Entries By casey grom

Elevation: 12,800'

All is well here on Kilimanjaro! Once again we woke to beautifully clear skies with even better views of Kilimanjaro and clouds obscuring the valleys below. Our morning ritual has been waking around 6:30 and getting everything in our tents packed up before heading into our very spacious dinning tent for quite the feast. It was a bit chilly this morning, but soon enough the sun had us hiking in just our light layers. We hit the trail once again around 8am and hiked for an hour before taking our usual 15min break, then back on the trail for another hour. All total today we hiked for just over 6hrs before reaching camp which is set up and ready for us. Eventually the clouds rolled in an obscured the mountain for the final few hours. Along the way we passed around the famous and beautiful Lava Tower reaching just over 15,000' setting new altitude records for some of the team. Everyone enjoyed the day and there was plenty of good conversations among the crew. All in all it was a really nice day! RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Keep going team. I can’t wait to meet you at the gate on Monday!!! You are all super heros to me!!!!!!

Posted by: Amy on 9/21/2019 at 1:50 am

Woohoo! Go Molly! I’m so excited for you! I hope you are enjoying every minute!!

Posted by: Lisa A on 9/20/2019 at 6:39 pm

Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team Ascend to Camp on the Shira Plateau

September 18, 2019

Posted by: Casey Grom

Elevation: 12,200'

Wednesday, September 18, 2019 - 9:54 AM PT Greetings Everyone The team woke feeling very well rested after about 10hrs in our tent last night. We had a beautiful day on Kilimanjaro today, with sunshine nearly all day and only a few clouds after we reached camp. We started the day waking at 6:30 to start packing up before moving into our dinning tent for a nice breakfast with porridge, fried eggs, toast, avocado and even some fresh fruit, and most importantly plenty of hot coffee. We hit the trail shortly after 8am and slowly made our way up the rocky trail that leads out of camp. The trail climbs up a ridge and eventually out of the trees and normally allows for some truly spectacular views of the valley below, but today it was a bit limited. The team hiked for about 4.5 hours before reaching our next camp that sits on Shira plateau, which is an ancient lava flow just above tree-line. Once at camp we were treated to a wonderful warm meal and then hopped into our tents to relax. The evening was full of great stories and another amazing meal prepared by our gracious staff. RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Kili crew

On The Map

Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team Begin Climb, Reach First Camp

September 18, 2019

Posted by: Casey Grom

Elevation: 9,890'

Tuesday, September 17, 2019 - 8:51 PM PT Jambo Everyone The team got off to a moderately early start this morning leaving behind our beautiful lodge and have headed to Kilimanjaro. We left around 8 am and drove along the rural country side and small villages for two hours to reach the park entrance. Most of the area surrounding Kilimanjaro has been cultivated and primarily used for banana and coffee production as well as a variety of other agriculture needs, but there are still some areas that have been untouched and resemble more of a savannah that Tanzania is known for. The base of Kilimanjaro is more forested and looks more jungle like and is called a cloud forest. Once we arrived at the gate we had all of our gear weighed and divided into loads for our 37 porters and other staff to carry before hitting the trail. Once everything was in order we started our climb slowly making our way up the winding trail that ascends continuously through the think forest. The canopy is quite dense thankfully, which provided some cover from the rain that arrive around midday. The team hiked for a little over 6 hours and managed to not get too wet before we reached our camp for the night that sits around 10’000ft. After settling into camp and get situated the team was served a nice warm meal for dinner consisting of soup, rice, potatoes and steak. Everyone is doing well and looking forward to a good nights rest. RMI Guide Casey Grom and Kili crew

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (1)

Hope you are starting down that mountain and “thou shall go for it,” Amy and Molly. It’s the am of Thursday, here in EST, and I have the summit on my calendar for tomorrow. Sending so much good vibes to all your crew and leader. You got this! Dig deep, and look up - I can not wait to hear what the views look like, at sunrise.
Ps. Thank you, Kevin for all your blog.

Posted by: Ginny Bryan on 9/19/2019 at 6:38 am

Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team Meet at the Arumeru River Lodge

September 16, 2019

Posted by: Casey Grom

Casey Grom here checking in with RMI's Kilimanjaro Climb! All is well here in Tanzania and most of the team arrived late last night after some very long flights. It was a short and uneventful ride to our Lodge that is nestled in between Arusha and Moshi and not so far from the base of Kilimanjaro. The team had a quick dinner and headed for bed as the time change has us all feeling just a little off and pretty tired after all the traveling. Today we had a leisurely morning with our official meeting at 9:30, where we did a round of introductions and then discussed the upcoming program for the days ahead. We spent the remainder of the day getting our gear packed up, exploring the grounds of our Lodge, which is incredibly peaceful and has monkeys and Dik Dik running around. See for yourself: Arumeru River Lodge. We wrapped up the evening with another delicious meal and plenty of friendly conversations. Everyone is doing well and excited to hit the trail tomorrow and get a little bit of exercise. RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Kili crew!

Leave a Comment For the Team (1)

Felling mad-jealously for you guys…it’s an amazing trip!

Posted by: Deborah Rutter on 9/16/2019 at 11:41 am

Mt. Rainier: August 31st Teams Summit!

