Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Aconcagua: Justman and Team arrive back at High Camp

December 30, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Leah Fisher

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

Hey everyone this is JJ Justman with Team Two on Aconcagua. I believe you all heard through my last dispatch that we were on the summit of Aconcagua. I just want to report that everyone is safe and sound. We are here at high camp. Our work is not yet, at least not for the guides. We are busy getting water and snow melting to get everyone rehydrated and refueled. We had a long day, probably had to say that it was one of my toughest climbs in regards to the weather. It was cold and windy and just took a lot out of us. The team did an absolutely fantastic job! I’m really proud of everyone they did a great job climbing and we are really happy to be back at camp. We are going to be heading back to Base Camp tomorrow. That’s a big day of carrying heavy loads. We do have some porters coming up to help out, which is good. We will touch base tomorrow when we get back into Base Camp. We will get into some of those nice luxuries that we have been missing for the past week or so. Thanks for following along everyone, we will touch base tomorrow. Bye Bye!

JJ Justman calling in from High Camp

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Congrats Kim and team!!! So excited for you. What an amazing way to close out 2013!

In awe,
fran, dan and sophie

Posted by: fran on 12/31/2013 at 9:01 am

Congrats JJ on another summit - I had a great time down there last year!!!!!!

Posted by: Jeff Hall on 12/31/2013 at 8:18 am

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Aconcagua: Stevens and Team Trek to Pampa de Leñas

December 30, 2013

Posted by: Ben Liken

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 9,000'

Today dawned with crystal blue skies and high energy for the team at the hotel in Penitentes. We made our way to a delicious breakfast of bacon, eggs, cheese and ham, washed it all down with coffee and orange juice, and headed over to the staging area for last-minute preparations. Within a half hour, we had the duffels fully locked and loaded, trekking packs ready, and were on our way. Everybody was ready for the exercise after a couple of days of bife de chorizo and Malbec, and within the first half hour we had hit our stride. Steady hiking took us further and further up the Vacas valley, along the west side of the turbid and roaring Vacas river. The scenery and stories kept our minds off the strong sun, and within a few hours we arrived here at our first camp, Pampa de Leñas. A few other folks have moved in next to us. They are friendly and excited as we are to be here in this beautiful place. We are currently watching the sun slide behind the mountains, with dinner the next immediate goal. Everyone is healthy, strong, and stoked to continue up the valley tomorrow. Thanks for watching our progress; stay tuned! RMI Guides Nick, Ben, and Garrett

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Happy New Year from NYC!

Although it is great to bring the New Year in the Big Apple, nothing can compare to be in Aconcagua right now!!!

Happy 2014 to the team…

Matilde

Posted by: Matilde on 12/31/2013 at 6:04 pm

Hey G Good luck on the climb - wish I was there again and remember FILTER the water!!!!

Jeff

Posted by: Jeff Hall on 12/31/2013 at 8:22 am

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Aconcagua: Beren and Team Carry to Camp 2

December 30, 2013

Posted by: Jake Beren, Mike King, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,000'

The team is relaxing at Camp 1 for siesta time. In case all you fine folks back home think all we do is eat and nap, allow me to retort. We do as much of that as we can to be sure, but this morning we pushed a load up to 18,000 feet in preparation of our eventual move to Guanacos (named for the llama type creatures native to the lower flanks of the mountain) Camp, our Camp 2. After making it up there, we cached a fair bit of gear and beat feet back to Camp 1. Today serves to make our packs lighter for the move and give the team a taste of a new altitude. We will rest this afternoon and probably tomorrow before busting higher. By then out bodies should be lean, mean climbing machines. Keep those fingers crossed amigos! Jake, Mike, Steve and Team

On The Map

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Sha Du. Thinking bout you brother!

Posted by: DD on 12/31/2013 at 8:27 am

Hermano!! The Banana just showed this to me! Very cool!! I would like to inquire, who is carrying the champagne?! Regardless- Happy New Year!

