Most Popular Entries
Posted by: Mike King, Alex Halliday, Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 20,310'
Update: Friday, June 11, 2021 - 9:47 pm PT
We woke to a clear and "warm" by 17K Camp standards morning and decided to get out in front of the inevitable hoard of climbers that would be attempting the summit today. With cold hands and toes warming up by the time we got to Denali Pass we kept breaking trail in spots and resting on what was the warmest and windless summit day I’ve been a part of. Some of the group had just a base layer and light weight gloves on at 19,500'. Everyone in the group, 9 climbers and 3 guides stood on top of the tallest peak in North America. We got some good views of the surrounding glacier and mountains. We even had 2 returning climbers who got turned around 2 years ago due to bad weather. Your loved ones will have all sorts of stories to share, know that they are safe in camp and taking care of themselves after an arduous 14-hour day. We will plan to descend to 14K Camp tomorrow and perhaps lower if the weather cooperates. While the objective we all set out 2 weeks ago has been accomplished, we still have a lot of terrain to navigate so we can get to the airstrip for flights on Sunday or Monday (weather permitting). Thanks for following along!
Friday, June 11, 2021 - 4:00 pm PT
We received word this afternoon from RMI Guide Mike King that his team was on the summit of Denali with 100% of their team members. We wish them a safe descent and a hearty congratulations for all their hardwork!
Way to go team!
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Mike King, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Vinson Massif
Elevation: 7,200'
Tuesday, December 28, 2021 7:47 pm PT
When we met for breakfast at seven this morning, we were optimistic…about COVID test results, about weather in Antarctica and about a thousand moving parts and plans meshing perfectly. Turns out our optimism was warranted; this was a great day. We fired up the Gulfstream 7 at 12:30 PM and flew out of Patagonia headed South. We watched out the windows as sea ice began to appear and then mountains and massive glaciers. Our pilot slash climber extraordinaire, call sign -Sniggy- landed the plane ever so gently on the ice runway at Union Glacier just after 4 PM. We got out, marveling at our new world, unloaded our gear and then watched pilots Kurt and Rob lift the G7 off the ice and back into the sky bound for Punta Arenas.
We boarded two ski equipped Twin Otters and took off just after 5 PM for Vinson Base Camp. It was a clear and sunny day, so we could see thousands of the jagged and angular peaks comprising the 200-mile-long Ellsworth Mountains. We landed uphill at 7000 ft on the Branscomb Glacier a little before 6 PM. We met Hannah, Scott and Forrest, the excellent ALE guides we’ll be partnering with for this trip. With Superstars like Conrad Anker and Ed Viesturs on the team, there were plenty of outgoing climbers anxious for handshakes and pictures. Then it was an easy and pleasant evening of getting settled in camp and sorted for moving up the mountain tomorrow. We ate a fine dinner in the comfortable basecamp dining tent and attended to chores, some jogged in the snow around the 1/4-mile perimeter of basecamp for a little exercise. All of us spent a fair bit of time with our mouths hanging open, just staring at gigantic and precipitous Mt. Vinson a few miles East of basecamp. And then we called it a day. But a great and memorable day.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team
This is the best, informative, dispatch I’ve read in a while. Please keep them coming; I am a fan. As you keep moving forward it is a true inspiration to me. Keep reaching for sky!
Posted by: Terri L. Jennings on 12/30/2021 at 6:36 am
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Joe Hoch, Ellison Boord, Charlie Harrison, Raymond Holt, Tom Skoog
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day Climb June 10 - 14 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams were lead by RMI Guides Walter Hailes and Joe Hoch who reported a gorgeous day of climbing. The teams reached the crater rim a little before 9 am and were able to spend time crossing the crater to the Columbia Crest. As this is a Five Day Climb, the teams will return to Camp Muir to rest and relax. They will spend their second night on the mountain tonight. Tomorrow the teams will descending the remaining 4,500' to Paradise and return to Rainier BaseCamp.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Congratulations!!!!! So proud of Marc, Skyler and Savannah!!!! You guys are amazing!!!
Can’t wait to see you back at camp!!!!
Love, mom, Athena and Mitch!
Posted by: Annette Gibbens on 6/14/2023 at 1:20 pm
Congratulations Savannah, Skyler and Mark!
