Most Popular Entries
Posted by: Mike Walter, Leon Davis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Posted by: Jess Wedel
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek and Lobuche
Elevation: 12,325'
What a day! What a day!
We seem to have settled into the trail life, finally leaving the jet lag and nerves surrounding what to expect on the trip behind and walking with ease.
We climbed to the top of Namche this morning and traversed along a winding trail. Patchy clouds stuck around from a little snow last night but we still had some beautiful mountain views.
Nawang, one of our Sherpa guides, spotted two Himalayan tahr - a type of mountain goat - below the trail today. What a lucky sight! We all would have walked right past them even though we were keeping our eyes out.
The clouds got more dense as we left our lunch break for the big hill climb to Tengboche. Soon after, it started snowing. It was a peaceful and quiet snow and we mostly climbed in silence just taking it all in.
We made it to the top of the hill and the ancient Tengboche monastery. It was so special to be there and spend some time learning about the sacred site.
Soon we found ourselves descending to Rivendell — our teahouse for the night. While the snow continued outside, we stayed cozy in the dining room playing Farkle and Bananagrams! Some of us kept track of our score on our phones and some of us *cough cough David* kept track using almonds and pistachios. I guess the almond method worked because he beat us all.
The snow continues outside our windows but we’re all tucked in under sleeping bags and ample warm blankets.
Sweet dreams from the Himalayas!
RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Lobuche team
New Post Alerts:
Everest Base Camp Trek & Lobuche, March 15, 2025
All the best!! Can’t wait to hear details of summit push!
Posted by: Tim Fader on 7/5/2017 at 5:29 am
Hope you are all rested,acclimated and the conditions are good for the summit bid early tomorrow! Be strong and take care up there! Fingers crossed and best wishes!
Posted by: Peter Williamson on 7/4/2017 at 3:03 pm
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Ben Luedtke, Mike Bennett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 14,000'
Saturday, June 21, 2025 - 8:30 pm PT
Hello!
And welcome back for another installment of Doing Really Hard Things for Fun-Denali Edition.
I'm Aspen, and today I will be your host.
Previously, the team has gone up, up and down, up, down and up, up and down, up, down and up, and finally up and down again on their quest to climb The Tall One, the highest peak in North America, Denali.
After the most technical day yet, climbing up and down the fixed lines to cache gear and food for their summit attempt, the eclectic team looks forward to a day of rest.
Today, on the longest day of the year, we sleep in, tired not only from a physically taxing day at altitude, but also from staying up late watching. movies, like Deadpool, in our tents or playing the most riveting game of Texas Dice yet. Shout out to Etienne for stealing the win from not one, but two other players with his final roll of nearly 3,000 points.
The day started out with delicious blueberry pancakes, made by Dom, after which the group split to relax in various ways. Some of us went on a walk or two to warm our toes, while others snuggled back into sleeping bags where good books and knitting await. We chat, we nap, we do some self care. The cook tent serves as a gathering place. People come in and out throughout the day. Sometimes to share snacks; other times to play games or read in the company of others. Without any defined tasks for the day, we are forced to slow down and take in the views. The mountains around us look different today, like they seem to every day. I am filled with a sense of adventure and awe. This is what I love about climbing. The amazing views, the good company, and the incredible sense of pride I get from doing really hard things.
After having such perfect weather thus far, the winds have blown in clouds. They pass over and through camp throughout the day leading to constantly changing temperatures and visibility. Snow falls and taps on the tent walls, and so the waiting game begins.
Do we have enough toilet paper? Does anyone die of boredom? Do I get so sick of my hair that I shave it off? Tune in next time to find out.
A special thank you to Jake and Nomad for all their love and support of this Happy Cappy.
Until next time,
RMI Climber Aspen Hansen out.
New Post Alerts:
Mt. McKinley Expedition June 9, 2025
Heureuse de lire ,que ça se passe bien On ne lâche pas Je suis avec vous
Posted by: Claudette on 6/23/2025 at 7:38 pm
Hello Aspen & Team! No, no one has ever died of boredom. Fact. ;-) You’ll have plenty of excitement with the challenges coming up, I bet. I’m trying to guess which activities Mikayla chose to pass the time but she has always surprised me (ask her about when I took her to Paris when she was 10!). Cheering all of you awesome folks on and praying that Denali and the weather cooperate.
Tante Mary
Posted by: Mary McKinley on 6/23/2025 at 9:43 am
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Chase Nelson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Good Morning,
Great and Awesome. Walking along in thought and prayer.
High Fives to all!!
Mom and Dad
Scottsdale, AZ
g
Posted by: Rita Haines on 5/20/2017 at 8:41 am
Thanks to all the guides and all the team members for you help and support. What an awesome experience!!!
Posted by: Robbie Carrey on 5/20/2017 at 7:54 am
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
You guys all look great. Can’t wait to see photos of the Safari.
I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip.
Miss you, Nao.
Cheers
Posted by: Claudia on 9/13/2017 at 8:17 pm
Posted by: Tyler Jones, Mike King
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Excellent! Looking forward to hearing all about it—way to go! Love you : )
Posted by: Melissa Mattes on 8/24/2017 at 11:46 am
Chip & Jen Mattes - Congrats on your accomplishment, never any doubt. So proud and excited to hear all about it.
Love you guys!
Rhonda
Posted by: Rhonda Dart on 8/24/2017 at 10:19 am
Awesome! Caught the kiss xoxox
Posted by: Debbie Gangwish on 6/7/2016 at 9:36 am
So proud of you guys.Love you
Posted by: Valerie Hopkins on 6/7/2016 at 9:07 am
View All Comments