Entries By brent okita
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Monday, August 5, 2024 - 7:47 PM PT
After a slippery walk down from Mweka Camp we made it to the Mweka Gate in good shape. Legs were feeling the 13,000' descent of the past two days but smiles were broad as we knew we had done it.
A celebratory lunch and fun farewell festivities with our mountain crew closed out this wonderful climb. Riding back to the hotel thought of a shower was not the only thing on the team's mind as I know I wasn't the only one thinking back on our time on the mountain.
After we exhausted the hotel of all its hot water washing off layers of dust from our bodies, we enjoyed a dinner celebration to recognize our huge accomplishment. Yes, we climbed a big mountain but more, we had an incredible experience where we made new friends, shared time with folks from a very different culture and maybe even learned a little something about ourselves too.
Then we headed to the soft, cushy bed our tired bodies craved after a week of sleeping on a 1" pad. What luxury!
And now... another beginning: the safari!
RMI Guide Brent Okita
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari, July 27, 2024
Sunday, August 4, 2024 - 1:13 AM PT
The team reached the summit of Kilimanjaro this morning at around 7:00am in sunny but cold and windy conditions. We reached Point Stella as the sun was rising above the horizon, offering us a much needed lift from the toil of climbing in the dark since midnight.
We just got back to camp and will be treated to a celebratory lunch before packing up and descending another 5,000' to the thick air of Mweka Camp. Then, finally, we'll be able to enjoy a much needed rest.
Jambo from Barafu Camp, 15,200'
RMI Guide Brent Okita
PC: Brent Okita
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari, July 27, 2024
Jambo from Barafu Camp, 15,200', where we're getting ready to go to the summit tonight!
We enjoyed our shortest walk of the week this morning with the route being direct and quite enjoyable. Traversing around a significant bit of the mountain has allowed us to enjoy Kili from many aspects. And now we can finally see the route that will take us to crater rim, and from there, the summit!
The team is feeling well and we're all primed for tonight's midnight start. The weather has been incredible and I don't see it changing any time soon.
A hot lunch in half an hour will be followed by an early dinner then bed as we prepare ourselves for the big climb.
Wish us luck tonight and we'll follow up tomorrow.
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari, July 27, 2024
Great picture of the TEAM! Such an accomplishment! Keep on keeping on! Can’t wait to see the summit picture! Go Carrie and Jeff!
Posted by: Annette Reaves on 8/3/2024 at 4:16 pm
Prayers and good thoughts, Kayla, as you and your team begin your climb to the summit.
Maxine Byrnes
Posted by: Maxine Byrnes on 8/3/2024 at 3:53 pm
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The team is getting good at getting packed up and being ready to climb after breakfast. We left camp early to avoid some of the crowds we encountered on Barranco Wall. Although many in the team were anxious about this climb, everyone crushed it this morning! Our local guides were on it too, helping me spot the more challenging parts and coach those who needed a little more guidance. Our wonderful camp staff were at the top to celebrate our ascent with tea, chips, popcorn and shortbread biscuits.
Arriving at Karanga Camp we were treated to a hot lunch: Breaded pork cutlets. German potato salad, hot cucumber soup was on the menu, with banana fritters and apple tarts for dessert. Mmmmm. Now, a siesta before teatime and dinner. Yeah, tough life here at 13,100'!
One day closer to the summit!!!
RMI Guide Brent Okita & Team
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari, July 27, 2024
So excited for you Carrie and Jeff. Looks like an amazing adventure!!
Posted by: Tammy Johnson on 8/3/2024 at 6:14 am
It looks appropriately chilly and rather treacherous!! So proud of you, Carrie and Jeff.
Posted by: Sherry Kennedy on 8/2/2024 at 1:56 pm
Thursday, August 1, 2024
What a spectacular day! The weather and temps have been perfect. Our gradual grind up the Shira Plateau took a while as we were pacing ourselves for the long run. Our goal: Lava Tower at 15,200'. A new altitude record for most of the group. Lunch, or course, was prepared and served to us when we got there. Quite a few of us felt the elevation and were happy to just lie down. The descent to Barranco Camp revived many of us. We're psyched for tomorrow's big climb up the Barranco Wall!
RMI Guide Brent Okita
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari, July 27, 2024
You are amazing Kayla climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. Stay safe and enjoy the adventure of a life time.
Maxine
Posted by: Maxine Byrnes on 8/1/2024 at 6:24 pm
Your trip looks amazing Alan! So happy for you all. What a fantastic life-changing experience :) Good luck tomorrow!