You did it!!
What a great accomplishment and experience.
Posted by: Wanda Stallings on 6/14/2023 at 9:58 am
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Safari time!
Today was the first day of safari for us and we headed west to visit Lake Manyara, which is known for its tree climbing lions, and vast species of birds. We didn't manage to see any of those famous lions, but we had a very close encounter with a few elephants. Nothing dangerous, but they passed close enough that we could have almost touched them.
It was a pretty hot day here in Africa, so I'm sure that keep many of the animals hiding in the shade. We did manage to see a few zebras, Cape buffalo, giraffe, hippos, baboons, impalas and so many birds I lost count. It was a pretty nice introduction to the incredible bio-diversity that Africa has, and everyone enjoyed the day riding around in our safari vehicles.
We finished the day spending a few hours relaxing and exploring the grounds of our amazing lodge.
That's all for now,
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Safari Crew
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Mike Uchal
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Northside
Elevation: 15,200'
Great to hear the winds have calmed and the team is doing well. Awesome pictures! Sounds like Marc is still always looking to do an extra leg long after mostly everyone is spent. “Similar to Mt. Whitney”. Also, was wondering how it felt to have no issues with the hut doors for Marc since the 5 foot height was comfortably taller. :-). All the best to the team and my Buddy.
Posted by: Jimmy Hoadrea on 8/14/2019 at 10:04 am
RMI Shishapangma Team Checks in from Advanced Base Camp
Hi guys!!! keep on the way!! do not give up and good luck!
Posted by: jorge de andres on 9/25/2011 at 1:09 pm
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Today was our first day of safari and we headed west to visit the beautiful Lake Manyara. The lake is a brief stopping ground for many migratory animals and home to more than 350 different birds. Everyone enjoyed the day cruising around in our safari vehicles with cold beverages in hand while seeing a few animals up close.
We didn’t see a ton of animals today, but we did get up close to a few elephants, baboons, and a number impalas. Also managed to see a couple of zebras and warthogs off in the distance.
It was a nice introduction to the incredible diversity of wildlife that Africa has and the team is looking forward to seeing more tomorrow.
We wrapped up the evening with a wonderful meal at the Plantation Lodge.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Safari Crew
Posted by: Alan Davis, Emma Lyddan
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Peru Seminar
Elevation: 17,800'
July 16, 2022
We began our morning with another alpine start and left basecamp under the stars at 2:00 a.m. for our summit attempt of Urus Este. We climbed the steep rocky approach in the cool night air. With frosty packs the team made the toe of the glacier and donned our crampons, ropes, and axes just before the skies became purple and pink. Reaching the summit of Urus Este in style, 100% of the team was all smiles!
More to come!
RMI Guide Alan Davis and team
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Josh McDowell, Ellison Boord, Josh Geiser, Hannah Blum, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The June 26 - 29 Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer & Josh McDowell reached the summit of Mt. Rainier just before 6 am today. Pete reported a very nice morning on the mountain. The teams enjoyed an hour in the summit crater before starting their descent from the crater rim. The teams will return to Camp Muir for a quick break and then continue the final 4,500' to Paradise. They will celebrate their achievement at Rainier BaseCamp later this afternoon.
Nice work team!
WOOO great work on a successful climb! Congrats to Becky and the rest of the team :)
Posted by: Corey on 6/29/2023 at 8:55 am
On The Map
Nice blog… EBC trek can be a good experience . It is one of the best trekking destination around the world.
Posted by: Everest Base Camp Trek on 6/3/2015 at 3:17 am
What an adventure! Thinking of you, Dr. Tom, and your Team. The photos and posts are wonderful. Have a great time, y’all! Wish I was with you!
Posted by: Michael Fry on 3/24/2015 at 9:05 am
Congratulations to all! Way to go, Huw!
Posted by: Traci Gentry on 6/14/2021 at 11:05 am
Mike King, Alex Halliday, Abby Westling
Thanks for getting your team and our son safely back to sea level, we enjoyed the daily Blog and was excited to hear that all the team members reach the summit safely, Thanks again.
Mom and Dad Fortier
Posted by: Robert Fortier on 6/13/2021 at 6:22 pm
View All Comments