Entries By alex barber

Today was another perfect day in the Vacas Valley. Several of us slept out last night under a stunning Milky Way while the southern cross worked its way across the horizon. We woke to clear skies, and cool temps, and motivated to get the miles ahead of us under way. We kept a breeze with us most of the way, but nonetheless, after two days in the strong southern sun, everyone is a little bit crispier. About an hour before camp, we came over a rise to see a family of 9 guanacos (a wild relative of the llama) grazing along the trail ahead. Normally very shy, they were about as curious towards us as we were towards them and we were able to snap a bunch of photos. It's pretty rare to get to see them, and especially so close, so we felt really lucky. We arrived in the mid afternoon, so there was plenty of time for a siesta before we filled our bellies, with pasta tonight. Everyone was a bit relieved for the break from huge portions of steak. Tomorrow we climb through the Relinchos valley to base camp at Plaza Argentina. We'll check in from there. Hopefully this gorgeous weather continues to hold for us. Hasta luego, RMI Guides Pete, Alex, Juan, and team

On The Map

We had a fantastic walk in yesterday to get the trip started finally! Though everyone agreed it was very hot, a breeze for most of the way kept it much more comfortable than it could have been. We had a leisurely start from Penitentes, and we were comfortably settled into camp by late afternoon. As the shadows lengthened, JJ's team marched triumphantly into camp, and we shared another delicious asado with them and swapped stories. Tomorrow, it's onward, following the dusty mule trail, to Casa de Piedras. The group is doing a great job, and it looks as though it will be another warm sunny day tomorrow, just the way we like it. Ciao, RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Alex Barber, Juan, and Team

It's been a really busy 36 hours, getting everyone here, buying food, securing permits, traveling to Penitentes, and packing our gear for the mules, but we have gotten it all done! The bags are packed and we are ready to hit the dusty trail tomorrow and start up Aconcagua! In all of that bustling around, we still found time for our first of several delicious steak and wine dinners in Mendoza. This can be the most stressful part of the trip, making sure that everyone arrives, and with all of their bags. Tomorrow we move into the rhythm of the mountains, things slow down, and we take a deep breath. We'll be in touch tomorrow from Pampa de Lenas, where we hope to see JJ and his team as they make their way out from a successful trip. We're hoping ours is as well. Ciao for now. RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer, Alex Barber, and team

The last few days have been a whirlwind. Just three days ago we stood on the top of Aconcagua, the highest peak outside of Asia. We pushed hard to get down to the land of thick air, fresh food and running water. Last night we celebrated at our last camp of the expedition with a huge feast of carne asada, fresh tomato salad a little vino tinto and everyone's stories and jokes. Tonight we're really back in civilization. Freshly showered and dressed up, we're headed to sample some of Mendoza's renowned cuisine. For now we'll leave you with a shot from the summit. Cheers! RMI Guide Zeb Blais and team

January 12, 2015, 1:30 PM PT This is Zeb Blais checking in from high camp with a jubilant summit team. Today we topped out on Aconcagua at 2 PM in adverse weather conditions. We fought through a small snowstorm to get to the top and spent a brief time taking pictures on the summit before descending back down to camp where we are now hydrating, resting and preparing to head back to base camp tomorrow. Thanks for checking in. January 12, 2015, 9:20 AM PT RMI Guide Zeb Blais just called from the Aconcagua summit! The team did well and they will check back in from high camp. Congratulations to the team!

On The Map

RMI Base, this is Alex Barber calling in with RMI's Aconcagua team. Today we moved to Camp 3 and are in place for our summit bid tomorrow morning. The team did a great job today battling the cold winds into our high camp of 19,600 feet. The team is settled in and we're preparing ourselves for the summit push. Hopefully our next dispatch will be a call from the summit of the highest peak outside of the Himalaya. We will talk to you guys tomorrow. Bye. RMI Guide Alex Barber

On The Map

Buenes dias. This is the Aconcagua team checking in from Camp 2, aka Guanacos Camp. After moving from Camp 1 to Camp 2 yesterday, today was perfect conditions for an acclimatization hike toward Camp 3. We are planning on moving to Camp 3 tomorrow to take advantage of the favorable weather forecast. We'll update after the move. Adios until then. RMI Guide Zeb Blais and Team

On The Map

RMI Base, this is Alex Barber calling in with the Aconcagua Team. This morning was perfectly clear with light winds. Definitely an appreciated contrast from yesterday's windstorm at Camp 1. We took full advantage of this clear weather today and pushed up to Camp 2. Everyone on the team did extremely well and now we are sitting tight here at Camp 2 playing cards and eating snack food, and plotting our summit attempt. Tomorrow is just a rest day, so we will check back in with you from Camp 2 sometime tomorrow. Adios. RMI Guide Alex Barber

On The Map

Hi, This is Zeb Blais checking in from Camp 1 on Aconcagua. Yesterday we spent our day hunkered down from the winds. It was a rest day and we ended up gong for a short walk to stretch our legs, other than that we were hiding out from the wind. (transmission breaks)

January 8, 2015 11:24am PST - Zeb Phoned the RMI Office

All is well at Camp 1, the team will be taking another weather day today as the wind did not die out until later in the day, and then it was too late to make the move to Camp 2. The forecast looks good for a move to Camp 2 tomorrow, so that is the plan. All is well and everyone is happy and healthy. RMI Guide Zeb Blais & Team

This is Mike with the Aconcagua team. We had a windy day on our carry to Camp 2 today at 18,000ft. We got a late start hoping the winds would die down, but they never really did. We got a little new snow, the wind was blowing in our faces most of the morning. The team did really well. We are looking forward to enjoying a rest day tomorrow. We'll be tuning in with more information to come. Thanks guys. RMI Guide Mike King

On The Map