Hello from High Camp. Today we woke up with the sun hitting our tents at Moraine Camp and not a cloud in sight. We had breakfast and coffee and packed up. This was our first time with crampons and ice tools of the trip. It took a stretch or two but we all fell into a good cadence. Soon we found ourselves nearing the Col but a few steep steps of snow and ice separated us from camp. Though it was difficult with heavy backpacks we all climbed very well up to the Col. Here we finally got our first view of the southwest face of Alpamayo that we will climb. It is perhaps one of the most beautiful mountains I have ever seen and our line is striking and direct. Everyone is very excited for the ascent.
The team did very well today and everyone is happy and healthy. Most likely we will take a rest day tomorrow and climb on Friday.
Thanks for following along with us.
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens and the Alpamayo Team!
Wow!!! That is QUITE A MOUNTAIN!!!!! I appreciate the nightly reports so we can follow along with you. The blue skies DO make the mountain look magnificent….ONWARD AND UPWARD!!! Happy climbing! How are the donkeys ??? HEEE HAWWW!!!!!!!
Posted by: Patty Stenderup on 7/30/2015 at 9:51 pm
Go Geoff and team!!! Cheering for you all from Ashford. Go guys!
This morning we woke to coffee in bed and blue skies above. We had a leisurely morning, after breakfast we napped in the sun and slowly packed our bags. At mid day we had a delicious lunch and spent some more time packing and digesting before hoisting our packs and heading up to Moraine Camp. Everyone did a fantastic job getting up here. Shortly after we moved into the tents our porters arrived with tea and dinner, these guys are amazing! We are now enjoying the alpine glow on some of the surrounding peaks of the Cordillera Blanca before turning in for the night.
The team is doing great and very excited to be making up hill progress again.
Thanks for following along with us.
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens and the Alpamayo team
So far the “hike” sounds like one of those glamping vacations. Step it up guys! John-I hope you enjoyed the glacier bathing. I once jumped into a glacier lake near Lone Pine. My heart stopped for a few seconds. I thought of you almost every step of the 3200 steps I took tonight in the stairwell. You probably have a better view. I can’t wait to see your pictures. Tante
Today's blog is brought to you by the team:
July 27, 2015: Peru, South America with a group of Americans...
Our rest day today proved to bring out the restlessness in these children (yes, us). Promptly following coffee in bed and a two course breakfast, the team took to sun bathing. Once the Vitamin D production quotas were met for the day, the team selected their bathing suits and headed for the lake! A quick 20 minute hike led us to the alpine lake and picturesque view. Testosterone quickly kicked in when the team hit the rocky beach and noticed the glacier that was feeding ice into the lake. It took mere minutes for the team to jump in. Robert took a little convincing but peer pressure won the day. After an unforgettable day of bonding, we all feel blessed to have each other's company and grateful to be sharing this experience in such a majestic place. What happens on the mountain...gets posted to the blog.
Oh yea, almost forgot, we rode icebergs in a glacial lake! Who else can say they did that in July?!
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens and Team
Did someone say iceberg lettuce? Sorry, I couldn’t resist the produce pun John. Sounds like an amazing place and a truly memorable experience. Continue to enjoy and be safe! - Kim R.
Posted by: Kim Reddin on 7/28/2015 at 5:23 pm
Stenderup!!! What did you do with the WG Market update? I can’t find it!!! ... just kidding .. :)
Hope you are doing well and having fun! The Gowdy clan is pulling for you and praying for safety for you and the whole team. All the best brother! - Luke
Good evening all, the team is doing great. Today we carried up to Moraine Camp, 16,300'. After a leisurely pancake breakfast, we packed our climbing gear under blue skies and started hiking around ten o'clock. Unfortunately high clouds rolled in and by mid morning, though this made for a less-impressive view, we were glad for the cooler temperatures as we made our way up the rocky slopes to Moraine Camp. Everyone did a great job with the moderate loads and the new altitude, 16,300 feet. After caching our gear we made our way back to Base Camp for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. Tomorrow we will sleep in and enjoy a full rest day.
Thanks for following along,
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens and the Alpamayo team
Today we awoke to blue sky's and light wind, coffee in bed followed by a fantastic breakfast. After breaking camp we helped load the donkeys and continued hiking up the beautiful Santa Cruze valley. With every step more sunning mountain seemed to reveal themselves, truly an awe inspiring place. After a couple hours of hiking we turned north and climbed some switchbacks before sauntering into our Base Camp at 14,200'. We all got our first look at Alpamayo, one of the most beautiful peaks I have ever seen. Shortly after arriving to our Base Camp lunch was served, soup and pasta, quite tasty. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing and bathing in the river.
The team is doing very well and we are all excited to be here.
Thanks for following along with us
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens and the Alpamayo team
Donkeys? Unnecessary. Don’t you guys from the East Coast (VT and NY) know that the CA boys (Jesse and John) are going to get soft if you don’t work them. Load them up! Trudge on John.
