Entries By solveig waterfall
January 19, 2016
Posted by: Solveig Waterfall, Billy Haas
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 12,000'
Good evening from the
Altzomoni Hut!
After a long drive, multiple vehicle transfers due to muddy washed out roads, and a little bit of extra walking, we are all getting some rest in preparation for heading up to high camp tomorrow.
It was a beautiful day with excellent views. We even had the good fortune of catching a glimpse of Popo erupting this morning on our drive! Everyone is feeling strong and excited to hit the trail in the morning.
We'll check in from camp tomorrow night!
Buenos noches!
RMI Guide Solveig Waterfall
On The Map
January 18, 2016
Posted by: Billy Haas, Solveig Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 10,000'
Hello from the La Malitzi Resort! We are snug in our beds nestled on the
flanks of La Malinche, a 14,636' extinct volcanic remnant. We spent the day in this Parque de Nacional stretching our legs and lungs for the first time since we all gathered in the city. We were treated to perfect weather and excellent hiking temperatures. However, as is often the case driving in Mexico, we were delayed by an enormous traffic jam. A bottleneck not in the city this time, but instead shortly before arriving at the mountain. Mexico City was recently hit by a large storm that deposited snow at relatively low elevations. Since this is quite a rare occurrence, the local news outlets have been broadcasting a continuous cycle of footage of families up playing in the snow; some touching it for the first time!
With all the media attention, there were hundreds of cars trying to access the La Malinche trailhead and things quickly slowed to a halt.
After waiting as long as we could, we left our overnight bags with the driver to sit in traffic, and began the journey through the literally thousands of local hikers towards our goal of reaching the upper slopes of the mountain. Given our time frame, we had no chance of reaching the top, but we hiked for 3 hours amidst a herd of parents, grandparents, children and dogs running past us and often stopping to inquire where we were from and if we were going to look for the snow, as well.
When we reached our high point, we bundled up and rested for a half an hour or so, allowing our bodies to recover while enjoying the expansive views from 13,300'.
Upon our arrival back at 10,000' our driver had finally reached the resort, checked us in, and most importantly made sure the propane water heaters were warming up for a well deserved shower. It was nearly dark as we got settled and we were all anxiously awaiting the fantastic dinner that Rogelio (our transportation coordinator) promised.
It did not disappoint! We feasted on steaks, chorizo, tortillas, beans, guacamole, and grilled vegetables resting on small charcoal grills on our table.
Everyone is now off to bed for a solid 8 hours of rest, and then tomorrow we begin our journey toward our first objective, climbing Ixta!
Well check in tomorrow from the Altizomoni Hut!
RMI Guides Solveig Waterfall, Billy Haas and the team
On The Map
January 17, 2016
Posted by: Billy Haas, Solveig Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 7,300'
Hello from
Mexico City!
Our team arrived throughout the day, and by 7pm we were all gathered on the rooftop patio of the hotel for an equipment review and logistics breakdown of the days to come.
We are all looking forward to leaving the hustle and bustle of urban life and heading into the hills for our first acclimatization hike.
We'll check in again from the La Malitzi Resort.
Thanks for following!
RMI Guides Solveig Waterfall and Billy Haas
September 7, 2015
Posted by: JJ Justman, Solveig Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,654'
The
Four Day Summit Climb teams led by RMI Guides
JJ Justman and
Solveig Waterfall were unable to reach the summit of Mt. Rainier due to unstable snow conditions. The Teams turned at 11,654’ on Disappointment Cleaver and are now safely back at Camp Muir. They will start their descent and be back to Rainier Basecamp in the early afternoon.
August 25, 2015
Posted by: Casey Grom, Solveig Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guides
Casey Grom and
Solveig Waterfall reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning shortly after 7 am. Casey reported clear skies, light wind, and chilly--but not too cold--temperatures. The teams will spend some time on the summit before beginning their descent. We look forward to seeing them in Ashford this afternoon.
Congratulations!
August 17, 2015
Posted by: Solveig Waterfall, Billy Nugent
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guide
Billy Nugent radioed at 7:23 am as his
Four Day Summit Climb team and the
Five Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guide
Solveig Waterfall reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning, and were starting their descent from the crater rim. Billy reported it was very windy with winds from the NW.
Congratulations to today's team!
August 1, 2015
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Solveig Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guides
Dave Hahn and
Solveig Waterfall led their Four Day Summit Climb teams to the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Dave reported perfect weather on the summit - clear, calm, and sunny. The teams began their descent to Camp Muir just after 7:30 am. They will continue their descent to Paradise this afternoon.
Congratulations climbers!
The
Four and Five Day Summit climb teams led by
RMI Guides Mike Walter and Solveig Waterfall reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning via the Disappointment Cleaver route. Mike reported great climbing, light winds and mild temperatures with a few clouds at around 6,500'.
RMI Guide Billy Nugent and his
Expedition Skills Seminar - Kautz team climbed via the Kautz route and successfully reached the summit of Mt. Rainier in time to watch the sunset. The team will be finishing up their training today and be back at RMI Basecamp later this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's teams!
On the Disappointment Cleaver route of Mt. Rainier, RMI Guides Seth and Solveig Waterfall led their
Four Day Summit Climb Teams to the summit this morning. Meanwhile on the Emmons Glacier route of Mt. Rainier, RMI Guide Mike Haugen led the
Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons to the summit this morning. All teams reported light winds and warm temperatures while on the summit. The Four Day Summit Climb teams will descend back to Camp Muir before returning to Paradise this afternoon and the Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons will descend to Camp Schurman for their final night on the mountain.
Congratulations Climbers!
The Four Day Summit Climb led by
RMI Guide JJ Justman and the Five Day Summit Climb led by
RMI Guide Solveig Waterfall reached Columbia Crest, the highest point on Mt. Rainier and in Washington State, around 6:50 am. While on the summit the teams enjoyed calm, really nice conditions. The teams began their descent around 7:30 am. We look forward to seeing them back in Ashford later this afternoon.
Congratulations Climbers!
Happy to see everyone smiling and doing great! Good luck to you all…especially Tara and Karl ;)
Adios from Texas,
Erin
Posted by: Erin on 1/19/2016 at 6:49 pm
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