February 5, 2017 After a very snowy and windy period here at Base Camp the sky's finally broke and the sun started shining. So we got a load of gear together and carried it up to 16,200 ft. It was a perfect day for climbing, not to hot and not to cold. We are now back a base resting after a hard days work. I think I smell some chicken dinner coming from the cook tent, can't wait! February 4, 2017 After three days of approach we have arrived at Plaza de Argentina, our Base Camp. The day began with an icy creek crossing on mule back just as the sun came up over the mountains. Then we were off on a 6 hour jaunt up valley in pleasant overcast conditions. But by the time we arrived at camp winds were howling and snow was falling. The rest of the day felt like full on winter. Tomorrow is a rest day that will be met with lots of eating and some prep for the next day. Spirits are high! RMI Guide Ben Liken

On The Map

Our team has made it one step closer to Aconcagua by moving further up the Vacas valley to Casa de Piedra, our second camp. The awesome views continued but we did encounter our first dose of wind. By the fourth stretch we were pressing into a 25-30 mph headwind! Just before camp we got a view of our objective, it was covered in clouds from 18,000' up but still impressive. Tonight we will have another grill out, before we head to base camp tomorrow. The team is doing excellent! RMI Guide Ben Liken

On The Map

Hey there followers, Our entire team has made it to our first camp at 9500 ft here in Argentina.  After a sturdy breakfast and some quick repacking we were off on a five-hour walk to the Andean high country.  Between the steep rock walls on each side of the valley we saw lizards, the raging Vacas River, and a bunch of mules carrying our gear.  When we got to camp we settled in and enjoyed a traditional Argentinian asado of steak, chicken, potatoes, and peppers.  Now we are headed to bed under the southern sky excited to do it again tomorrow. RMI Guide Ben Liken

Hola friends and family, Well, it seems like we're actually doing it! We bid a hasty farewell to Mendoza this morning, and after a necessary empanada stop found ourselves in dry, barren, windy Penitentes. The afternoon was spent answering the question "to mule duffel or not to mule duffel," and as of now our gear is locked, loaded, and ready to lug uphill. Everyone is looking forward to throwing a pack on and starting the walk in to Aconcagua Base Camp tomorrow. Ciao for now, RMI Guide Pepper Dee

Hey all, Our entire team has arrived in Mendoza and excited to get moving toward the mountain.  But we can't go to Aconcagua before our inaugural steak and Malbec dinner, so we hit the town and took care of business.  Now with stuffed stomachs we are ready to get a full night's rest after a long journey to South America.  Tomorrow we will head into the Andes! Stay tuned, RMI Guide Ben Liken