Entries By mike king
November 10, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 17,340'
RMI Guide Mike King and the Mexico's Volcanoes team reached the summit of Ixtaccihuatl (17,340') early this morning. Mike reported a clear and windy day with many climbers on the route. The team left early from their High Camp and their reward was enjoying the sunrise from the summit. We will get a full report from Mike once the team has descended.
Congratulations team!
November 9, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 15,400'
We had a casual start to the day. Our hike took us to 15,400’ on Ixta where we have camp set up for the night. Our plan is to rest a little bit after the hard effort of carrying heavy packs and still adjusting to these higher elevations. This evening we will do some gear and skills refreshers. There are some ravens squawking over head and the sun feels good on the tents. Tonight we will ascend the “knees” of Ixta and gain the long and circuitous ridge line and hopefully be on the summit around sunrise. Spirits are high and everyone is healthy and enjoying having the heavy packs off their backs.
All the Best to you and your Team Mike!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 11/10/2021 at 2:53 am
We got an early start after breakfast today. Eventually we made a short stop in Amecameca for some last minute provisions and a light lunch before riding up to Paso de Cortez where the park entrance for Ixta resides. We opted for a five mile hike instead of riding the bus on the bumpy road. While the hike was mostly on a gated dirt road we enjoyed the rolling grassy hills and scattered pine trees. Afternoon clouds had built up and we were able to see the lower portion of our climbing route.
We’ll spend the remainder of the afternoon setting up tents and getting our gear sorted for the move up to our high camp tomorrow. The Team is doing well and hoping for Popo to put off some ash plumes for some good photos. We will check in tomorrow from high camp.
The Mexico Volcanoes Team arrived yesterday with all their equipment. Today we left Mexico City for a two and a half hour drive through the scenic country side on our way to La Malinche. Along the way we got great views of Orizaba, Ixta and Popo. In my eight trips I’ve not seen the air quality this clear for such long distances. Which makes having our hike cut short around 12,000’ due to the park police turning hikers around all the more disappointing. This area is known for afternoon thunderstorms and apparently the park is instituting a strict turn around time now.
We decided to listen to the tactically dressed officer with the gun and not end up in a Mexican jail. The group got a chance to stretch their lungs and legs some, we all would have hoped for a longer hike. The remainder of the day will be spent in the former Olympic training center that now hosts tourists and locals. We will look forward to heading to Ixta tomorrow for a hike and gear check.
Thanks for following along,
Great job dad, keep going. Moms says hi.
Love, Daniel
Posted by: Daniel Kovatich on 11/10/2021 at 6:10 pm
August 30, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Nikki Champion, David Price, Leif Bergstrom, Emma Lyddan, Connor Mullady
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,200'
RMI Guide Mike King called this morning at 7:06 a.m. The Mt. Rainier Summit Climb team turned at Ingraham Flats due to difficult route conditions. The teams are planning to begin their descent from Camp Muir between 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Beautiful picture! Hope to go there in a few weeks and praying for good weather.
Posted by: Joseph Huang on 8/31/2021 at 10:09 pm
Proud of you team! Great effort!
Posted by: Rachel Zimmerman on 8/30/2021 at 7:49 am
August 26, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Joe Hoch, Lauren Macklin, Daniel May, Nathan Delmar, Connor Mullady
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Four Day Climb August 23 - 26 led by RMI Guides Mike King and Joe Hoch reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this mornnig at 6:30 am. Mike report a light breeze with a cloud near the summit as they were ascending this morning but once they reached the crater they had good visibility. The teams were crossing the crater and approaching Columbia Crest just before 7 am. After enjoying the views and signing the Summit Book, the team will begin their descent from the crater rim. They will return to Camp Muir for a short break and then continue down to Paradise later today.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
August 13, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Taylor Bickford, Henry Coppolillo, Cal Smith, Axel Ryd, Lauren Macklin
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,200'
Due to overhead hazards, the Mt. Rainier Summit Climb, led by RMI Guides Mike King and Taylor Bickford, turned at Ingraham Flats. They reported smoky skies and a busy route. After packing up at Camp Muir, the team began their descent to Paradise at 9:00 a.m.
August 5, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Grayson Swingle
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Mike King and Grayson Swingle reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at 5:30 am. The team climbed with light winds, and a hazy sky due the wildland fires burning across the western states. They are currently descending and should be back at Camp Muir soon.
Congratulations to Today's Team!
Excellent trip! Thank you Camille, Grayson and Josh for a safe and successful climb.
Posted by: Greg Smith on 8/6/2021 at 5:32 pm
Great trip! Thanks so much, Grayson, Camille, and Josh!!! (And Mike!!!) Epic adventure and another life goal accomplished. Thanks for keeping us safe.
Posted by: Joe Plenzler on 8/6/2021 at 10:56 am
July 25, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Camille Leininger, Leif Bergstrom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
The Mt. Baker Coleman Deming team July 23 - 25 reached the summit today around 6:45 am. RMI Guide Mike King reported a warm night and great views north to Vancouver of the North Cascade peaks. The team returnted to Camp before noon. They will continue their descent to the trail head and conclude their program this afternoon.
Nice job team!
What a great climb with a great group of people. Truly appreciated our amazing guides that were flexible with the route.
Posted by: Heather on 7/26/2021 at 7:48 am
How Awesome of a challenge Jake! Great job Team! Looking forward to seeing pics and hearing about your climb
Posted by: Jodi Walny on 7/25/2021 at 6:15 pm
July 22, 2021
Posted by: Mike King, Camille Leininger, Leif Bergstrom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
RMI Guide Mike King and the Mt. Baker Coleman Deming July 20 - 22 team reached the summit this morning. Mike reported a cold and windy day with firm conditions on the Roman Headwall. The team returned to camp shortly after 11 am. After packing up camp they descended to the trail head and concluded their program.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Awesome Mike! Congrats to You and the Team!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 11/11/2021 at 2:47 am
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