Entries By jt schmitt
October 16, 2019
Posted by: JT Schmitt, Grayson Swingle
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 16,500'
Today we gave our best shot at the summit of Ixta, but the mountain countered with a stronger blow.
We woke up to mild temperatures and light winds and decided to start climbing around 2am. From past experiences our local guide, Ulisses, and myself were wary of these conditions, such warm temperatures with moisture aloft often indicate heavy precipitation and winds in the near future, so we decided we would climb tentatively upwards until the first sign of bad weather.
We successfully climbed through the most technical portion of the mountain to an elevation of 16,500 feet. At this point the winds started to increase as well as the rate of precipitation, so we decided to head back down. By the time we reached the final saddle before camp, the winds were nearing 40 mph and the snow was blanketing everything in sight. We were happy we turned back as soon as we did and everyone welcomed a dry tent and a hot drink. Now we are off to Puebla for some much earned rest before we go to climb Orizaba!
Enjoy some pictures from the last few days.
RMI Guide JT Schmitt & Team
October 15, 2019
Posted by: JT Schmitt, Grayson Swingle
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 15,500'
Hello from Ixta high camp!
We woke up this morning at the Altzomoni Hut to a crisp and clear morning. The moon, out in all its glory, was suspended just above Pico de Orizaba, far in the distance, and Popo was periodically producing puffs of smoke, creating an incredible view for us to begin our day with. Although it was a sight to behold, we had little time to sit and watch, because we had a high camp to get to!
Everyone made it up to approximately 15,500 feet in great style! The day proved to have as beautiful weather as the morning provided, and we enjoyed the blue skies the whole way up to high camp. The loads were a bit heavy, and the air a bit thin, but that was no issue for this team.
Now we are all relaxing in our tents and in true Mexican style enjoying a little siesta before dinner. In the morning we plan on waking up and climbing to the summit of Ixta!
Hasta luego!
RMI Guides JT Schmitt & Grayson Swingle
On The Map
October 14, 2019
Posted by: JT Schmitt, Grayson Swingle
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 13,100'
It has been another beautiful sunny day here in Mexico! Today the team moved from La Malinche through the town of Amecameca to the base of Ixta at 13,000 feet. Here, we did a final gear check and packed our bags to begin our two day journey up Ixta. The volcano next to Ixta, Popo, has been giving us quite a show today with big plumes of ash and gas coming from its crater.
Tonight our local logistics manager, Rehulio, is cooking us a Mexican feast as clouds begin to roll in on our perch! Rehulio does tons of work behind the scenes to make this trip run smoothly along with his porters and guides who help us along the way. Big shout out to them!
The plan for tomorrow is to ascend to our high camp on Ixta at 15,500 feet. It’s going to be a big day! Wish us luck for good weather for climbing to the summit!
RMI Guide Grayson Swingle
On The Map
Great going, guys! Keep it up, up, up. (:-)
Posted by: E J Fisher on 10/16/2019 at 11:42 am
Have a great couple days on ixta enjoy the beauty within and around.
Posted by: Joe on 10/15/2019 at 2:02 pm
October 13, 2019
Posted by: JT Schmitt, Grayson Swingle
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 10,000'
Sunday, October 13, 2019 - 3:07 pm PT
Hey everyone, our Mexico Volcanoes Expedition is off to a great start! This morning we left the busy streets of Mexico City for the mountains. We arrived to La Malinche, the former training ground for the Mexican Olympic team. Here we went for our first hike to prepare our bodies for higher elevations to come. The team made it to about 13,000 feet! Tonight we will stay in quiet cabins at 10,000 with great views of the Mexican countryside.
Tomorrow we will head to the base of Ixta, our fist big peak! So far the team is having a great time enjoying the food, scenery and culture that Mexico has to offer! Thanks for tuning in and we will check in mañana!
RMI Guide JT Schmitt
October 13, 2019
Posted by: JT Schmitt, Grayson Swingle
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 7,300'
This is the Mexico's Volcanoes Expedition checking in from the beautiful Zona Rosa in Mexico City. All climbers have arrived safely to our hotel, along with all of our baggage. After a delicious meal of authentic Mexican food, we are about to get some sleep to prepare for our early start to La Malinche tomorrow. Stay tuned for more dispatches once we reach the mountains.
RMI Guide JT Schmitt
September 28, 2019
Posted by: Mike Walter, JT Schmitt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,500'
Our Four Day Climb Teams led by Mike Walter and JT Schmitt were turned just before Disappointment Cleaver on their summit attempt. Mike Walter reported single digit temperatures, and deteriorating weather. The team is back at Camp Muir and will be back at Rainier Basecamp early this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's team!
September 22, 2019
Posted by: Andy Bond, JT Schmitt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 7,300'
The Four Day Climb teams led by Andy Bond and JT Schmitt heading up to Camp Muir for their climb tomorrow, September 23rd, decided to turn around in the face of bad weather. The team made it to just before the Muir Snowfield where they took a cold and wet break and discussed the realities of their situation. The weather above them was the same but with freezing temperatures and higher winds, making an ascent to Camp Muir too dangerous to continue. The team celebrated their high point and returned to Paradise where they were shuttled back to dry clothes and hot beverages.
September 15, 2019
Posted by: Brent Okita, JT Schmitt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 10,060'
Today's Mt. Rainier summit climb, led by Brent Okita and JT Schmitt, was unable to go beyond Camp Muir due to blizzard conditions. High winds were reported through the night gusting 80 mph. The team is currently on their descent from Camp Muir and will be at Rainier Basecamp early this afternoon.
August 24, 2019
Posted by: Mike King, JT Schmitt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb Teams led by RMI Guides Mike King and JT Schmitt reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. Mike reported clear skies with wind gusts of 45 mph and sustained winds at 35 mph. The teams have started their descent and are en route back to Camp Muir.
Congratulations to today's teams!
Hope Jeremy Wallace and friend are on this climb. Congrats to all and have a safe descent.
Posted by: Robert Wallace on 8/24/2019 at 11:33 am
The Five Day Climb August 15 - 19 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning led by RMI Guide Nikki Champion. It's a beautiful day on the mountain with moderate winds and cool temperatures. After enjoying two nights on the mountain before their summit climb, the group will return to Camp Muir to pack up and then will continue down to Paradise. Their program will conclude with a celebration at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's Five Day Climb team!
Way to go, everyone!
Chandra….FINALLY! 4th time was a charm!
Love you to the mountains & back!
Mom
Posted by: Kari on 8/19/2019 at 8:02 am
WOW! What a beautiful sight, especially with someone I know in it! (:-)
Posted by: E J Fisher on 10/16/2019 at 11:47 am
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