Posts by Robert Gropel
Mount Elbrus Summit Russia August 2017
Mount Everest Nepal May 2016
Denali Summit Alaska 2015 (Second attempt)
Again, it was a little daunting going back for a second time. You don’t want to go back a third time. Four members in our group were also going back a second time. Once again, we went with Alpine Ascents and were pleased with the service and the guides. Marisa took extra care with her…
Read MoreAconcagua Summit Argentina 2014/15 (Second attempt)
It is a little daunting going back to the same mountain for a second time- in your mind everything has to be perfect and nothing is left to chance except, of course, for the weather. The prospect of going back a third time was not an option. We went with Inka Expediciones and were happy…
Read MoreKilimanjaro Summit Africa 2014
This was a fun trip and relatively straightforward. My parents came along (dad 72, mum 68 years old at the time). Marisa and I summited in 3 ½ hrs from high camp, our guide was running on energiser batteries and I was completely exhausted at the top. We descended into the crater which was the…
Read MoreDenali Summit Alaska 2013 (First attempt)
Our hardest trip yet and our first real multi-day glacier experience. We went with Alpine Ascents and were very happy with their service. Our guides Seth and Sam did everything possible to help us perform at our maximum ability. The weather 90% of the time was absolutely perfect. Unfortunately Marisa developed a severe bronchitis midway…
Read MoreNepal. Mera peak, Ampha Lapsu Pass, Island Peak, Khala Phatar, Base camp Everest. 2012
This trip was very special. We went with Nepal Vision Trek and would recommend them to anyone. They provided first class everything, but most importantly our head guide, Pemba Sherpa, who was an amazing guide and person that we became good friends with along with the other sherpas during our trip. This made our experience…
Read MoreMount Ararat Turkey 2011
One of my favourite climbs- beautiful mountain, beautiful people. I’m not religious, but one can’t deny the biblical history surrounding that mountain which made it much more special. Relatively easy climb which allowed us to really enjoy the experience. And no, we didn’t find the ark.
Read MoreNew Zealand Milford track 2010
2010- New Zealand- Milford track (turned around due to flooding and had to wade back through waist height water), Kepler track.
Read MoreInca trail, El Misti, First attempt Aconcagua Summit Argentina 2009
We were naive on this trip. We planned on working our way up in altitude and the plan was solid: start at Cusco (3400m), hike the Inca trail (4215m), then climb the huge volcano El Misti (5822m), then Aconcagua (6960m). El Misti was amazing and taught us how cold it can get in the early…
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