Entries By brent okita
August 22, 2018
Posted by: Brent Okita, Andy Bond
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Summit Climb August 19 - 22 led by RMI Guides Brent Okita and Andy Bond reached the summit of Mt. Rainier right around 7 AM today. Brent reported a nice day overall with 5-10 mph winds but very smokey skies. The teams will spend a bit of time on the summit before starting their descent. Once back at Camp Muir they will repack and then continue down to Paradise.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
August 18, 2018
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guide Brent Okita and the Four Day Summit Climb team were approaching the crater rim at 6:40 AM today. Brent reported a windless and gorgeous day. They will spend some time enjoying the views from the summit before descending to Camp Muir and then to Paradise. We look forward to seeing them at Rainier BaseCamp later today.
Congratulations to today's Summit Climb team!
Before parting ways the team had one last day to see animals. It had been a really busy trip so far so half the group opted to sleep in while the other half got up early in search of some more close encounters. We were not disappointed.
First, we spent 10-15 minutes within 10 yards of a huge giraffe. Not bad, but our next big break came when we got surrounded by a family of elephants, including the cutest little baby. These critters were sometimes no more than 5' away. And we were in their midst for over half an hour. Incredible!
Then, getting to watch a huge herd of water buffalo heading to the river, again at unreal distances, was darned special. The herd must have numbered around 100.
This, in addition to seeing countless other animals made our last day wonderful. The only animal we missed out on that day was seeing a lion. But, wouldn't you know that the sleepyhead crew found a beautiful lioness that hung out right next to their Landcruiser!
So we all had a great last day.
We then drove back to the hotel, with a short break at a cultural center, to relax and shower before getting our evening flights out of Tanzania. Most of the crew actually built in an extra day or three to maximize their time abroad. Smart people!
The two weeks went by quickly, as they tend to do when we're as busy as we were. I think I speak for the whole team when I say what a great time it was. A fun adventure with a great bunch of folks. This is what climbing trips are all about, and what keeps me doing this for as long as I have. I know I'll be climbing with the team again on a new adventure sometime.
I hope you've enjoyed these posts of our adventures. Perhaps I'll see you on a climb sometime. Kilimanjaro in 2019 anyone???
Take care and safe travels,
RMI Guide Brent Okita
When Luis posed the question last night if we could sleep in until 8:00, I just had to say yes. After all, we'd been going strong for days on end and were due some slack. The whole table erupted in celebration on hearing my response. So, at the civilized hour of 9:00 we left our wonderful hotel en route for some souvenir shopping, to check out a Masaai Village and then on to our last full day safari.
Tarangire National Park has not disappointed. The sheer numbers of animals seen right off the bat were amazing. Plus we got to see animals we haven't yet seen: giraffes, elands, and a few other critters. We also got to see numerous elephants. After all, this park boasts the highest density of elephants around.
Our day was made complete when we got up close and personal with a big old giraffe, maybe 20 yards away. How cool!
Now we're at our last 'hotel', Balloon Camp. Yes, from the outside these structures look camp like, but given the polished wood floors, marble topped bathroom, queen sized bed, it's not 'camp'!
Our group was seated outside for dinner with a full on barbecue buffet that did not disappoint. What took place before was pretty cool too. As we were enjoying a drink in front of a huge bonfire, all of the sudden a group of Masaai came dancing into our midst. They put on a well done show, even drawing us Westerners out of our comfort zones to join in the dancing.
Interestingly, the hotel has a policy that after dark everyone needs an escort to and from the main lodge and their rooms/ cabins. The staff was also very attentive to the bush just outside our outdoor seating, continually pointing their lights into the Bush. We did spy an impala looking in on the festivities.
Some of us were secretly hoping for a lion to check out at close range, but no such luck. Still, seeing the fresh elephant dung just outside my cabin was a great reality check. We're in their world at this place.
I must admit I'm hoping to see/ hear a big old elephant go walking by my cabin tonight.
As the trip draws to a close we're all looking forward to seeing loved ones again. But I, for one, will miss Africa.
