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Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Finish Up in Africa

January 8, 2016

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Mark Tucker here at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Wi-Fi is a bit tough to get, as you can imagine out here in the bush, so I'm doing a quick voice call to say we had a great trip. Thanks for checking in. We had a wonderful evening at the Kikoti Lodge. We went for a sunset hike to the rock, about a mile or so with a guide because we are outside of the park. Saw a few tracks and a beautiful sunset. We had the Lodge come pick us up in a four-wheel drive for the ride home and then the scourning... Lo-and-behold 15 feet from the trail that I was on, a large male with his girlfriend- a big, old lion. I was cohabitating with the beasts. I don't know, ignorance is bliss, I guess. Pretty exciting. Lots of buffalo today, and elephants and everything else you can imagine on the way out of the park. Then a quick snack and a shower before the big journey home. But fear not, we've got the infamous Seth Waterfall right behind me. You guys can stay tuned and listen to his action up on the hill. All is well here. Everybody's making their way back to the homeland, doing just fine. Thanks for watching. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

RMI Guide Mark Tucker checking in.

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Mt. Rainier: Grom & Team Summit Mt. Rainier on July 4th

July 4, 2018

Posted by: Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb July 1 - 4 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning led by RMI Guide Casey Grom. Light winds and partly sunny skies greeted the team this morning. They were able to enjoy some time in the summit crater before starting their descent. Congratulations to today's team!

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Kilimanjaro: Hahn & Team Visit Lake Manyara National Park

February 8, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Our safari guides, Juma and Edson, showed up right on schedule this morning with their souped up Toyota Landcruisers. We climbed in just after 8 AM and left Arumeru River Lodge -our home away from home. This was a good day to ride around in automobiles after a solid week of walking. It took some time to get through Arusha’s rush hour, but we were thoroughly entertained watching cargo motorcycles and the like. Eventually we broke into the open country west of town and rambled along dodging speed bumps and Maasai cattle. We reached Lake Manyara National Park at midday. Early on we focused on baboons and monkeys. Some of the big animals were just plain lazy on this hot and sunny day. It was around 90 F and so the elephants we spied in the forest were sticking to shady hollows. We began to see waterbucks and bushbucks, impala and exotic birds aplenty. As we came into open country along the lake edge, we could see zebra, wildebeest, and Cape buffalo everywhere. Looking at the nearby escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, it wasn’t too hard to imagine a time when such wildlife dominated its entire 10,000 km length. We spied giraffes, although not in great numbers. A hippo got out of the water long enough for us to admire his buff physique. We saw warthogs with their little warthoglets. The big cats eluded us today, although we kept sharp eyes peeled for them. All in all it was a great day out. Juma and Edson dazzled us with their knowledge of Tanzania, its parks and people... and the fabulous critters we were glimpsing. At quitting time we were parched and ready for a little relaxation. Everyone’s eyes opened wide when they saw Plantation Lodge’s perfectly cared for gardens, luxurious rooms and friendly staff. This place will do just fine, thanks... not missing our tents. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

Mt. Elbrus: Grom & Team Arrive in Saint Petersburg

August 1, 2016

Posted by: Casey Grom, Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside

Saint Petersburg!!! We traveled all day and have finally arrived in one of the most beautiful cities of Europe. Things went relatively smooth considering we had two van rides and two flights. We checked into the hotel here and then ran out for a quick dinner. Everyone is very excited to explore and see this city tomorrow. RMI Guide Casey Grom and team

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Make a Carry to 13,300’

June 28, 2016

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Ben Liken, Bridget Belliveau, Hannah Smith

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,000'

June 27, 2016 - 11:08 pm PT Another murky day, weatherwise. It was snowing lightly when we checked things at 6:45 AM, but it was calm and there were hints of clearing in some of the cloud layers stacked above us. We got up and had a slow and substantial breakfast as we watched the skies. With a few patches of blue showing, the decision was made to go on up for our carry. We left camp at about 10:15 and were promptly surrounded again by calm and listless clouds. It was a relief to be spending a day without our sleds and to be in crampons instead of snowshoes. The terrain, beginning with "Motorcycle hill" right out of camp, was steeper than any of the ground we'd covered to date, but that was nice too. We all felt a bit more like climbers with ice axes in our hands at last. The team wound up and across "Squirrel hill" to get to the lesser angled "Polo fields" below the end of Denali's West Buttress. At least we think those were the granite walls of the Buttress... we couldn't really see very far up it in the clouds. Conditions stayed windless though, so we pushed on to Windy Corner. Nobody seemed disappointed that it wasn't living up to its well-earned reputation. We cached the provisions we'd been carrying there at about 13,300ft, digging a big hole and burying it all to keep the ravens from attacking. Then it was an easy and uneventful hour back to camp with light packs and still not much for views. We were down by 4PM and taking naps and sipping water by about 4:30. Tomorrow is a rest day, so we are less concerned than usual by the continued light snow and ever-present murk. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

On The Map

Mt. Rainier: July 2nd SUMMIT!

