January 12, 2014
Greetings from hot and sunny Mendoza, Argentina! Our last Aconcagua team of the climbing season is scheduled to meet tomorrow morning to finalize our preparations for an ascent of the highest peak in South America. The expedition will take us at least two weeks and we will approach the mountain
January 12, 2014
Duncan and Jacob made it to the "Plaza Argentina" base camp yesterday and spent the day acclimatizing and resting today. It sounds like things are going great and they are staying healthy and happy. Jacob took his "rest" day and went up to high camp for a little hike (this
January 10, 2014
Duncan called in tonight from their 2nd camp on the hike in to base camp on Aconcagua which is known as Casa de Piedra, or House of Stone. It's the first spot on the trip where they get a really good view of the mountain and they are camped in
January 9, 2014
Today Jacob and Duncan made their way up the Vacas Valley to their camp at Pampa de Lenas. The team followed the Vacas river for about four hours before reaching camp. Jacob reports good weather and good company! The team is in for a treat tonight for dinner. The arrieros,
January 8, 2014
Lead guide Jacob Schmitz called in this morning to report that he and Duncan were well fed, well rested, and headed to Penitentes. Yesterday they secured their climbing permits, finalized their gear and savored their last "town" meal for several weeks. Jacob said it's been hot in Mendoza, so the
January 6, 2014
Guide Joe Butler called this afternoon to report that the team is back at Vinson Base Camp. They plan to have a relaxing evening, resting and hydrating. If the weather cooperates the team will fly back to Union Glacier tomorrow. Fingers crossed for good weather!
January 5, 2014
The team called from the top of Antarctica! They had a long, difficult summit day, but as the approached the top, they were treated to an absolutely clear view in all directions, as they had climbed above the clouds. Joe called in and told me that it had been cold
January 4, 2014
The team moved up to high camp yesterday, ascending over 3000 ft and the steepest terrain of the climb. It was a big day of climbing, but they did well and enjoyed a well earned rest day today. The weather has been good, everyone is rested, and they hope to
January 2, 2014
With significant winds up high and an improving weather forecast, the team elected to stay put at Low Camp today. The winds were blowing at higher elevation but the team enjoyed a nice, calm day at Low Camp so they took advantage of the good weather and went for a
January 1, 2014
Joe Butler called in a nice New Year's post from low camp on Mount Vinson. They took a rest day today, after making the move up the Branscomb Glacier to their current camp, at about 10,000'. Today was spent resting, acclimatizing and reviewing skills that they will use when they
