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Hello all, Just checking in from our camp at over 12,000ft in the barrels here on Elbrus. We had a mellow day resting up before our summit attempt tomorrow morning that we used to brush up on some crampon techniques and run through an ice axe arrest refresher. The weather has been funky for the last 24 hours with everything from snow and rain, thunder and lightning, to sunshine and blue sky. The forecast for tomorrow is good so our fingers are crossed. Not much else to report, headed to bed early for our early wake up. RMI Guide Billy Nugent

On The Map

And our first full day in the Ishinca Valley just went by... Sunny skies woke us up this morning, and we took advantage of them by doing a thorough session of hardware function and familiarization, as well as rope work. After a good lunch from our chef, Emilio, and we were ready for the afternoon acclimatization hike to "Tocllacocha" a glacial lake at 15,200' on the northwestern flanks of impressive Tocllaraju. Tea and another superb dinner followed upon our return. Tomorrow we're headed to the glacier for our full-day mountaineering school, as well as a new dose of altitude and acclimatization exercise. Stay tuned! Our Spanish climbing word of the day is ballestrinque which means clove hitch. RMI Guides Elias de Andres Martos and Robby Young

Congrats to this team! It was a fantastic climb of Kilimanjaro yesterday and everyone did great and it was wonderful to be on top with the whole team. It took us a little more than seven hours to reach the summit. The sky was full of stars and the weather was nice, although it was a little cold on that last stretch I have to admit. After spending about 20 minutes on top and getting plenty of summit photos, we made our way quickly back to camp where brunch was waiting and then descended all the way to our last camp. It was a long, but rewarding day for everyone. This morning we had a quick breakfast and got packed up one last time, then our wonderful staff gathered to bid us farewell and sang a few traditional Kilimanjaro songs. We are currently relaxing back at our lodge where everyone has enjoyed hot showers and a delicious celebration meal. It's time for a little sleep before we head out on a much deserved safari! RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

Buenas tardes, amigos!

All is well here in Ecuador. Today the team left the modern comforts of Quito and made our way north for our second acclimation hike. It was incredibly clear on our drive with amazing views of Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Imbabura. We were also joined by our amazing local guide and all round superwoman Fatima. She will also be guiding and providing her local knowledge to further enrich our experience here in Ecuador.

We drove about three hours north to visit and hike around the beautiful Laguna Cuicocha. It’s a hidden lake that sits high above the town of Otavalo where we are staying the night. The hike was just under four hours and took us from dense forest, Andean highlands, to surreal views of the lake and city beneath. Everyone enjoyed the day even if it was a little hot at times with the sun shining nearly all day.

The team is currently relaxing in our new very comfortable lodge for the night and looking forward to a peaceful and good night's rest.

Casey, Jackson, Fatima and the RMI amigos!


 

Around 7:20 AM PT the Four Day Summit Climb August 22 - 25 led by RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer rolled into the crater of Mt. Rainier. Pete reported a light breeze with some high clouds above and a low marine layer near Paradise. There was a beautiful sunrise this morning as they were making their ascent and the temperature was not too cold. The team will enjoy some time in the summit crater before starting their descent. Once back to Camp Muir they will pack up and continue down to Paradise. A celebration at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon will conclude their program. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb team!

I'll have difficulty describing the sheer numbers of animals that we saw today, so bear with me. If there are ten thousand big animals in the Ngorongoro Crater, we probably saw half of them. Our safari started quietly enough enjoying the views of the quintessentially African Acacia trees and some water bucks browsing as we descended into the caldera. Once there, the occasional zebra and wildebeest showed up, but then we really got into the animals. Herd sizes got bigger and gazelles, impalas, hyenas, jackals, wart hogs got into the picture. Hippos were seen from just feet away as they baked in the sun half submerged in ponds. But then the mission was to find the royalty of the crater, the lions and elephants. We didn't have to wait long. Although this pride of lions were mostly sleeping and not out chasing dinner, we were en rapt by their presence. Elephants were next, though they were at a distance. However, their mammoth size made them stand out like the giants they are on the savanna. Rhinos too were seen from a distance, but the water buffalo showed itself up close and personal. The day was capped off by seeing five elephants just 70 yards away at the top of the crater as we were leaving the park. Not to mention the baboons that were scattered all over the road on the way out, just hanging out, getting each other. One even jumped on our Landcruiser, causing a stir as we quickly rolled up windows. Then it was back to the hotel where Luis arranged a nice wine tasting before dinner. Following another great meal the hotel staff came out with a cake to celebrate Gennadiy's birthday, and outdid themselves with a wonderful Tanzanian birthday song and dance. The evening ended with a huge bonfire and libations. Another safari to come, I'll be back after that. RMI Guide Brent Okita

Friday, June 22, 2018 - 7:45 pm PT It's been a Tale of Two Camps, either the Camp all sits together or they rally up the same piece of terrain at the same time. We were second on the fixed lines and after an initial moment of flailing we got to 16,200' for a break. The remainder of the day had us climbing the West Buttress into 17 camp with amazing views of the Peters Glacier and North Summit of Denali. Light wind made some of the exposed ridge sections feel more exposed. Today was a good lesson in keeping toes and fingers warm because we didn't set any records for the 14-17 leg. Everyone is nestled in their tents drying out boots and gloves. Dinner, hydration, sleep and hopefully we'll be heading for the summit on Saturday. RMI Guide Mike King

On The Map

At 12:36 pm RMI Guide Christina Dale radioed from the Mt. Rainier summit. Her team reached the summit via the Kautz Glacier during their six-day seminar. The team will check in from their high camp and descend the rest of the way off the mountain tomorrow.

RMI Guide Jess Matthews and the Five Day Summit Climb team July 27 - 31, 2017 made an early start for the summit and reached the crater rim at 5:30 am. The team enjoyed blue skies and minimal wind on a beautiful day. The team spent an hour on top before starting their descent. The team will return to the trail head at Paradise and then continue to Rainier BaseCamp in Ashford. Congratulations to today's Five Day Summit Climb team!

SUMMIT! After a week of training and learning alpine mountaineering skills the Expedition Skills Seminar - Kautz reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. The team ascended Mt. Rainier by navigating the Katuz Ice Chute. RMI Guide Mike Haugen reported great climbing conditions with calm and clear skies. Congratulations to today's team!