Entries from Aconcagua

We had a windy night in Camp that made sleep difficult, the Team rallied to get out of camp and carry gear and food to Camp 2, 18,000’. We had a cold and clear morning as we walked into Ameghino Col and got some spectacular views of the Central Andes, La Mano and Cerro Mercedario to name a few. We cached our gear, ran into Gabi, a former RMI guide, and beat feet downhill so we could take in the remainder of the day getting caught up on the sleep that eluded us last night. The Team is doing great and are looking forward to resting their legs tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for light winds tonight.

RMI Guide Mike King

The Team successfully moved the remainder of our equipment to Camp 1, located at 16,400’. It’s always refreshing to see the performance of the Team increase after just a few nights sleep at lower altitude. We covered the same terrain as the carry day but the effort needed by all seemed a little easier on folks. We high fived the descending RMI team today on their way back after a successful summit day. Camp is built, re-hydration and relaxing have become the focus of everyone. Tomorrow we’ll do a carry of gear and food to Camp 2. Until then, we are all warm and content with a new camp and eager to see what the weather has in store for us. Thanks for following along.

RMI Guide Mike King

On The Map

There’s not much to report today. The team enjoyed a calm and warm rest day at base camp. Without much to sort or pack everyone occupied their time relaxing, reading, and hanging out in one of the large dome tents. Some laundry was washed and showers were enjoyed but really we are all eager to head up to Camp 1 and get the climb started.

RMI Guide Mike King

On The Map

Original Post:

Well hello. This is RMI Aconcagua Tucker Team. And we’re standing on top. Light breeze; chilly, chilly day. Team did wonderful. When you look around it kind of looks like everybody that started is on top. So if you’re wondering who made it, they all…[broken]…a long ways to go still but everyone’s doing well…[lost call].

RMI Guide Mark Tucker

Update, January 28th 4:35 p.m. Pacific

RMI Guide Mark Tucker called to report that the team has safely descended to Camp 3 where they will spend tonight. They will continue their descent tomorrow.

On The Map

The Team took advantage of a quiet camp last night and got some good rest and woke energized. We spent the day packing and sorting gear, eating pizza and laughing at funny stories. All in all a very casual day here at Plaza Argentina. Tomorrow the plan is to carry a load up to Camp 1 and then return to base camp. Thanks for the blog comments, the Team really appreciated hearing from family and friends!

RMI Guide Mike King

Buenos Dias amigos!

Not a whole lot of news to report today. We rested at Camp 2 and went on a small hike around camp. Everyone is fine tuning their kit for our move to Camp 3 tomorrow. Today is our last chill day. Every day from here on out will be go go go till we are back in Mendoza enjoying warm showers. Next time you hear from us we will be getting ready for our summit push.

RMI Guide Mark Tucker and team

After an early wake up call the Team enjoyed clear views of Aconcagua on a beautiful day to finish the hike to our base camp, Plaza Argentina. We hiked through the scenic Relinchos River Valley while our bodies continued the acclimatization process. Base camp is situated on a large glacial moraine that is covered in scree. The Team is resting after setting up camp and everyone is looking forward to rest day tomorrow. With all the comforts of home except a comfy bed, we’ll sort some gear and food, knock the dust off with a shower and take in the stellar views this place has to offer…rough life.  Thanks for following along.

RMI Guide Mike King

On The Map

Today we went higher up the mountain, carrying gear up to Camp 3 at 19,600’. For a few team members this is their new altitude record. After Camp 3, each step will be their new highest and soon will be the whole team’s highest point. The team arrived strong and made good time walking downhill back to Camp 2. The weather cooperated with only a bit of a breeze and a clear sunny sky. In the next day or two we will move up to Camp 3, positioning ourselves for a shot at the summit. For right now, we patiently wait for the water to boil for hot drinks and dinner. Have a lovely evening everyone.

RMI Guide Mark Tucker and team

After a calm night under the stars the Team woke and began breaking camp. We had approximately nine miles to cover, mostly rolling terrain and the Vacas Valley continues to widen. Today was a little cooler then yesterday but honestly the song remained the same. This camp isn’t remarkable except for the old stone building built into a giant erratic boulder, which is the namesake. Everyone is trying to beat the heat, some in their tents and some down by the river.

We got to see Aconcagua for the first time and there is a lot of snow up high. Tomorrow we will arrive at Aconcagua Base Camp, there the climb begins in earnest.

RMI Guide Mike King

On The Map

Today we woke to a windy, chilly morning at Camp 2 on Aconcagua. Snow swirls danced down the mountain and through camp as we waited for our water to boil. We enjoyed hot cups of Starbucks Vias and sugary bowls of Cinnamon Toast Crunch for breakfast. Today we rested to let our bodies adjust to our new altitude. The afternoons activity consisted of a casual stroll uphill, getting a glance at our path to camp 3. The tippy top looks cold and windy as we look towards the summit. Fingers crossed Mother Nature gives us a warmer window for our summit bid. For now, we will focus on taking care of ourselves and enjoying the beautiful views.

RMI Guide Mark Tucker and team

On The Map