Aconcagua Expedition: Luedtke & Team Carry Gear to Camp 1
Posted by: Ben Luedtke, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Ben, Ray and team carry to Camp 1.
In a way, today was the official start of the climb portion of this adventure. Each of us has different motivation and reason for being here. Each of us, a different climbing background. Each of us, a different training regimen. However, today more than ever it was apparent that we are in total unison in moving toward our shared goal of standing atop South America.
Teamwork was on full display with the fist bumps, high fives, and words of encouragement throughout our entire 4 hour ascent to cache gear and food at Camp 1. Walking up the last section of very loose scree and dirt is indescribable. Every step you took, the ground gave way beneath your feet. With my seriously heavy pack, I struggled to get footing. The frustration was high inside my head as I felt like a hamster in a wheel. Before I knew what was happening, Big Scree cut in front of me and kicked the most glorious steps I have ever seen as he turned his head and said “I got you”. Team work made the dream work.
As we rolled into Camp 1 we all eagerly emptied our packs into the cache sacks and took a seat on the camp chairs inside the Grajales dome tent. When all were seated around the table, we were presented with a challenge to move as quickly but as controlled as possible down the scree fields. We were told it was a test and we were all down to take it. With a little bit of excitement in the air at the challenge at hand we took off for base camp. Scree skiing was just the fun we needed after our heavy push uphill. There was giggling, laughing, more encouragement and a feeling of freedom I can’t really explain. With the test behind us and A’s all around, we got the afternoon to relax and celebrate our own little personal victories today.
You never know what the mountain is going to give you on any given day, or what Mother Nature is going to present you with. Heck, you don’t even know what your own body is going to throw at you. We have learned this firsthand as a group. Every day we get to spend on this mountain is a gift, including the hard and heavy days like today. We are all so grateful to be here and to be with two amazing, positive and encouraging guides- Ben and Ray.
Jojo, CMan and IzBiz- I want you to know that what I did today was hard, but I did it. And I’ll do it again and again and again because there is no better feeling than not giving up on your goals. They’re worth it! Shoot for the moon and see where you land. BPerk- thanks for ALWAYS encouraging me, you are the best thing.
RMI Climber Christine Perkinson
Comments (6)
You are such an inspiration. These pictures look beautiful but I know it’s impossible. Keep crushing that mountain!
Posted by: Joni on
Go CP! We are so pumped for you and your team! We are high fiving and fiat bumping with you in spirit:) Keep kicking ass! -LV and the fam
Posted by: The Verners on
C! What a great update. Can’t wait to see you standing on top of South America! This takes mucho cojones…you are such an inspiration. Sending Love, #RockOn -WD
Posted by: Whitney on
Christine thanks for the awesome update! I was scheduled to be “embracing the suck” with all of you, before injury ended my adventure before it started. Just know that there are SO many rooting for the team! Just remember the MDGAF (ask Jared and Tim for details). The mountain will ultimately decide who gets a crack at the summit. Work hard, embrace the suck, and come home safely. You are carrying the torch for many!
Posted by: Michael Montico on
Hi mom! You got this I believe in you!! I hope you’re having so much fun in your natural habitat!
Posted by: Josephine Perkinson on
Andrew better double up on the sunscreen on those virgin white legs - bravely exposed on the river crossing. Holy cow man, does the sun ever shine in AMARILLO!
Posted by: Myles on