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Aconcagua: Cifelli & Team Summit and Return Safely to High Camp

Why do we climb mountains? It’s a pretty common question anybody in the mountain community gets asked. The beauty of the answer is that for each of us, it’s different. There is a common thread though. Being in the mountains, for all its tropes about toughness, grit, and partial insanity,  is uniquely vulnerable. Among the towering peaks and grand vistas it’s easy to feel small and that’s what we like about it. When you step out the door for an expedition you don’t know if you’ll come back successful, but the unknown and discomfort in each step is the allure that draws us back again and again. We find truths  about ourselves in the discomfort and vulnerability of mountain life that we can’t tap into in our everyday lives. The real truth is,  that being comfortable is overrated, and being vulnerable, the opposite. We summitted Aconcagua today. It was the best summit day I’ve ever had on the mountain. Windy, shaded traverses, that usually get my toes numb just thinking about them, were calm and warm (ish). Instead of hiding behind a buff or neoprene face mask to save skin, it was swapped with sun screen and lip balm. We made our way up the Stone Sentinel slowly, but surely, and stood atop at around 2:30pm local time. We were likely the highest people touching earth at the time. As we descended the clouds came in and by the time we were back in the safety of our tent we were happy to not hold that title any longer. Thunder, lightning, grapple the size of marbles started as soon as the last zipper zipped. We had timed the day perfectly. We will sleep well tonight, or as well as you can at 19,600 ft. Tomorrow we will descend to Basecamp and enjoy the food, warmth, and company.

RMI Guide Dominic Cifelli


Comments (7)

Go Mary Beth and team! You are awesome. She saw the mountain, and it was climbed. I’m so excited for you! Ellis

Posted by: Ellis Richman on

Good luck team!  Be safe and enjoy!  Love you Dom!  Uncle artie.

Posted by: Arthur Cifelli on

Way to go, Mary Beth! Congratulations to the team!

Posted by: Carol Gover on

Hey Team!  Congratulations.  Amazing accomplishment. I can’t wait to see pics from the summit!  Be safe on the descent and trek out of the Vacas Valley.  Will connect with you all when you are back on the grid. 

All my best, TICO

Posted by: Cameron Presley on

Congratulations to you all!  Well done.  Godspeed on your journey home. 243

Posted by: Dad & Darla on

Congrats on the summit, all! Cheers from Apex, NC where we look forward to welcoming back John R.! Impressive accomplishment!

Posted by: Brian Alexander on

Yayyyy!  Congratulations everyone!  Been following every day and very happy for all of you.

Posted by: Elaine stypula on

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