Aconcagua Expedition: Gorum & Team Enoy the Sun at Camp 2
Posted by: JM Gorum, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
We’ll call today a weather day. Usually, a team takes a weather day when conditions are too poor to move camp or carry gear higher on the mountain. We took a weather day today solely to take advantage of the first sun and calm winds that we’ve seen in 36 hours. The past few days have been a real test of everyone’s resolve here at Camp Two. Before today, we have basically only left our tents to go to the bathroom, and to do that we had to suit up in boots, parkas, gloves, and goggles.
So much of expedition climbing is mental, and that kind of living wears away at everyone. It has done us a lot of good to stand around outside today, sip tea in the sun, and actually enjoy our unique position high in the Andes. Turns out there are actually some really nice views up here. In addition to healing any mental frayed ends, we dried out all of our gear, re-organized, and dialed in our cold weather systems for our summit day. We went on a walk towards high camp to get some blood flowing, and prepped ourselves for the coming days. We will move to high camp tomorrow, and try for the summit on the 12th. Starting tomorrow the days go by quickly, and after our reboot today everyone is chomping at the bit. We’ll check in tomorrow, hopefully from 19,600 feet.
RMI Guides JM Gorum, Hannah Smith, and Avery Parrinello
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Comments (15)
Clayton, pull your strength through your team. Help the ones that need it and accept the help from the others.
High camp and then summit push. You have your window and one chance at at.
Good luck to you all and a safe summit and descent.
Posted by: Brent Wolfe on
George you rock, it looks and sounds pretty intense! Now that you are out of phone range etc you can’t call me for pointers and the “What’s next?” But the hard core training I ran you through on the “Great Griffith Climb” I know you got this!
Stay safe and have fun Bro!
Posted by: Becket on
Standing around drinking tea in the sun? Busted! Get after it George! Seriously, we are really stoked for you. Sleep deep, eat hearty, hydrate and get (safely) to the summit and home again!
Posted by: sean townsend on
Dude, making us all feel fucking lazy as hell. Safe travels back good friend. Looking forward treating ice cold beer when you get back
Posted by: Chris Voight on
Sounds like a mentally tough group. Enjoy! Safe Passage to all.
Posted by: Joe Parrinello on
Omg George !!! You’re amazing! I can’t even begin to imagine how tough this is!!! But if anyone can do it you can! Good luck and see you soon ❤️
Posted by: Genesis on
Have a great summit! Looking forward to the pictures.
Posted by: Shannon Smith on
So amazing George! You are an inspiration. Hoping for calmer days as you get to that peak!
Posted by: Amique on
Hi George and to everyone with you. I’m excited for you all! Be safe and have a successful climb!
Posted by: Jill Reichel on
Keep up the hard work Joe!! We are missing you at home and can’t wait to hear you made the summit!
Posted by: Kathy O'Donnell on
Good job hanging in there, all! Glad things are looking brighter for summit day.
GO GEORGE!
Posted by: Rex on
George my man!! Been missin ya on the rock back home! Glad you’ve gotten to enjoy some sun up there and good luck over the next two days!
Posted by: Alex V on
Cheering you on George. You’ve surely impressed me with your passion and resolve. Here’s to good weather and sleep. ❤️
Posted by: Debbie on
Enjoy this respit from the wind and weather! I’m getting excited for you all to reach that summit!! Wishing you all clear skies and gentle winds till you’re off that mountain :)
And GO GEORGE!! Team Ford is rooting you on!! XXOO
Posted by: Kim Ford on
Safe hiking to the team. Hola, to Nik and Andrew. Enjoy the moment. We look forward to hearing about your adventure.
Posted by: Martin Family on