Entries from Peru Seminar
September 6, 2017
Posted by: Mike King
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Peru Seminar
Elevation: 12,800'
We woke this morning to a snowy camp, after having a wintery mix start around dinner last night. Salkantay was out all day as we hiked through the snow covered trail to Incachiriaska Pass 16,300'. The Team did well despite the altitude and muddy terrain.
We descended down a wide grassy valley and paused often to take in the scenery and soak in the sun after a cold and cloudy day yesterday.
The Team is resting in Pampachuana camp located at 12,800' among a high rural farming community. Through the valley is an Incan canal that was constructed to straighten out the glacial stream that provides water to the farmers. Tomorrow we join the 'Inca Trail' and our horses will leave us as porters join the team for the remainder of the trip.
RMI Guide Mike King
September 5, 2017
Posted by: Mike King
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Peru Seminar
Elevation: 14,846'
We packed up and left Cusco at 6 am and headed for the Salkantay trail head near Soraypampa. The drive took us over some high passes and down a very scenic river valley filled with eucalyptus trees and small subsistence farms.
When you describe to people the quality of food we eat on these Treks you get some doubtful looks, seeing is believing. Our Team feasted on guacamole and bread only to be followed by a pumpkin soup and rounded out with a main course of vegetable and cheese stuffed trout. That was only lunch, who knows what is for dinner.
Bellies full we set out into grey skies with a spectacular view of Cerro Salkantay and Humantay. Gradually the glaciers and snow covered faces disappeared in a light rain as we walked into camp, Ichupata at 14,846'.
Rain is coming down quite heavily now, the team is getting warm in their tents and we will check in tomorrow.
RMI Guide Mike King
This Is Mike, the RMI Machu Picchu group has all arrived with luggage in tow. We had a nice dinner on the main square in Cusco last night after a team meeting and briefing about the Salkantay Trek. Today we went on a tour of the Urabamba Valley to visit the Pisac Market and the amazing stone work at Ollantaytambo. The weather has been great, the team is adjusting to the altitude and excited about beginning the trek tomorrow morning. We will check in from our camp tomorrow evening.
RMI Guide Mike King
July 26, 2017
Posted by: Geoff Schellens
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Peru Seminar
Elevation: 10,000'
Amazing to think that just 24 hours ago we were striking our high camp on Alpamayo at 17,500' in the snow, ice, cold and wind and now we are hiking in T-shirts and shorts past cactus and gorgeous rivers. Back in Base Camp this morning we had a very civilized breakfast of bacon and eggs with lots of strong coffee, loading donkeys and shortly after 9 AM we hit the trail. Chased by clouds and propelled by music the 6 hour hike back to Casha Pompa went by quickly and by mid afternoon we were sitting in a courtyard sweaty, dirty, but happy with a beer in hand. Then a three hour van ride brought us back to Huaraz. After cleaning ourselves up we met for drinks and dinner at the Andino and realized that we are all still on mountain time. Most people are starting dinner around the time we are ready for bed.
Because we didn't use our weather day we have bought ourselves an extra day here in Huaraz, we will most likely sleep in, slowly re enter the "real world" and wander around town tomorrow. We are all happy to be back.
Thanks for following along
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens and the Alpamayo Team
July 25, 2017
Posted by: Geoff Schellens
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Peru Seminar
Elevation: 14,270'
Alpamayo team heading down hill.
As we crawled out of our tents this chilly morning we saw clouds whipping around Alpamayo and throughout the range. Very glad we climbed yesterday. We packed up, had coffee and began our descent by mid morning. Three rappels from the col got us back on the glacier and easy walking back to Moraine Camp. The team did great despite being tired form the efforts of yesterday. At Moraine Camp we took a good long break before shouldering our heavy packs again. We picked our way through the rocks and slabs leading back to Base Camp. Ilario, our base camp cook, was waiting and had individual pizzas for us shortly after rolling in. We are all glad to be back in the land of trees and grass, tired but happy. This afternoon we are organizing gear for the donkeys to haul down tomorrow and resting. Tomorrow we will make the walk all the way to Casha Pompa, and catch our shuttle back to Huaraz.
That's all for now,
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens and the A Team
July 24, 2017
Posted by: Geoff Schellens
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Peru Seminar
Elevation: 19,512'
The team summits Alpamayo!
