Entries By geoff schellens

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Check in from Camp 1

December 12, 2012

Posted by: JJ Justman, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,500'

Audio 1: Hello everyone at the RMI bloggers following Team One on Aconcagua. We are happy to report that we are up at Camp One. We actually had to make our camp a little higher. It was a little busy lower down at Camp One, but we have the upper camp at 16,500' all to ourselves. As a matter of fact this camp is so nice, we have a sit down toilet. So, the entire team is doing real well. It's a little bit of work to get up here, but everyone's feeling great. The agenda right now is to make sure that tents are buttoned down for heavy winds. However, right now we have very light winds... We're going to get a hot breakfast... (satellite connection lost) Audio 2: Hey, this is J.J. again with Team One on Aconcagua. Just to let everyone out there know. We have a lot of gear so we kind of thinned our communications down. We just have a SAT phone up here so we are going to be giving our blog via voice with Google voice and it'll be transcribed. So it may cut out, we'll try to do our best to give you some entertaining updates but everyone is just doing fantastic up here at 16,500'. We'll talk with you guys tomorrow. Everyone says hello to family and friends, and please follow along. We'll touch base tomorrow. Ciao from Argentina Camp One. RMI Guide JJ Justman

JJ Justman from Aconcagua Camp 1.

JJ continued from Aconcagua Camp 1.

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Resting at Basecamp

December 11, 2012

Posted by: JJ Justman, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 9,300'

Today our team is resting at Aconcagua Basecamp. Tomorrow we will occupy Camp One. The weather has been very windy but everyone is in good spirits. RMI Guide JJ Justman

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Carry to Camp One

December 10, 2012

Posted by: JJ Justman, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

I know I sound like a broken record but our Aconcagua team is both rocking and rolling! Today we woke up early and laced up our mountaineering boots. With hefty packs in hand we slowly made our way up to Camp 1 at 16,360 feet...officially. For Geoff and I today gave us an opportunity to visibly see how each climber is doing. And it was obvious that everyone has climbed before. And climbed well. The team was in sync with breaks, rest stepping, good footwork and most importantly everyone was having fun. We spent a half an hour at Camp 1 and we left quite a bit of gear that we will need for the upper mountain. So we are now officially ready to move up the mountain. But first we will take another rest day here at base camp. There's no need to rush. The tortoise always wins the race. RMI Guide JJ Justman

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

are the two pictures from the archive or actually from the current trip?

Posted by: Ryan Junell on 12/11/2012 at 9:47 am

Good work Barrel I-you are awesome and glad to hear all is well. PETER- I have 12 copies of Mountains of the Mind for XMAS gifts for my Kilimanjaro girls and Linden. Loved the book but I know you were luke warm on MacFarlane. Thanks for the copy on Elbrus. Rob- Charlie is changing jobs. West Virginia vs Richmond? Love to you all.

Posted by: Elsie Bemiss on 12/10/2012 at 5:19 pm

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Use Rest Day to Clean Up and Organize

December 9, 2012

Posted by: JJ Justman, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Hello RMI blog followers. I wish we had something really really exciting to report. I guess the biggest thing is the entire team smells like peppermint. You see, our Dr. Bronners soap is made with organic peppermint, good for the environment. With the winds picking up we all took showers and broke down our Cabela's shower tent. With team fresh and clean we spent the rest of the day triple checking our food and gear that we will carry up the mountain. Our route on Aconcagua will utilize three camps. So you can imagine, we need a good amount of food, fuel and personal gear. So tomorrow we begin the process of acclimatizing and caching gear higher up the mountain. On a health note, the entire team has high oxygen saturation levels, which is fantastic. We are all acclimatizing very well. The forecast is for stronger winds, which I like...you might as well get the bad weather out of the way down low. Stay tuned and we will let all of you know how our carry to 16,200 feet goes. For now, this is JJ saying ciao from 14,000'. RMI Guide JJ Justman

Aconcagua: JJ & Team Reach Basecamp

December 8, 2012

Posted by: JJ Justman, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Base Camp accomplished. We have arrived! The day started out El Gaucho style as we saddled up our mules and crossed the Vacas River. I mean... C'mon, that water was polar ice cold. Especially at 7:30 in the morning. After the teams John Wayne moment we enjoyed our final day of trekking. The last day into Base Camp ascends steeply at first until it gently rolls out to a gradual uphill. We even caught sight of two guanacos, which resemble a llama but actually have roots to the camel family. After arriving in camp we got busy relaxing. At 14,000 feet we all deserve to just kick back, relax and enjoy. We set up our shower tent and rinsed off the dust before we had another exquisite Argentine meal. Everyone is feeling well and we are acclimatizing perfectly. Tomorrow is a well deserved day of rest. Stay tuned! RMI Guide JJ Justman

On The Map

Aconcagua: JJ & Team on Approach to Plaza Argentina

December 7, 2012

Posted by: JJ Justman, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 11,000'

