Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Aconcagua: Beren & Team Summit!

January 4, 2014

Posted by: Jake Beren, Mike King, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 22,841'

Greetings from Camp 3 on Aconcagua. Our team just returned after a successful summit bid with some happy and tired faces. We are looking forward to a little bit of dinner and some much needed rest before we start heading down, down, down tomorrow. All is well out here. Thanks for all the good wishes back home and we'll talk to you guys further on down the trail. RMI Guide Jake Beren

Jake Beren calls in after the team's successful summit.

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Bravo! Bravissimo! A glorious day’s work. Rest up and have a safe descent.

Posted by: nsb on 1/5/2014 at 12:01 pm

Monica and team, congratulations on the successful summit!! So happy for you all! Safe descent, see you soon!

Posted by: Leslie M on 1/5/2014 at 11:10 am

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Aconcagua: Stevens & Team Resting and Relaxing at Plaza Argentina

January 4, 2014

Posted by: Ben Liken

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

The goal for today is to get as relaxed as possible here at our base camp. Towards that end, the team has been chilling in our group tent since breakfast, which included oatmeal, cereal, egg/bacon/onion quesadillas, and copious amounts of coffee. There is currently an epic game of Hearts happening, with various members tapping in and out as they get frustrated with picking up the Queen of Spades (David in particular). Tomorrow will be a big day, as we will be moving up towards our next camp at 16,400'. The gear is staged, the crew is ready, and our team dynamic is as strong as one could hope. The weather continues to be gorgeous; light winds and lots of sun here at Plaza Argentina. Here's hoping it holds steady for the next few days! We are sending positive vibes up to Jake Beren and his team, as we believe today is their summit day. Good luck to them...we are looking forward to seeing them as we bump up tomorrow. Until then, stick with us for more details! Cheers, RMI Guides Garrett Stevens, Ben Liken and Nick Brown

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Been following your teams posts, sounds like quite the trip! Happy New Year David!
-Sarah

Posted by: Sarah Williams on 1/5/2014 at 11:54 am

Watching your progress from faraway Frogtown Virginia USA and sending you best wishes for good weather and safe travels!
Mike and Susan Browns

Posted by: Mike Brown on 1/4/2014 at 5:18 pm

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Aconcagua: Stevens & Team Carry to 16,400’

January 3, 2014

Posted by: Ben Liken

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 10,550'

Today was a beautiful day here on Aconcagua, with clear blue skies and lots of sunshine for our carry up to Camp One. We had quite a bit of wind here in base camp last night and were worried that we might be walking up into the teeth of it today, but the weather gods smiled on us instead. We were walking just as the sun came into camp, and were able to make steady progress through the broken and rocky morainal slopes above us. Soon enough we came to the heinous scree slope that guards the bench of Camp One, and the team made short work of the last few hundred feet. We dropped our food, some equipment, and some gas for our launch towards the upper reaches of the mountain, and were headed down soon thereafter. All the luggage is currently awaiting our return, but tomorrow we'll take a hard-earned rest day. The team continues to climb strong, hydrate well, and eat hearty portions, which will pay dividends when we head up higher on this beautiful mountain. Thanks for all the kind words, and keep your fingers crossed for continued good weather! RMI Guides Garrett, Ben, and Nick

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Sorry I have been slacking. Was aiming for a daily hello from home. I missed sorry. Hope you guys are having a great trip. Can’t wait dr you to get back so we can hear all the stories. Happy hiking!

Posted by: Martha on 1/5/2014 at 1:19 pm

Safe climbing as the team gets closer to the summit!

Go team go!

Matilde

Posted by: matilde on 1/4/2014 at 6:14 am

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Aconcagua: Beren & Team Make Their Move to High Camp

January 3, 2014

Posted by: Jake Beren, Mike King, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

Greetings from high camp at 19,600 ft! Today we made use of a good forecast and the first break in the wind in recent memory to move up. Now we are in striking distance of the top, getting ready for dinner before an early bedtime. The team again performed well getting here and if this calm weather holds, we will go for the top tomorrow! We've enjoyed everyone's comments and the crew is in great spirits having put forth an impressive effort so far. With any luck we will only head uphill for one more day before starting the long return to Mendoza. Wish us luck! RMI Guide Jake Beren

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Go, Bill, Go. Amazing. Can’t wait to hear all about it!

