RMI Expeditions Blog
Hello again everyone,
We had quite the storm roll through last night with lots of rain and a very impressive lightning and thunder show. Thankfully it had mostly tapered by morning before we headed out on another safari in Tarangire National park.
It was pretty quiet initially as I’m sure the storm had most animals tucked away, but soon enough the wildlife was back and ever present. We saw the usual cast of characters with the highlights being a Serval Cat and a beautiful lioness lounging in a tree at close range.
We have just arrived at our new beautiful lodge just outside of Ngorongoro crater. It’s a stunning and extremely peaceful private lodge tucked away in a densely forested hillside.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the safari crew
February 1, 2022
Posted by: Luke Wilhelm, David Price
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,300'
Our mood was a reflection of how the snow fell today. Slow and relaxed. After a really hard day yesterday, the team enjoyed recovering in our tents. Reading, writing, and watching movies. And how could we forget the amazing pizza meal for lunch?! Not able to see past our campsite, it's really nice to be living in a world of snow.
Till next time,
Hello everyone,
We spent today touring Tarangire National Park which is home to more elephants per square kilometer than any place on earth, plus and a huge diversity of other animals too.
We saw elephants, giraffes, warthogs, impala, mongoose, baboons, ostrich, and a lot of other animals, and 37 different birds with the highlight being the Pearl-Spotted Owlet!
We ended our day at a remote and off grid camp within the National Park and surrounded by wildlife. The camp has screened in rooms that allow the night sounds of Africa in. Hopefully everyone sleeps well tonight!
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Safari crew!
January 31, 2022
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 18,997'
After a late start due to poor weather last night, the team got moving this morning with the promise of a nicer day. However, conditions deteriorated once they reached the glacier with humidity and worrisome flashes of lightning in the distance. Those flashes ended up subsiding and the weather turned marginally better making it possible to reach the summit of Cayambe. Just a few members of the team reached the 18,997' summit, but everyone fought hard with every step. All team members pushed themselves today and will enjoy a rest day at the Chilcabamba Eco Lodge tomorrow.
We have our hopes for better weather on Cotopaxi and I know that any of these climbers stand a good chance to reach the summit of one of the highest active volcanoes in the world!
January 31, 2022
Posted by: James Bealer, Luke Wilhelm, David Price
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,300'
We huffed and puffed our way up to Camp 2 today, which sits at 18,300 feet. The team did a great job with the move! Arriving at camp this afternoon, everyone felt a major sense of accomplishment. Ear to ear smiles, and hugs all around! Our hard work today will be rewarded with a much deserved day of rest tomorrow. We have now situated ourselves perfectly for a summit attempt in the coming days.
Till next time,
RMI Guide Luke Wilhelm and team
Today we started our day at 6:30 am refreshed after a much needed nights sleep. We had breakfast, then hit the trail one last time. It took just under three hours to reach the park gate where the team had lunch and said our final goodbyes to our amazing crew that took such great care of us on the mountain. We finished the little celebration by handing out their well deserved tips and then hopped aboard our awaiting bus for the ride back to the lodge. Finally we are all safe and sound, cleaner, and smelling fresh after an exciting seven day journey up and down Kilimanjaro.
Stayed tuned, safari starts tomorrow!
RMI Guide Casey Grom and team
Day 10
Leaving the ruckus of Basecamp behind, the team enjoyed a smooth ascent to Camp 1 today. The massive rock buttresses of the upper mountain certainly made us feel tiny. It is peaceful moments like today, in epic places like this where we are reminded of how small we all are. It feels great to be established on the upper mountain.
Till next time,
RMI Guide Luke Wilhelm
You may be (feel) small, but, you are giants of courage! Breathe, take it all in, this will become you as you move through the rest of your lives.
Terri
Posted by: Terri L. Jennings on 1/31/2022 at 8:21 am
January 30, 2022
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 19,340'
Saturday, January 29, 2022 8:22 PM PT
Quick update from the summit!
