Aconcagua Expedition: Wedel & Team Retreat Safely to Base Camp
Hola friends,
As we watched the winds continue to move across the upper mountain, we kept doing what we’ve done this entire expedition — gathering information, having honest conversations, and making thoughtful decisions with the reality in front of us.
The truth is this: we can prepare perfectly and still not be promised the summit.
Over the past weeks, this team has done everything within their control. We carried heavy loads when it would have been easier not to. We rested when rest felt unnatural. We ate when we weren’t hungry. We drank water when it was freezing. We managed headaches, wind, and the slow grind of altitude. We adapted when the forecast changed. We showed up for each other.
We put ourselves in position.
And that’s not a small thing.
Many other teams descended but we kept hope and we kept trying.
But Aconcagua does not negotiate. She doesn’t bend to training plans, travel schedules, or how badly we want it. The winds remained strong enough that continuing higher would have crossed the line from determined into unsafe.
So at 21,400 feet on the Grand Traverse, we made the call.
Turning around is never dramatic in the moment. It’s measured. It’s a look at each other and a nod of the head. It’s built on experience and trust. And on big mountains, it’s often the decision that defines a team more than a summit photo ever could.
No one here failed. No one fell short. This team did the work. They earned the chance. And sometimes earning the chance — and having the wisdom to step back when the mountain says no — is the deeper success.
We walk down proud.
And grateful.
And ready for a shower and warmth.
RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the A-team
Comments (2)
Still an adventure, no matter what!!!
Posted by: Erika on
Great job team! Proud of you!
Posted by: Wayne Johnson on