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Posted by: Dave Hahn, Steve Gately, JM Gorum
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
Monday July 6th 11:23 pm PT
Our rest day at 14,200 ft was jam packed with naps and meals in the POSH tent. It wouldn't have been a great day for moving higher anyway since we watched a storm take over the upper mountain. Steve Gately led the team out to the "Edge of the World" before the clouds came around and each climber got the thrill of looking down thousands of feet to the Northeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier. In the late afternoon, we all put in a work session to improve the snow walls protecting our tents. By dinner, the storm had arrived at 14K Camp and snow and wind took over outside. We'd love to move up tomorrow so we'll hope this weather moves on through.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
We decided this morning to take a Groundhog Day at Camp 2 on Aconcagua. With gusty winds swirling around camp, the group thought about it and decided that another day of acclimatization would make everyone stronger. We have plenty of extra days to spare, and an important skill here in the mountains is being able to curb our enthusiasm to rush in higher and make the necessary adjustments to set us up for success.
We spent the day sorting snack food, playing cards, and trading food with tent mates. At this point in the trip, the grass is always greener in a neighbor's snack bag, since things that looked so delicious when we were shopping have come to look much less appetizing with too many repetitions. It is exciting to get some new additions, and some of the card games started taking on snack food bets.
Our plan is to head up to camp 3 tomorrow weather permitting, which will put us in place for our summit attempt.
Hasta mañana,
RMI Guides Pete, Alex, Juan, and the gang.
On The Map
We started our day bright and early at the Cayambe refugio with a simple breakfast and coffee. Although the first night sleeping at 15,100' can be a little rough, the team rallied from the altitude hangover to the toe of the glacier to review climbing skills. After some time practicing rope travel and self arrest, the guides demonstrated a crevasse rescue scenario and anchor building principles. After a lesson in rope ascension in the hut, we began packing for our summit attempt. The team is feeling good up high and ready for the climb!
RMI Guide Adam Knoff
On The Map
Posted by: Hannah Smith
Categories: Guide News
We woke today to a frosty morning. Items left outside were damp and crispy. As we packed up camp you could see your breath. We are getting closer to the snow, which makes all of us happy. The trail weaved through the jungle along side the Seti River. You have to be careful for the stinging nettle like plant as you walk. If it pokes you it stings for hours. I've been poked many times. The scenery reminds us of a magical place. A place like the shire from the Lord of the Rings. Little shanty homes pop up here and there. The trail we are on is a trail to people's homes. Once again after a handful of hours walking we have arrived to our next home for the night, our own little shantytown. A bonfire has been made, which adds comfort to the chilly evening air. Tomorrow we may arrive to Base Camp, but as stated, we are on Nepali time, so who knows what tomorrow will bring.
Goodnight,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith
So happy to be included in your daily treks! So awesome!
Posted by: Michelle the mom on 10/24/2018 at 8:47 pm
What your doing Hannah is so very cool! Thanks for sharing your journey!
Posted by: Diane Chesness on 10/24/2018 at 7:54 pm
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Our final team member arrived this morning just after breakfast and just in time for our round of introductions. What timing, though the poor guy felt as we all did not long ago. A bit frazzled and jet lagged from all the flying.
This morning was a busy one as we previewed what we can expect on our Kilimanjaro climb then did a thorough equipment check. Everyone's gear checked out fine and we were able to get pretty packed up by lunchtime.
What a relief to have some relaxing down time before we hit the mountain tomorrow morning.
The weather's been a perfect temperature, though overcast here in town. This has allowed us to eat most of our meals on the patio. We had a monkey hanging around this morning and the tiny, little deer called dik dik have been brousing around everywhere. Africa!
All for now. We've got a big day ahead. I'll be back tomorrow night writing from 10,000' as we ascend almost 4000' to our first camp.
Goodnight,
RMI Guide Brent Okita
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,000'
Tuesday, June 26, 2018 - 10:58 PM PT
Ahhhh. We made it to a much deserved rest day. It kept on snowing lightly through the night with some restless breezes playing through in the morning, but we didn’t care much what it did. We slept in and did a long, slow, yummy bagel breakfast in our comfortable dining tent. The day was a mix of napping, reading, and visiting with other climbers. We watched a handful of neighboring teams pick up and move to 14,000' Camp, although it looked as though they’d have to deal with higher winds on the way. Weather got gradually better through the day and by evening it was just calm, sunny and nice. At dinner we went through plans for our own big move up to 14,000' Camp tomorrow.
