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Mt. Elbrus: Tucker & Team Train on the Mountain

July 7, 2017

Posted by: Mark Tucker, JM Gorum

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside

Elevation: 12,000'

Today was our first rest day up on Mt. Elbrus. We managed to sleep in a little bit, usually a rarity in the mountains. After a substantial breakfast, we got a little training in reviewing some essential skills and introducing some techniques specific to the route. In addition to training, a few members of the team got some gambling in during our down time. Playing poker for toothpicks is serious business up here. We just finished dinner, everyone's gear is organized, and we are ready for an early morning tomorrow! RMI Guide Mark Tucker

On The Map

Mt. Rainier: Four Day Summit Climb Teams Reach Summit!

July 7, 2017

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Mike Uchal

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Guides Tyler Jones and Mike Uchal lead their Four Day Summit Climb July 4 - 7, 2017 teams to the summit of Mt. Rainier today. They began their descent from the crater rim around 7 am PT. Tyler reported strong winds on the summit but decreasing winds as they were descending. The sky is mostly clear with a few high clouds. The team will descend to Paradise today and return to Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb teams!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hey Daddio,
congratulations on tackling the mountain. We knew you could do it. Have a great rest of the trip. love you
-Cam

Hey Daddio,
nice job on getting to the peak! Hope it was a great experience, can’t wait tohear all about it. love you
-Austie

Congratulations Paul and team! Sending love and hugs!xoxo
-Kim

Posted by: Kim Hexter on 7/7/2017 at 9:31 am

Well done Dad!!!!! Love Harry x (Thomas, Oliver and mum)

Posted by: Harry on 7/7/2017 at 8:16 am

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Aconcagua: King & Team Settling in at Camp 1

January 6, 2017

Posted by: Mike King, JM Gorum

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,400'

We woke to the sounds of the park helicopter bringing in supplies and flying out garbage and human waste. Today was our move day to Aconcagua Camp 1, 16,400 feet. Since we had done a carry already the team was familiar with the terrain and difficult sections. With warm tents and a light breeze the team is busy moving in and resting. We will sort gear for the carry to Camp 2 this evening and eat an early dinner since the shadow of the mountain hits our camp early. Our view from camp includes the first part of tomorrow's route and it includes snow! You might be asking why the excitement? We will take solid snow over loose scree any day of the week. Everyone is doing well despite the new altitude. Love and well wishes back home! RMI Guide Mike King

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

KW
Bernie and I should have the Nordic trails all greased up for you upon your return from your luxury cruise. Better harden up.
JV

Posted by: Jan on 1/7/2017 at 5:27 am

Cayman,
Enjoy the Journey, Tunes, Reads and Company all the way to the top.

The Real Sven Affcock

Posted by: Sven Fleming on 1/6/2017 at 4:34 pm

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Vinson Massif: Hahn & Team Move to High Camp

December 6, 2016

Posted by: Dave Hahn

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Vinson Massif

Elevation: 12,300'

Finally in position. We moved up to Vinson high camp today (12,300 ft). It was calm at Low Camp this morning when we climbed out of our tents, but it really didn't look that great up high -from our vantage point. There were still big wind sculpted clouds attached to the high summits. Our radio conversations with friends at high camp told a different story... they said it was calm and warm at high camp and folks were headed for the top. We geared up... dragging our feet just a bit in case the weather turned obviously bad. But it didn't. We left our longtime home at low camp (9,200 ft) at 1:40 and cruised up in about six hours. Fog overtook the team about half way up the ropes though, and stuck with us to high camp, so we didn't have any views. We reached camp about when the summit teams were getting back. They'd been above the clouds on the top. With all of our team feeling good and strong, it didn't take much time to build our camp, eat dinner and get to bed. We 've got a big day coming up tomorrow. Perhaps we'll get some views along the way. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

On The Map

Vinson Massif: Hahn & Team Bags Packed, Fingers Crossed

November 25, 2016

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

Mt. Rainier: Teams Turn Due to Weather and Route Conditions

September 19, 2016

Posted by: Casey Grom, Nick Hunt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 11,700'

The Mt. Rainier Summit Climb teams turned due to avalanche conditions, deteriorating weather and winds. A fair amount of new snow has occurred on the mountain with drifts up to one meter. RMI Guides Casey Grom and Nick Hunt are currently descending from Camp Muir back to Paradise.

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Better Weatherluck Next Time!

Posted by: Stan Mikol on 9/22/2016 at 1:47 am

We both would like to thank the entire RMI team for your help throughout the climb in the challenging conditions and we feel that we have learned more from those few days with you than any other experience. We also loved hearing about your various climbs.

We had a great time meeting the rest of the climbers and sharing stories. Best of luck in their next endeavors!

We hope to be back next summer with better conditions and even more prepared. It’s defnitely not to be underestimated.

