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We made it!
It was a tough day on Cayambe today to say the least. We managed to hit the trail shortly after midnight as planned. Unfortunately the wind had picked up through the night and made the hour climb to the start of the glacier a chilly one. The team did a great job of keeping themselves protected from the wind as we climbed higher up the mountain. About two hours into the climb the weather slowly turned from clear skies with nice views of the towns below, into a think cloud obscuring nearly everything. Luckily for us the route was still visible and we continued upward. It wasn't long before we were fully enveloped in this wet cloud and had to put on nearly all of our clothing to stay dry. Sadly the weather didn't change for the remainder of the climb, but everyone remained positive and we eventually made it to the summit. There were no beautiful views as we had hoped, and we only stayed at the summit for a few minutes before descending back down the mountain.
All in all it was a great adventure and we are now all smiling after hot showers and a warm meal. We are currently relaxing at the oldest Hacienda in Ecuador, Guachala.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Cayambe crew
On The Map
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Hello everyone and welcome to RMI's third Kilimanjaro's trip of the season -
The team arrived late last night after our very long and tiring flights from the U.S. We were greeted by the wonderful staff from the Dik Dik lodge with warm smiles and a little champagne to toast our arrival.
After a short and quiet ride to our lodge we had a quick dinner then headed off to bed to catch up on some much needed sleep.
The team met this morning at breakfast with fresh fruits, homemade bread and jam, and plenty of good Tanzanian coffee.
We then got together for a formal round of introductions and a overview of the upcoming adventure. We discussed our plan for the climb and made sure everyone has all the necessary gear to keep us safe and warm on Kilimanjaro.
We then took a short break and went for a stroll on the beautiful grounds hoping to catch sight of some of the monkeys that often visit. Then we did a little packing and caught up on a little more sleep to help get adjusted to the big time difference.
We finished the evening with an amazing 5 course meal with great conversations, and everyone is squared away and looking forward to hitting the trail tomorrow as well as getting a little exercise.
RMI Guide Casey Grom
So proud of your courage Giulia, trip is out of the world for me, love mom
Posted by: michal graber on 7/30/2015 at 6:00 am
Good Luck to the 3 musketeers! Climb safe, see you soon!
JB
Posted by: Jonathan Ball on 7/28/2015 at 9:10 am
We had cold temperatures and moderate winds this morning when we woke up. The upper mountain was engulfed in a dark grey cloud with snow eventually spinning lightly through the air. Our high camp at 19,600’ was visible so we drug our feet getting camp broke down. The weather didn’t seem to be getting better or worse, so we headed up. Cold gust of wind and overcast skies followed us up. We are at camp, hunkered down in our tents. The process of making water keeps the guides busy for the remainder of the day and well into the night. Our fingers are crossed that since the precipitation arrived earlier then expected, it will blow out overnight. If that doesn't happen, we’ll likely have a weather day here at Colera and attempt on the 27th. You all will know more, when I know more. Good night from 19,600’.
RMI Guide Mike King
On The Map
Can’t wait to hear!! Love and prayers for all.
Posted by: Mary Hall on 1/26/2019 at 8:46 am
Hey Mike , Nick , Blessings for Perfect weather for your summit day!
Dave Kestel
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/26/2019 at 4:43 am
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
On The Map
Love to Sam Hall and the whole crew! Thanks for taking us on the adventure! Rest Easy.
Posted by: Mary Hall on 1/17/2019 at 3:50 pm
Great job everyone! Enjoy your adventure. Sending positive vibes to the team and lots of love to Ross, from J, T, & S ;)
Posted by: Jennifer Rapach on 1/15/2019 at 10:43 am
Posted by: Christina Dale, Lucas Haaland, Alex Halliday
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Seminar
Elevation: 348'
May 25, 2018 - 10:01 AM PT
Our bags are packed, we're ready to go...and here our patient and excited group waits with boots on in the K2 hanger. The skies are clearing and we'll be airborne momentarily. Wish us luck!
RMI Guide Christina Dale
We packed up and left Cusco at 6 am and headed for the Salkantay trail head near Soraypampa. The drive took us over some high passes and down a very scenic river valley filled with eucalyptus trees and small subsistence farms.
When you describe to people the quality of food we eat on these Treks you get some doubtful looks, seeing is believing. Our Team feasted on guacamole and bread only to be followed by a pumpkin soup and rounded out with a main course of vegetable and cheese stuffed trout. That was only lunch, who knows what is for dinner.
Bellies full we set out into grey skies with a spectacular view of Cerro Salkantay and Humantay. Gradually the glaciers and snow covered faces disappeared in a light rain as we walked into camp, Ichupata at 14,846'.
Rain is coming down quite heavily now, the team is getting warm in their tents and we will check in tomorrow.
RMI Guide Mike King
Greetings from the Southeast Fork of Kahiltna Glacier. We flew in a day ahead of schedule in anticipation of the weather that kept all flights grounded in Talkeetna yesterday. With the current snowy conditions for routes in the Ruth, we decided to switch our destination. Yesterday we scouted the approach to routes like Mini Moon Flower, and Bacon and Eggs, a route that despite its funny name, is a treat to alpine climbers. Today we're doing the same for the Southwest Ridge of Mt. Frances, another objective we consider. We're hoping to climb tonight on the western flanks of Mt. Hunter and the ridge that connects it to Kahiltna Queen, dominating the end of this cup de sac glacier.
RMI Guide Elias de Andres Martos
Turned out to be a great day to carry group and personal equipment to our high camp of Aconcagua at 19,600ft. We made good time up and down and round tripped it in about five hours. At one point I was down to just a thin poly-pro top. Not bad for being exposed to the elements at 19,000ft.
Big decision time tonight. Weather reports are calling for some unsettled pattern ahead. Need to put all the factors in the hopper and come up with a plan. Excitement is rising and a major buzz going on around camp. My team continues to be a solid unit and so proud of what we have accomplished so far. All is well up on the hill.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
Safe summit to all. A fine accomplishment for all. Enjoy
Posted by: Mike Albrecht on 1/19/2017 at 5:11 pm
Posted by: JJ Justman
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside
The July 15th Elbrus team has rolled into Cheget. It has been a long day of driving, flying and more driving. It is nice to be in the mountains. The team unpacked and quickly set out exploring the cool little ski village of Cheget. Think Aspen...California...Beautiful!!
RMI Guide JJ Justman
On The Map
Hello all,
We have just pulled in to Plaza Argentina, our base camp for the rest of the climb. The team did very well getting up here, and everyone is feeling great at almost 14,000 feet. We have enjoyed some tasty snacks, and are now kicking our feet back, listening to some Waylon Jennings, and soaking in the views. We have a much-deserved rest day tomorrow, and we'll talk to you then.
RMI Guides JM Gorum and JJ Justman
On The Map
Greg
Get outta here guys…it’s getting bad up here.
That’s from Steve and I…mostly Steve lol. hope the climb is going well bro, be safe and have a great time!
Jon and Steve
Posted by: Jon on 2/5/2016 at 12:38 pm
Hi there, Mike,
We’re following your blog. It looks like it’s really cold and very windy there with gale force winds and above. Take care and be safe.
Mom and Dad
Posted by: Joan and Spence Vigneau on 2/2/2016 at 5:23 pm
Way to stick with tough conditions! Prayers for safe travels!
Jen and Dave Porter
Posted by: Jen Porter on 12/6/2015 at 7:57 am
Congrats you guys. Way to go! Can you say hot tub:-)
Posted by: Jim Sheedy on 12/5/2015 at 9:59 am
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