Entries By casey grom
Hello again everyone!
Right out of camp the team was faced with the only significant technical obstacle for this climb. This hurdle is the great Barranco Wall, which rises about 1000ft and looks as intimidating as it sounds. Thankfully there is a nice narrow trail that weaves its way up and through the wall and all the way to the top. Most of it feels more like steep hiking, but there are a few places that require the use of our hands to help us climb up.
The team did an amazing job of moving steadily and allowing a few porters to pass with their loads precariously balanced on their heads. It was incredibly busy, but the team cruised through easily. Everyone said it was the highlight thus far!
After reaching the top we took a nice break and enjoyed the intermittent views of the ice ladened south face and valleys below between the passing clouds. The team continued our hike for a few more hours up and down through a few valleys before reaching today’s endpoint.
All in all, it took only about 4 hours for us to reach our next camp called Karanga, named for the big and beautiful valley which it overlooks.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and Crew!
Howdy everyone back home.
All is well in Tanzania. We’ve had great weather and the team is humming along really well.
We hit the trail just after 8am and hiked for an hour before taking our usual 15 minute break, then back on the trail for another hour and so on. All total today we hiked for just over 6 hours before reaching Barranco camp. Our gracious Kilimanjaro porters have been working very hard and we arrive once again to a camp set up and ready for us.
Along the way we passed around the famous Lava Tower reaching just over 15,000ft setting new altitude records for many. We also passed by many of the giant groundsels and towering Senecio trees that made us feel as if we were in some crazy Dr. Zuess story.
The team is in good spirits and doing great.
RMI Guide Casey Grom
Climb every mountain
Ford every stream
Follow every rainbow
‘Till you find your dream
A dream that will need
All the love you can give
Every day of your life
For as long as you live!
Posted by: Heather Reingold on 9/8/2023 at 9:48 am
Ode to Dylan
To the tune of Toto’s Africa
She cares for my Chiweenie through the night,
As I climb up Kilimanjaro’s rocky height,
I’m chasing dreams on that African peak so high, but she’s at home, living in Peppertree.
She may not scale mountains, but her love is true. She’ll care for our Chiweenie and wait for me in the stillness of the night. She’ll ensure Nick is happy while I chase the stars. She’ll feed our dog ice cream.
She’s a loyal wife, stayin’ by my side, caring for our Chiweenie. Love will be my guide, though I’m far away. No need for Casey. In the shadow of Kilimanjaro, our love’s a sacred place.
The stars above twinkle in my eyes as my wife cares for our Chiweenie, who can be a meanie. With a wild chiweenie, she treads her own terrain, While I’m on that mountain, facing wind and rain.
She may not scale mountains, but her love is true. She’ll care for our Chiweenie and wait for me in the stillness of the night. She’ll watch him sleep while I chase the stars. She’ll keep our home free from company.
She’s a loyal wife, stayin’ by my side, caring for our Chiweenie. Love will be our guide, no need for Casey. I feel her heart’s embrace in the shadow of Kilimanjaro. Her love’s a sacred place.
As I reach the summit with the world below, I know her love is the reason. It’s what makes me grow through the icy winds and the mountain’s might. I’ll return to her in the warm and gentle night.
She may not scale mountains, but her love is true. She’ll care for our Chiweenie and wait for me in the stillness of the night. She’ll ensure Nick is happy, and with DJ Vista on the screen, she’ll keep our home clean.
She’s a loyal wife, stayin’ by my side, caring for our Chiweenie. Love will be our guide, not Casey, I feel her heart’s embrace in the shadow of Kilimanjaro. Our love’s a sacred place.
With tanzanite aglow, Kilimanjaro will be our sacred place. She’s a loyal wife with a Chiweenie’s embrace. Our love’s a sacred place where we dream of a Labrador’s embrace.
Posted by: Heather Reingold on 9/7/2023 at 5:38 pm
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
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
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
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
.jpg)
.jpg)
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
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
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
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
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!
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
Ode to Dylan Part 2 (To the tune of “Beat It”)
Elliot Merrill said you better pay your dues
Or your house you’ll lose, you’re a weird mountaineer
Mount Kilimanjaro is where your adventure will start
So climb it, just climb it
Get your gear, show no fear and summit
Don’t wanna hear excuses, cuz you’re a Florida mountaineer
Seeking tanzanite, not at a cruise site
So climb it, and reach the mountain’s peak
Just climb it (climb it), climb it (climb it)
We all want you to achieve it
Prove you’re no flunky and climb with your might
It doesn’t matter about the weather
Just climb it (climb it)
Just climb it (climb it)
Just climb it (climb it)
Just climb it (climb it, uh)
The mountain’s expanse brings me no fear
I left the sandy shores of Florida to get here
Back at home, my wild little dog doesn’t even care
So Climb it, just climb it
My eyes on the peak, taking one step at a time
With the heat of Africa pulsing through my veins, I’m aflame
My air gets even thinner as I ascend
But I know I will contend
So Climb it, show how much fun it is
Just climb it (climb it), climb it (climb it),
We all want you to achieve it
Prove you’re no flunky and climb with your might
It doesn’t matter about the weather
Just climb it (climb it), climb it (climb it)
We all want you to achieve it
Prove you’re no flunky and climb with your might
It doesn’t matter about the weather
Just climb it (climb it, climb it, climb it)
Climb it (climb it, climb it)
Climb it (climb it, climb it)
Climb it (climb it, climb it)
Climb it (climb it, climb it)
3x’s
Just climb it (climb it), climb it (climb it)
We all want you to achieve it
Prove you’re no flunky and climb with your might
It doesn’t matter about the weather
Just climb it (climb it), just climb it (climb it)
Posted by: Heather Reingold on 9/9/2023 at 9:18 am
I don’t know if the climbers can see these comments (hopefully they can at some point/someone is reading these to them) but wanted to let my mom (Rebecca) know I’m proud of her and wishing her well! I’m in good spirits for my MCAT tomorrow — going to give it my all and make it to the end of that test just like you’re going to make it to the top of that mountain. You’re forever my biggest role model. Love you!!
Posted by: Sarah Torzone on 9/8/2023 at 3:56 pm
View All Comments