Thanks again
Kelly & Kieran

Posted by: Kelly and Kieran on 9/20/2016 at 10:17 am

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Rest at 14,000’ Camp

June 25, 2016

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Pepper Dee, Hannah McGowan

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

June 24, 2016 - 10:45 pm PT The team had a fun filled rest day today at 14 camp. We kicked off the day with a lox and bagels brunch, and then rallied out to the "edge of the world," a dramatic rock outcropping outside of camp that affords breathtaking views of the West Rib of Denali, Mount Hunter, Mount Foraker, and much of the Alaska range. We took turns posing with ice axe in hand- sometimes using it to play air guitar, to point to the summit, or just to accentuate the American flag scarf that was being worn instead of a shirt. Whatever style each of us went with, fun was had by all and morale was tip top. We rounded out the afternoon by practicing fixed line travel and running belays, as well as organizing our food and gear for our carry to 17K camp tomorrow. Oh yeah, and we also did a little trauma shear salon session, which left Pepper Dee looking extra stylish. It's gently snowing at the moment, and we feel poised to push up even higher in the morning. Goodnight! RMI Guide Mike Haugen

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

I’m sure my brother Phil is having a great time! The pictures are amazing! I’m keeping everyone updated on Facebook with Mike’s daily blog and photos, and everyone wishes the whole team success in your amazing efforts! Stay safe from all of us, and for my brother Phil, I love you and am so proud and happy for you to reach one of your dreams! Mary says Hi as well! Ed

Posted by: Ed Goss on 6/26/2016 at 5:27 am

It’s fun following your blog every day, love the pictures! Can’t wait to see more. Thoughts and prayers for good weather and safe climbing. Enjoy the adventure!!! (Love you Jon! Hope you make it to the summit for your Birthday!! ....Mom)

Posted by: Elizabeth Beckett on 6/25/2016 at 7:23 pm

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Denali Expedition: Beren & Team at 17K Camp Ready for Summit Bid

June 16, 2016

Posted by: Jake Beren, JM Gorum, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

June 16, 2016 - 1:21 A.M. PDT The wind finally came this morning and the upper mountain looked rugged from our home at 14K. Our team was ready to rock early in the morning, but Denali had other plans. Plumes of snow streamed from the Buttress and the move was to brew another cup of coffee and out chill the weather. Eventually it tapered and we were able to launch upward towards our high camp. The weather turned beautiful, almost too hot, but pleasant to build camp in once we arrived. It was a big day, but we made it and are in position to give it a shot tomorrow. Wish us luck, we're gonna need it! RMI Guide Jake Beren

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Jake, sending you power vibes to lead your team to a successful summit and descent. I hope there’s fairy dust on the summit ridge again this year ;)

Posted by: Meredith on 6/16/2016 at 5:01 pm

Good luck to Brad Lawler and team. Hoping you have a great summit experience!

Posted by: Matthew DeVoll on 6/16/2016 at 3:29 pm

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Enjoy Another Rest Day

January 18, 2016

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Ground control (RMI base) to Major Tom (our intrepid Aconcagua team)... Take your protein pills and put your helmet on... We are eating up on our last rest day here in Base Camp and making our last minute preparations. Ground control to Major Tom... Commencing countdown engines on... Check ignition and may god's love be with you... Wish us luck as we blast off up onto the beast. Tomorrow's plans call for a move up to Camp 1 which has the team excited if a bit nervous. Lots of work lies ahead but we are poised and ready for the challenge. The weather has been stellar and we hope it continues to cooperate for us as we step out of the capsule that is Plaza Argentina not to return until our bid for the top has culminated. Of course we'll keep checking in along the way. Bowie lives! RMI Guide Billy Nugent

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Doug S,
We are all pulling for you! CPLs and TRs send their best!
Arland

Posted by: Arland Fagerstrom on 1/19/2016 at 12:53 pm

HI, Craig,

I’m so glad the weather is good! All our thoughts are about the A-team having THE BEST CLIMB EVER!

Love, SAF

Posted by: Sally Falkenhagen on 1/19/2016 at 10:54 am

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Beat the Precip on Carry to Camp 1

December 13, 2015

Posted by: JJ Justman, Christina Dale

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,400'

A tough day today and our group truly shone. We woke up early and had a quick breakfast of oatmeal and cold cereal then threw on some heavy packs and headed to Camp 1. Our goal today was to bring up food and fuel to Camp 1 then descend back to basecamp for the last night in luxury. Our carry today took us up to 16,400 feet in quite strong winds that made the climb very challenging. Everyone performed well and we walked into Camp 1 as a strong cohesive team walking together. As soon as we left our cache of gear we flew down the mountain as light as if we were on the moon. Timing was perfect because behind us rolled in some light precip and clouds. Back at basecamp we all celebrated our well-timed carry with snacks and tea. Tomorrow our plan is to move up to Camp 1 and be in great position to learn lots from Aconcagua. The team says hi to everyone back home and keep the words of support coming. We've been reading them aloud in the evenings! RMI Guides Christina von Mertens and JJ Justman

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Your good timing on that carry is something to be thankful for! Here in the Cascade Mountains, at 4500 feet we have 2 full feet of fresh snow. So beautiful. Dogs diving and surfacing like dolphins to get through the powder. Back to you, intrepid team that you are, we wish you a smooth “moving house” day up to Camp 1. Onward!!

Blythe and Larry

Posted by: Blythe Lasley on 12/14/2015 at 2:37 pm

Sending you Love from Colorado! GO TEAM!!!

Posted by: Megan O'Meara on 12/13/2015 at 9:48 pm

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