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Mexicos Volcanoes: Wittmier & Team Summit Orizaba, Trip complete

February 18, 2023

Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Lauren Macklin

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico

Elevation: 18,491'

Pico de Orizaba summit!

With bellies full of cheese from last night’s dinner, we powered our way through a midnight wakeup. The first few hours of the route take us through “The Labyrinth”, which would be an easy place to take a wrong turn. Fortunately, we have Allen (our local guide) with us to help us efficiently navigate. Through the Labyrinth and at the base of the glacier we donned crampons and make our way up the ever-steepening slopes of the Jamapa Glacier until finally topping out on the third highest peak in North America!

Congrats to all the climbers who summitted La Malinche, Iztaccíhuatl and Pico de Orizaba! We now just spend the night at Dr. Reyes’ soap factory museum before most of us head home tomorrow.

RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

WOOOO congrats Anne and crew!! 3/3 summits, that’s amazing!

Posted by: Corey on 2/20/2023 at 3:55 am

Congratulations Dustin, Lindsay, Steve and Team! That is So Cool!!!

Farmer Dave

Posted by: Dave Kestel on 2/20/2023 at 3:26 am

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Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Cache Gear at 9,600’

May 12, 2022

Posted by: Mike Walter, Abby Westling, Henry Coppolillo

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,650'

Thursday, May 12, 2022 - 7:10 pm PT

Today was nearly a mirror image of yesterday's weather: mostly sunny, then partly cloudy, then mostly cloudy. It made for great travel as we ascended Ski Hill. As we gained the 9500' plateau, mostly cloudy changed to light snow and moderate winds coming through Kahiltna Pass. We had another good day, and decided to cache at ~9650' rather than press further into deteriorating weather. After leaving our gear deep in the hole we dug, we descended back down Ski Hill to camp in time for a little siesta. We'll hope for good weather tomorrow so we can bump camp up to 11,200'. We'll let you know how it goes.

RMI Guide Mike Walter

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Thanks for the posts. It is fun to keep up-to-date with the climb!!

Posted by: Deb Beaudway on 5/13/2022 at 3:16 pm

Thanks for updates. Basic weather forecast looks very good starting Saturday.

Posted by: Paul Kent on 5/13/2022 at 11:16 am

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Kahiltna Seminar: Gorum & Team Focus on Skills at Kahiltna Base Camp

May 25, 2021

Posted by: JM Gorum, Grayson Swingle, Henry Coppolillo

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Seminar

Elevation: 7,300'

Monday, May 24, 2021 - 11:13 pm PT

We made it in to base camp last night. We landed at our new home in the Alaska range around 7pm and got to work building camp. It took us about two hours to get settled in, and then we had a late dinner consisting of Talkeetna’s finest Mountain High Pizza Pie. It’s hardly ever a bad call to fly on to the glacier with four large pizzas.

This morning we had a leisurely start, waiting until the sun hit our tents around 8am. We drank some coffee and ate some toasty bagels, and then we got to work. Today was a skills focused day. We worked on footwork, rope travel, knots, and anchors. We didn’t venture too far out of camp, but we did do a little tour of the new neighborhood. Along the way we scoped out some crevasses that should work nicely for practicing rescue in the next few days.

We’re turning in now, tomorrow we’re going to get up a little earlier and put our newly practiced skills to use on a smaller climb close to camp. We’ll let you know how it goes.

RMI Guides JM Gorum

Mt. McKinley: Hahn and Team Move to 9,500’

July 1, 2012

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Solveig Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,500'

Another early start and another straightforward move up in perfect conditions. We got up at 3 AM and ate breakfast in the cool shadows blanketing our 7800 ft camp. On our second day of climbing, it was already becoming routine to knock down the tents and get packs and sleds squared away for travel. We were roped up and moving up Ski Hill by 5:45. The hills were big and the loads were as well, but we slowed the pace and worked our way up. Again, we found the surface frozen hard and easy for sledding and walking without sinking in. Distances weren't terribly significant and it only took us three and a half hours to reach the top of the hills at around 9500 ft. We built a camp and dove into the tents just as the sun started heating the giant reflector oven of the upper Kahiltna Glacier. Afternoon was spent in slumber, or in reading, or in watching iPod movies, or in snacking and drinking water. Some did it all. We sat in our "POSH" dining tent chatting for a few hours at dinner. At 8 PM we tuned in our radio to catch the mountain specific weather forecast (which calls for a little bit of snow at our elevation tonight). Far more entertaining was our conversation with the other RMI teams on the mountain. We were excited for Mike Walter's summit and safe return to high camp and to hear that Adam Knoff and his gang are good to go for moving to 17,000 ft tomorrow. If our good luck holds, we'll cruise on up to 11,000 ft tomorrow with our strong and steady team. Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Brian, Sounds like a great day! The beach is not the same without you. We miss you, Robin & Connor

Posted by: Robin Bulatao on 7/2/2012 at 6:42 pm

Nice work! Steady on!