Getting up early tomorrow we're going to see some lions up close, and anything else that wants to show its beautiful face in the morning.
All for now,
RMI Guide Brent Okita
I'll have difficulty describing the sheer numbers of animals that we saw today, so bear with me. If there are ten thousand big animals in the Ngorongoro Crater, we probably saw half of them.
Our safari started quietly enough enjoying the views of the quintessentially African Acacia trees and some water bucks browsing as we descended into the caldera. Once there, the occasional zebra and wildebeest showed up, but then we really got into the animals. Herd sizes got bigger and gazelles, impalas, hyenas, jackals, wart hogs got into the picture.
Hippos were seen from just feet away as they baked in the sun half submerged in ponds. But then the mission was to find the royalty of the crater, the lions and elephants. We didn't have to wait long. Although this pride of lions were mostly sleeping and not out chasing dinner, we were en rapt by their presence.
Elephants were next, though they were at a distance. However, their mammoth size made them stand out like the giants they are on the savanna. Rhinos too were seen from a distance, but the water buffalo showed itself up close and personal.
The day was capped off by seeing five elephants just 70 yards away at the top of the crater as we were leaving the park. Not to mention the baboons that were scattered all over the road on the way out, just hanging out, getting each other. One even jumped on our Landcruiser, causing a stir as we quickly rolled up windows.
Then it was back to the hotel where Luis arranged a nice wine tasting before dinner. Following another great meal the hotel staff came out with a cake to celebrate Gennadiy's birthday, and outdid themselves with a wonderful Tanzanian birthday song and dance.
The evening ended with a huge bonfire and libations.
Another safari to come, I'll be back after that.
RMI Guide Brent Okita
What a nice contrast to the past seven days of climbing a 19,340' mountain. Tired legs got a much needed rest as we drove around Lake Manyara National Park searching out wildlife made famous in National Geographic specials on TV. We were not disappointed.
We rode around in retooled Toyota Land-cruisers made just for game viewing, complete with pop up roofs for looking at critters from above roof top level. These vehicles are the perfect way to access the terrain where we find the animals. Our team was split between two Land-cruisers. Our two drivers/guides, Francis and Godson, proved to be incredible sources of knowledge, having to graduate from a two year university program and do internships before being qualified as a safari guide. Yes, we saw zebras, hippos,wildebeests, Cape buffalo, baboons, monkeys, tons of birds, dik diks, impalas, and I forget what all else. But we also learned such things as the inner workings of termite mounds, the love life of baboons and a myriad of other things. Oh, and the other team got to see a bull elephant from ten yards away!
Now we're settled in at our plush hotel, the Plantation Lodge, where we're being spoiled by some cush living. Tomorrow, the Ngorogoro Crater awaits that should prove to be especially exciting. Ok, that's all for tonight. Dinner is served in ten minutes and I don't want to be late. I haven't had anything less than a superb meal here on Tanzania, and I expect no less tonight.
Lala Salama,
RMI Guide Brent Okita
Wow loved your story telling skills. Can’t wait for the pictures. Blessing on the rest of your adventures and explorations..
Love you tons,
Tia Becky
Girly
Posted by: Rebeca Woods on 8/7/2018 at 3:17 pm
Recipe for recovery, rest and relaxation: one hot shower, two cold beers, great food, friends and a soft bed. So good!
Our descent from Mweka Camp at 10,000' to the gate and our bus went smoothly. It was preceded by the closing ceremony at camp where the mountain staff sing and dance to commemorate the special week spent together, and we in turn get to express our appreciation for their hard work and dedication to making our mountain experience as wonderful as it was.
An African lunch was enjoyed before we had to say goodbye to the local guides, porters and kitchen staff. Then it was back to the Arumeru Lodge to clean up and relax. The water ran brown for the first minute in the shower as the weeks worth of dirt washed off our bodies. I think we all felt a bit reborn as we put on clean clothes and headed to the bar for a cold one.
A nice surprise for me was seeing my good friend Dave Hahn, who was leading the RMI Kili trip before ours and getting ready to start his next trip.
