Entries from Locations

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Send Their Holiday Wishes

December 24, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

Hey everyone this is JJ Justman with RMI. We did a carry to Camp 2 at 18,000'. The team is doing great. But more importantly, I think all of our friends and loved ones would like to hear from us on Christmas, so I will start with my wishes. (Click on audio to hear from the team.) RMI Guide JJ Justman & Team

JJ Justman and team send their holiday wishes to family and friends.

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Cindee….Merry Christmas Cindee!!! Better late then never. It took me a little while to figure this blog thing out(I guess your niece is right). Thank you for my gifts. I love them bunches. I was not expecting the one thing. That would have been enough. Wishing you and your team a Happy New year and a safe trip. Will talk to you when you are off the mountian. GO TEAM GO!!!!!
Big Sis

Posted by: Sandy on 12/26/2013 at 2:53 pm

Hey Bro! Good to hear from you. We’re all really proud of you. Huddy wanted me to remind you that 3WC will always be behind you! Merry Christmas,

-Love John, Maria, and Cam.

Posted by: John Keaney on 12/25/2013 at 8:37 pm

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Aconcagua: Beren and Team Reach Pampa de Llenas

December 23, 2013

Posted by: Jake Beren, Mike King, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 9,000'

Greetings from our first camp! Today we launched from Las Penitentes and began our approach to Base Camp. Walking along the Vacas River, we wound our way up the valley to Pampa de Llenas for another round of chats with the Guardalparque (rangers) and the pitching of our first camp. The team did well today, managing very warm temps and not getting too over cooked along the way. Tomorrow we will try to get out early and head to Casa de Piedra (House of Rock!) for our next camp. Til then! RMI Guide Jake Beren

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Hi Cin. I hope your having a great time! The pictures are awesome! Were enjoying following your expedition. Fingers crossed for good weather.

P.S., I climbed Pine Knob today. I’m very tired! LOL :)

Posted by: Stacy on 12/28/2013 at 11:27 am

Thanks for the call, it made our day! Hope the singing didn’t send you over the edge!! Praying for you each day! Merry Christmas!! Love, Sis

Posted by: Mary Fletcher on 12/25/2013 at 6:45 am

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Aconcagua: Mallory and Team Reach 21,700’

December 23, 2013

Posted by: Linden Mallory

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 21,700'

Just as we hoped, we awoke to a beautiful morning here at high camp. After a quick breakfast we started climbing just after 4am. The waning moon cast enough of a glow we could follow the trail without lights for certain portions and the southern cross hung above Aconcagua's summit pyramid. We climbed well through the darkness, reaching ~20,500' just as the glow in the eastern sky finally erupted into sunrise. The brief sun was welcome as we passed into the shadows on the western side of the summit massif. Daybreak also brought some consistent winds which chilled us to the bone, despite the multiple layers of down and gore tex we wore while climbed. We soon passed the forsaken Independencia Hut, now not much more that a few 2x4s echoing the shape of an A frame and crested the aptly named Windy Ridge at 21,000'. From here we began traversing the giant scree slope with bowling ball sized rocks sitting right at the angle of repose known as the Gran Acarero. The path started gently but soon began climbing steeply through the loose stones, occasionally covered in stretches of icy snow that required crampons to cross. The climbing became very challenging, steep loose rocks and ice patches slowed our progress and after several hours our legs began to tire. By midday we reached 21,700' at the base of the final couloir to the summit ridge. It was getting later in the day than we hoped and the challenging terrain behind us took more energy than we planned. We decided to call that our high point, a bit dismayed but still thrilled to have reached 21,700', a good stretch higher than any point in North America. After catching our breaths and enjoying the views, we retraced our path back to high camp, arriving in the early evening. We're tired, but certainly not disappointed as the expedition provided everything we'd hoped. After a much deserved nights rest we will descend back to Base Camp tomorrow. RMI Guide Linden Mallory

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

LINDEN,
THIS SOUNDS ASTOUNDING.
BE SAFE. YOU MUST BE ON YOUR WAY BACK BY NOW.
PB

Posted by: phyllis bronson on 12/29/2013 at 2:18 pm

Wow!!!! Thats higher than any point on North America, Africa, Europe or Antarctica. GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT!!!! Be safe and enjoy the steak in Argentina!! Very jealous of the experience.