July 2, 2017

Posted by: Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guide Casey Grom and his entire team reached to summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. Casey reported that the route and the weather are about as good as it gets. The team has started their descent and are en route to Camp Muir! Congratulations to today's team and 100% on top!

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Ecuador Seminar: Nugent & Team Explore Market, Arrive Cayambe Hut

February 7, 2016

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Chase Nelson

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador

Elevation: 15,300'

Saturday, February 6, 2016 After a light breakfast at the Casa del Sol we headed down to find a bustling Otavalo Saturday market. We cruised around town shopping for souvenirs, avoiding kids hellbent on silly string annihilation, and finished up our Otavalo experience with a nice lunch in the main square. After that we left town and headed for the hills under the guidance of Victor, our fearless driver. The road to Cayambe isn't in the best shape these days and despite massive potholes and some pretty steep switchbacks for a bus Victor was able to deposit us about 30 minutes shy of the refugio. After our short walk, we settled into our accommodations in the refugio and enjoyed a hot drink. The evening brought us to dinner (pork chops!) and knot session to lay the foundations for more skill training to come. Cozy above 15,000', RMI Guide Billy Nugent

On The Map

Denali National Park Mt. McKinley Expedition: Burns and Team Waiting to Launch

May 17, 2025

Posted by: Seth Burns, Jackson Breen, Raymond Holt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Friday, May 16, 2025 - 10:19 pm PDT

We started our day with breakfast at latitude 62 and ended our day with dinner at latitude 62. Can anyone guess where our day will start tomorrow?!

We spent the morning talking about the finer points of Denali climbing while learning and practicing some new skills. In the afternoon, our pilots at K2 along with the Denali base camp manager saw a break in the weather. Giddy with excitement, we loaded up the plane with all of our bags, put on our mountain clothes, and patiently waited for our chance for take off. Unfortunately, mountain weather can be a fickle beast and the mountain wasn't ready to let us in just yet. We became mesmerized by some classic Denali climbing films and fantasized about when we would soon be in those very spots.

Waiting is inevitable in the mountains, but always hard, especially at the beginning of a trip. I could not be more proud of our team's attitude. They are taking everything in stride and with a smile. We are enjoying constant laughs, telling stories, and building camaraderie that will enable us to run when our feet hit the ground. We will be ready to fly when our time comes. Hopefully that time is tomorrow morning!

RMI Guides Jackson, Ray, Seth and Team

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McKinley Expedition May 13, 2025

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Mt. Rainier: Four Day Summit Climb Team on Summit!

July 24, 2018

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer along with 100% of his climbers on the Four Day Summit Climb July 21 - 24 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Pete radioed in just before 7 AM PT as the team was approaching the crater rim. Congratulations to the team!

Ecuador Seminar: Wittmier & Team go three for three in Ecuador!

January 19, 2025

Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Mike Bennett

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador

Three for three! The seminar team had another successful climb this morning, topping out their last climb of the trip and Ecuador’s tallest peak: Chimborazo (20,561’). Fresh snow and cold temps made for challenging climbing conditions, but the team was rewarded with a calm summit sunrise and spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes. Now off the mountain, the team is enjoying some rest and relaxation at Abraespungo before making the migration back to Quito for a final wrap up of the expedition.

RMI Guide Mike Bennett

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Most Popular Entries

Kilimanjaro: Tucker & Team Finish Up in Africa

Mt. Rainier: Grom & Team Summit Mt. Rainier on July 4th

Kilimanjaro: Hahn & Team Visit Lake Manyara National Park

Mt. Elbrus: Grom & Team Arrive in Saint Petersburg

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Make a Carry to 13,300’

On The Map

Mt. Rainier: July 2nd SUMMIT!

Ecuador Seminar: Nugent & Team Explore Market, Arrive Cayambe Hut

On The Map

Denali National Park Mt. McKinley Expedition: Burns and Team Waiting to Launch

Mt. Rainier: Four Day Summit Climb Team on Summit!

Ecuador Seminar: Wittmier & Team go three for three in Ecuador!

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