Entries By casey grom
September 6, 2023
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 12,570'
Our team moved to Shira Camp today. Everyone moved efficiently on the trail as we left the Cloud Forrest and approached the Giant Heather zone. Within a few short hours we were at camp soaking in the views as we overlooked the Great Rift Valley. After a day and a half in the forest, we felt like we could see for miles. We are enjoying our time in camp, the food is delicious, and we are having great conversation in our dining tent. Cribbage anyone?
Tomorrow, we tackle the Barranco Wall,
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Killi Crew
September 5, 2023
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 9,890'
Hello everyone,
Today the we had an early start and left behind our beautiful lodge as we have headed to the mountain towards the start of the climb. We left around 8 am and drove along the rural country side and small villages for two hours before reaching the park entrance.
Most of the area surrounding Kilimanjaro has been cultivated and primarily used for coffee and banana production, plus a variety of other agriculture needs. There are still a few areas that have been untouched and resemble more of a savannah that Tanzania is known for. Kilimanjaro’s base is mostly forested and resembles more of a jungle, this area is called the cloud forest.
Once we arrived at the park gate we had all of our gear weighed and divided into loads for our 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 thick forest. Thankfully the overhead canopy provided a bit of relief from the hot sun overhead.
The team hiked for about five hours and reached our camp for the night that sits around 10,000'. After settling into camp and getting situated the team was served a nice warm meal for dinner.
Everyone is doing well and looking forward to a good night's rest.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew
Thank you for the updates! Sending love and positivity to Rebecca, Chad, and Jodi!
Posted by: Sarah Torzone on 9/6/2023 at 4:56 pm
Thank you Casey for keeping us informed of the daily progress. We look forward to your updates! Good luck to everyone, enjoy the journey and stay safe!
Posted by: Tania Walls on 9/6/2023 at 11:24 am
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Hello from Tanzania!
Everyone and all bags have arrived in Tanzania and the team is doing well and in good spirits after some very long flights. Nearly 20 plus hours for many of us. It was a short and quiet 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 had us all feeling just a little off and pretty tired after all the traveling. Luckily we had an extra day here because of flight options. I say luckily, because the time change is pretty tough being about 12 hours difference for us. The extra day will certainly help us adjust.
Today we had a leisurely morning and then rolled into our group meeting after breakfast, where we did a round of introductions and then discussed the upcoming program for the days ahead. The team spent the remainder of the day getting our gear packed up, exploring the grounds of our peaceful Lodge and dodging the gaggle of monkeys patrolling the grounds. We wrapped up the evening with a delicious meal and plenty of friendly conversations.
Everyone is doing well, excited to be here and looking forward to stretching our legs tomorrow as we head to the mountain.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Kili crew!
GO TEAM!!!
Love the blog site!!! Thank you for the awesome updates!
Luv, Hikari and Belle
Posted by: Hikari and Belle on 9/9/2023 at 4:43 pm
Super excited for you all … how cool we can follow your journey from across the globe. Looking forward to the updates and pictures and wishing you all a great experience!!❌⭕️ PamH
Posted by: Pam Hess on 9/6/2023 at 5:01 pm
August 19, 2023
Posted by: Casey Grom, Ben Luedtke, Ellison Boord, George Hedreen, Bailey Servais, Robert Whyte
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11, 200'
The Four Day Climb with RMI Guides Casey Grom and Ben Luedtke climbed to Ingraham Flats early this morning. The team enjyoyed the sunrise and a beautiful morning soaking in all the views. They are back at Camp Muir and will be starting their descent to Paradise soon.
Amazing!!!! Congrats guys!
Posted by: Carol Wiesner on 8/19/2023 at 9:56 am
August 15, 2023
Posted by: Casey Grom, Abby Westling, Nicole De Petris, Trevor Katz, Bailey Servais, Robert Whyte
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 10,188'
The Four-Day climb led by Casey Grom and Abby Westling enjoyed the sunrise from Muir Peak this morning. After extreme temperatures in the forecast and a very warm night, RMI guide, Casey grom reported that the team was already starting to bake in th sun at around 7am this morning. The team is currently on their descent and return to Basecamp this afternoon.
Nice work team!
Great decision making on behalf of the guides. Safety first, Summit second.
Posted by: Lee Hoedl on 8/15/2023 at 3:43 pm
August 9, 2023
Posted by: Casey Grom, Joe Hoch, Charlie Harrison, Leif Bergstrom, Raymond Holt, Evan Redman
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,400'
The Four Day Climb August 6 - 9 led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Joe Hoch were unable to reach the summit of Mt. Rainier today. The lenticular cloud over the mountain brought snow and winds and the teams reached 13,400' before deteriorating weather encouraged them to turn around. The climbers will return to Camp Muir for a quick stop before continuing to Paradise this afternoon.
You came very close! Darned bad luck with the weather. Great effort getting up there, can’t wait for the stories.
Posted by: Olga Walker on 8/9/2023 at 8:09 pm
Great effort. Much to be proud of. Managed challenges but can’t manage Mother Nature.
Be proud of yourselves.
Posted by: Margery Marshall on 8/9/2023 at 2:14 pm
August 5, 2023
Posted by: Casey Grom, Ben Luedtke, Jess Wedel, Erika Birkeland, Mitch Valaitis, Will Nash
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Ben Luedtke reached the summit of Mt. Rainier and were greeted with Snow! A summer storm with clouds, snow, and low visability kept the team from spending too much time on the summit. The team is on the descent, and in route to Camp Muir where the weather is currently a mix of rain and sleet.
Congratulations Team!
July 28, 2023
Posted by: Casey Grom, Nikki Champion
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Mt. Rainier Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Nikki Champion stood on top of Mt. Rainier this morning! The teams reported clear skies and light winds on the summit. They are currently on their descent to Camp Muir, where they will pack-up and refuel. We look forward to seeing them at Rainier BaseCamp later this afternoon.
Way to go, climbers!
Way to go, Casey, Nikki, and team! Congrats!
Posted by: Lee Hoedl on 7/30/2023 at 10:37 am
July 19, 2023
Posted by: Casey Grom, Dominic Cifelli, Trevor Katz, Joey Manship, Evan Redman, Robert Whyte
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five-Day Climb with RMI Guides Casey Grom and Dominic Cifelli reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. Our Five-Day Climb ascends Mt. Rainier's classic route while providing an additional day on the mountain to allow the flexibility to adjust the summit schedule to take advantage of the best window. With great weather all week, the team took a short acclimatization climb to Ingraham Flats on Tuesday, choosing to climb last night. The team had clear skies and light winds on their climb.
Congratulations team!
July 14, 2023
Posted by: Casey Grom, Joe Hoch, Joey Manship, Michael Murray, Calvin Jiricko, Bailey Servais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four-Day climb led by Casey Grom and Joe Hoch reached the summit this morning. RMI Guide, Joe Hoch, reported a cold and clear morning on the summit. They were headed off the crater rim around 6:50am this morning and will be back in Basecamp this afternoon.
Nice work team!
Sounds like you’re all off to a great start. We’re enjoying your posts and photos. Have a good trek to the Barranco Wall tomorrow!
Posted by: Ted and Patti reingold on 9/6/2023 at 5:12 pm
Congratulations on your progress,
12 feet is mind boggling!
Thank you for providing great updates and photos.
We’re enjoying them immensely.
Posted by: Kristina Miano on 9/6/2023 at 4:15 pm
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