Posted by: Bill McGahan on 12/24/2013 at 2:38 pm

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Settling in at Camp 1

December 23, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

Hello everyone in the lowlands! It's Team 2 up here at Camp 1 on Aconcagua. We just found some prime real estate at 16,200 feet. It's a sunny day with some scattered clouds, which made it comfortable climbing. Everyone is doing great and we are now relaxing in the sun drinking water and eating to recover. RMI Guide JJ Justman

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Cindee,
Happy New Year! You must be getting close to summit or already summited. Hope your first two days of the new year are treating you well!
Kristina

Posted by: Kristina Markula on 1/2/2014 at 9:36 am

Merry Christmas to all you trekkers. Josh it was so nice to hear your voice. I know you all are having a wonderful time and what an experience to will be able to share with us when you get home. We went to Mass and spent Christmas Eve with Lily’s family and truly missed you not being there but knew you were there in spirit. Have a great and blessed day today and continue to be safe. I can’t wait to see you and a picture of you all the day you summit. Lots of love of this Christmas Day. love mom and dad

Posted by: phyllis on 12/25/2013 at 8:22 am

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Aconcagua: Beren & Team Heading Out!

December 23, 2013

Posted by: Jake Beren

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 9,000'

The mules are loaded up and we are ready to start the approach! Today we will walk to Pampa de Lenas and say goodbye to wheeled transit and trees. Every long journey begins somewhere and though we've been preparing for a long time, now it seems like we are actually beginning the climb. So long friends and family and stay tuned for the adventure to come. RMI Guide Jake Beren

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Hello Monica,
The girls and I along with the 6 am crowd are wishing you good luck and a Merry Christmas! Courtney set 2 state records and qualified for nationals! Can’t hardly wait to see all of the exciting posts as your team moves forward.
God Bless you one and all,

Jim

Posted by: Jim Gentle on 12/23/2013 at 2:02 pm

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Aconcagua: Mallory & Team at High Camp, Ready for Summit Bid

December 22, 2013

Posted by: Linden Mallory

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,540'

We're fortunate to be in the midst of a very stable and almost perfect weather pattern here on Aconcagua: the days are clear and calm and today was no exception. After a great night's sleep at Camp 2 we packed up our gear and left for high camp by mid-morning. The trail to high camp ascends a broad north facing gulley, occasionally intersected by small cliff bands and large boulders. We weaved our way up, crossing sporadic patches of snow and across pockets of yellow dirt and rocks that smelled of sulfur. After a few hours of climbing we reached a small cliff band and followed a natural weakness in it to scramble up and over our final obstacle and right into our high camp. Sitting at 19,540', Camp 3 is a small flat area ringed by rock towers on nearly all sides. Between the towers we can catch views over the Vacas Valley to the east into Argentina and all the way around to the west over the Horocones Valley and into Chile. Above us stands the final 3,000'+ of Aconcagua with the first portion of our route visible from Camp. We spent the remainder of the afternoon in camp, finalizing our gear for the summit push and trying to rest up and hydrate as much as possible. We are sharing camp with a few other teams and we traded notes on conditions and forecasts: we all agreed, tomorrow is predicted to be a great summit day! We've retired to the tents even though the sun is still quite high in the sky in hopes of getting some rest tomorrow. We are planning on making a pre-dawn alpine start tomorrow morning and going for the top! We're all doing well, feeling strong, and excited to make an attempt! We'll check in tomorrow after the climb. RMI Guide Linden Mallory

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Wahoo! Wishing everyone a safe summit and decent. Merry Christmas!