August 31, 2019

Posted by: Casey Grom, Joe Hoch

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb team led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Joe Hoch reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. Casey reported a breezy day with winds of about 30 mph, chilly temperatures, a few scattered clouds, but otherwise a beautiful day. The team has started their descent an are en route to Camp Muir. Congratulations to Today's Team!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Congratulations to Dustin on reaching the summit! What a dream come true! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to celebrate! - Shanon and Ira

Posted by: Ira on 8/31/2019 at 8:58 am

Congratulations to my daughter Mari and Fred! Well done, your my hero’s!

Posted by: Marcia Monk on 8/31/2019 at 8:42 am

Mt. Rainier: Beautiful but Chilly Day on the Upper Mountain

August 27, 2019

Posted by: Casey Grom, Leon Davis

Elevation: 14,410'

It's another beautiful day with clear skies and light winds on the upper flanks of Mt. Rainier. RMI Guides Casey Grom and Leon Davis led their Four Day Climb August 24 - 27 to the summit this morning. The teams enjoyed the views and took photos for almost an hour before starting their descent from the crater rim. They will conclude their adventure this afternoon with a celebration of their accomplishments. Congratulations to today's climbers!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Congrats Suz and Donna! What an unbelievably, beautiful sunny day to summit the mountain and what a great achievement!!! Way to Go! Kirsten & Frank

Posted by: Kirsten on 8/27/2019 at 5:26 pm

Congratulations to Donna and Suzanne and the rest of the Team ... Well done!!!

Posted by: Binotto Family on 8/27/2019 at 2:05 pm

Mt. Rainier: Grom, Gorum & Teams Above the Clouds, Reach Summit

August 22, 2019

Posted by: Casey Grom, JM Gorum

Elevation: 14,410'

Unless you are at Camp Muir, 10,080', this morning you most likely can't see Mt. Rainier. Fortunately for the Four Day Climb August 19 - 22, that's exactly where they were. With a little patience, improving weather and a bit later start from Camp Muir the Climb teams were able to reach the summit shortly after 7:15 AM today. RMI Guide Casey Grom reported light winds and clear skies about 7,200'. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb team!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Yay! Jennifer so proud of you!!!! What a feat! You are amazing!!

Posted by: Mariah Moody on 8/22/2019 at 4:08 pm

JJ, GOLD STAR!!!!!!!

Posted by: Brand Strategy Team on 8/22/2019 at 4:04 pm

Mt. Rainier: Grom & Four Day Climb Reach Summit

August 16, 2019

Posted by: Casey Grom

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Four Day Climb August 13 - 16 enjoyed clear skies this morning as they made their way from Camp Muir to the summit of Mt. Rainier. Although it was a bit breezy and there was a cloud deck below Camp Muir, climbing on the upper mountain was nice. The teams enjoyed spending some time in the crater rim before starting their descent. They will return to Camp Muir and then continue down to Paradise and complete their program this afternoon with a celebration at Rainier BaseCamp. Congratulations to today's climbers!

Leave a Comment For the Team (1)

Thank you, Casey, Jessica, and Matias(my rope team lead) for helping me get up to Rainier! I thoroughly enjoyed your company. Big thanks again! Btw, I was so dazed yesterday I didn’t turn on my iPhone to accept Casey’s offer to airdrop transfer pictures. Please remind RMI office to send us the picture link. Take care, Donald

Posted by: Donald Chong on 8/17/2019 at 8:56 am

Mt. Rainier: Four Day Climb Team led by Casey Grom Reaches Summit

August 12, 2019

Posted by: Casey Grom, Cole Thompson, Ben Luedtke

Elevation: 14,410'

The Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb August 9 - 12 led by RMI Guide Casey Grom reached the summit this morning around 7:15 AM. The guides reported a beautiful day with light winds. They will enjoy some time in the crater before starting their descent. Once back at Camp Muir the climbers will have a short rest to refuel and re-pack. The hike down from Camp Muir will take the team around 2 and 1/2 hours and the shuttle will then return them to Rainier BaseCamp where they will enjoy a bit of celebration. Congratulations to today's climbers!

Mt. Rainier: August 6th - Summit!

August 6, 2019

Posted by: Casey Grom

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guide Casey Grom reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. The team reported beautiful clear skies, but breezy. They have started their descent and are working their way back to Camp Muir. Congratulations to today's team!

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Congratulations to our teammate, Hugh Gallagher, for making his Mt. Rainier summit this morning. This was Hugh’s third summit bid on Rainier and first time to the top. In 2017, Hugh and a non-guided group made it to 12k ft before turning around due to low food/water supplies and leaving too late in the morning. Earlier this summer on July 18 with RMI, our whole Tideworks Mountaineers team, and Climb For Clean Air (American Lung Association) team, we endured extreme weather on the Muir Snowfield which left us soaking wet making a summit a safety issue for hypothermia. The conditions up top had also worsened with 45 mph winds and freezing temperatures. Our lead guide Win Whittaker with 187 summits on Rainier stated “this is as bad as it gets” and called it without making it past Camp Muir 10,188’. So we headed back to Paradise 5,400’ without getting the “icing on the cake” (what Win referred to as the summit). Hugh was determined to make the summit this summer. And we’re so happy for him that he did. Go HUGH!!!

Hugh is now the second Tideworks Mountaineer to summit Mt. Rainier with fellow teammate Mark Pengelly summiting yesterday morning with a different RMI team. Tideworks Mountaineer, Steve Albert, will summit Aug. 23 making this is a very exciting summer for our team.

Congratulations to the entire team this morning!!!

Posted by: Tideworks Mountaineers on 8/6/2019 at 8:31 am