Weather is such a fickle beast when it comes to mountain climbing. As climbers we train, plan, prepare, have the right equipment, and know how to use it, but at the end of the day we can only control so much.
Today we hoped to climb Cayambe. When we woke up to begin our climb in the middle of the night we were greeted with rain, snow, and wind. We waited in the warm Refugio to see if conditions would improve. Precipitation continued to fall with periods of relative clearing and torrents of angry wind and snow. We eventually decided to give it our best shot and go out and climb as high as we safely could. After a few hours of climbing through the storm, breaking trail, and getting all of our jackets soaked to the core, the team decided it was not safe to continue.
We made it back to the hut, hung some gear up to dry and crawled back into bed for naps before breakfast and our departure from the Refugio. After stopping for lunch outside of Quito with our Ecuadorian guides we continued to Cotopaxi where we arrived at our hacienda. We continue to dry out our gear while we enjoy warm showers, hot dinner, comfy beds, a full nights sleep, and some much needed rest.
Despite some nasty weather and a disappointing outcome our team all had smiles on their faces when we finished the climb and a great respect and appreciation for this incredible place we have the privilege to visit!
We loaded up all our gear and added 10 liters of water to our already four gallons and hit the trail for High Camp. It was slow going with heavy packs ,loose scree steps, and not much atmosphere above us but all went well. We made many friends along the trail who are all rooting for the tall blond lady team. Tonight we will hopefully get some sleep and wake up at midnight for the summit bid.
Think warm and speedy thoughts!
RMI Guide Christina Dale
As planned, we took the day off. Sure enough, it looked like the storm had arrived on the upper mountain. We could see wind sculpted clouds attached to all of the high ridges and peaks, but it wasn’t that bad down at our level. We ate a leisurely breakfast until it was lunch time, then retired to the tents for naps and reading and organizing personal gear. The sun was never at full power but even through the clouds, we could feel it in the tents and so it wasn’t too cold. We got together for a late afternoon snack and then for dinner at close to 9 PM. Two of the other groups chose to move up to Low Camp today and so we’ll have eye witnesses as to actual conditions up there tomorrow when we are trying to decide whether to move up. The forecast isn’t yet calling for the end of the storm, but these typically blow through in a couple of days.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
We awoke this morning from the heat in our tents, the sun was shining and the winds had died. Eager to move higher, we packed up our home for the past three nights at Camp 1. With heavy packs we set off confidently, knowing we had already covered the ground between camps two days ago. After four hours of steady rest steps we reached Camp 2. We dug out the cache and set up camp with the efficiency of an experienced team. We moved into our tents just in time to hide out from a sudden snow storm. Our whole team can proudly report feeling healthy at this new elevation.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
The Mt. Shuksan Seminar, led by Chase Nelson, checked in last night and let us know that they made their summit attempt today. The team reached the base of the pyramid and conditions were too icy to continue so they turned back. However, they are excited about what they did accomplish and they will make their way off the mountain today.
RMI Guide Chase Nelson
We have just pulled into high camp, Barafu Camp, located at 15,000' on Kilimanjaro. Our tent sites are on the low side of camp so I'm calling the elevation 14,900'. We have been moving as one cohesive unit which will make the climb tonight go really smooth.
There are a few clouds around making for good pictures and still allowing great views of the upper mountain.
We are up here with plenty of time to rest, fuel up and prepare for the summit push ahead tonight. Repacking our gear and making high calorie lunches in between naps is in store for us. The team is in great shape and we are all fired up and ready for our summit attempt.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
Awakening at Mweka Camp early, the feet and legs had miraculously recovered from our sixteen hour summit day. Ok, maybe not completely recovered, but everyone was moving quite well after such a huge effort. Of course, a little vitamin I (Ibuprofen) never hurt.
Breakfast awaited us, to be followed by song and dance from our mountain staff in celebration of a wonderful week on the mountain. In return we expressed our appreciation of the tremendous care they gave us with tokens of gratitude.
Our three hour hike to the Mweka gate ended in a final meal together. This time the food reflected the local cuisine, and was delicious!
Goodbyes were made and a two hour bus ride brought us back to the comforts of the hotel and the showers everyone had been looking forward to for days. I guess the three hundred baby wipes some folks took weren't quite enough.
We celebrated in style. Not just our success on the mountain, but also the birthday that motivated this whole affair, getting a group of individuals way out of their comfort zone and learning what it means to climb a mountain.
The hotel staff graciously set up tables outside and built a roaring fire so that we might enjoy a final night together feasting and indulging in fabulous wines brought in special for the occasion.
Toasts were made and reflections on our trip shared, all the while the Blue monkeys and little Dik Dik antelopes watched on, visible in the glow of the flickering flames, no doubt wondering what all the fuss was about.
But we know what the fuss was all about. It was about an adventure shared by family and friends, and challenges that were quite hard at times, and the lessons and memories made over the course of an incredible week on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Habari ya asubhui and asante sana,
RMI Guide Brent Okita
This is Avery and Eric Frank's North Cascades team calling from the summit of Sahale today. We've had an absolutely beautiful day, couldn't ask for better weather. Managed to summit early in the day and get some training in in preparation for a Forbidden summit tomorrow. Going to get some rest tonight. And get ready for the Forbidden summit in the morning. Thanks for following along.
RMI Guides Avery Parrinello and Eric Frank
RMI Guide Avery Parrinello calls in from the summit of Sahale Mountain in the North Cascades.
Hello -
We have arrived at Plaza Argentina, Aconcagua Base Camp, and are loving it. I am watching the most amazing moon rise as I scratch out this dispatch.
We started the morning off with a mule ride across the Vacas River. Good size and cold seemed to make sense since the option was available. We waited till later in the day to fjord the Relinchos River in the footwear we brought along for that purpose. Named after the valley we ascended five hours and gained close to 4,000', the views of the upper mountain were fantastic.
We established our camp and settled in at Base Camp. A very nice dinner provided by our great outfitter Grajales Expeditions has us well fed and now ready for rest. The team is in good shape and thrilled to be at Base Camp. All is good here.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
One step at a time. That’s how we do it…from a stateside rooter for the tall blond lady team.
Posted by: Norm Symonds on 1/17/2019 at 2:09 pm
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