Posted by: Sylvia Stanley on 1/4/2014 at 7:30 pm

Go for it Bill. Good luck

Posted by: steve on 1/4/2014 at 7:19 pm

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Aconcagua Stevens and Team Rest at Plaza de Argentina

January 2, 2014

Posted by: Ben Liken

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Well, after three days of hard work on the approach to our climb, we are finally taking some deserved time off. This is the first of our "rest days" which we are using to relax, refuel, and acclimatize. The team is loving it. We started the morning with some sleeping in and a leisurely breakfast of loaded egg quesadillas, while watching a few flurries drift off of the upper mountain. After the sun started to heat our base camp weather-port and some digesting had taken place the team prepared their gear for our carry to Camp 1 tomorrow at 16,200'. The packs are heavy but the spirits are high as the mountain looms above. For the rest of the evening the name of the game is chilling.....playing cards, eating snacks, taking in the sights, and trying to guess what our dinner could be by the delicious smell coming from the kitchen. Stay tuned as we continue our ascent tomorrow! RMI Guides, Garret, Ben, and Nick

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Keep on climbing team,

And don’t forget the pics! We will be waiting for it.

The Northeast is covered in a blanked of snow… and is pretty cold in Tampa too.

Matilde

Posted by: Matilde on 1/3/2014 at 7:06 am

Glad to know the climb is going well! Wish I could be there with my bud James Blackwell! I’m living life through you, tub buddy!

Posted by: Dr. Bizzle on 1/3/2014 at 6:48 am

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Aconcagua: Beren and Team Rest Day at Guanacos (Camp 2)

January 2, 2014

Posted by: Jake Beren, Steve Gately, Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

Holá from 18,000 ft above the sea! We spent a windy evening up here last night, but so far camp is holding tight. With any luck this weather pattern will relax by tomorrow and we will be in solid shape to move higher! Today we are going to review some crampon and ice axe techniques before lunch and then take a little stroll post meal. Then more resting to be prepared for a few big days coming up. The team is doing great, and now we just need a few good weather days to make our move to Camp 3 and then shoot for the top. For now we wait for the wind to relax and head up when the mountain lets us. RMI Guide Jake Beren & Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Just got 15 inches of snow over night. Temps in the low teens. Probably much better where you are.

Scenery looks beautiful up top there. Hope the weather cooperates for a good summit attempt.

Hike well and be safe.

Posted by: Bill Gately on 1/3/2014 at 10:10 am

George,

Glad to hear that all is well. We head to Asheville tomorrow to eat dinner with Barry and the family. After dinner, we are off to a Charlotte hotel to get a little sleep before an early flight to Pasadena. With a little luck, we will have a double celebration on Monday—Your triumphal summit and a BCS trophy with Auburn’s name on it. War Eagle!

Posted by: Carolyn Crandell on 1/2/2014 at 11:26 pm

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Aconcagua: Stevens & Team Nestled into Plaza Argentina

January 1, 2014

Posted by: Ben Liken

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Happy New Year from the team, nestled in here at Plaza Argentina! How many of you can say you started off the new year riding on the back of a mule across a raging river? Well, everyone on the team did just that, and once we were all safely across the Vacas River we started today's long ascent up the Relinchos Valley. The early morning shade gave way to sun, and unlike yesterday we didn't have a breeze to cool us down. While the absence of flying sand was nice, the heat wasn't exactly what many expected as we made our way higher and higher. Hydration was critical as we climbed closer to our goal, and by mid-afternoon we arrived in base camp - hot, tired, and happy to be here. Our hostesses Griselda and Anita soon had delicious treats on the table and juice in our glasses, and the team took full advantage. After some much-needed rest, we sat down to a dinner of trout, potatoes and tomatoes, complemented with hot tea and lively conversation. We are settled in now for the night, looking forward to tomorrow's well-earned rest day. Everyone is excited to be kicking off 2014 here on Aconcagua! Keep it locked in for more news from the crew... RMI Guides Ben Liken, Nick Brown, and Garrett Stevens

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Aconcagua: Beren & Team Move to Camp 2

January 1, 2014

Posted by: Jake Beren, Steve Gately, Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

