Erika called in a post that provides some very nice details about their day hiking up the steep and narrow Relinchos Valley. The team made great time on their hardest day of the trip to date, as they climbed about 3,000′ (1000m) from the broad, glacial plain of the Vacas Valley, along the tributary, Relinchos River, which has carved a narrow defile where the two meet.
Looking up the Relinchos valley, from the point where it begins to broaden, and just before the one stream crossing of the day.
Erika mentions the views, which are truly staggering. Aconcagua looms above the head of the valley, and provides a dramatic backdrop each time you look ahead.
Five hours of trekking saw them arrive at the Plaza Argentina Base Camp, the primary site for teams to make their final preparations on the east side of the mountain. They will rest here tomorrow and spend at least four nights at this elevation before moving up to Camp 1 on the mountain.
Here’s Erika!