We had a spectacular climb starting this morning just after midnight. A short walk on the glacier slowly became steeper as we approach the massive wall of ice and snow in front of us. Once we crossed the bergschrund we pointed our headlamps up the runnel but our lights were lost in snow ice and darkness above. We began pitching it out, climbing a full rope length before building an anchor and belaying the second climber up. In this fashion we inch-wormed our way up into the steep snow and ice. The climbing was superb, soft enough to accept the pick of an ice tool but firm enough to support a crampon. We climbed nine of the 12 pitches in the dark, but as we closed in on the summit the sun began rising across the Cordillera Blanca. Truly outstanding views as we celebrated on the summit before making our descent back down the face. Seven full length rappels brought us to the glacier below and then on to our High Camp. Extremely tired but also satisfied the team is eating, drinking, and napping for the rest of the day before making our descent to Base Camp tomorrow.
Thanks for all the support and following along on this incredible expedition.
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens and the Alpamayo Team
Congratulations to all of you!!! Spectacular photos.
Be safe.
Posted by: Lisa on 7/24/2017 at 3:01 pm
July 23, 2017
Posted by: Geoff Schellens
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Peru Seminar
Elevation: 17,880'
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After a couple hard days of climbing we took a rest day today to acclimatize and rest up for our summit bid tonight. Everyone is doing very well and as we put the final touches on packing and organizing the excitement is palpable. It has been a calm and sunny day with the beautiful south face of Alpamayo hanging above us.
That's all for now.
More tomorrow after our summit bid
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens and the Alpamayo Team
After a tough day the team is chilling at high camp, tired but very happy. We woke up early this morning to beat the heat on the glacier, though inevitably it caught us. Slow and steady was the name of the game as we pushed into the 17,000 foot world. After a couple hours on the lower glacier we got the the steep steps leading to the Col. Two pitches of steep ice and snow, with full packs, put us on the Col and looking right at the impressive south face of Alpamayo. Another two minute stroll brought us to our high camp. Once we had tents set up everyone settled in to get out of the sun and catch a few zzz's before dinner. Despite being tired the team is happy, healthy and excited for our climb. We will take a full rest day tomorrow so we can make our summit bid with all our reserves roped off.
That's all for now.
Thanks for staying with us throughout this incredible adventure
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens
Send it guys!
Posted by: Elias on 7/23/2017 at 11:50 am
July 21, 2017
Posted by: Geoff Schellens
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Peru Seminar
Elevation: 16,240'
Good evening from Moraine Camp.
The Alpamayo team woke this morning to lots of coffee and a delicious breakfast, as per usual at Base Camp. After breakfast we spent the morning packing and discussing various gear options. Today was another beautiful sunny day so after we were packed we lounged in the sun and read our books until lunch time. Finally after lunch we decided we aught to do a little work so we shouldered our packs and started the hike to Moraine Camp. Despite it being sunny a slight breeze kept the afternoon hike very comfortable. By late afternoon we were settling in, enjoying the views, and sipping tea.
Tomorrow we will rise early and hit the glacier leading us up to the Col and then High Camp.
Thanks for following along with us,
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens and the Alpamayo team
July 20, 2017
Posted by: Geoff Schellens
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Peru Seminar
Elevation: 14, 270'
This morning we woke when the sun hit our tents and proceed to drink lots of coffee with and ate an amazing breakfast of bacon, sausage, and eggs. After breakfast we lounged around base camp reading and napping in the sun. After lunch we went for a short 15 min walk up to Laguna Arhuaycocha, a beautiful alpine lake with blue green water. From here the views of Alpamayo, Artesonraju, and Pucarashta were stunning. We sunned ourselves on warm rocks by the lake and took in the amazing mountains surrounding us. After a while we made our way back to camp to relax a bit more before the sun dipped behind the ridge.
This rest day not only helps us recover after three days on our feet but also helps our body's acclimatize. Everyone is feeling great and ready to move up hill tomorrow.
Thanks for following along
RMI Guide Geoff Schellens
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Glad to see you in good spirits! We hope you have a great trek! Love & miss you dad!
Love,
Nina & Mom
Posted by: Nina Guenther on 9/5/2017 at 3:43 pm
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