Posted by: Dimples on 12/31/2013 at 6:54 am

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team on Summit!

December 30, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Leah Fisher

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 22,841'

Hello everyone, This is JJ Justman and RMI Team # 2 standing on the highest mountain in South America in the western hemisphere of the world. We had a great day climbing it was a very tough day climbing, it was very cold. It's still a little breezy up here on top, but not bad. Everyone is doing well and we're looking forward to walking down hill and back into camp and recovering. So that's it for now from the summit. Everyone is doing great. We will touch base again when we make it back to camp safe and sound. But like I said everyone just did a phenomenal job today. Take care and we'll touch base again soon. This is Team 2 from the summit of Aconcagua out.

RMI Guide JJ Justman calls from the summit of Aconcagua.

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Kim, what an incredible feat! We are all very proud to know you. Take care of yourself. Happy New Year from Francesco, Katerina, Marina, Luca and Nadia.
P.S. Did you know Nashville is so hot right now?

Posted by: Francesco on 12/31/2013 at 8:24 pm

Hi Kim, We are so proud of you!!!!....This was your goal for 2 years & you kept your focus & tenacity….YOU DID IT!....Words cannot describe our feelings of joy for you in reaching this major goal ...We can’t wait to hear from you!!!...Love You, Dad & Trish

Posted by: SHEL on 12/30/2013 at 5:38 pm

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Ready for Summit Bid

December 30, 2013

Posted by: Leah Fisher, JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

Hey, this is JJ and Leah up here at High Camp 19,600' finishing up the hot drinks and breakfast for our team. It's about 4:30 in the morning, a little bit of wind today but it's looking like it's going to be a nice day to climb Aconcagua. So the team is up and at 'em, getting ready for our summit attempt. Wish us luck! And hopefully we will have some great news for you a little later on today. We'll touch base hopefully from the top of South American's highest mountain. Take care, JJ Justman

RMI Guide JJ Justman checks in prior to summit bid on Aconcagua.

On The Map

Aconcagua: Beren & Team Move to Camp 1

December 29, 2013

Posted by: Jake Beren, Mike King, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,000'

Buenos tardes from Aconcagua! Our team enjoyed a great rest day yesterday and it really paid off today on our move to Camp One. Everyone did a great job pushing these big packs uphill and we are recovering with our afternoon siesta from the day's labor. Tomorrow we hope to carry higher and begin to position ourselves for an eventual shot at the top. But first thing's first, time to relax at our new home at over 16,000 feet! RMI Guide Jake Beren

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Way to go Monica, will be watching this blog daily

Cynthia

Posted by: Cynthia Swanson on 12/30/2013 at 2:31 pm

Excellent work team! Go Monica! We are proud of you and love you.

Posted by: Elliot Marseille on 12/30/2013 at 11:13 am

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Aconcagua: Stevens & Team Secure Permits, Depart Mendoza

December 29, 2013

Posted by: Ben Liken

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Today's mission: obtain permits, get the last few items on the shopping list, and head out to Penitentes. We started early, taking advantage of the cooler temps to head over to the payment and permit offices. Like many things here in Argentina, opening times for businesses are relative and quite fluid, so we ended up at the offices just a bit before they were open. Good thing we did, too, as there were about 50 other folks on the same itinerary as our team! We got the payments taken care of, headed over to the Permit office, and settled in for the long haul of stamping, reviewing, signing, and getting back the completed permits. Permits in hand, we headed back to the hotel to pack our bags onto the waiting transport. For those who don't know, it takes a mountain of luggage to climb a mountain like Aconcagua. The team is now packed and ready to go. We are heading out for Penitentes to pack bags, get to bed, and start the trek in to Base Camp tomorrow. The crew looks good as you can see here, so keep sending the good vibes as we start this incredible journey! RMI Guides Garrett, Ben, and Nick

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Looks like your ready. Have fun!! See ya on the dance floor when you get back:-)

Posted by: Martha on 12/30/2013 at 9:05 am

Everybody looks ready, great picture !!!