Shortly, we'll be up for breakfast and beginning the next part of our adventure: the safari, where we plan on visiting Lake Manyara, the Ngorogoro Crater and the Tanagire National Park. There we'll be hoping to see some of the incredible wildlife this special part of the world call home. Lions, elephants, leopards, wildebeest, hippos, zebras, giraffes and so much more. And, no more walking for a while.
Bring it on!
RMI Guide Brent Okita
August 5, 2018
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 10,000'
Everyone was excited for the climb to start, even though we were sitting around the dining table waiting for breakfast and it wasn't yet midnight. The sky was clear and the air a little chilly. Winds were fairly light at camp.
As we climbed up into the darkness we could see we weren't alone in our desire to reach the sky. About 1,000' up the wind started picking up and would not relent. Between the cold and the wind blowing we were experiencing some pretty challenging conditions. 40 mph winds blowing scree and dirt all over our bodies and into our eyes was not fun.
As dawn broke out we took heart in the beauty of the coming morning, though of anything the wind got fiercer. Dust and dirt would just blast your face and eyes.
But, summit we did, marking the midpoint of a long 16 hour day.
Right now we're at 10,000' at our last camp on Kilimanjaro, Mweka Camp.
I've been up for about 24 hours now, so will bid you all goodnight for now.
RMI Guide Brent Okita
On The Map
Thank you Jesus
May God continue to bless and guide you in your accomplishments. May you continue to be blessed in God’s miracles.
Love y’all be safe and enjoy your trip back down.
Love
Tia Becky
Girly
Posted by: Rebeca Woods on 8/6/2018 at 6:27 pm
August 5, 2018
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 19,340'
Saturday, August 4, 2018 - 10:02 PM PT
Hey, this is Brent with the RMI Kilimanjaro Climb. We just got off the summit of Kilimanjaro here about 45 minutes ago. We are taking a quick break and going to head on down. We have had beautiful skies clear and sunny skies, but a bit of a wind. It has been a little nasty and hard for that part. But the team did really, really, well.
RMI Guide Brent Okita
RMI Guide Brent Okita calls after team reaches summit of Kilimanjaro.
On The Map
Hi Love the Blog! Think I have finally figured out how to leave a message! ❤️
Posted by: Rilda Perdue on 8/5/2018 at 10:55 am
May God continue to guide and bless y’all on your adventures to reach the skies!
Much love,
Tia Becky
Girly
Posted by: Rebeca Woods on 8/5/2018 at 8:57 am
August 4, 2018
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 15,200'
The last hill into camp at 15,200' saw everyone rest stepping and pressure breathing almost religiously. Whether we felt good or were struggling just a little, we all knew by this time what was required to feel as good as possible to do well at this altitude.
It was perfect to have our shortest day coincide with our going to our highest camp. A new altitude record for most everybody! Surprisingly, no headaches have been reported yet, a testament to how well folks are taking care of themselves.
In the first few minutes that we were at camp, our mountain staff had our tents up and shortly thereafter had the dining tent up. An hour later our chef Tosha had amazingly whipped up lunch: French fries, sauteed chicken and vegetables, followed by a dessert of orange slices and his incredible chocolate bar creation.
Hey you chefs out there, celebrity or not, you don't hold a candle to Tosha. What he does on a couple of propane burners with one assistant at 15,000' is magic!
This afternoon we're getting ready for our summit climb, packing what we can and being as organized as possible for our push off just after midnight. Folks descending from the summit today commented on how nice the day was up there. I have a feeling we'll have similar conditions.
Wish us luck, and I'll try to get out a voice dispatch from the summit.
RMI Guide Brent Okita
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Congrats to my wonderful family! Hope you have a great time and make many memories!!
Posted by: Donna Burkeen on 8/18/2018 at 3:00 pm
Congratulations to Puja, Brent and the rest of the team for your successful climb to the summit.
Posted by: Meena and Jay Telikicherla and Indie on 8/18/2018 at 7:51 am
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