Posted by: Jim R. on 7/2/2012 at 2:10 pm

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Mexico’s Volcanoes: Team Ready for Orizaba Climb after Rest

February 17, 2012

Posted by: Jake Beren

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico

Yesterday was a rest day in the colonial town of Puebla. This is a fun day for the team, one where everyone gets a chance to explore the town a get taste of this beautiful Mexican city. We reconvened at dinner to share the day's exploits. Trips to the city's fort, churches, shopping and general exploration were the missions recounted at dinner. Now it's off to Tlachichuca, where we will rig for our attempt on Orizaba. The weather looks more promising today, and we all hope it holds and improves for another few days. Wish us luck amigos. RMI Guide Jake Beren

Mt. McKinley Expedition: Hahn & Team Heading for Kahiltna Basecamp

June 29, 2011

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 348'

The Mt. McKinley Custom Expedition led by RMI Guides Dave Hahn, Geoff Schellens, Lindsay Mann and Zeb Blais were loading the planes at K2 Aviation en route to the Kahiltna Glacier at 9 a.m. Alaska time. We wish the team a safe and successful expedition on Mt. McKinley!

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Spencer, I take it by your grin your having a blast!! Stay safe Warrior. Respect the mountain. Enjoying the blogs.

Posted by: Wesley Smithee on 6/30/2011 at 4:06 pm

What a wonderfully happy group. I am so excited for all of you. Praying for your safety, great weather and kindness from the mountain. Always in my heart Wayne, love Dinah

Posted by: Dinah Rogers on 6/29/2011 at 2:12 pm

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Kathmandu Expedition Prep Update

March 27, 2009

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Last week RMI's Basecamp Manager Linden Mallory and RMI's Operations Manager Jeff Martin arrived at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport in preparation for the First Ascent Expedition. This is their report: After 35 hours of flying we were amazed to see that all 16 of our First Ascent Maximus 150 Duffel Bags survived the airports of Seattle, Tokyo, and Bangkok, arriving in Kathmandu along with us. After a few false starts and more than a few spills - towering carts of duffel bags crashing to the floor - we moved our gear through the customs officials and x-ray machines and navigated our way to our vehicle before plunging into the chaos of Kathmandu's traffic. Next, we combined the 1,000 lbs of gear that we brought with us from the States with 2,000 lbs of supplies pre-shipped to Kathmandu. Preparing all of this meant unpacking, sorting, counting, resorting, recounting, and repacking the impressive amount of food, gear, and supplies. Ensuring that everything was accounted for, we separated the gear into 30 kilogram piles (66lbs) that the porters and yaks manage to carry. Three days later, with heads spinning from labels, weights, several trips to the local markets, and gear shuffled countless times, we triumphantly sealed our last duffel. During the next week, the 27 overstuffed duffels and 18 60-liter plastic barrels we packed will make their way to Everest Basecamp. They first fly to the tiny mountain airstrip in Lukla before journeying the roughly 50 kilometers up the Khumbu Valley, shouldered by porters or yaks, to their destination along the rock and ice strewn landscape of the Khumbu Glacier. The accumulation of duffels and barrels compromises a staggering amount of gear and supplies, including: 38 First Ascent Katabatic Tents 3 First Ascent Alpine Assault Tents 2 First Ascent Pantheon Dome Tents 30 -20°F sleeping bags 60 bottles of oxygen 7 portable Medical Kits 2 Gamow Bags medical oxygen 2 laptops satellite modem a satellite phone portable DVD player array solar panels 97 pounds of cheese 103 pounds of sausage, jerky, and other meats Over 2,000 Pro Bars, candy bars, and granola bars 24 pounds of Gummy Bears 22 pounds of Hot Chocolate 40 pounds of Starbucks Ground Coffee 45 pounds of salsa With the supplies moving their way towards Basecamp we turned to finalizing permits for the climb. Upon picking up the Expedition Leader Peter Whittaker at the airport, we went straight to the Ministry of Tourism to secure our Everest Climbing Permit. Sitting around the well-polished wood of their conference table, sharing the seats of the many mountaineering legends who have passed through before, we discussed our planned camps, our gear supplies and our itinerary with a representative of the Ministry and our Liason Officer. Then, after Peter signed a flurry of paperwork, we walked triumphantly out of the Ministry with our Permit in hand. Now that the team is assembled in Kathmandu the final details of are settling into place and the climb is taking shape. The next task is to follow our supplies up the Khumbu to Basecamp, take stock, and focus our energies on the mountain.

