RMI Expeditions Blog
August 5, 2022
Posted by: Steve Gately, Tatum Whatford
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Steve Gately, and Tatum Whatford reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. The teams climb under clear windless skies and enjoyed a beautiful sunrise. They are on the descent and will be back at Camp Muir by mid-morning.
Congratulations team!
August 4, 2022
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 13,030'
When 6:30 rolled around this morning, the clouds were all gone at Shira Camp. Kibo stood out clear as a bell and so did Meru, the 15,000 ft volcano to our west. There was still a sea of clouds down below, but they were well below our lofty 12,500 ft camp. We were walking uphill by 8:30, straight toward Kibo. It was an easy day for climbing with gentle breezes to keep us cool. The trail was easier than those we’ve experienced so far and we made good and steady progress. We reached the Lava Tower at around 12:30 PM and sat down at 15,200 ft for a leisurely lunch in the sun. Our nine climbers had each broken their personal altitude records. It was amazing to be so close under Kibo’s gigantic rock and ice faces. Finally we geared up and started walking down. We came gradually back into the zones where plants live and then it was wonderful to stroll down through the gardens of Barranco with Giant Senecios and lobelias and Heather. We made it to camp at 3:30 and ducked into the dining tent for coffee and popcorn. Coming into camp it was hard not to look over at the Barranco wall and wonder about tomorrow’s climb. But the beauty of Kibo at sunset and the amazing stars that came out a bit later helped to settle our minds on the present. We’ll worry about the wall tomorrow.
Best Regards
Wow you guys are doing great! You’re almost to the summit! You can do it! Love and prayers coming to you Steve, Lynn and Peter! Looking forward to hearing all about the trek!
Posted by: Ardy and Bob Schopf on 8/6/2022 at 3:12 pm
15,200! You’re feeling it now, I’m sure! Take it all in and stay strong…and hydrated!! Hoping for clear skies for you all.
Posted by: Rob Schopf on 8/6/2022 at 1:13 pm
August 4, 2022
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Joe Hoch, Lauren Macklin, Lily Emerson, Michael Murray, Evan Sather
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 12,300'
The Four Day Climb for August 1 - 4 led by RMI Guides Hannah Smith and Joe Hoch were unable to summit today due to a descending cloud and gusty winds. The teams reached the top of Disappointment Cleaver but were unable to continue due to weather. As of 7 am the teams were safely back at Camp Muir. They plan leave Camp Muir around 9 am to make the remaining 4,500' descent to Paradise. We look forward to seeing the teams at Rainier Basecamp this afternoon.
August 3, 2022
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 12,500'
We got out of the tents at 6:30 this morning to find the clouds had returned. It was still calm though and not terribly cold at our 10,000 ft camp. We ate breakfast and hit the trail shortly after 8 AM. The trail was a good deal more rugged than yesterday’s with about a million rocky steps to negotiate as we steadily gained altitude through the giant heather forest. The morning rush hour was something to see, with porters from a half dozen expeditions charging up the path all at once. “Traffic” normalized after a few hours and the angle eased as we reached a ridge crest.
We found ourselves above the clouds once more as we moved along the ridge toward Kibo -which was not only visible again, but a good deal closer than it had been at our last glimpse. We made a big left turn to the North and began the traverse out toward Shira. The terrain got more interesting as we needed our hands on rock to pass a number of ledges. The vegetation changed as we closed in on 12,800 ft -our high point for the day- we saw more giant senecios and lobelias as things got higher and drier.
Finally, we turned the corner onto the Shira Plateau and began walking downhill toward camp. We pulled in at about 2 PM… just in time for lunch and an afternoon nap. By dinner at 12,500 ft, things had cooled considerably and many of us had several warm clothing layers on for stargazing before bed.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team
You’re getting there! Ella says “keep climbing Daddy (and Aunt Lynn and Uncle Peter)”!
