June 26, 2016 - 10:49 pm PT
Our team did an excellent job relaxing this day away. We continued our tradition of rest day brunch, and then dispersed for several hours of Uno playing, book reading, and 'nappacino' taking. There was a lingering feeling of excitement in the air- partially a celebratory vibe because of Pepper's birthday, partially an anticipatory tingle because our intention to move to high camp tomorrow will put us in striking distance of the summit. After today our bodies and minds are recharged for tomorrow's move up to 17K camp, and we will see what the mountain has for us there.
RMI Guide Mike Haugen
After two days of training the Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons June 19 - 24, 2016 began their climb. They drove this morning to their trail head near the White River Camp Ground. RMI Guide JJ Justman checked in this afternoon to let us know the team was setting up camp on a beautiful day. Everyone is great and they are going to spend the evening learning how to build snow anchors. Tomorrow they will break camp and ascend to Camp Schurman, their High Camp.
Hello! We have started the safari with a real treat. After being in Lake Manyara National Park for about 20 minutes we had a herd of elephants walk right in between our two cars. Enjoy the close-up video below.
They are really amazing animals and our group was really happy to see the giant pachyderms up close. We'll continue on our game drive for another hour or so before heading to the Plantation Lodge for the evening.
Tomorrow we will head to Ngorongoro Crater and visit a Maasai Village. I'll check in again tomorrow.
RMI Guide Seth Waterfall
Its about that time. Our Aconcagua team is ready to hit the trail. We have our duffel bags ready for the mules and light backpacks ready to be slung over our shoulders. Needless to say, the team is anxious to get moving. Tonight will bring us to Lenas camp where we will enjoy hanging out with the cowboys eating steak and sleeping under the stars.
RMI Guides JJ Justman and JM Gorum
After two days and 9,000 miles of travel the team is assembled in Tanzania. We are still waiting for a bag to arrive. The bag missed its connection in the Netherlands due to poor weather but we are hopeful it will arrive tonight. Thankfully the weather is great in here and the team is excited to start climbing Kilimanjaro tomorrow!
We will keep you posted as we continue our adventure.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
Hello! Today our team had a great day acclimatizing on Peak Cheget. We had gorgeous views of Mt. Elbrus the whole way up and we are excited to head on up to the mountain tomorrow. Here is a video of our day. Enjoy!
RMI Guide JJ Justman
This morning we started early for our first acclimatization hike of the trip. We opted to skip the Teleferico (Gondola) ride in order to get ahead of some afternoon thunderstorms. Thanks to Hector for driving us up to 12,800’ feet!
It took us 5 hours to reach the summit and return. The hike gradually picks up with grade and we were feeling it towards the top. Today was hard work and the team did great. We got a glimpse of our main goal - Cotopaxi - which built excitement for the days to come.
We will rest for the afternoon and enjoy a team dinner in Quito before moving to Illiniza Norte tomorrow! Wish us luck.
Normally at this point of the trek to Aconcagua Base Camp the Teams are seeking shade in their tents only to find the tents scorching hot from the sun hitting them, not today. We woke to a few rain drops throughout last night. A thick curtain of clouds and rain waited for us up valley this morning. While the clouds kept the heat away and the rain turned to snow, the Team kept plodding away towards our camp at Casa de Piedra. We passed the other RMI team on their walk to the road, high fives and words of encouragement were exchanged. The Vacas River is usually the color and consistency of chocolate milk and due to the cold temperatures the last 2 weeks, the water is clearer then I’ve ever seen it. Between the new snow blanketing the high ridges, several layers of clouds and the light rain with slivers of sunshine today seemed like a foreign experience. The little stone building built into a massive boulder from which this camp is named was a welcome sight. The first views of Aconcagua were muted due to the massive storm pelting the upper slopes. We are enjoying some tent time and will look forward to a nice dinner and another good night’s sleep. Everyone is happy and healthy.
RMI Guide Mike King
RMI Guide Mike Walter and team are standing on top of Mt. Baker! They had beautiful weather and a great route for climbing via the classic and technical North Ridge. They will descend on the Coleman-Deming Route and spend one more night on the mountain before descending back to the trailhead tomorrow.
Congratulations to Mike and team!
Good evening! We enjoyed a sunny rest day at Alpamayo Base Camp. The weather here is incredible, and we took a small hike to Arwaycocha Lake a few hundred feet above camp to stretch our legs before reviewing climbing techniques with our ropes and hardware in the vicinity of our tents.
We are hoping to head to Camp 1 tomorrow morning. We are all doing great and excited to move uphill.
RMI Guide Elias de Andres Martos and team
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Go Phil!! We are so excited for you and am enjoying the pictures and updates. Love, Jen & Steve
Posted by: Jennifer Garrett on 6/27/2016 at 2:48 pm
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