Trip Reports
Our team is one step closer!! Wayne, Mike, Barry, Fermin and I had our team meeting yesterday and completed our equipment checks before going our to a phenomenal restaurant called Azafrans. Interestingly, we all ordered the same surf and turf entree of filet mignon and prawns. I reckon that bodes we’ll for establishing the necessary…
Guide Joe Butler called in to give a report on the team’s progress the past few days. The recording is not the best, and Joe’s voice goes in and out, but we were able to understand that the team moved to Low Camp on January 11th and had a rest day on January 12th. They…
The boys carried some food and gear up to Camp 1 at over 16,000 ft today for a little acclimatization hike. They dropped back down to base camp and will spend another full day there to give Duncan some solid acclimatization before moving higher to sleep in Camp 1. Here’s Duncan calling from base camp:…
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 via a river valley that…
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 is his 3rd expedition this…
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 a beautiful meadow. It is…
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, or mule drivers, are preparing…
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 team is excited to head…
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!