Posted by: Nookster on 12/23/2013 at 10:52 am

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Aconcagua: Justman and Team Rest at Base Camp

December 22, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Leah Fisher

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Today is another rest day for the team at Plaza Argentina. After our carry to Camp 1 yesterday it serves us well to take advantage and fully acclimatize. The team is doing really well. The agenda for today is resting, eating and taking showers. Everyone on the team says hello to family and friends... RMI Guide JJ Justman

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JJ and Team:
So very good to hear all is well as you journey along!
Praying for your spiritual journey as well as your physical safety. Take a moment if you can to…
“Fall on yours knees, and Hear the Angel voices! (On this) Night Divine!
Blessings from David’s Mom

Posted by: Ruth Sorensen on 12/24/2013 at 2:39 pm

“One does not climb to attain enlightenment, rather one climbs because he is enlightened.” - Zen Master Futomaki

Posted by: Bill Gately on 12/23/2013 at 3:47 am

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Aconcagua: Beren and Team Ready in Mendoza

December 22, 2013

Posted by: Jake Beren, Steve Gately, Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

A big hola from Mendoza! The team is assembled in this summery land, all bags ready to go and all our paperwork complete with crossed t's and dotted lower case j's. Now all that remains is to start this Aconcagua adventure by loading up and heading into the mountains. Tonight we will have our last meal at a proper table for a few days and start our walk in tomorrow. Wish us luck! RMI Guides Jake Beren, Mike King and Steve Gately

Leave a Comment For the Team (1)

Hola Mi Amigo Jake , excited for you guys looking to be a great trekk,
weather looks good. Enjoy each step as you go for a nice walk.
Keep an eye on Bill hes a trouble maker so ive heard. Looking forward to seeing some more post and pictures. Randy

Posted by: Randy on 12/22/2013 at 8:25 pm

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Aconcagua: Mallory & Team Rest Day at Camp 2

December 21, 2013

Posted by: Linden Mallory

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,330'

The southern solstice treated us to a long, restful, and relaxing day here at Camp 2. We waited until the sun reached camp before stirring and then had a relaxed morning, watching the long shadows coming off the mountain above us gradually fade as the sun rose higher. From camp, we have perfect views of a good portion of our climbing route on summit day. There was hardly a puff of wind coming off of the top of Aconcagua and we could make out our trail crossing the wide scree slope called the Acarero and up the gully known as the Canaleta to reach the summit ridge. The perfect weather, views of the route, and time to rest and recover has motivated us and we are excited about the coming days. Tomorrow we plan to move up to Camp 3 at 19,500' in hopes of making a push for the summit in the following days. We are all feeling strong, rested, and ready for the next push. We'll check in tomorrow from high camp. RMI Guide Linden Mallory

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Bill Dorn- Wishing you a Merry Christmas from Rita and Carol in sunny, hot Florida.

Posted by: Rita Powella on 12/22/2013 at 9:21 am

Bill Dorn! We are so proud of you and your entire team. Can’t wait until we can hug you on January 23 (our next breakfast club) and get all the stories. Climb safely. Love, Dav’ne

Posted by: Dav'ne Stahley on 12/22/2013 at 8:34 am

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Carry to Camp 1

December 21, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Hello everyone in the lowlands! We thin-air breathers are now back in base camp after a terrific day. The team carried gear up to Camp 1. Aconcagua is a big undertaking which requires a lot of food, fuel and gear. We established Camp 1 at 16,200 feet. The team is honestly doing so well! We moved as one unit up and down. I like this because it keeps people motivated and we can pass the time with chit chat. Once we arrived at Camp 1 we emptied our packs and then Leah and I filled a couple of duffel bags full of food and gear. Now back at base camp we are surviving the heat and several climbers are in a championship round of Yahtzee. RMI Guide JJ Justman

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Awesome work team!!! Sounds and looks like ya had an adventurous and exciting day. Glad to hear everyone is doing well. Best of luck trekking back to Camp 1 tomorrow. Josh - I am so very proud of you. Mom and I spent the day with lily in St. Louis!!! We talked about you the entire trip. We miss you bunches!!! Keep up the great progress.
Love you - Jess

Posted by: Jessica on 12/21/2013 at 8:12 pm

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Entries from Locations

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Send Their Holiday Wishes

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Aconcagua: Beren and Team Reach Pampa de Llenas

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Aconcagua: Mallory and Team Reach 21,700’

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Settling in at Camp 1

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Aconcagua: Beren & Team Heading Out!

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Aconcagua: Mallory & Team at High Camp, Ready for Summit Bid

Aconcagua: Justman and Team Rest at Base Camp

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Aconcagua: Beren and Team Ready in Mendoza

Aconcagua: Mallory & Team Rest Day at Camp 2

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Carry to Camp 1

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