Entries By casey grom
August 9, 2024
Posted by: Casey Grom, Jess Wedel
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Machu Picchu
Elevation: 9,900'
Buenos Dias Amigos!
All is well here in Peru. The team is doing great and have been enjoying the trek thus far. It was nice leisurely day with easy walking and cool temperatures as the clouds overhead kept the sun off. We had a few sprinkles as we made our way out of the Salkantay Valley and have now joined the Inca Trail proper.
We visited a massive old Incan ruin that was believed to be a check point along the way and have descended into lower altitude and the lush forest.
Hot showers, well almost, more warm than hot - but enjoyed nonetheless by almost everyone. And the incredible food continues to be produced from our gracious crew.
RMI Guides Casey, Jess and the Incan crew
Sign Up For Machu Picchu Trek, August 3, 2024 Emails
August 9, 2024
Posted by: Casey Grom, Jess Wedel
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Machu Picchu
Elevation: 12,600'
Hola from Peru!
Today the team awoke to beautifully clear skies right beneath the massive and towering Salkantay mountain, which is 20’000’+ feet. It’s covered in snow and glaciers so much it felt like we were in the Himalayas. We then hit the trail and headed uphill to our high point of the trip at just over 16’000’ feet, which definitely was a new height for a few team members. Everyone did great and enjoyed the nice long descent to our new camp at 12’600’. It was a beautiful hike in one of the most spectacular valleys I’ve ever seen.
Our outfitter has been incredibly gracious with having camp set up each day before we arrive, along with feeding us 3 amazing meals a day.
RMI Guides Casey, Jess, and the Inca Trail crew!
Sign Up For Machu Picchu Trek, August 3, 2024 Emails
August 8, 2024
Posted by: Casey Grom, Jess Wedel
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Machu Picchu
Elevation: 14,432'
Thursday, August 8, 2924 - 5:11 am PT
Hola!
We left Cusco early this morning, taking a bumpy and winding road into the heart of the Andes. We were all a little queasy from the bus ride but when we opened the door to views of Tukarway (19,499ft) and Salkantay (20,574ft) all was okay. There are no words for the feeling of being surrounded by jagged peaks with glaciers, snow and ice. The views were beyond beautiful.
After a second breakfast, we started our trek. Winding through the valley with mountains reigning above us at every turn. After a few hours we stopped for lunch. We promise not to tell you all because we want you to think we’re hardcore but we did indeed have a 3-course meal seated at a table right in the middle of the trail. Fresh avocado and vegetables, warm soup, followed by mashed potatoes and beef medallions. Okay, okay, okay. I’ll move on, but it was divine.
After lunch we had a steeper climb for a couple hours to our camp at 15,500 feet!! Right at the toe of the Salkantay Glacier. Our tents opening up to the mountain before us, we saw ice falls and avalanches cascading down the slopes. We are all exhausted after little sleep last night and our first big day on the trail.We’re tucked in now with hot water bottles and sleeping bags fully zipped - it’s likely our chilliest night of the whole trek.
Tomorrow we’ll head over Salkantay Pass at nearly 16,000 feet and then descend around the mountain to our next camp.
With tired feet and big smiles,
RMI Guides Jess, Casey and team
Sign Up For Machu Picchu Trek, August 3, 2024 Emails
Hello again everyone!
It was another beautiful day here in Cusco Peru. The team spent the morning visiting several more interesting Incan archaeological site above the city with massive stone structures and panoramic views of the valley.
We then headed to the old town and visit the Sun Temple and then made to the beautiful basilica that sit in the main square of Cusco.
It was another busy day and the team spent the remainder of the day packing up and then headed out for one more fantastic Peruvian fusion dinner.
It’s off to bed we go as tomorrow we head out early for the start of our Trek!!!
RMI Guides Casey Grom, Jess Wedel and the Inca crew
Sign Up For Machu Picchu Trek, August 3, 2024 Emails
August 6, 2024
Posted by: Casey Grom, Jess Wedel
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Machu Picchu
Elevation: 9,400'
Greetings from Peru everyone.
Today the team started our day with a nice hearty breakfast full of fresh baked bread, local jams, fresh fruit, eggs and an assortment of cheese. Happily washed down with more coffee than most of us needed.
