Most Popular Entries
_Seth.JPG)
On The Map
Posted by: Seth Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Posted by: Seth Burns, Jackson Breen, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 11,000'
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - 9:52 pm PT
Dear Baby Winter,
Just like in the book that we read before coming out here, “Oh the Places, You’ll Go,” today our group walked through an area that I can’t wait to tell you all about. We started this morning not entirely sure if we were going to continue up today due to the weather being a little iffy but Seth made the call for us to venture out with the goal of reaching 11,000' Camp. The walk up was incredibly challenging, the combination of wind and snow with weighted packs and sleds, made this climb like nothing I’ve ever done. The weather created what seemed to be a complete white out, like walking through a cloud. With only being able to differentiate by looking around at my fellow climbers. Thinking of you and your mother pushed me forward and most importantly our excellent guides kept us safe while out there. Each day that I’m here, Denali continues to teach me something that I hope to one day hand down to you and that’s that sometimes the most rewarding moments in life, are the ones that you’ve earned through working for them. Now it’s time for a hot meal, we’re having ramen tonight, cant wait! I miss you more than words will allow.
Love Dad (Juan)
New Post Alerts:
McKinley Expedition May 13, 2025
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Mike Bennett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 11,800'
To catch up anyone following along with this trip, we are now at the lower hut for Cayambe. We are nearing the end of our dedicated acclimatization portion of the trip and preparing to start making attempts on big mountains. Yesterday, we did one more warmup hike circumnavigating Laguna Cuicocha. It is a beautiful lake hike, located within the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. HIking around the lake, the terrain is undulating with a few long hills, but all on well-maintained tread. As you move through different elevation bands, you observe a variety of different flora, which interestingly includes the wild Taxo, a passionfruit-esque plant. In the photos, it is the bell-shaped plant with an orange-ish flower. Our lovely hike was followed up with a relaxing night at the Intiyaya Residences, where the scrappy hacienda dogs put on their best show and try to earn some people food.
Today, we left the hacienda and are now at the lower Cayambe hut, following a stop at the Otavalo market and a cafe for lunch. The market is always quite the spectacle, especially on a Saturday, which is dubbed "market day" - the day that the greatest number of vendors bring goods. The normal textiles, jewelry and art are on display and in addition, on Saturdays there are a variety of fruits, vegetables, spices and breads. It made for a nice day experiencing Ecuadorian culture before turning our focus to Cayambe. We now are reviewing some skills on the grass outside the hut and will very soon watch the sun set on the western slopes of the mountain.
Thanks for following along from wherever you are! We are all feeling ready to go climbing and having a great time so far.
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar January 7 - 21, 2025
Wishing you all safety, good weather and joy as you tackle this first mountain. Don’t underestimate my old man. He travels at his own pace, but he’s a beast.
Posted by: Lisa Banov on 1/12/2025 at 5:10 am
Hey Dustin!!!
Sending you and your team best wishes for Perfect weather!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/12/2025 at 2:39 am
Posted by: JM Gorum, JT Schmitt, Dustin Wittmier
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,200'
Posted by: Walter Hailes
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Good luck gentlemen! FYI, it was 94 degrees in Walnut Creek today; expect it’s a little cooler where you are.
Posted by: Rich Hoag on 5/28/2018 at 9:24 pm
RMI Guide Casey Grom calls in from Shira Camp on Kilimanjaro.
On The Map
SO AWESOME!!!
Posted by: LaDawna C on 8/10/2017 at 1:27 pm
Wow! Am anxious to hear lots more details when you get back
Mama P
Posted by: Betsy Mosser on 8/10/2017 at 11:47 am
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Mark & Shawn,
Wishing you both and the team a great climb!
Kindest Regards,
Jeannie
Posted by: Jeannie Sheedy on 12/3/2015 at 12:09 pm
It certainly looked like a spectacular day in Quito!
Can’t wait to hear more!
Love to Craig!
Posted by: Carol Clark on 11/30/2015 at 5:27 pm
I’ll be sure to read this to Win for bedtime!
Thank you to the wonderful guides for keeping everyone safe out there! It sounds pretty grueling but I believe in the team to make it through, you’re all so amazing for doing what you’ve already accomplished.
Keep your head up!
Love you bunches Coughee
Posted by: Fantasia on 5/21/2025 at 7:34 am
View All Comments