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January 28, 2020
Posted by: Walter Hailes
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 10,000'
Good morning. We had a great day yesterday driving to La Malinche. We left Mexico City and grabbed some lunch and snacks food for our climb today. Once we arrive at the resort we settled into the cabana and Brett, Jeff and John went for a hike before dinner. Alden, Merrick and I spent time at the cabana prepping for our climb today. Dinner was delicious with queso and guacamole for all.
This morning we grabbed breakfast and hit the trail for our first acclimation hike. The forecast called for sunny and warm. We had a near perfect day today on our acclimation hike. Sunny skies, light breeze, and a great team. We moved well uphill even in the loose rock and scree of the mountain and got to relax on to for well over an hour, breathing the thin air as getting ready for the next challenge. We are all looking forward to another great dinner and a warm fire in our cabana tonight.
August 1, 2020
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Dustin Wittmier, Hannah Smith, Kiira Antenucci
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Expedition Skills Seminar - Muir teams led by RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Dustin Wittmier, Hannah Smith and Kiira Antenucci reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today under clear skies and moderate winds. The teams were descending from the crater rim around 7:30 am PT.
The group gathered at Rainier BaseCamp on Monday for a full day orientation to prepare for their program. On Tuesday morning the group left for Paradise where they donned packs and made the ascent to Camp Muir. The teams spent the next few days training near Camp Muir, honing their mountaineering skills and preparing to make their summit today. Today is their final day on the mountain and once they return to Camp Muir, they will repack their gear and continue their descent to Paradise.
Congratulations to today's teams on capping off a great week of training by standing on the summit of Mt. Rainier!
January 31, 2020
Posted by: Walter Hailes
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 17,000'
We pushed as hard as we could today but the weather just didn't let us summit Orizaba. We all climbed strong up to about 17,000ft when the combination of strong winds, wind loaded slopes, and reduced visibility made the decision to turn around and head downhill quite clear. It is always disappointing to not make the summit, but the while team is in great spirits back at the Casa pierde hut. Now we load onto the 4x4 for our final push to Mexico City and a nice hot shower and dinner. See you all very soon.
RMI Guide Walter Hailes checks in from Orizaba Summit attempt.
February 22, 2020
Posted by: Eric Frank, Jenny Konway
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 18,491'
Good morning. This is RMI Guide Eric Frank from the summit of Pico de Orizaba. We are enjoying the views looking out over the valley in Mexico. A little cloud cover is creeping Into The Valleys, but we are about 1,000 feet above it up here. It’s been a really nice morning of climbing, a little cold and a little windy, but we were able to get it done nevertheless. We are going to hang out for a few more minutes then get packed up and have a safe descent. Then we will go down and celebrate what's been a great week of climbing.
RMI Guide Eric Frank calls from the summit of Pico de Orizaba.
On The Map
September 4, 2022
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Abby Westling, Joey Manship, Jenna Burkey, Lily Emerson, Nick Sinapius
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,200'
The Four Day Climb September 1 - 4 teams led by Dave Hahn and Abby Westling climbed to Ingraham Flats this morning and were able to enjoy the sunrise. The teams were unable to climb higher due to route conditions. As of 7:45 am all climbers had returned to Camp Muir. They plan to begin their descent from Camp Muir to Paradise around 9:30 am. Thus the teams should reach Paradise around noon today. Once back at Rainier BaseCamp they will conclude their program.
Great trip and experience with “Team A.” Thanks to our guides and the positive energy and helping us maximize our time. Will definitely travel with RMI again.
Posted by: Timothy Josephs on 9/6/2022 at 6:45 am
I had a great time spending a few days on Mount Rainier. Sure, the route was cut short, but Dave, Joey and Jenna pulled out all the stops to make this a memorable climb and make me appreciate the many facets of the mountain!
Thank you,
Alex
Posted by: Alex Schmidt-Warnecke on 9/5/2022 at 8:20 am
January 29, 2020
Posted by: Walter Hailes
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 14,000'
Our day started calm and orderly, but did not finish that way. We had another great meal at La Malinche before we started driving to Tlachachula. Then we loaded the van and hit the road. After sorting gear and eating lunch in town we loaded up the 4x4 and drove the bumpy road 2 hours to camp. Camp was a little windy when as we set up our tents. We choose to sleep in tents instead of the hut so that we could have a nice quiet night. However, just as we finished the last tent big wind gusts started hitting us. When we almost lost one tent 3 times we decided to change plans, drop the tents and retreat to the hut. The team made quick work of relocating and we settled into the hut nicely. We'll sleep sound tonight and see what the wind is like in the morning.
RMI Guide Walt Hailes & Team
March 7, 2020
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 18,491'
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier and the Mexico Volcanoes team reached the summit of Pico de Orizaba, 18,491', early this morning. The team will return to Tlachichuca to spend the night and celebrate their great week of climbing.
Congratulations to the team!
January 31, 2020
Posted by: Nick Scott, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
So far the weather has been very predictable. Sunny and clear in the mornings changing to cloudy with snow flurries by dinner time. This has been great for all of our planned movement up and down the mountain and today was no different as the sun was shining and the winds calm for our move up to Camp 2. Tonight will be our first night at 18,000 feet above sea level, a hard place to sleep for sure. Despite the lack of thick air, I don’t think any of us would trade the views just to be lower on the mountain. Camp 2 on Aconcagua stares straight out into the central Andes, a view you have to see for yourself to truly appreciate and it’s right off our front porch for the next few days.
On The Map
Hey Daryl and team, pictures look amazing. Keep up the good work we are praying for strength, endurance and good health for you all.
Posted by: Ken Cwikula on 2/2/2020 at 12:20 am
Super Bowl Argentina!! Got my popcorn popping and cheering all of you on ! Yay team
Posted by: Katie and Jeannette on 2/1/2020 at 10:20 am
After all of yesterday's excitement, the team gathered for a celebratory dinner followed by margaritas, then went to bed. We slept hard after a long day's work and greatly enjoyed the comforts of our Tlachichuca amenities. This morning we were awakened by the crows of many local roosters, letting us know it was time to head home. We drank our hot coffee and ate delicious frittatas, then loaded the bus and headed for the airport. We said our goodbyes and headed off to our gates, feeling like we'd been together in Mexico for much longer than just nine short days.
Thanks again for following along and we hope you've enjoyed sharing the journey with us!
February 19, 2020
Posted by: Eric Frank, Jenny Konway
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 17,340'
Hi, this is RMI Guides Jenny Konway and Eric Frank calling in from the summit of Ixtaccihuatl with a full team. We reached the summit at 7:45 this morning. We are hanging out, taking some photos and we'll head back down soon. The team is psyched.
RMI Guide Jenny Konway calls from the summit of Ixtaccihuatl.
Damn those high winds and white out conditions!! Obviously the right call to make! Have fun in Mexico City. Looking forward to seeing pics and hearing stories. Safe travels!
Posted by: Chip on 2/1/2020 at 12:24 pm
You’re all unstoppable!!! Warm greetings from Florida and Boston!
Posted by: Team Alden on 1/31/2020 at 8:06 am
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