100% on top!
Sunday, January 30, 2022 12:02 AM PT
Team is all safely back at high camp, a little tired but full of smiles.
It was pretty cloudy when we left camp and stayed that way most of the night. The wind and weather were quite nice despite the clouds. The team did an amazing job climbing and stayed positive even though it was a tough climb.
We spent about about 20 minutes on the summit taking photos and even made a few phone calls to loved ones back home.
We are headed down the mountain to our final camp in the thick warm air at 10’000ft, where we’ll have dinner then head off to bed for some well deserved sleep.
RMI Guide Casey and a Happy Kilimanjaro Summit Crew!
January 29, 2022
Posted by: James Bealer, Luke Wilhelm, David Price
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
The Soul of a Climber
The mountains hold the soul,
And light fire in the hearts of some men.
It leads them to do things,
Others don't just understand.
It's not only the summits,
Though that's what we oft speak of.
It's the journey, the effort,
And so much more that we love.
It's trekking the valleys,
That lead to the trailhead.
And the anticipation of adventures,
During the journey ahead.
It's the early morning sun,
As if it illuminates the peaks.
All through the day until sunset,
These are the beauties we seek.
We realize it will take effort,
That there will be moments of pain.
But the mountain gives more back,
It is much more of a gain.
It's the time spent with others,
Telling tales of past climbs.
And of more ventures ahead,
That excite each climber's mind.
There is time spent together,
There is tile spent alone.
But mostly it is time in the mountains,
In this place we call home.
The time comes to leave,
It invariably does.
But our hearts and souls have been nourished,
By these sacred mountains we love.
-Tim Cavanagh
Hola, Tim and the Team! We hope your lungs are cleansed and your hearts are filled in your dance with Mother Nature. We are right behind you in spirit. Love, D and I
Posted by: Dick and Irene Simpson on 2/1/2022 at 9:47 am
To our dad and his fellow mountaineers,
Your journey brings envy to our “home isolation”
but hope you’re enjoying God’s Divine Creation.
The mountains are beautiful and treacherous at best,
We hope you are eating, hydrating, and getting adequate rest.
You’ll be climbing and slogging through all sorts of weather
Just think of the camaraderie and memories you’re making together.
It is one of the best parts of these expeditions no doubt,
Along with reflection, prayer, and a few curses throughout.
We’re praying for you all and especially the “Soul of a Climber” who’s soles imprint on the trail
And look forward to you regaling us with your long mountaineer tale.
We love you, dad!
Love and God Bless,
Chris, Bo, Lillian, and Carl
Posted by: ChrisBoLillianCarl on 1/30/2022 at 8:33 pm
January 29, 2022
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 15,354’
Today we will spend a couple of hours at the Otavalo Market looking for souvenirs and getting last-minute supplies for Cayambe. The afternoon will then be spent in pickup trucks on the bumpiest road you can imagine.
The team is doing great so far and staying patient with the acclimatization process. Over the past two days we did our warmup hikes on Rucu Pichincha and Fuya Fuya, getting us to elevations of 15,354’ and 13,986’, respectively. There was some off and on drizzle, but overall, both hikes went smoothly.
Tomorrow we will refresh basic mountaineering skills before making our attempt on Cayambe the following morning. Check back in the next couple of days for an update and wish us luck!
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier & Team
Best wishes for the Best weather!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/29/2022 at 11:44 am
I have wonder and excitement for you on what it must feel like for this to be accomplished. What a life changing event for you. I am so excited for you all. Keep going! Love you Tim!
Teri
Posted by: Teri Derr on 2/1/2022 at 8:43 am
Richie, you da man! I’m super proud of you for pursing your life passions and adventuring to new epic heights. I’ve been reading the blogs and it sounds like you’re surrounded by amazing human beings with enormous hearts. Keep blazing upward! GO TEAM!!!
Posted by: Joey Collazo on 2/1/2022 at 5:55 am
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