly and steadily, working from time to time on walking and breathing techniques for the days ahead. Views were limited but still enchanting as we reached and followed a ridge top of old lava formations to well over 12,000 ft. We finished with an hour of traversing ledges and trails to the north, turning the corner onto the easier Shira Plateau just after noon. We were in our 12,600 ft new home -Shira Camp- by 12:45. We lounged away the afternoon with meals, naps, storytelling and exploring. Sunset into the cloudy peaks of Shira was briefly beautiful. We finished with a sumptuous alpine dinner in our dining tent, chatted a bit more about legendary climbs and climbers, and then called it a day. (A good day)
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
It has been cloudy all day but that made for a very comfortable hike up to the Shira Plateau, 12,200', and our second camp on Kilimanjaro. The hike out of camp was steep for a couple of hours with a beautiful traverse to top out the day. En route to camp we encountered a short section of rock scramble which had everyone paying attention and will get us ready for our climb up the Barranco Wall in a couple days. Here at over 12,000', we were greeted with a camp fully set up and a hot lunch. We are hopeful the skies will clear and we will be able to enjoy the sunset and get a peak at the upper mountain from tonight's camp. The team is in good shape snacking, exploring and resting and hoping for clear skies tomorrow.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
Greetings RMI Blog loyal followers. This is your ESS - Peru team and we are standing on top of Urus Este at an elevation of 17,600 or 17,700 ish disputed. We are in the sunshine. We're loving life on this really dramatic beautiful arrest of a summit and we are all enjoying the sunshine up here before we start going downhill and the group has something to say. (Cheers) Tomorrow we return to Huaraz and then on to Copa. Until then we will keep you in the loop. Bye.
RMI Guide Robby Young
RMI Guide Robby Young and team call from the summit of Nevado Urus, Peru.
Hey Jason. Sorry Brian couldn’t complete the trip.
I’m sure the pictures don’t do justice to the real views you are experiencing.
Love you and look forward to your safe return.
Mom and Dad.
Posted by: Steve Gehrke on 7/10/2017 at 3:27 am
Hi Jon! How’s the air up there? Your family at sea level misses you, especially Cala, who misses her Uncle Jon so much she cries every day. We wish you and your climbing team the best, stay healthy and safe.
Hugs,
the Crabbies and Mom
Our team has arrived on Mt. Elbrus. It was a beautiful day and every time I ride the tram up to camp I think, "Geez, I wish Mt. Rainier had one of these"! After we arrived the team took an acclimatization hike to 13,680 feet. We got a taste of thin air and then we headed back down to 12,600ft for an incredible lunch. Some of the team are enjoying the cafe just below our camp while others are relaxing. Yes!! This is the life! Tomorrow, stay tuned, our plan is to acclimatize to 15,000 feet give or take.
RMI Guide JJ Justman
June 16, 2015 - 2:01 am
Hey, this is the Upper West Rib team calling you to confirm that we made it back to High Camp. We are all tucked in for the night, in bed safe and sound.
RMI Guide Eric Frank
RMI Guide Eric Frank checks in from High Camp after the team returns from the summit.
As we look up to the higher elevations, there is a cloud cap and it appears to be windy. We have decided to rest comfortably at our 14,000' camp where it is calm. It ruined our plan for a carry but there is always tomorrow.
Cowboy camping and waking up under the stars was quite refreshing. Shoutout Starlink. My circadian rhythm said awe dope bro, that’s what’s up. After a salty breakfast, we left Pampas de Leñas at 8:15am and the first thing that comes to mind: Aconcagua Slay. Heading off with the team towards the so-called “suspension bridge.” Riddles and jokes were had by all. Forwards I am heavy backwards I am NOT.. definitely not a pregnant woman but Ben’s jokes and riddles are TON’s of fun…you maggots! Pocket rocks were found, ketchup and salami sandwich’s were had, we saw guanaco, and learned a pirates favorite letter is definitely “aye.” After 10.2 miles we made it to Casa de Piedra to set up camp. What I thought would be a siesta turned into Erica taking us to school In Farkle… I think I now “underment what she stood.”
In the words of ChatGPT, “no cap, this climb’s straight bussin’, we keep slayin’, there’s no discussion.”
Throughout the trip we’re going to be passing the blog around to the group so make sure to keep an eye out for your climber and leave some comments for our adventure!
We are a couple days in, and boy did we enjoy Mendoza. Wine tours, big dinners, and local markets is one hell of a way to start an expedition. The best part for us? Our dollar goes far here. You don’t have to have a rocket doctor salary to enjoy the fine dining here. But we’re here to climb not JUST drink wine in the city and it’s a welcome change.
The first day on the trail started off almost too good to be true. Sunshine? Check. Warm temps? Check. A cool breeze? Sure, why not. Spirits were high, and we cruised along the trail, soaking in the views. Buuuut that didn’t last forever. We experienced it all. The hot sun and still air, the high winds and exfoliating sand, the cold rain and concussing hail. After the gambit we finally made it to Pampa De Leñas, our first camp, enjoying the amenities here, pondering the origin of profanities, listening to a ukele show from the professor, and saving our appetite for a delicious meal.
Looking forward to climbing one of the best mountains in the world, no cap
Snug as a bug under a rug, 10 of us slept in a small room. Last night having arrived to the village in the dark with no gear, a tea house took us in. They fed us Dhal Bhat and tea, and gave us their extra room with blankets for us all to sleep. It was a fun little slumber party. We woke casually this morning and fired up the one stove I had to make our coffee. We then ate our breakfast, a bowl of ramen, and did some laundry. After wandering the village for an hour, we could see the rest of our team, and porters arriving with all the gear. We told our story about our night and settled in. The rest of the day we are taking time to ourselves to read and write. Jorge one of the team members, is a doctor is Spain and is setting up a medical tent. He will see the villagers and give them needed medicine, such as vitamins, antibiotics, and pain killers. This will be the first time many of these people have seen a doctor. As for now, We enjoy the last few hours of sun and will get ready for more walking tomorrow.
Adios,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith
Hey Jason. Sorry Brian couldn’t complete the trip.
I’m sure the pictures don’t do justice to the real views you are experiencing.
Love you and look forward to your safe return.
Mom and Dad.
Posted by: Steve Gehrke on 7/10/2017 at 3:27 am
Hi Jon! How’s the air up there? Your family at sea level misses you, especially Cala, who misses her Uncle Jon so much she cries every day. We wish you and your climbing team the best, stay healthy and safe.
Hugs,
the Crabbies and Mom
Posted by: faye on 7/9/2017 at 9:01 pm
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