Entries By ben luedtke

Plaza Argentina Basecamp rest day number one. 

We had a relaxing morning, waking up to a thin layer of frost covering our tents and gear. Schaffe and 1/2 calf proudly entered the dining tent for breakfast knowing they were the evening winners of Farkle. This meant the rest of us schemed of personal strategies that would give us the honor of being a future Farkle champion.

Even without the prestige of a Farkle win, I woke up with an extra bounce in my step knowing that the 49ers won last night.

After breakfast we divided the group gear that will be used on the upper mountain. Ben and Ray weighed our packs, and then we individually decided if using porters was right for us. At this time we made personal choices on how much snack weight is too much snack wait or how much chub rub was too much chub rub.

With a delicious lunch meal in our stomachs we made a short group hike above Basecamp to 14,300’ to see the spectacular view of Plaza Argentina.

Games of hacky sack and cribbage with some others enjoying books and naps were used to pass the time until we tackle the upper mountain.

Spirits are high, we are anxiously awaiting the unknown challenges in our immediate future. This desire to explore the unknown to see if our bodies and minds are capable of adapting is nothing short of addiction.

RMI Climber Shane Francis

The Early Gaunaco catches the Mula.

It was an early start, but an exciting start for the team. Today, we made our trek to Base Camp to start our next phase of our expedition.

We said goodbye to our amazing Grajales Stone House hosts at Casa de Piedra and started our pilgrimage to the base of this awe inspiring mountain.

Nothing wakes you up quite like your trip’s first frigid river crossing. Switching our crocs in 4x4 mode, we quickly made the crossing. It was a refreshing way to continue our journey through this mystical country. From the beautiful valley scenes, the curious Guancos, to the Arrieros wishing us a safe journey while passing us on their way down from delivering our gear to base camp; these are only a few highlights of what we experienced leading up to BC.

Spirits were high as we made the 6 to 7 hour trek (that’s for you Wells) to accomplish today’s Plaza de Argentina. We are now settled in at 13,800’ preparing our minds and bodies for the climb ahead. It’s time to strap up, clip in, and go full send.

Thank you to our amazing RMI guides and our local Grajales crew for making this a special experience. But more importantly, thank you to all our families and friends at home who are taking up the slack while we are on this amazing expedition. (Particularly Lauren, Winn, & Wells)

Till tomorrow.

RMI Climber Andrew Hall

Day two on the trek to base camp here in the Vacas Valley.

After a night of team building around the table playing some Farkle, “BIG C” and “Half Calf” claimed the first two victories of the trip. We were treated to an incredible night sleeping under the stars, with a bright half-moon and even a coyote running through the campsites.

After a wonderful breakfast, we applied another layer of sunscreen and “Chub Rub” and hit the trail a little after 8 AM. As we hiked through the Vacas Valley, the scenery was breathtaking, and we were treated to a ton of Guanaco sightings. Some in our group—who shall remain nameless (Johnny)—even tried to stalk one down.

With Scooby at the helm and his very capable sidekick, Ray, we trekked the 10 miles to our second stop, Casa de Piedras. Before finishing the second leg of our journey, we were able to lay eyes on Aconcagua, a.k.a. The Sentinel of Stone. It is a stunning, daunting, and beautiful sight to behold. Full of respect and nervous excitement, we are one stage closer to seeing if we are worthy to pass.

RMI Climber Tim Schafer

The rain delay yesterday didn’t take the wind out of our sails. We woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed ready to start our trek. On the way to the trailhead we enjoyed (yerba) mate, empanadas, and Carlos’s 80’s rock playlist. The meat and Malbec of Mendoza felt like an oasis but getting on the trail today reminded us of why we had travelled all this way.

A cool breeze and breathtaking views helped us up the Vacas Valley and a condor soaring high above the snow capped peaks was a good omen for the start of our trip. We are now sitting at Las Leñas patiently awaiting an asado from our kind Argentine hosts. We had a lovely first day and are excited for what is to come.

Peace, Love, Gratitude.

RMI Guides Ray Holt, Ben Luedtke, and Team 

We started the day in our fancy hotel, enjoying eggs and sausage and coffee as well.

The van had arrived, the gear was all packed and our guides diligently made up for what we lacked

The bus swayed and vistas were scanned, 3 hours more to begin what we planned

But when we stopped to pee we heard the news, one weather day we had to lose.

We decended the highway trying not to be crass, Aconcagua had told us, you shall not pass

The city came close and I remembered my luck, I was in South America no other place I'd rather be stuck

Another night in the land of sun and good wine, another joke about chubrub would not be out of line

RMI Climber Colin Young

Due to heavy rains the Aconcagua National Park closed today. (Jan. 8) The team will start their trek tomorrow to Base Camp.

Hola amigos y familiares de Mendoza, Argentina y feliz año nuevo!!

We have all officially arrived here in the land of carne asado, vino tinto, and guanacos. The excitement cannot contain us. Over the last 2 days, we have found the lag to our jet, enjoyed some fine Argentinian cuisine, and triple checked our gear. The highest peak outside the Himalaya, the Stone Centinel, awaits our arrival. Tomorrow is that day. The day we start our long trek to stand atop South America. Stay tuned as we utilize our Chubb Rub along our endeavor not only to climb, but circumvent Aconcagua. 

Hablamos pronto.

RMI Guides Ben Luedtke, Ray Holt, & Team

Sometimes, climbing is about a new experience. Sometimes, climbing is about the people. Sometimes, climbing is about the experience you get to enjoy with the people you are with while doing something epic, unexpected, and downright enjoyable. That is what we had. We may not have achieved the objectives we signed up for, but we got to experience something we never have before; an incredible four days with an incredible team on objectives that very few people ever get to be a part of. After an incredibly incredible yet long day that we'd rather not discuss, we then still got to go ice climbing (in August) on the lower Coleman Glacier of Mount Baker. Outside of that, we'll keep the jokes we shared, the sandals we made, and the amount of caffeine we consume amongst ourselves. Thanks to all our loved ones for supporting us on these crazy left field objectives. We are back where it all started at Chair 9 with limited service and celebrating. 

RMI Guides Ben Luedtke, Calvin Jiricko, Bailey Servais, and team

Summit Success!
Our entire team reached the top of South Twin Sister with big smiles and perfect weather. It was a stunning day of climbing, and everyone crushed it! We made it back late last night, safe and sound, and spirits are high.

Now we’re gearing up for our next adventure: ice climbing on the lower Coleman Deming Glacier. Conditions look promising, and we’re excited to get back out there.

— RMI Guide Ben Luedtke & Team

Today, we sauntered into the wilderness of Washington for our first objective: South Twin Sister.
“What are we doing?” you might ask. “Where the heck is that?” you may wonder. Spoiler alert: it’s a hidden gem of a climb just south of Mt. Baker.

After crossing a downed tree over a raging creek and bushwhacking through a sea of berries, we arrived at camp nestled in a field of boulders. The question kept coming: “Have y’all done this climb before?” Sure have.

We spent the afternoon refreshing our skills in preparation for what’s to come. Hiding from the sun and heat, we’re hoping to get some sleep tonight.

Tomorrow, we climb.
— RMI Guide Ben & Team

The North Cascades continue to deliver! RMI Guide Ben Luedtke and team ventured to the Picket Range in North Cascades National Park over the weekend for a successful climb of West McMillan Spire. They enjoyed great climbing conditions and blue, windless skies.