Best Regards
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
On The Map
Hey Tom! I can hear you…“Hey Man I’m here on Denali living my dream” I can only imagine the God given beauty you all are experiencing right now. Best wishes and prayers for sunshine and light winds to the summit!!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/28/2018 at 3:27 am
For David Collins - it has been wonderful getting to read your progress! So thankful that the weather has been great for you all! Be safe and have an amazing time! xoxoxo, Teresa
Posted by: Teresa on 6/27/2018 at 9:53 pm
Posted by: JM Gorum
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside
The team has arrived in Moscow! Everyone has their bags, though some had to work a little harder than others for that luxury.
Today, we started with a tour of the Kremlin. We saw some really big cannons, and some very old cathedrals. Some of those cathedrals contain remains of people who died in the 14th century. That's before Christopher Columbus even sailed the ocean blue, which was in 1492, of course. There is a lot of history here.
The team toured the Red Square, ate some ice cream, and ate some lunch. After our tour, folks split ways for a bit. Some taking naps, some exploring on their own, and some opting to track down their luggage. Success on all fronts.
We just got back from dinner, everyone is packed up and ready to head out early tomorrow for our departure to Mineralnye Vody. You'll hear from us soon.
RMI Guide JM Gorum
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside
Hello everyone -
All is well here in Moscow, although it's been a little damp and cool. Most of the team arrived yesterday evening after some very long flights. As most of us are still adjusting to the massive time change we kept things simple with a little round of introductions and stepped out for a short walk and a nice dinner not too far from the Hotel.
Today we meet with our local tour guide and had a wonderful tour of the nearby Red Square, Kremlin as well as visiting several churches including the iconic St. Basil's.
We took a short break and then headed out once again for dinner and a nice walk.
Everyone is doing great and looking forward to heading to the mountains tomorrow.
That's all for now.
RMI Guide Casey Grom
Have a great time, Scott and Julie! We will be following you all the way. Looks like a good strong team. Best of luck to all of you!
Posted by: Mom and Joe on 7/10/2017 at 6:25 pm
Be safe all of you. Andrew, please be careful. Your parents love you.
Posted by: Ruth Baldock on 7/10/2017 at 10:49 am
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Safari!
Today was the first day of safari for us and we headed east to visit Lake Manyara, which is known for its tree climbing lions, flamingos, and more than 400 different species of birds.
The day started with a slight sprinkle of rain, and slowly increased to nearly a full-on downpour. Thankfully the weather broke and we had a really nice rest of the day viewing the wildlife that hardly seemed to notice us, despite being only feet away at times.
We didn't manage to see any of those famous lions, but we had a very close encounter with elephants. Nothing dangerous, but they passed close enough that we could have almost touched them.
We did manage to see wildebeest, zebras, Cape buffalo, giraffe, hippos, baboons, impalas and so many birds we lost count. It was a pretty nice introduction to the incredible bio-diversity that Africa has, and everyone enjoyed the day riding around in our safari vehicles.
We finished the day spending a few hours relaxing and exploring the grounds of our amazing lodge, the Plantation Lodge. Clearly, we are no longer "roughing it".
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Safari crew
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Vinson Massif
We sent off our Antarctic luggage this morning as planned. By now our gear should be nestled in with a pile of other gear on board the Illyushin 76 transport, awaiting takeoff. We spent the day in a variety of ways, napping, walking, running, swimming, eating and watching hotel TV. Relaxing, in other words.
This evening we gathered at the offices of ALE (Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions) to meet the other fifty or so folks on our flight, to be briefed on procedures, and to be updated on current conditions. The subject of the current weather and expected weather didn't take much time at all to review... it is good and is expected to remain good. The flight is on! We'll be ready for pickup at our hotel by ten minutes after six tomorrow morning. We each enjoyed chatting with the other adventurers on board... climbers for Vinson, folks looking to travel to see Emperor Penguins and people journeying to the South Pole. As well, there will be a number of ALE staff on board the flight, since this is still the kickoff to their 2016-17 season. We mingled and lingered for a bit and then my team came out of the office to walk the streets of Punta Arenas once again. It was quite pleasant out, delightfully cool with clear skies. We had a last South American dinner in one of the fine and eclectic restaurants of downtown Punta. And then we made an early evening of it... a little more personal time to finish correspondence and get good rest for the early and exciting start to tomorrow. Fingers crossed, we'll make our way down to Union Glacier in the interior of Antarctica.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
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Peter Thomas - your Simpson Thacher DC team is cheering you on! Way to go!
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