Denali Expeditions: Walter & Team Ready to Kick off RMI Denali Season

May 7, 2024

Posted by: Mike Walter, Jess Wedel, Michael Murray

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 348'

The first Denali Expedition of the 2024 Season is ready to fly to Kahiltna Base Camp. The May 5th Expedition team members met in Anchorage on Sunday and made the drive to Talkeetna where they have spent the last few days reviewing gear, packing, meeting with the Park Service and getting all the last details dialed in. The skies are clear and the group is ready to depart Talkeetna for their expedition to North America's highest peak. We look forward to hearing from them from the mountain.

Good luck team!

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Denali Expedition, May 5, 2024

Denali Expedition: Walter and Team Experience a True Denali Storm

May 27, 2021

Posted by: Mike Walter, Avery Parrinello, Luke Wilhelm

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Thursday, May 27, 2021 - 2:13pm PT

Yesterday we did some training on rope travel techniques for up above 14k. The weather was clear and cold, with a chilly breeze.

Last night a true Denali storm came in with snow and wind, and we’ve been spending the morning digging out our tents, trying to stay warm, and hunkering down.

The storm is forecast to continue through Saturday, with 60 mph winds here at camp; needless to say, we’re not going up anytime soon. We’re also anticipating high avalanche hazard on the slopes above camp and the autobahn due to the new snow load and the wind transported slabs.

We’ll keep you posted on how this shakes out. For now, we are focusing our energy on defending our camp and staying safe.

RMI Guide Mike Walter & Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Great job so far Nate! Good luck tackling the rest of the climb! Hope you’re having a great time.

Posted by: Steve Glassman on 6/2/2021 at 8:56 am

Hi Tom (Sweetness) Enjoy your down time and be safe honey!! Can’t wait to see you and hear all about your adventures ❤️❤️ Auntie Kel Kel

Posted by: Kelly Pozniak on 5/28/2021 at 1:38 pm

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Everest Base Camp Trek: The Team Enjoys Astonishing Views Hiking to Pheriche

November 6, 2013

Posted by: Elias de Andres Martos

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek

Elevation: 13,950'

Hello from the "Himalayan Hotel" at Pheriche! Another incredible day in the Himalayas, dear friends... And we can certainly say now we are going to spend the first night at high altitude, having hiked above the 4,000m benchmark. After a rather cold night in Pangboche, we were greeted by another cloudless sky, whose sun made us ditch our layers just a few minutes after the start. Headed towards Pheriche Pass, we enjoyed astonishing views of Kantega, Tamserku (two of the most radical 6,000m peaks in the Khumbu,) and of course Ama Dablam. Like on the previous days, the mystique of the landscape is only disturbed by the heavy downhill traffic that we encounter from time to time. While we await our dinner and as I write this post, we're also getting ready to set up for another session of nocturnal time lapse pictures before the evasive crescent moon we have vanishes. The plan tomorrow is to rest here, to continue to acclimate taking a short hike, to visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital next door, and, of course, stay well nourished with the momos and tea that (among other things) make us look forward to every meal. On a side note, we celebrated on the trails a rendezvous with fellow guide Lakpa Gelu and RMI office staff Bridget Schletty. Regards to everyone, RMI Guide Elías de Andres Martos

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Most Popular Entries

Mexicos Volcanoes: Wittmier & Team Summit Orizaba, Trip complete

Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Cache Gear at 9,600’

Kahiltna Seminar: Gorum & Team Focus on Skills at Kahiltna Base Camp

Mt. McKinley: Hahn and Team Move to 9,500’

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Mexico’s Volcanoes: Team Ready for Orizaba Climb after Rest

Mt. McKinley Expedition: Hahn & Team Heading for Kahiltna Basecamp

Kathmandu Expedition Prep Update

Denali Expeditions: Walter & Team Ready to Kick off RMI Denali Season

Denali Expedition: Walter and Team Experience a True Denali Storm

Everest Base Camp Trek: The Team Enjoys Astonishing Views Hiking to Pheriche

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