Entries By billy nugent

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Carry to 16,200’ Camp

January 11, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Walter Hailes, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Today saw our first dose of real work above Basecamp as the gang carried up a load of food, fuel, and cold weather gear. It was a long day with big loads up to elevations over 16,000 feet, so we were certainly working hard but the team was generally unfazed. The carry definitely helps supply us on the upper mountain but also serves as a good stimulus for our bodies as they try and acclimatize to the higher altitude. The physiological changes are happening and the headaches most folks reported on our first night at Basecamp are now long gone. Higher oxygen saturations and lower resting heart rates are also the norm. Another rest day tomorrow and a fat steak dinner tonight here at Basecamp should give us an opportunity to get stronger and stronger and set us up well for the hard work that lies ahead as we move up. All for now, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Rest Day at BaseCamp

January 9, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Walter Hailes, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Not much to report from our first full day at Basecamp. The team is enjoying a rest day filled with such exciting activities as sleeping in, eating a big breakfast of bacon and eggs, lounging around our weather port drinking coffee, getting checked out by the Argentine medical staff, and packing up for tomorrow's carry up to Camp 1. We'll check in again tomorrow after our carry, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Jeff-We are watching your progress, keep up the “pings!” I am praying the wind and weather are your friends. Love Deb and kids

Posted by: Debbie on 1/11/2014 at 8:35 am

Meredith - Looks spectacular. We’re following you and hoping for great weather…

Posted by: Rachel on 1/10/2014 at 10:04 pm

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Arrive in BaseCamp

January 8, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Walter Hailes, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Hello everyone out there following along in RMI Expeditions blogland... Our team made short work of today's hike and arrived at Plaza Argentina (our basecamp) early this afternoon. We started off early early, firing the stoves before sunrise because we needed to hitch a ride on muleback over the river. The herrieros were planning on running the rest of our gear up to basecamp and then running the mules all the way back out to the road so they requested the early start. Normally we'd cross the river on foot but it's running pretty deep this year and the mule option seemed like a safer one especially considering my lifeguard certification expired about 15 years ago.. . Anyway, the team is settling in to life at just under 14k feet and hoping for a good night of sleep after three consecutive hot and dusty days on the trail. Hasta mañana, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

On The Map

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Trek to Casa de Piedra

January 7, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Walter Hailes, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 10,550'

Checking in from Casa de Piedra, aka trekking camp 2 here in the Vacas Valley. Our crew had another great day moving well and enjoying near perfect weather. While the terrain was very similar to yesterday's hike the temperatures were considerably lower and there was a pleasant breeze all day that lessened the onslaught of the sun. Right before the Refugio we caught our first glimpses of the mountain without a cloud in the sky. The mountain looks a bit more dusty and dry than normal. The Polish Glacier also appears more broken up than normal. Still, we took a break to shoot some photos and let the size and grandeur soak in a little. After arriving in camp around 2:30 pm, we spent the afternoon lounging and some adventurous folks even went for a swim in the river. The river is running a fair bit deeper than normal so our team is going to ford it tomorrow on mules instead of on foot which will be a new experience for all of us. All for now, will check in again tomorrow from basecamp... RMI Guide Billy Nugent

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

I love reading your updates! Wishing you all a happy, healthy, safe and harmonious expedition. Thank you for these postings! Sending lots and lots of Love, BB

Posted by: Barbara Lynn Bloemsma on 1/8/2014 at 9:19 pm

Mountain river swimming? What could be better! I hope you brought your snorkel gear for such opportunities.

Thinking of you with pan flutes playing. Jealous of your sunshine and glad to hear about the breezy weather. -k

Posted by: Kendra & Rocky on 1/8/2014 at 8:05 pm

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team from Pampa de Leñas

January 7, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Walter Hailes, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Today was hot... Our team woke up after a last night under a roof and in a real bed and loaded up on coffee and scrambled eggs before heading back over to Grajales' packing facility. We put the finishing touches on our packing job for the mules and caught a transfer from Penitentes over to Punta de Vacas where our journey truly began. We took off from the trailhead a little after 10 am and it was already blazing. Strong sun and high temperatures made for a hard day but our team showed a lot of strength by dispensing the first stretch of the trek to basecamp in good time and with strong form. Occasional breezes and some late afternoon wind made the heat bearable. We got moved in to our first camp at Pampa de Leñas after the mule drivers unloaded our gear and waited for a rendezvous with Jake's descending RMI team. Our minestrone soup was supplemented by delicious beef from the asado that the muleteers had prepared for Jake's crew. It turns out that our friends at Grajales knew that Gabi, Jake, and myself would all be in Leñas tonight and sent up extra meat for a celebration. Now, I'm laying under the stars with a full belly thankful for great friends and excited for tomorrow's continued adventure with a great crew! RMI Guide Billy Nugent

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hi Mer, this is so great to be able to follow you. Sounds wonderful! Love Mom and Dad

Posted by: Delese and Steve on 1/8/2014 at 5:00 pm

Good Luck, Patrick and all you climbers. We’ll be following you every day!

Love, Mom and Dad

Posted by: sheila on 1/7/2014 at 5:50 pm

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Aconcagua: Billy Nugent & Team Begin Their Expedition!