Posted by: Kent Stenderup on 7/25/2015 at 10:28 pm
Today we made our first steps towards Alpamayo. After an early start from Huaraz we drove north for about three hours with the entire Cordillera Blanca Range glistening in the morning light. Truly spectacular. After reaching Cashapampa, we disembarked from our van, met our cook and helped load the donkey with our gear for the trip. Finally the whole expedition starts. Excitement was high as we began our approach to base camp. The first hour and a half of the hike was up steep switchbacked terrain after which it mellowed and became a gradual meandering trail up the Santa Cruse Valley. Our camp tonight is called Llama Corral, 12,300 feet, and about halfway up the valley. Tomorrow we should reach base camp by early afternoon.
The team is doing very well, everyone is climbing strong, staying healthy, and excited for what's to come.
Thanks for following along with us!
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens and the Alpamayo team
I’m glad you guys are doing well…. However, I would like like to hear more about the DONKEY!!! PHOTO PLEASE!
HAVE FUN…STAY SAFE!!! Sending lots of love and WARM WISHES from the 100 degree San Joaquin valley!
Posted by: Patty Stenderup on 7/25/2015 at 3:46 pm
This morning we woke up around 7:00 gathered for a delicious breakfast with lots of coffee and packed a small day pack. Today's mission: a short acclimatization hike just outside of Huaraz. Shortly after breakfast we loaded in to the shuttle and drove about 40 minutes out of town to the trailhead at just over 12,000 feet. Starting out in the rolling foothills were stunning snow-capped peaks looming above us. We couldn't contain our excitement and began hiking too fast. Quickly we realized our error and settled into a reasonable pace. A few hours later we found ourselves at the beautiful Laguna Churup, 14,000 feet, where Don and Jesse promptly went swimming. We relaxed by the amazing alpine lake eating lunch and taking photos before descending back to our shuttle. This afternoon we will rest at our hotel, do a little shopping in town and enjoy another delicious dinner before hitting the trail tomorrow.
Everyone is doing well and spirits are high. Thanks for following along with us on this amazing adventure!
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens
Hi all,
The whole team arrived in Lima late last night for our Alpamayo Expedition. We gathered for breakfast this morning at the hotel and excitement is running high. Shortly after breakfast we packed and loaded our van for the long drive to Huaraz. Huaraz is a beautiful town in the foothills of the Cordillera Blanca at 10,000' surrounded by stunning peaks. After arriving at our hotel we met our Peruvian guide, William, and discussed some logistics for the up coming days, spent some time relaxing, and had a fantastic dinner. Tomorrow we will go for a short hike before resting and packing for the approach.
Thanks for following along with us,
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens
* I meant to say: sending good vibes.. :)
Happy Sunday, guys.
God be with you!
Posted by: Luz on 7/26/2015 at 1:59 pm
How’s everything going up there? Sending god vibes and hopping to hear from you, guys.
Share your adventures :D..
Have a great Saturday.
Love you, Jesse.
June 16, 2015 11:47 pm
It was cold this morning at 17,000' Camp. I mean walking down the ridge in parkas and puffy pants cold. With light winds and a nip in the air we picked our way down the west buttress amongst throngs of other climbers seeking lower elevations. Once we started down the fixed lines the wind died and the solar began cooking us, we walked into 14,000' Camp wishing we had shorts. After a few hours relaxing at our old home we loaded up and continued on to 11 Camp for the night. We had a custom order fry up for dinner, trying to cook all the remaining cheese, meat, tortillas and other heavy items before hitting the sack. Our plan is to wake up in the middle of the night and walk to the airstrip. If all goes as planned we should be back in Talkeetna by mid day. Thanks for following along on our Upper West Rib expedition.
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens
Happy birthday, Kimmy!! Hope you had a great day making your way back down! Your trip looks like it’s been absolutely incredible. So proud of you and can’t wait to hear your voice again soon!! xox
Posted by: Corey on 6/18/2015 at 1:18 pm
Hi Kim, GREAT! WOW ..We are so excited for you & the amazing RMI team!! Trish & I look forward to seeing you In ALASKA & telling you in person how proud we are of you & the entire team!!! See you real soon!! Travel safe & stay well! Love, Dad
June 16, 2015 - 2:01 am
Hey, this is the Upper West Rib team calling you to confirm that we made it back to High Camp. We are all tucked in for the night, in bed safe and sound.
RMI Guide Eric Frank
RMI Guide Eric Frank checks in from High Camp after the team returns from the summit.
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Wow!!! That is QUITE A MOUNTAIN!!!!! I appreciate the nightly reports so we can follow along with you. The blue skies DO make the mountain look magnificent….ONWARD AND UPWARD!!! Happy climbing! How are the donkeys ??? HEEE HAWWW!!!!!!!
Posted by: Patty Stenderup on 7/30/2015 at 9:51 pm
Go Geoff and team!!! Cheering for you all from Ashford. Go guys!
Posted by: elias on 7/29/2015 at 10:38 pm
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