Let the fun begin ...best wishes..

Matilde

Posted by: Matilde on 12/29/2013 at 6:12 pm

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Wait Out the Winds

December 29, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Leah Fisher

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

Update: 5:56 am PT It's a little bit of the high camp blues up here at 19,600 feet on a Sunday afternoon. Will someone please magically tell us what's going on in the nfl?! The winds are still strong but we are having more lulls which is a good sign. Now it's a waiting game. We need the winds to be reasonable to make a safe summit attempt. And if there is one thing Aconcagua is known for...it's wind. We are hoping for the best! Voicemail: 2:59 am PT: Hey Everyone - This is Team 2 up at High Camp on Aconcagua at 19,600’, I am trying not to yell right now, but if you hear that noise, that is the wind. As I speak the tent walls are slapping me in the face. We did not go the summit today, it definitely was way too windy. But the word on the street, is the winds are supposed to die down later this evening and through tomorrow so keep your fingers crossed. Everyone here is doing really well. We are making the best out of a windy day . Keeping some hot drinks going for the gang and making some breakfast. We will be hanging out and making sure these tents don’t go any where. Thanks for following along. Everyone is safe and sound, we will check in later, hopefully with some good news tomorrow. RMI Guide JJ Justman

RMI Guide JJ Justman checks in from 19,600 ft on Aconcagua.

On The Map

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Dec 30 - Results from the NFL games on Sunday (home team in CAPS)

INDIANAPOLIS 30 Jacksonville 10

NY Jets 20 MIAMI 7

MINNESOTA 14 Detroit 13

TENNESSEE 16 Houston 10

PITTSBURGH 20 Cleveland 7

NY GIANTS 20 Washington 6

CINCINNATI 34 Baltimore 17

Carolina 21 ATLANTA 20

Green Bay 33 CHICAGO 28

NEW ENGLAND 34 Buffalo 20

NEW ORLEANS 42 Tampa Bay 17

Denver 34 OAKLAND 14

San Francisco 23 ARIZONA 20

SAN DIEGO 27 Kansas City 24 (OT)

SEATTLE 27 St. Louis 9
Dec 30 (Infostrada Sports) - Results from the NFL games on Sunday (home team in CAPS)

INDIANAPOLIS 30 Jacksonville 10

NY Jets 20 MIAMI 7

MINNESOTA 14 Detroit 13

TENNESSEE 16 Houston 10

PITTSBURGH 20 Cleveland 7

NY GIANTS 20 Washington 6

CINCINNATI 34 Baltimore 17

Carolina 21 ATLANTA 20

Green Bay 33 CHICAGO 28

NEW ENGLAND 34 Buffalo 20

NEW ORLEANS 42 Tampa Bay 17

Denver 34 OAKLAND 14

San Francisco 23 ARIZONA 20

SAN DIEGO 27 Kansas City 24 (OT)

SEATTLE 27 St. Louis 9

Philadelphia 24 DALLAS 22

Detroit, Oakland, Washington Cleveland and Minnesota have all fired the head coaches! It’s Black Monday for sure! I hope the wind calms down! Happy New Year! Go Sparty!

Posted by: Stacy on 12/30/2013 at 7:54 am

HI KIM!!! Hope you’re not having tent fever! Do you all tell each other ghost stories to pass the time?? Good luck and hope those winds blow themselves out! AT

Posted by: Alison on 12/30/2013 at 7:30 am

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Aconcagua: Garrett Stevens & Team - Greetings from Mendoza!

