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Posted by: Brent Okita, Leon Davis, Lindsay Mann
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
On The Map
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Dominic Cifelli, Tatum Whatford, Seth Burns
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,000'
Monday, July 4, 2022 - 9:46 pm PT
We woke to a calm but cloudy morning at 17,200'. There was light snow falling -some of the first snowflakes we’ve had on this trip. It wasn’t too hard to be out in it for packing though. We got it all done and got walking at noon. Many careful steps were taken along the crest of the West Buttress in the clouds. We got a little surprise when we started down the fixed lines at 16,200. There was an actual squall with snow blowing in our faces as we delicately stepped down and across crevasses. Things eased as we got to 14,000' at 3 PM and re-established camp. We then had a quiet afternoon and evening of resting, relaxing and eating, with everybody making mention of how much easier life at 14,000' was compared to 17,000'.
Tomorrow we’ll hope the clouds go elsewhere as we get down to 11,000' and get set for the big walk out the lower glacier.
Best Regards
Saturday, February 12, 2022 4:09 AM PST
Hola Amigos,
We woke with an excitement in the air, today we were leaving the city. After a few nights in Quito it was time for us to head north to our next destination. Bellies full of continental breakfast, we gathered all of our belongings, squeezed into the tiny elevators and stacked our duffels in the lobby to await our driver, Hector.
A two-hour drive through the countryside was a welcome rest from yesterday’s hike. The van winded up cobblestone streets until the road was covered with water from the overflowing lake. We had made it to our activity for the day. It was time to stretch our legs up Fuya Fuya and get our heart rates up. Our bodies are working hard to adjust to the altitudes and be ready for the three volcanos awaiting us. Beautiful views, pretty flora, and mysterious clouds provided great backdrops.
Slippery grass and muddy steps led us to the top where we were greeted by a large group of Deutsch high schoolers. After snatching our summit photo, we made our way back down to the van, some with muddier butts than others. A few team members took the opportunity to take a cold dip in the lake because when at Fuya Fuya why not. Bellies growling, we made it back to town for some pizza before we loaded back in the van, up more steep cobblestone streets to our hacienda.
The hacienda is beautiful with a peaceful presence overlooking the town below. The team enjoyed some downtime before rallying together for some learning. Tonight’s entertainment before dinner was learning about knots and hitches, a building block for when we learn about crevasse rescue. A delicious dinner wrapped up the day before we all went back to our rooms to pack for tomorrow. Tomorrow we head to our first snow covered volcano.
With nerves and excitement surrounding us, we enjoy one final night with Wi-Fi before heading into the mountains.
Buenas noches,
Sending best wishes for perfect weather Hannah , Adam and team!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 2/12/2022 at 2:03 pm
Posted by: Casey Grom, Devin Guffey, Ben Luedtke, Connor Mullady, Stephen Inman, Tatum Whatford
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Congratulations to the Four Day Climb July 22 - 25 on reaching the summit of Mt. Rainier today! Clear skies accompanied these teams led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Devin Wilkinson, to the summit early this morning. After enjoying some time on top they begain their descent from the crater rim aroun 6:15 am. These climbers will continue their descent to Paradise today and conclude their adventure with a celebration at Rainier BaseCamp.
Nice work team!
We fairly flew up the mountain, thanks to expert leadership by our guides. We topped out on the rim of the summit crater in darkness, crossed it in first light, and arrived at the Columbia Crest into the new day. Was the sensation delight, madness, glee, relief, or some combination, to watch our great ball of fire emerge out of the noblest peak in the ring of fire? Rainier’s perfect trapezoid shadow formed in the morning haze to the west, just north of a nearly perfect lunar orb, while summiteers snapped selfies. Casey had brought a new register book, which we had the honor to be among the first to sign (the full one he brought down to return to the NPS rangers). At “Register Rock” we huddled to inscribe our names, though really it was the mountain inscribing itself on us!
Posted by: Lisa Fernandez on 7/26/2021 at 9:37 pm
Congratulations! I cannot wait to hear about the awesome effort and adventure.