Posted by: Sarah on 8/4/2022 at 3:10 am
Wishing you all a wonderful trip. So happy to be able to follow along. Enjoy! Charlotte-friend of Peter, Lynn and Steven’s
Posted by: Charlotte Multer on 8/3/2022 at 8:21 pm
August 3, 2022
Posted by: Jack Delaney, Abby Westling, Leif Bergstrom, Daniel May, Charlie Harrison, Nick Sinapius
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day Climb teams July 30 - 3 August led by RMI Guides Jack Delaney and Abby Westling made a sunset climb to the summit yesterday evening. The teams reached the crater rim around 8 pm and quickly began their descent as fairly strong winds accommpanied them the entire climb. The climb went well and the team was stoked to summit even with the constant winds. As of 7 am the climbers were sleeping in at Camp Muir with plan to start their descent to Paradise around 10 or 11 am.
Congratulations team!
August 2, 2022
Posted by: Kiira Antenucci, Joey Manship, Augi Fleer
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
RMI Guide Kiira Antenucci and Team reached the summit of Mt. Baker via the Easton Glacier. The team had a great three days of climbing. The Easton Glacier Route of Mt. Baker is perfect for the beginner looking to learn about climbing on glaciers, or the experienced climber seeking to stand atop a northwest classic.
Congratulations Team for taking on the challenge!
Congratulations to all Army hikers who have found their grit again. You made it!
Posted by: Vickie on 8/2/2022 at 2:21 pm
August 2, 2022
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Henry Coppolillo
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier and Team reached the summit of Mt. Baker via the North Ridge. The climb was windy, and partly cloudy, but warm. The team descended this morning and will Celebrate their success in Glacier, WA this afternoon.
After so many days of preparation and travel and anticipation, what a thrill it was to finally be walking uphill. We left our comfortable hotel at 8 AM in a bus headed east. We’d reached the Kilimanjaro National Park entrance by 10 AM and after a further hour of getting organized and registered with the park, we were off. It was raining lightly when we left our hotel, but it was merely cloudy and damp when we got walking through the big trees at the start of the Machame route. Moss was thriving and hanging from every branch and tree trunk and the trail was a little greasy under foot. Before long, we were steadily gaining altitude. The bus had taken us to 6000 ft and our goal for the day, Machame Camp, sat at 10,000 ft, so it was always going to be a tough workout. It was certainly tougher for our staff as they raced uphill with far heavier loads than we were carrying. We took short breaks every 90 minutes or so in order to eat and drink and by a little after 4 PM, the trees were getting smaller, the clouds were thinning and magically, our camp appeared… right where we’d hoped to find it. The crew had built us a wonderful home and we simply needed to move in. We sat in our dining tent for an afternoon snack and then, just before dinner, the clouds cleared enough to give our first magical views of Kibo -Kilimanjaro’s central peak- shining in the last rays of the sun nine thousand feet above us. Dinner was excellent and by 8 PM we were crawling into our tents and heading for bed… pleasantly tired and ready for a night with perhaps a little less jet lag.
Best Regards
RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team
Following… Sending love and encouragement from Coronado!
Posted by: Monica on 8/3/2022 at 8:18 am
Enjoying the climb back here in Michigan! 840 ft above sea level!
Posted by: Bruce Cumback on 8/3/2022 at 6:31 am
August 2, 2022
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,200'
The Expedition Skills Seminar – Emmons team turned at high break on their summit attempt today due to high winds. RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer reported steady winds of 50 MPH. The team is back at Camp Schurman, 9,440’, high camp on the Emmons Glacier where they will spend the night. The seminar team will finish their expedition skills training before descending in the morning.
Congratulations Team!
Today was an easy day at the Rivertrees Hotel on the outskirts of Arusha.
The team met after breakfast to get into the details of our Kilimanjaro climb. We discussed staffing and itineraries and what gear gets used when. We talked about getting to the mountain and getting away from it and everything in between. We talked about packing and sorting gear and then we broke up the meeting in order to pack and sort.
Gear checks were performed back in the hotel rooms and then the gang had much of the afternoon to relax and work through jet lag.
We gathered for dinner outside on the patio and then drifted off to rest for our big first day of climbing.
Best Regards,
So happy to hear this news! Congratulations!!!
Posted by: Holly on 8/5/2022 at 12:45 pm
Way to go, Team!!! I’ve been thinking of you and sending good vibes for a safe and clear summit! So happy for you all!!! <3 <3 <3 :-) :-) :-)
Posted by: Emily on 8/5/2022 at 11:17 am
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