December 28, 2013

Posted by: Ben Liken

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Hello from our RMI Aconcagua expedition, here in sunny Mendoza! The team all arrived today, with the last members landing just before 2:00 local time. All the crew, and all the bags, were on time and in place, which is the perfect way to start an expedition. After getting settled here at the beautiful and accommodating Nutibara Hotel, the team sat down for a round of introductions and discussion about our upcoming expedition. We enjoyed the cool air conditioning in the hotel for an hour or so, and then it was off for the final food shop at the local grocery store. The temperatures in town, at 90 degrees or so, certainly have more than one of us eyeing the pool, or thinking about the cooler environment of the high camps on Aconcagua. Soon enough we will be up there, but for now we busied ourselves with gear review, final packing and preparations, and a delicious dinner of beef and Malbec at one of the local restaurants. Turn in was early (by Argentinian standards, anyway) to ready ourselves for tomorrow. We will be up and out early to get the permits we need, do some last minute gear acquisition, and then take the ride out to Penitentes. The crew is in high spirits, and the team is coming together well! We are all excited to get the trip underway, and we will be sure to keep you updated on the progress as we head in to our objective. Keep your fingers crossed for continued good weather, and stay tuned for more! RMI Guides Garrett Stevens, Ben Liken and Nick Brown

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CONGRATULATIONS to all on quite an accomplishment! Can’t wait to hear all about it. Proud of you Stefan!

Posted by: Gail on 1/13/2014 at 9:21 am

Good Job, Stef. wer’e rooting for you. I’m going to have all your fav foods waiting for you when you get home!

Posted by: gail on 1/10/2014 at 4:22 pm

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Prepare for Summit Bid

December 28, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Leah Fisher

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

Hello RMI followers! Team 2 is at high camp on a gorgeous day. We are doing great and preparing for our summit bid tomorrow. Leah and I will be operating the stoves full time melting snow and boiling water. Our plan is to rest, rehydrate and eat some calories in preparation for a big day tomorrow. The wind prediction is staying true. We will have a breeze to keep us cool. Tomorrow will be a busy day for the guides but we will try to communicate as soon as we can. RMI Guide JJ Justman

On The Map

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So awesome! Can’t wait to hear that you guys have made it to the top! I look forward to the updates every day! Josh- I went to Oxford with my family today, Marlene asked about you and kept asking when you would be here. I have a video of you on my phone and she kept watching it. Since you were in the car she thought you were on your way over. I think she’s ready to see you! I’m so proud of you! I can’t wait to hear all about the climb and see your picture when you summit! Everyone says hello, and they’re proud of you. They’re all so excited for you! Family has been coming in for Marlene’s party they’re all up to date on the blog! Love you!! -Lily

Posted by: Lily on 12/28/2013 at 8:58 pm

Way to go team!!!! You are so close!!!! It’s truly been a pleasure following you along your journey and priceless adventure. I hope that tomorrow’s summit is a hallmark moment, and one you’ll always remember. I can’t wait to hear all about it. Best of luck tomorrow as you make your final ascend.

Josh - words can’t describe how extremely proud and excited I am for you. You amaze me everyday. I can’t wait to see your smiling face atop one of your lifetime goals. You are going to do awesome tomorrow, and remember you have three big angels guiding you along. Everyone here is rooting you on, and waiting in the incredible news that you’ve made it to the top. Heidi and I played fetch today. She was really hoping you’d come take over. No babies yet. Best of luck tomorrow!!!!! Can’t wait to see you.
Love you - Jess

Posted by: Jessica on 12/28/2013 at 7:36 pm

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Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Aconcagua: Justman and Team arrive back at High Camp

Aconcagua: Stevens and Team Trek to Pampa de Leñas

Aconcagua: Beren and Team Carry to Camp 2

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team on Summit!

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Ready for Summit Bid

On The Map

Aconcagua: Beren & Team Move to Camp 1

Aconcagua: Stevens & Team Secure Permits, Depart Mendoza

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Wait Out the Winds

On The Map

Aconcagua: Garrett Stevens & Team - Greetings from Mendoza!

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Prepare for Summit Bid

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