RMI Expeditions Blog
January 21, 2023
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Ben Luedtke, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
Hello all,
Another chill day on Aconcagua for the team. Since we had the time we had a fun breakfast of pancakes with white chocolate chips (the grocery was out of milk chocolate chips). After enjoying are delightful breakfast we stretched our legs on the first stretch of our hike tomorrow. It was good to fill the lungs and get the blood going and to get eyes on tomorrow's terrain. We spent most of the afternoon resting, enjoying the scenery, starring at the mountain and sorting gear for our move. Everyone is ready for our next move. This move is significant because once we leave this camp we are go go go for the next five days. The team is ready and looking strong. So here is our last Goodnight from Guanacos Camp. Next chat is from our high camp.
RMI Guides Hannah, Ben, Dan and Team
January 20, 2023
Posted by: Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 14,000'
We are in the final days of our trip as we traveled from Puebla to Tlachichuca today. We packed our climbing packs one final time for Pico de Orizaba, preparing our gear for the last climb of our trip. Once loaded up in the 4x4s for our journey, we drove the dusty and bumpy road to Piedra Grande; our high camp, looking at Orizaba getting closer to us throughout the drive. After reaching our destination we set up our camp for the night and walked around the camp, stretching our legs and familiarizing ourselves with what 14,000 feet feels like once again. After our rest day, everyone feels prepared for the climb ahead! Tonight we tuck in early as we have an early start for our climb tomorrow.
January 20, 2023
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Ben Luedtke, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
Good evening,
Not a whole lot to report from Camp 2. Our night was noisy with wind, which didn't let up till later in the afternoon. With the winds blowing in the morning making the camp look all sparkly we decided to stay put and not participate in the windy day.The carry is not a crucial part of our agenda so it is OK that we opted not to carry to high camp. We spent out day watching the snow Dance off the ridges and the top.Tomorrow will be another rest day before we make the move to high camp where we launch for the summit. The winds should be lessening as our day approaches. For now we snuggle into our sleeping bags for warmth and enjoy a other hypoxic sleep at 18,000'.
Goodnight all,
RMI Guides Hannah, Ben, Dan and Team
Send Prayers for Calming winds Hannah!!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/21/2023 at 3:11 am
January 20, 2023
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Henry Coppolillo
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 18,875'
Upon arrival at Antisana basecamp, we had no views of the mountain and a light drizzle. Upon departure it was beginning to storm again: rain, hail and lightning. But right in the middle was a perfect weather window for climbing.
We awoke to fog in camp, which we continued to ascend through until reaching about 17,300’. From that point, the clouds would remain below us and we climbed into a starry, calm night. We reached the summit just a bit after sunrise and it was perfectly still, so we hung for a while.
The route on Antisana is not particularly long, but it is complex, featuring heavily crevassed terrain. At the bergschrund, a steep pitch of belayed climbing takes you to the summit plateau where an additional 20 minutes of high-altitude walking takes you to the summit. Due to these various complexities, our group took just over 10 hours round trip for a route that ascends 4,080’.
Back at camp we enjoyed a lovely breakfast before spending several hours in transit to the town of Latacunga and Hacienda La Cienega, where many members of the team reported sleeping eight or nine hours straight through. The wine and comfy beds were well deserved.
We are now sitting on the bus, making the several hour drive south towards Chimborazo. We will stop in the town of Ambato for hilariously large burritos before continuing to Riobamba, where we will stay the night. Summit day on Chimborazo is Saturday night into Sunday morning and we are hoping for continued good weather.
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier and team
Holy Smokers that is Awesome to climb in clear skies at the summit!!! Way to go !!!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/21/2023 at 3:08 am
January 20, 2023
Posted by: Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 7,000'
Thursday, January 19, 2023 - 7:24 pm PT
After a successful climb, the team enjoyed a well-deserved rest day in the colorful city of Puebla.
Taking to the streets for a walking tour, we explored the rich history of the city, learning about Cinco de Mayo and the folklore of the mountains we climb. We also discovered local markets full of art, produce and local specialty food like the Cemitas, a sandwich- these ones larger than your head, named after the sesame seeds on the bread.
It wouldn't have been a complete trip to Puebla without trying all different types of mole. Some of the team enjoyed a flight of five types of mole at dinner tonight! Each tasting much different than the last.
Overall, everyone took advantage of the day to rest and explore. Our sights are set on Pico de Orizaba as we leave Puebla tomorrow morning.