January 7, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Walter Hailes, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Whew. It's been a busy couple of days for this newly assembled team of climbers... The whole gang made it down to Argentina yesterday safe and sound and with all of our luggage! Travel-weary but excited we held a team meeting to formally get to know one another and hash out some of the many logistical details that getting out of town and on the mountain involves. Then we went out on the town in Mendoza for a wild and crazy night. Just kidding. But we did get to see some street performers and walk through the Saturday night crowds on our way to a fine Argentine restaurant. Now's where I'm supposed to brag about the delicious beef we ate and Malbec we imbibed. The following morning we got our act together after a couple hiccups at the permit office and then caught a quick lunch before transferring out to Penitentes. We spent the afternoon getting our gear ready for the mules and are about to enjoy one last night with a filling meal and a warm bed. Well, at least for the foreseeable future... Hitting the dusty trail tomorrow, everyone's a little anxious but psyched to find the rhythm of the expedition. All for now, RMI Guide Billy Nugent and Friends

Mt. Rainier: Four & Five Day Climbs Turned Around

September 22, 2013

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Zeb Blais

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 12,300'

The Four Day Summit Climb September 19 - 22 led by RMI Guide Billy Nugent & the Five Day Summit Climb September 18 - 22 led by Zeb Blais were unable to reach the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams left Camp Muir en route to the summit but were forced to turn around at the top of Disappointment Cleaver (12,300') due to a cloud cap that was descending. The cloud cap brought limited visibility and increased winds. The teams returned to Camp Muir to rest and dry out. They began their descent from Camp Muir a little after 8 am en route for Paradise. We look forward to seeing the groups at Rainier BaseCamp later this morning.

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Glad you guys are safe. (Following Lissa and Joanna but glad for all of you.) You guys are a success for trying and going so far, and being willing and able to go the distance. Sorry the weather made it rough and you had to turn around at “Dissapointment Cleaver.” I’m guessing with that name, you guys weren’t the first to have to deal with having to turn around at that place. What an adventure!:)

Posted by: dawn n. on 9/23/2013 at 5:05 pm

Having made it to the top of the Cleaver with the team… It was awesome. Rainier made it pretty clear it was in no mood to let anyone summit on Sunday.
I can’t say enough about all the RMI guides. They are great. Thanks, guys.

Posted by: Wytold on 9/23/2013 at 7:56 am

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Mt. Rainier: September 8th Teams Thwarted by Winds

September 8, 2013

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Elias de Andres Martos

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 12,700'

The Four Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guide Billy Nugent and RMI Guide Elias de Andres Martos reached 12,900’ before high winds forced them to turn around. The teams were at Ingraham Flats around 7 am this morning en route to Camp Muir. From there, they will refuel and prepare to descend back to Paradise. We look forward to seeing them back in Ashford this afternoon. Way to climb teams!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Quinn & I are back in Atlanta and missing everybody! I am homesick for that beautiful mountain, even if she did kick us off. Would love to stay in touch with all of you, and maybe we can schedule another summit attempt! Also, I failed with camera duty and would love any pictures y’all may have to share. Email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Thanks to our wonderful RMI guides for a challenging and unforgettable experience.

Liz

Posted by: Liz Wiedemann on 9/9/2013 at 9:40 pm

Hey Billy and Elias,

You guys really did a great job and pulled off a very memorable climb. I definitely will not forget the sight of that ladder bridge blowing in the wind at 12,900 ever! Look forward to catching up with you guys again, good luck on your upcoming climbs!

All the Best,

Dave

Posted by: Dave Flahive on 9/9/2013 at 9:01 pm

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Mt. Rainier: September 4, 2013

September 4, 2013

Posted by: Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 12,300'

RMI Guide Billy Nugent led the Four Day Summit Climb to the top of Disappointment Cleaver this morning before encountering strong winds, low visibility, and precipitation. The teams have safely returned to Camp Muir and are getting ready to descend back to Paradise. We are excited to welcome the teams back in Ashford early this afternoon.

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

We are so proud of you, Doug. All your hard work and training has paid off. Can’t wait to hear all about your adventure! Mom and Dad Hicks

Posted by: Byron and Nancy on 9/5/2013 at 6:54 am

Way to go Jack and Beth!!! Sorry to hear you couldn’t make it all the way to the top, but way to get to 12,300’!!! Can’t wait to hear more about it next week!

James Rogers

Posted by: James Rogers on 9/4/2013 at 5:23 pm

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Mt.Rainier: August 29, 2013 Update

August 29, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 10,200'

Our Four Day Summit Climb Teams led by RMI Guides JJ Justman and Billy Nugent did not leave Camp Muir last night. High winds, heavy precipitation and low visibility made Camp Muir the high point for the team. The teams enjoyed breakfast and hot coffee this morning and are now en-route to Paradise and will be back at RMI Basecamp early this afternoon. Congratulations to today's teams!

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Entries By billy nugent

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Carry to 16,200’ Camp

On The Map

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Rest Day at BaseCamp

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Arrive in BaseCamp

On The Map

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Trek to Casa de Piedra

On The Map

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team from Pampa de Leñas

Aconcagua: Billy Nugent & Team Begin Their Expedition!

Mt. Rainier: Four & Five Day Climbs Turned Around

Mt. Rainier: September 8th Teams Thwarted by Winds

Mt. Rainier: September 4, 2013

Mt.Rainier: August 29, 2013 Update

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