Posted by: Joy Moretti on 7/25/2021 at 8:46 am
On The Map
Good luck McGahan’s, and have a fun, safe climb. My best to Bill, and good luck on the projects Sara
Dan Catan and family
Posted by: Dan Catan on 4/2/2011 at 9:14 am
HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY DAD! I hope y’all are having a gorgeous day on the mountain. I’m so proud of you! Love, Chelsea.
Posted by: Chelsea Miller on 3/31/2011 at 12:02 pm
Posted by: JM Gorum, Dustin Wittmier
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The July 8th Four Day Climb team reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The team climbed above the heavy marine layer to enjoy clear skies and goregous views fromt the top. RMI Guide JM Gorum checked in by Radio, and reported light winds, clear skies, and a great route for climbing.
The team is on the descent and will be back to Camp Muir later this morning.
Congratulations to today’s team!
Great job!! A year extra of conditioning due to the pandemic and original date of hike cancellation was not part of the original plan.
Your persistence and dedication to each other is a terrific testimony to your brotherhood. As a father of two on the climb I couldn’t be more proud. Congratulations to the entire team-mission accomplished!!
Posted by: Peter Allen on 7/9/2021 at 1:25 pm
You guys are awesome! I can’t wait to hear all about this amazing experience from my husband and brother-in-law who are on this hike! Congrats to the team for this accomplishment!
Posted by: Kristen Allen on 7/8/2021 at 10:37 am
Posted by: Eric Frank
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
What a day! At 13,070' it was still rather chilly in the shade as we began our climb of the Barranco Wall. Looking ahead the route was already busy with climbers and porters negotiating the steep terrain. Behind us camp was finally lit up with the early morning sun, looking warm and inviting. But our attention was focused on the steady footwork that would take us safely up this cool wall.
Much of the climb we snaked through weaknesses in the rock that allowed us to walk upright on the well-trodden path. The fun came dealing with those places that demanded more precise footwork and the use of handholds on the rock. At a couple of places, we'd 'spot' these moves to maximize safety, but the team moved like the savvy climbers they are, or have become. After one and a half hours we were rewarded with a huge flat area at the top of the Wall where we refueled. The scenery here opened up dramatically to the steep cliffs and glaciers leading to the summit. Our route, thankfully, skirts these precipitous faces, traversing east to Karanga Camp, and eventually the route to the summit.
Getting to Karanga demanded we climb up and down through a couple of valleys, but the views and scenery were so nice that nobody complained of the need to reascend precious altitude gained earlier...
It was nice getting into camp by 1:00 to enjoy the warm, beautiful weather up here. Tosha had an incredible paella whipped up for lunch after we had the chance to settle into our tents and wash up after the dusty trail.
How spoiled we are!
Tomorrow: High Camp - Barafu.
George, I pray for your safety and that of the team. I envy the view you are rewarded with for your efforts of climbing!!!
Posted by: Michael Belt on 7/22/2022 at 7:55 pm
Glen and Thomas…We are mentally negotiating these paths with you and can feel the excitement building as you get closer to the goal. Now to rest up for Saturday’s trek to high camp. Amazing stuff! Thanks Brent for these updates
Posted by: Ginee Philippy on 7/22/2022 at 10:48 am
Posted by: Eric Frank, Caleb Ladue
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Bolivia
Hey Eric-
I’m wondering if you have pictures of all the climbers on the summit of the third mountain? It would be great to see them! Thank you!
J
Posted by: Gloria Thomes on 6/5/2017 at 1:27 pm
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek
Have fun with Tuck on the trek. He was a blast on Kilimanjaro 2 years ago.
Posted by: Dick Davies on 5/10/2014 at 12:32 pm
Good Luck boys!!! So wish I was there physically as its warmer with 3 in a tent but I am there in spirit!!
Posted by: Shoshana on 6/14/2012 at 6:49 pm
I’m so proud of you mom. Keep eating those sourpatch kids!
P.S I’m in computer class right now and Evelyn says hi!
Posted by: Sheena on 6/1/2012 at 11:39 am
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