January 19, 2023
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Ben Luedtke, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
Hello from Guanacos 3 camp,
Today we made the move further up the mountain. The winds rattled the tents through the night. By the morning, they eased up. After sorting some logistics, we made our way up the mountain getting closer to our final goal, the tippy top.
The team did a fantastic job, making good time to the camp.
I knew it was going to be a good day because as I went to the bathroom, I saw a fox. Foxes have been a good omen for me on big mountains like Denali. I'm sure it will be one here too. This is my fourth trip seeing a fox on this mountain. Any who, we are keeping an eye on the winds as we get in position for our move to high camp and summit bid. We are looking at going for the top on Monday. Tomorrow, we are going to carry some gear to high camp and acclimatize.
To those reading, please ask mother nature to cool her jets with the wind and allow us a calm next few days. For now, we shall be lulled to sleep by the sound of tents flapping in the wind.
Thanks for reading,
Hey Hannah! I am sending my Best wishes for calm winds sunny skies and the strength of a 100 bulls to you and your team as you head to the summit!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/20/2023 at 8:17 am
Bummer, Rob! But,I am guessing as we discussed if you are not 100%, then you have to step aside, Still a bummer.
Posted by: Terry Reilly on 1/20/2023 at 5:06 am
January 18, 2023
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Ben Luedtke, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 16,200'
Good evening loyal readers,
Today was our rest day. These days can be tough mentally as the day creeps by slowly. A lot of reading, listening to podcasts, and music, watching TV shows, and simply looking at our surroundings to pass the time. The winds stayed calm for most of the day making for a toasty sit in the tents. Tomorrow the winds are supposed to ramp up which could make our move to Camp 2 a little sporty. Everyone is excited for the move because it gets us 1600' closer to the top. We are all tucked into our sleeping Bags ready for some sleep so we can walk uphill.
Buenos noches,
RMI Guides Hannah, Ben, Dan, and Team
Hey Hannah! Strength & Stamina & Great weather wishes to you and your team!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/19/2023 at 3:40 am
Buenas Suerte! Keep the news coming! Everyone acclimating well? Sounds like it. I recently (September ‘22) visited a brother in Taos, NM and did a trail half marathon starting and ending at the Ski Valley(9300 feet -11,400) . I sure would love the opportunity to try an adventure like Aconcagua! Cheers.
Posted by: Terry Reilly on 1/18/2023 at 4:54 pm
January 18, 2023
Posted by: Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 17,340'
100% of our team reached the summit of Ixtaccihuatl this morning!
Everyone’s training and perseverance paid off. Not everyday do the mountains provide us with the right conditions but today the mountain granted us safe passage to the summit and back.
Not only were we able to climb, our early start was rewarded with a beautiful sunrise and clear views of a magnificent Popocatépetl erupting just across from us.
After a long day of climbing we travel to Puebla for showers, a comfortable bed, and of course, mole.
January 17, 2023
Posted by: Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 15,400'
We moved to our high camp on Ixta today!
Despite our packs heavy with climbing gear and tents, we moved through the rocky terrain easily, enjoying the views of the route, Popo, and the valleys below us- stretching as far as the eye can see. With La Malinche under our belts, we are all feeling good at 15,400 feet and prepared for our climb early tomorrow.
January 17, 2023
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Ben Luedtke, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
Hola Family and Friends!
What a day it was. After waking up from a night of heavy wind gusts and having breakfast, we took a few extra minutes sipping our (dulce de leche) coffee to allow the winds to calm down and the sun to get higher in the sky. Feeling warmed up, we did some last-minute packing, doublechecked the tie downs on our tents and headed up to Camp 2, AKA Guanacos 3, for our carry day. As we crisscrossed on rocky and snowy terrain, we took in our first amazing views of Cerro Ameghino. Once we passed through the saddle, we began the long traverse below the Polish glacier, and enjoyed more amazing views of the Andes Mountain range to the north.
Arriving at camp, we took the time to take pictures, unload our packs, and headed downhill back to Camp One. With our bellies full of quesadillas, we are currently weathering more winds and looking forward to a well-earned rest day tomorrow.
RMI Guides Hannah, Ben, Dan, and Team
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poO2BsVGdIU
Posted by: Terry Reilly on 1/18/2023 at 9:11 am
To mi hijo Barry, guides, compadres - may fortitude and luck be with you on the ascent tomorrow - climb!
Posted by: Jenny French on 1/22/2023 at 10:23 am
Exciting time for all!
Posted by: Peter Darasz on 1/22/2023 at 8:01 am
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