We then boarded our awaiting bus and headed into the surrounding mountains and made our way the beautiful Sacred Valley to visit several massive Inca archeological sites. The first stop was to Ollantaytambo, an ancient Fortress with massive stonework, cobblestone roads and massive terraces used for farming. It was incredibly impressive learning about the area and that all the of massive stones were only moved by hand. We then continued up the Sacred Valley to visit Pisac which is another large and beautiful Incan archaeological site that was equally as impressive. After exploring for a while we made our way back to a nearby local market for some lunch and a little shopping.
It was long but wonderful experience and we wrapped up the evening with another delicious Peruvian meal not far from our hotel. Everyone is doing great and excited for what tomorrow will bring.
RMI Guides Casey, Jess and the Machu Picchu crew!
PC: Jess Wedel
Sign Up For Machu Picchu Trek, August 3, 2024 Emails
August 5, 2024
Posted by: Casey Grom, Jess Wedel
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Machu Picchu
Elevation: 10,850'
Hello everybody back home!
You’ll be glad to know all of your loved ones have safely arrived in Cusco.
We spent the day getting settled in at 11,152 feet. Yes, you read that correctly, 11,000 feet! Cusco is located high in the Peruvian Andes. We were welcomed to town by a parade of people — dancing through the streets in vibrant costumes to the beat of drums, trombones, flutes and more.
Everyone has remarked on how colorful and alive this city is and we are all looking forward to learning more of the culture and history in the next couple days before we begin our trek. After a team meeting, we headed out for our first team dinner. Peru is known for their food and so far it hasn’t disappointed.
We’re all back at the hotel now, ready for a good night’s sleep after long travel days. Tomorrow we head to the Sacred Valley.
RMI Guides Jess, Casey and team
Sign Up For Machu Picchu Trek, August 3, 2024 Emails
July 20, 2024
Posted by: Brent Okita, Raymond Holt, Mac Nolde, Casey Grom, Roland Scott, Miles Watson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb Led by RMI Guides Brent Okita and Roland Scott reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. Brent Okita reported a beautiful day on the summit with great route conditions. The team is on the descent and will be back at Rainier Basecamp this afternoon to celebrate.
Congratulations Team!
July 16, 2024
Posted by: Casey Grom, Tom Skoog, Jack Ritterson, Joe Hoch, Lacie Smith, Celeste Wilson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day Climb led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Joe Hoch reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 9 am this morning. The team climbed in beautiful calm weather. They are on the descent to Camp Muir where they will spend one more night before returning to Ashford Basecamp.
Congratulations Team!
July 10, 2024
Posted by: Casey Grom, Bailey Servais, Hannah Billings, Walter Hailes, Josh Geiser, Jack Ritterson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day Climb July 6 - 10 led by RMI Guides Casey Grom & Walter Hailes reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. Skies are clear and temperatures are warm with a light breeze. The teams are making their way back to Camp Muir. Once back at camp they will pack up and continue their descent to Paradise. We look forward to see thing back at Rainier BaseCamp later this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's Five Day Climb teams!
June 28, 2024
Posted by: Casey Grom, Tom Skoog, Bailey Servais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Black Diamond Team led by RMI Guide Casey Grom reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 6:45am this morning. The team climbed above the clouds and had light winds and clear skies. After about and hour on the summit enjoying the views, the team started their descent and are in route to Camp Muir!
I was searching for one mental and physical challenge in the mountains and this climb with RMI sure did the trick! I can not thank Casey, Bailey and Hannah enough for their teaching and support/motivation in getting this 64 year old butt from Canada up that beautiful mountain. We were blessed with excellent weather and mountain conditions. I have never been so exhausted, thrilled, worried and all at the same time. The school was a wonderful start and just processing the whole experience is taking some time. You have something special and thanks for letting me parachute into your world for 5 days!
Posted by: Barry Milne on 7/12/2024 at 3:03 pm
This was my first glaciated climb ever and it was nerve wracking, thrilling, exhausting, and wonderful all at once. Thank you to all 6 guides who flexed with us as our rope teams shifted, but especially to my original 3 guides Casey, Bailey and Hannah… the goal is not to reach the summit, but to return to the trailhead safely and we all did because of all of you. What an awesome experience!
Posted by: Scott Redfern on 7/12/2024 at 4:18 am
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