Entries By avery parrinello
January 20, 2022
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 13,400'
Last night we lied in bed awaiting an 11pm wakeup for a Cotopaxi summit attempt. But the winds picked up and the roof could be heard shaking and whistling all night. At the sound of my first alarm, myself and the other guides went outside to find high winds and a sideways drizzle. We then went on shifts checking every 30 minutes and hoping for improvement, but to no avail. By 3am we decided to call it and everyone was able to sleep in. The crew was certainly disappointed but still in good spirits. What helped was seeing all the people who did attempt last night return soaked and covered in a layer of half inch ice, having failed to make it to the summit. It was truly a sight to see.
After departing the hut we made the short drive out of the park and are enjoying a wonderful evening at La Cienega, one of the finest haciendas in Ecuador. We took advantage of a sunny afternoon to learn some rope skills and are looking forward to the rest of the evening in this beautiful and historic hacienda.
January 18, 2022
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Following a leisurely breakfast in the courtyard at Guachala, we made our way south towards Cotopaxi. We are staying in the Tambopaxi Lodge who's playground served as an excellent location for learning crevasse rescue techniques against the backdrop of multiple volcanoes: Sincholagua, Ruminahui and most importantly, Cotopaxi. It was an excellent day to give the body some rest while also learning some mountain skills. Seeing the mountain got us all psyched for the next couple of days, especially because you can clearly see the hut and the route from Tambopaxi. One member of the team even snapped a great night photo of Cotopaxi, that's not a stock photo!
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier & Team
Jason - the girls and I miss you but are so proud of you! Hope you and the rest of the group are enjoying every minute!!!
Posted by: Mende on 1/19/2022 at 5:46 pm
Hey Dustin and Kevin!! Wishing you light winds and cloudless skies for your Summit of Cotopaxi!!!
I would love to see the crater on the summit!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/19/2022 at 4:39 am
January 17, 2022
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 18,997'
Monday, January 17, 2022 - 6:21 am PT
The last few members of the team are arriving back at the refugio after a successful summit of Cayambe! It was a clear morning, but quite windy above 17,000’. We will descend to Guachala today for some much needed rest before moving south towards Cotopaxi tomorrow.
Sunday, January 16, 2022 - 9:18 pm PT
On Sunday, we had an excellent day reviewing basic mountaineering skills on the glacier plus starting some advanced skills in the hut. Currently we are 20 minutes into the climb and it is a clear, calm night. Let’s hope it stays that way!
January 15, 2022
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 15,300'
Following a rainy day on Fuya Fuya yesterday, we were able to dry out and take hot showers at La Casa Sol. We had the place to ourselves and enjoyed a quiet stay. Today we spent a couple hours at the Otavalo Market, the largest outdoor craft market in South America. It was a fun and slow way to start our day which included a bus ride and long 4x4 ride to the Cayambe climber’s hut. The team is settled in for the night and we will train on the glacier tomorrow, reviewing basic climbing skills and learning how to build snow anchors. Thanks for staying tuned and cross your fingers for good weather the next two days!
Best wishes for Sunshine!!! :)
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/16/2022 at 2:59 am
January 13, 2022
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 15,696'
In an effort to maximize the suffering and thus achieve the greatest level of mental training, we hiked Rucu Pichincha during the rainiest, snowiest portion of the day. Alright, that was not the intention but mission accomplished! Here on the equator, weather forecasts can only tell you so much. If you ask a local about it, they typically look at the sky and tell you what is currently happening. It was basically cloudy, raining or snowing all day but we did get some glimpses of Quito beneath the clouds. On the way back down the trail we also dried off a bit in the warmth of the afternoon so everyone was in good spirits back on the bus. Tonight we are headed to a local favorite restaurant to fuel up on baba ganoush before heading north towards Cayambe.
You all earned a great meal climbing in the snow and rain! Best of Luck Dustin and Kevin and Team!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/14/2022 at 4:27 am
January 12, 2022
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 9,350'
Hello,
The remainder of the group arrived yesterday, on time and COVID free. This morning we all met and headed out for a tour of Quito and La Mitad del Mundo. We learned quite a bit of Ecuadorian history and had a chance to get our bearings in the second largest city in Ecuador. More importantly, one member of the team was able to balance a raw egg on the head of a nail. There is now a shiny certificate that comes with this achievement as compared to when it just came with lifelong bragging rights.
With our first day at altitude under our belt we are headed to Rucu Pichincha tomorrow for another day of acclimatization. Everyone is looking forward to getting the legs and lungs working!
All the Best to you and your team Dustin!!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/13/2022 at 3:40 am
August 19, 2021
Posted by: Avery Parrinello, Luke Wilhelm, Stephen Inman
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 9,131'
RMI Guide Avery Parrinello and the Mt. Shuksan Sulphide Glacier August 16 - 19 team reached the summit of Mt. Shuksan yesterday. Avery reported they had a beautiful summit day and had safely returned to camp for the evening. Today the team will break camp and continue down to the trail head concluding their program.
Congratulations to all the climbers!
August 10, 2021
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Avery Parrinello, Jack Delaney, Henry Coppolillo, Liam Weed, Jackson Breen
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb August 7 - 10 led by RMI Guides Dustin Wittmier and Avery Parrinello reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning around 6:30 am PT. The team enjoyed a light breeze and good visibility under an overcast sky. They spent time crossing the crater to reach Columbia Crest, the highest point on Mt. Rainier and in Washington. After taking all the photos and enjoying the views, the team left the crater rim just after 8 am PT. They will travel 4.5 miles and 4,500' retracing their steps from early this morning to return to Camp Muir. Once they have removed their glacier travel gear and repacked their backpacks, they will continue another 4.5 miles and 4,500' back to Paradise.
Nice work today team! Congratulations!
Way to go team! My son Nick was part of this group and everyone is glad they reached the summit safely.
Great work guides!
Posted by: Mike Vovakes on 8/10/2021 at 10:15 am
August 5, 2021
Posted by: Avery Parrinello, Kiira Antenucci, Erika Birkeland, David Shuer
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,500'
The Emmons Seminar August 1 - 6, 2021 made their summit attempt today after several days of training and climbing on the mountain. Leaving Camp Schurman the team climbed to 13,500' before deciding to turn back due to difficult route conditions and fatigue. The team returned to Camp Schurman this afternoon and will spend their final night on the mountain. Tomorrow they will continue their descent to the trailhead near White River Camp Ground and make the return drive to Ashford.
We hope you enjoyed your week of training and climbing on Mt. Rainier!
July 26, 2021
Posted by: Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 8868'
Although the objective changed, nice weather and flexibility allowed RMI Guide Avery Parrinello and his team to reach the summit of Eldorado Peak, Sahale Peak and Sharkfin Tower.
After five days of climbing in the North Cascades the group will conclude their adventure today. Until next time!
Hi,I am Prem Sehgal.My son Chinmay Sehgal also must be in same team.Hope all is going well.Pls convey my best wishes to entire team.
Chinmay is in team which started today Sunday morning to climb.
Pls update about all well being.
Thanks
Prem Sehgal
Posted by: Prem Sehgal on 7/26/2021 at 6:16 pm
Thats a bummer the mountain did not give you good weather. But what ever weather you get is always a cool experience!! All the best on your Big mountain Dustin and Kevin!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/21/2022 at 3:38 am
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