Another great day! Sometimes I am hesitant at writing these blogs. I am lying here in my sleeping bag under the stars watching a meteor shower. And I know some of you are sitting at your desks staring out the window dreaming of adventure. So please live vicariously through us! The team had a great day. We woke up and had croissants, coffee and Argentinian scrambled eggs. You cannot trek for five hours on an empty stomach. The scenery on the second day gets more spectacular in the Vacas Valley. However, our journey in the Vacas is over at 11,000 feet. Tomorrow we turn left and trek up the Relinchos Valley towards Plaza Argentina, our Base Camp at 14,000 feet. The entire team is doing great and we are filled up on grilled chicken, which we had this evening. Tomorrow we will describe the community of Plaza Argentina which will be home for many days as we continue to properly acclimatize. RMI Guide JJ Justman

On The Map

Aconcagua: JJ, Geoff & Team Arrive in Mendoza

December 4, 2012

Posted by: Geoff Schellens, JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 2,449'

Hello RMI Family! Yes...I know, our first Aconcagua team photo certainly doesn't look like a mountaineering expedition. But you have to start somewhere. And you might as well start out in style. The entire team made it into Mendoza with all our mountaineering gear. Today was a busy day for Geoff and I. Between airport pickups we did some food shopping for fresh vegetables, fruit and a little filet mignon. We had our team meeting where we discussed gear, food and what lies ahead. However, for now...it is time to enjoy Mendoza. The land of spectacular food and amazing wine. Stay tuned and we will continue to provide updates of how much fun we are having. RMI Guides JJ Justman & Geoff Schellens

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

A friend of mine attempted Aconcagua in his 50s with a group of people and guides. Some young guys looked at him and complained that they’d probably have to be carrying his stuff near the top. Near the top, only my friend and one guide were capable of going on. But they had to turn back, because everyone else was sick or injured. ;-(

Posted by: Hank Halle on 12/15/2012 at 3:19 pm

JJ - Looks like a great start. Please leave a little wine for the Jan 2 trip!

Posted by: Peter Rogers on 12/6/2012 at 11:26 am

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Mt. Rainier: September 23rd Summit!

September 23, 2012

Posted by: Geoff Schellens, Eric Frank

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Guide Eric Frank called in from the crater rim of Mt. Rainier at 7:30 a.m. The Five Day Summit Climb September 19 - 23 was just approaching the summit. They reported cold temperatures with light winds and an overall beautiful day. RMI Guide Geoff Schellens led the Four Day Summit Climb September 20 - 23 to the summit also. The teams spent just over an hour on the summit before starting their descent. They will return to Camp Muir to re-pack their gear before continuing down to Paradise. We look forward to seeing both teams at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon. Congratulations to today's summit climbers!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Following you trip each day How exciting Love Mom

Posted by: Faith Bussolari on 9/25/2012 at 10:54 am

Happy Birthday Steve and so excited to hear all about your climb Take alot of pictures and will follow your trip Love Mom

Posted by: Faith Bussolari on 9/24/2012 at 5:11 am

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Mt. Rainier: September 10th Summit!

September 10, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

At 9:30am the Four Day Summit Climb teams led by RMI Guides Billy Nugent and Geoff Schellens we descending from the crater rim. They reported 60+ mph winds on the summit. The teams are making their descent back to Camp Muir and will be back in Ashford late the afternoon. The Expedition Skills Seminar – Muir is beginning their ascent to Camp Muir where they will spend the week training. Congratulations to today's summit climb teams and good luck to the Expedition Skills Seminar!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

I’m so proud of you! Now hurry up and get some safe and sound :)

Posted by: Julia Gulia on 9/10/2012 at 2:47 pm

great job guys. i can only imagine the suffering going on in those conditions and how strong you all are to give that a go. i was really wishing you a blue bird summit, but i know you’ll have epic stories to tell from probably an even more spiritual adventure.—ethan

Posted by: ethan kutzscher on 9/10/2012 at 12:03 pm

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Mt. Rainier: September 3rd Update

September 3, 2012

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

Summit! Both Mt. Rainier teams reached the summit by the light of the moon and then the rise of the sun. What a beautiful day on top! RMI Guides Tyler Jones and Geoff Schellens radioed in with a bluebird report- light winds, blue skies and a bit chilly. The route is in excellent shape and both teams left the crater rim by 8:15 a.m.

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Way to go Brandon and Evan!! Can’t wait to hear about the journey.
XO, Linda and Eliza

Posted by: Linda Hull on 9/3/2012 at 2:39 pm

Way to go Scotty, happy b- day ;). We will meet
you at the bottom, xoxo. Siena, Chase and me

Posted by: Sheryl on 9/3/2012 at 9:09 am

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Entries By geoff schellens

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Check in from Camp 1

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Resting at Basecamp

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Carry to Camp One

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Use Rest Day to Clean Up and Organize

Aconcagua: JJ & Team Reach Basecamp

On The Map

Aconcagua: JJ & Team on Approach to Plaza Argentina

On The Map

Aconcagua: JJ, Geoff & Team Arrive in Mendoza

Mt. Rainier: September 23rd Summit!

Mt. Rainier: September 10th Summit!

Mt. Rainier: September 3rd Update

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