RMI Expeditions Blog
Hello from the Khumbu Valley!
We started our day here pretty early, meeting in the hotel lobby at 5:30am. After checking out of the hotel we had a short ride to the domestic airport were we weighed all of our duffels and backpacks before getting tickets and slipping through a very laid back security check. Normally there’s a little bit of waiting before heading out, but today things moved along pretty quickly.
We opted for helicopter flights to the Lukla airport and avoided the small planes that require land on an uphill runway. After we touched down, we connected with our local Sherpa guides hired a few porters that will be carrying our duffles throughout the trek. We made a brief stop at a local tea house to have breakfast and get situated before hitting the trail.
We hiked for about four hours today with few stops to rest and to take in the beautiful scenery. We arrived at our camp for the night in a village called Phakding just in time for a well earned lunch. The team got settled, had naps, or explored a little before walking a short way to one of the many Monastery’s here in the Valley. Luckily for us the Monks were having a prayer session and allowed us to sit in while they chanted and blew their horns. It was very surreal and a wonderful way to start this adventure.
All is well!
RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew
March 15, 2023
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek
Elevation: 4,383'
Namaste!
Greetings from Nepal
The team has finally arrived in Kathmandu after some incredibly long flights and we are slowly adjusting to the 12 hour time change. Not an easy task by any means.
We started our first day with a round of introductions, getting acquainted and discussing the necessities to our upcoming adventure to Everest Base Camp. Then headed out to visit a few famous temples here in Kathmandu. First up was the massive Boudhanath Stupa, which is one of the largest in the world. Then Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple that over looks most of Kathmandu. They are two of the sevn World Heritage sites here in Nepal.
We wrapped up the evening by getting all of our gear packed and an amazing meal at a restaurant call “Le Sherpa”, sort of a modern fusion on new and old Nepali food.
Everyone is doing well and very much looking forward to heading into the mountains tomorrow!
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Everest Base Camp crew
Love you Casey. Jen, I’m so happy you’re there with her. Awesome that you two met.
Posted by: Nancy on 3/15/2023 at 9:56 pm
I’m so excited for you all. I cannot wait to hear the stories. I wish I could be there with you but I’ll be following in spirit and online
Posted by: Penny Fong on 3/15/2023 at 4:51 pm
A summit success early this morning on Pico de Orizaba! Most of our team stood at 18,491 feet a little after sunrise, soaking in the views after a tough climb at high altitude.
It was a long last day in the mountains, but spirits were high as we descended to Tlachichuca where we enjoyed the comforts of the small town.
Our final night together as a team was spent sharing stories from the mountain and appreciating the trip, from the dust to the sunrises, the team is grateful for good weather and safe passage in the mountains.
Thanks for following along with the team on our adventures through Mexico and our climbs of the mighty volcanoes.
RMI Guide Abby Westling
This morning, we left the comforts of the city for our tents at Orizaba. After a long day of travel, preparation, and a little bit of acclimatization, we will sleep at 14,000 feet. Tomorrow will be another early start, in the dark for our climb. The team feels good after a much needed rest day in Puebla! No one said the climbing will be easy, but we are hopeful for a good climb with the challenge of the mountain tomorrow ahead of us.
Our team took a well-deserved rest day in Puebla, sleeping in, enjoying the warm weather and soaking in the colorful city.
Folks explored, some finding fresh fruit stands, massages and local shops for souvenirs. Others relaxed and connected with loved ones back home, letting them know about the adventures so far. Tonight we filled up on traditional mole, discussed other climbing trips and swapped many stories.
Tomorrow we head off for our final objective. Orizaba!
RMI Guide Abby Westling
A successful summit for the whole team this morning!
In perfect weather our team summited Izta. She graced us with smooth climbing conditions as we scrambled up rocks, down a glacier and up to summit where, after climbing in the dark for hours, we were rewarded with a beautiful sunrise.
After a long descent, we bid our new dog friends farewell and left for Puebla. Tonight we will enjoy showers, clean beds and a warm meal.
We are ready to rest up for our next big mountain!
RMI Guide Abby Westling
February 28, 2023
Posted by: Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 15,430'
Tonight we climb!
After a beautiful day spent carrying our gear up to high camp along the dusty and rocky trail, we are ready for our summit push of Izta. We have the mountain to ourselves today and enjoyed the solitude. It was just our climbing team, the mountain, and of course a few dogs to keep us company. After fueling ourselves with quesadillas and water, we tuck in and prepare for an alpine start.
We awoke this morning to beautiful weather, the sky was pink, lighting up La Malinche and the air was fresh like late summer in the high desert. Today is the beginning of our Izta climb. We hiked to our basecamp, through the pines on the dusty trail. We had clear views of Izta ahead of us and Popo smoking behind us, the mountains making us feel small in the midst of their height and beauty. We prepared for our hike to high camp tomorrow, meticulously sorting through our gear, and just as importantly, snacks. Our team is ready to move up the mountain and excited for our bigger climbs ahead.
RMI Guide Abby Westling
February 26, 2023
Posted by: Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 10,000'
Today we enjoyed an acclimitization hike on La Malinche. The trail was busy with other hikers and we made our first dog friends of the trip. Along the trail and through the trees we weaved our way up, spotting hummingbirds and rocky peaks surrounding us. 
We did not have the opportunity to summit due to weather and time but we still made it to 13,000 feet!
After a well earned, delicious meal at our resort, we settle in at 10,000 feet to rest for our Izta adventure tomorrow.
RMI Guide Abby Westling and team
Last night some of our team arrived in Mexico City and were welcomed by the beautiful, lit up statues in the city center.
Today, folks had the opportunity to explore and rest for the rest of the trip ahead. Some enjoyed a walk through Chapultepec park, where tree lined sidewalks provide a nice reprieve from the bustling city. Others explored the city streets and food while also taking the day to rest.
This evening our team finally gathered to meet and discuss our adventure ahead.
Welcome to our Mexico's Volcanoes blog!
RMI Guide Abby Westling and Team
Step by step, up, up and away! Good luck all!
Posted by: John Buckett on 3/17/2023 at 5:50 am
We’re living vicariously through you. So fun to see the pix, and read the stories!
Barry and Nancy Otterholt
Posted by: Barry Otterholt on 3/16/2023 at 7:31 pm
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