Today, the team climbed from Camp 2 at 18,000 feet to High Camp at right about 20,000 feet! Everyone is feeling good, eating well and excited to take a shot at the summit early tomorrow morning.
Adrian called in to give us the update and the excitement in his voice is palpable. The winds are still forecasted to be stiff in the morning, but hopefully they will prove tolerable and the day remains clear.
In the morning, the team will have a quick breakfast and plenty of hot drinks before bundling up and starting the climb to the top. The first hour entails following switchbacks up the north shoulder of the mountain. After an hour or so, they will enjoy the warmth of the sun as it hits the eastern side of the mountain. Climbing another hour or so, they will cross over the north shoulder to the shady west side of the mountain, following a long, rising traverse to a prominent cave at about 22,000′. Above the cave is the infamous “canaleta,” a steep gully that leads up to the summit ridge. Just another 20-30 minutes of climbing will (hopefully!) see them standing on the summit pf South America!
Think warm thoughts and let’s wish our climbers all the best tomorrow. We’ll keep you posted as they check in during the day.
Here’s Adrian!