Holá amigos! We awoke to clear skies and moderate winds again as we had a leisurely morning preparing for our move to Camp 2 (18,000ft). The team did great navigating gusty winds and heavy packs to push into Camp 2 in phenomenal style. With camp all established, we'll enjoy a short siesta before firing stoves, eating dinner and looking forward to a rest day tomorrow! All the best from Aconcagua. RMI Guide Steve Gately

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Happy New Year Beng Hoe. It is so cool being able to follow the expedition through the blog. All the more so as we are able to see you in the a number of the photos, even if it is the back of your head! It is so beautiful out there. It must be amazing to be spending New Year up there. Miss you. Helen, Laura and Andrew

Posted by: Helen Lim on 1/2/2014 at 8:45 pm

Hey Steve and team,

I’ll trade you some of your heat for the 18 inches of snow and sub zero wind chills we’re expecting in Boston over the next 24 hours!

Hike well and be safe.

Posted by: Bill Gately on 1/2/2014 at 3:57 am

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Aconcagua: Stevens & Team Packed in at Piedras

December 31, 2013

Posted by: Ben Liken

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 10,550'

Today the team woke to another perfect blue sky, light winds, and zero clouds in sight. We took advantage of the cooler morning temps to get breakfast eaten, get packed up, and head further up the Vacas valley towards our home for tonight at Casa de Piedras. The early shade was a welcome relief from yesterday's sun, and for the first hour or so we moved smoothly uphill and further upstream. As the day stretched on, the sun came over the horizon in full force and we were soon wishing for the light breeze from yesterday. Well, you definitely have to be careful what you wish for, because about halfway to our destination the wind got quite strong, with big gusts blowing huge clouds of dust and sand down the valley and into our faces. But this tough team just kept going, undeterred. If anything, spirits got higher as we moved together towards our goal, and smiles abounded (albeit a little gritty from the sand flying all around). The crew got to test their tent erecting skills in strong winds, and were soon nestled into bomber shelter. We've been hydrating and hiding from the sun, ready for an early launch tomorrow up the Relinchos valley towards our base camp at 14,000'. Stay tuned for more! RMI Guides Garrett, Nick, and Ben

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Happy New Year G$! I love you and miss you and hope you are well.

Xo,
Barbarina

Posted by: Barbarina on 1/1/2014 at 10:43 am

Happy New Years on the mountain. You 3 climbed while we 4 went bowling. SPOT working well.

Keep going up
Skipper

Posted by: Skipper on 1/1/2014 at 9:56 am

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Aconcagua: Justman and Team back at Base Camp

December 31, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Leah Fisher

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Here we are! Base Camp! The team made it Down from high camp in 50 mph winds. It was a tough day packing up but the weather calmed down as we descended. It's a slow gradual zombie descent. However, as soon as people see the tiny little tents of base, people's spirits soar. Now in base camp we are sucking down juice and wearing flip flops. The team has a little bit of packing to do and then we are off down the trail to finish the mountain part of the adventure. Tomorrow we will head to Lenas, which was our first camp on the trek in. I usually tease our climbers by telling them we are going to have chicken ramen for dinner. However, I think another giant steak asado is in order. After all, when in Argentina! Especially after a safe and successful summit of South America's highest peak! RMI Guides JJ Justman and Leah Fisher and Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Congrats Cindee.. sounds like an amazing adventure. Glad you are safe. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

Posted by: Bruce on 1/3/2014 at 8:43 am

Congrats and Happy New Year Kim! Are you eating STEAK?
Alison

Posted by: Alison on 1/2/2014 at 9:27 am

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Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Aconcagua: Beren & Team Summit!

On The Map

Aconcagua: Stevens & Team Resting and Relaxing at Plaza Argentina

On The Map

Aconcagua: Stevens & Team Carry to 16,400’

On The Map

Aconcagua: Beren & Team Make Their Move to High Camp

On The Map

Aconcagua Stevens and Team Rest at Plaza de Argentina

On The Map

Aconcagua: Beren and Team Rest Day at Guanacos (Camp 2)

Aconcagua: Stevens & Team Nestled into Plaza Argentina

On The Map

Aconcagua: Beren & Team Move to Camp 2

On The Map

Aconcagua: Stevens & Team Packed in at Piedras

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman and Team back at Base Camp

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