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Well, some snoring happened last night. Not light cute, cuddly snoring but the real deal. It was coming directly from the top bunk next to mine so I now have a nice visual of what a grown man looks like when running a chainsaw with his throat. Add to that the fun fuzzy feelings of our first night at real altitude and I think it is safe to say most of the team did not experience their best night.
By 6 am most of us were beginning to put motion to our already awake bodies which is never easy at this height. With a few throbbing headaches everyone was in some way experiencing a mild hangover. This is not out of the ordinary.
After a beautiful hike around the hut which was blessed with clear and stunning views of our summit, Antisana and Cotopaxi, the aftermath of snoring and altitude began to fade. It is common for this mountain to sock in and get rainy by 1 pm so we all motivated in good style preparing for training session on the glacier 1,200 feet above the hut. By 8:15 we were on the move enjoying beautiful weather and vistas. One hour later we were putting on harnesses, crampons and helmets at 16,000 feet.
It is clear everyone on this team has climbed in the past because going through self arrest, rope travel and cramponing on steep ice was akin to getting back on the bike. Hannah, Jaime and I just gave a little shove and off they went, making it all look easy.
Like clockwork the rain came in at 12:30 and we descended back to the rough accommodations of soup, cheese and crackers and hot tea. I can certainly think of worse places to be. After snacks we rested for a couple hours and then had dinner at 5 pm.
As I finish this entry, the moon has begun shining through our window, the team is tucked away in bed and the Super Bowl just kicked off. Our alarms go off at 11 pm tonight giving us a midnight departure on our first big mountain summit attempt. Cayambe is 5 feet short of 19,000 feet so we have a big day ahead of us.
We will give the report tomorrow after the climb. Enjoy super bowl Sunday!
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Alan Davis, Charlie Harrison
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 7:15 am today. Pete reported beautiful clear crisp skies, with light winds. Once the team reached the crater rim, they made their way across to Register Rock at Columbia Crest at 14,410' the highest point in Washington State. The team has started their descent and are in route to Camp Muir.
Congratulations Team!
Posted by: Taylor Bickford, Joe Hoch
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Mt. Rainier Summit Climb teams, led by Taylor Bickford and Joe Hoch, reached the summit! They reported nice route conditions but windy and cold temps this morning. The teams are currently on their descent back to Camp Muir and we look forward to congratulating them this afternoon.
My son climbed today with this group. So proud that he fullfilled one of his dreams. Great job see you this afternoon!! Dad and I love you. Thanks to the great leadership for the team.
Posted by: Nancy Hanson on 6/19/2021 at 5:46 am
Congrats! Say hi to Lindsay Boo Kibler .
Posted by: Steve Kibler on 6/18/2021 at 2:52 pm
Hi Kim,Love the informative updates from the RMI guides.Sounds like an amazing trip!The Preds are in the Stanley Cup Finals! First game Monday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.Stay tuned.Travel safe! GO KIM! Love,Dad
Posted by: SHELDON KRIZELMAN on 5/26/2017 at 5:13 am
Hey Kimmer-sounds like an amazing trip so far! I love the blog entries-so poetic…Sophia’s last day of school is today so it’s summer party time in Atlanta!! Have fun and stay safe!! Xoxoxo Lora
Posted by: Lora on 5/26/2017 at 4:25 am
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Nikki Champion
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The American Lung Association Climb for Clean Air team led by RMI Guides Dominic Cifelli and Nikki Champion reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. The team climbed the Disappointment Cleaver Route and had a beautiful day of climbing.
The climbers on these teams raise funds for the American Lung Association’s Climb for Clean Air Campaign. As of today the teams have raised $335,690.06!!
Congratulations Teams!
Congratulations Ana and Rathan!.
Posted by: Sowmya on 7/17/2022 at 7:17 am
Wishes
Posted by: Leo on 7/15/2022 at 5:36 pm
Posted by: Melissa Arnot, Mark Tucker, Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest
Elevation: 21,300'
RMI Guide Dave Hahn checks in from ABC (21,300 ft)
On The Map
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Camille Leininger, Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 8,900'
The Women's Mt. Baker Climb, led by RMI Guide Nikki Champion, aborted their climb at 8,900' this morning due to rain and high winds. The team is currently on their descent back to camp where they will break camp and head to the trailhead.
Jessie is a champion climber.
Posted by: Batman on 8/1/2021 at 12:38 pm
Posted by: Brent Okita, Tyler Jones, Chase Nelson, Mike King, Nick Hunt, Ben Liken
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Great Job? How was the trail up? Going up in June!
Posted by: brandon on 5/15/2014 at 8:59 am
Congrats…2 weeks till my climb, hoping the streak will continue!
Posted by: Dan on 5/14/2014 at 3:01 pm
Posted by: Christina Dale, Nikki Champion, Cal Smith, David Price, Nathan Delmar, Henry Coppolillo
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb July 20 - 23 reached the 14,410' summit of Mt. Rainier led by RMI Guides Christina Dale and Nikki Champion. Blue skies but chilly temps and winds around 20 mph accompanied them on their climb. After enjoying the views from the summit of Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens and the Cascade range, the teams began their descent from the crater rim around 6:45 am. Once they reach Camp Muir they will repack and continue their descent to Paradise (5,400').
Nice work climbers and congratulations!
Fantastic climb and amazing guides! So happy to be a part of this journey.
Posted by: Brandon Holper on 7/24/2021 at 8:10 am
Craig and Eric
Just found the blog today—-in time to wish you a Merry Xmas Sunny skies here in Palo Alto Will have a full house tomorrow with Jake Julia Anastasia Laurie Ryan and Katie
(no snow in Alta so CA is a nice alternative) We will be at Disneyland New Years Eve en route to the Fiesta Bowl on the 1-2nd Your expedition looks awesome and hope the weather and acclimatization allow you to summit! Tons of love and best wishes for an awesome remainder of your time on the mountain.
Posted by: Libby Heimark on 12/24/2011 at 9:00 am
Richard Fitz: opps! last comment was you!
Posted by: Linda Robertson on 12/24/2011 at 8:57 am
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