Posted by: Brenda Cowe on 8/1/2024 at 2:37 pm
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
The route to Shira Camp is interesting and beautiful. The sharp ascent out of camp wakes the body to the challenges ahead. The wonderful views of Mt Meru and the lowlands below us highlight the cool rock formations we need to climb and traverse to get to the Shira Plateau. The view of Kilimanjaro's summit with her sadly disappearing glaciers get closer and more evocative as we get higher and higher. The team is doing well as the camp staff do their best to fatten us up for the summit in a few days. At 12,500' we are getting our first taste of real altitude, and are tactics for dealing with it are working well. Tonight will be the first of a few chilly nights, but our bodies are gradually acclimating to it, as to mountain life in general. We're looking forward to a big day tomorrow. 15,200' will be an altitude record for many. Next: Barranco Camp! Good night!
RMI Guide Brent Okita
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari, July 27, 2024
So proud of you Myriam! You got this! Keep pushing and have fun!!!
Love Randy
Posted by: Randy Seay on 7/31/2024 at 6:54 pm
Way to go Kayla! So excited to hear about your adventure when you return.
Posted by: Mike Byrnes on 7/31/2024 at 4:51 pm
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Machame camp! The day was perfect for our hike to camp just below 10,000'. As the giant Heather replaced the canopy of the rain forest, the sun turned. We have great weather here with a view of the summit of Kili we rarely see through the clouds.
Our chefs worked their magic and beautifully replaced the energy we burned getting here. Now it's time for bed. We're all sleepy from our early start.
Good night!
RMI Guide Brent Okita and Team
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari, July 27, 2024
I’m so amazed by you Kayla! I can’t wait to hear all about your adventure! Hope all of you are having an amazing time!
Posted by: stephanie psick on 8/1/2024 at 7:38 am
Look at you guys go! We knew Jeff could do this but I’m SO PROUD OF YOU! What a role model. GO CARRIE! Stay safe both of you!
Posted by: Annette Reaves on 7/31/2024 at 11:50 am
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Monday, July 29, 2024
This morning breakfast lasted until lunchtime almost. Yes, we were talking about the climb to come, but with this amiable group discussions eventually turned into conversations and time flew by.
The sun finally broke through the cloud deck, and we actually felt great wearing shorts out. This worked well for our equipment check, and I was pleasantly surprised that folks had what they needed to climb this mountain.
Following a late lunch, we met up with a couple Tanzanian friends, one of whom offered to drive some of the group into town for a little sightseeing.
All our mtn duffels have been packed and weighed, our packs loaded and we're ready to start climbing!
To the Machame Gate!!!
RMI Guide Brent Okita
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari, July 27, 2024
Posted by: Brent Okita
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Sunday, July 28, 2024 - 12:39 pm PT
At last the team is all together and ready to begin this extraordinary African adventure. As many people came in earlier they lost no time figuring out how to explore and learn more of this amazing country. Guided town walks were a big hit, as was a safari into our own nearby Arusha National Park.
Last night four of us were met by Emmanuel, the manager of Barking Zebra Tours, two of us enduring 24 hour straight push from Seattle.
Our last climber came in this afternoon, luggage in hand, so we're set for Day 1 of the trip.
Now, to catch up on some sleep and hope the jet lag keeps getting better.
Talk tomorrow!
RMI Guide Brent Okita
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari, July 27, 2024
So proud of you Alan and can’t wait to see and hear all about it! With you in spirit! Love and miss you lots! Pierre, Coco and little Bert say hi :)
Posted by: Brenda Cowe on 7/30/2024 at 5:48 am
You got this Mimi (Myriam)! Push hard and see you when you get home. Love, Randy
PS. I hope you have the time of your life … Miss you!!!
Posted by: Randy Seay on 7/30/2024 at 5:35 am
Posted by: Brent Okita, Dominic Cifelli, Ben Thorneycroft, Joey Manship, Dylan Anderson, Bailey Servais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 12,300'
The Four Day Climb July 22 - 25 led by RMI Guides Brent Okita and Dominic Cifelli reached the top of Disappointment Cleaver at 12,300' this morning before windy conditions and route conditions forced them to turn back. The teams are now back at Camp Muir. They will continue their descent to Paradise later this morning.
Congratulations Alan Janecke, so happy for you!!
Posted by: Kyle Hall on 8/5/2024 at 10:38 am
Way to go Kayla never had any doubt you would reach the summit.
What an exhilarating experience.
Enjoy your travels back down the MT. Rest when you and your team are able.
Posted by: Maxine on 8/4/2024 at 3:12 pm
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