Entries from Aconcagua
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 16,200'
Today we carried food, fuel & a few personal items to Camp 2 at 18,000'. Pardon the typo of elevation yesterday (we had it 17,000'). We had a clear morning to begin the day. Heavy snow began to fall with a light breeze while we were putting together our cache. The team got back to camp and is waiting for a break in the snow. This weather pattern is forecasted until the 9th when strong winds are expected for the 10th & 11th. We rest tomorrow and hope the storm abates.
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 16,300'
We made good time to Camp 1 at 16,300'. There were some clouds that kept the temps comfortable. Heavy snowfall began as we setup camp. The team got their cached items and ducked into the tents for a little rest before dinner. Tomorrow we will continue our ascent of Aconcagua with a carry of food & fuel to Camp 2 at 17,000'.
Fingers crossed that the snow stops tonight and winds do not get too high. We'll check in tomorrow after our carry.
Thanks for following along.
RMI Guide Mike King
The “carry” operation. And the tents: do the hikers set them up on arriving at camp? Are tents up there for the snowy summer season? How are they warmed?
What was served for dinner?
At 17,000 altitude when do the first rays of sun reach the tents? Do other peaks block the rays? Nobody gets ‘sunburnt in their beds’ as counselors warn campers in the Rockies (ask Lisa about that adage)
Posted by: Renate Fernandez on 1/5/2023 at 6:50 pm
Climbing on up the big hill. Go team, stay warm!
Posted by: Dee on 1/5/2023 at 2:49 pm
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
We got a nice wake up call from the park helicopter flying in cool and calm air. Sun hits the tents around 7:30. Our team was anxiously awaiting coffee & breakfast, which is a good sign that they are acclimating well, good appetites are what the guides want to see.
Some took naps, showers and did crosswords. The Grajales team here at Plaza Argentina has been incredibly helpful and supportive. The blue skies with scattered clouds continue to dominate the horizon, new snow from earlier in the week is melting and the warm tents make for some excellent downtime.
We will head out for a walk towards the base of Ibanez in the broad and flat drainage that once held a massive glacier. Tomorrow we’ll move to Camp 1 and begin our 8-10 days up high. Fingers crossed for clear skie when we want to move and snow when we have rest days. High camp has been dry so the possibility of carrying water to 19,600’ for 13 people weighs heavy on the guides….especially their lumbago, pun intended.
Thanks for following along.
So excited to have this blog to follow your journey Alex! Uncle and I read it every morning. Lifting you all up in prayer. Can’t wait to hear all about your adventure in February! Much Love!
Posted by: Kim Peltier on 1/5/2023 at 9:13 am
It sounds amazing and it must be incredibly beautiful. Take it all in for the rest of us….
Thanks again for updates….
Posted by: Dee on 1/4/2023 at 3:39 pm
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 16,400'
Today was our first real day of climbing and the first real test for the group. We carried loads from Basecamp up to Camp 1 at 16,400', an altitude record for some of the group. This day was used to help the group acclimatize and help split up the weight we carry up to our first camp. The weather was ideal, with beautiful clear skies and a light breeze. We made good time uphill and even more efficient on the downhill. We’ll spend the rest of the afternoon rehydrating and replenishing calories.
Tomorrow is a rest day for the team and we are anticipating some unsettled weather over the next few days.
Thanks for following along.
RMI Guides Dom, Jack & Mike
We’re excited to hear about your upcoming weather pattern and what that will mean with your schedule. Weather here is off, all we have is ice right now, can’t walk, snowshoe, or ski.
Good thing you’re remote right now, Alison, everyone is dropping like flies here. Matt caught some crud. A few days later Caleb came down with it (they overnighted with Dad at Grampie’s camp), and now Willa has it.
Pups are holding down your office like champs.
Grandad is being awarded on March 4th at the annual Welsh Society in Philadelphia for all of his work on their history and for the association, over the years!
Stay safe and well! Love, Momma & Dad XOXOXO
Posted by: Momma & Dad on 1/4/2023 at 5:49 am
anticipating next camp: How do llamas and their cousins ford glacial streams? Or do mules do it for you?
As ro “downhill”, explain please. Up and down each one of you, more than once?
Posted by: Renate Lellep Fernandez on 1/3/2023 at 8:30 pm
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
Monday, January 2, 2023
Aside from the to be expected issues from sleepy at 14,000' feet for the first night of the trip we are all enjoying a rest day at Plaza Argentina.
Lots of packing and sorting on the guides end and the climbers too.
The meals continue to impress here at Grajales’ basecamp. The remainder of the day will have to team taking a short hike and enjoying the hours of sun on camp. Apologies for some of the delays in these, had a mistyped email address for yesterday’s post. Thanks for following along.
Michael & Steven Roy…safe climbing!!
Posted by: Gerald Roy on 1/4/2023 at 5:22 am
Hi Ali! Great to see you in person, wow technology is amazing! Nearly better reception than at our home in Woodland!
Sounds like you’re really get up high into elevation, so glad the weather has been holding pretty well. I’m sure a bit of snow won’t bother you, you’ve got the gear.
Wander & Gracie play every day, well Wander plays, Gracie lies on the floor and lets her!
We still have the tree up. I’m going to try to hold out taking it down until you are home, it’ll be good to have help, but that’s a long way out and we may have nothing but branches without needles if I stick to this plan, haha.
Sending our love and cheers to everyone in your camp! XOXOXO Momma & Dad
Posted by: Momma & Dad on 1/3/2023 at 12:10 pm
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
Sunday, January 1, 2023
It was clear cold night, the stars shone like diamonds in the Andean sky. We awoke early in order to beat the heat of the day that was surely on its way with the rising of the sun. The days trek began with an icy cold crossing of a glacially cold stream. It was a painful but effective way to remove any last trace of sleepiness from the group.
Today is our greatest elevation gain of the trek to reach Plaza Argentina Basecamp. Gaining 3,600' of elevation is no joke when you’re starting from 10,000', but the team was well fed and ready to start the New Year right. We styled it. We enjoyed sunny skies, cool temps, and stunning vistas as we made our way up the Ralincos Valley and into Basecamp by midday.
We are playing dice & eating pizza. Some are napping and journaling. Regardless it’s been a good afternoon in the sun to dry out gear and tomorrow morning is a rest day.
Thanks for following along.
RMI Guides Jack, Dom & Mike
Enjoy foloing you along. Do well -Be well And Safe.
There in 2012 w/ Pete + Gabi + Gilbert.
Walter
Posted by: Waltero Glover on 1/3/2023 at 7:12 am
Keep up the good work. We love you!
Posted by: Emily on 1/2/2023 at 2:34 pm
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 10,550'
Aconcagua team reaches Casa de Piedra. Yesterday we had a nice overcast four hour day into Pampa las Lena's. This has been a windy and rainy trip so far. We had a nice asado last night and to celebrate New Years. We'll enjoy a quiet/unstaffed camp. We are hopeful that the rain holds off for tomorrow as we head to Plaza Argentina basecamp.
RMI Guide Mike King
Happy New Year! Glad the weather has changed for you.
Wander is missing you but had a few good runs at the Cary trails. XO Momma & Dad
Posted by: Momma on 1/1/2023 at 11:29 am
Happy New Year!! Took the tree down today- pine needles everywhere haha! Missing you, Alison! Xoxo Lydia, Matt & Wilhelmina
Posted by: Lydia on 1/1/2023 at 11:26 am
Posted by: Luke Wilhelm, David Price
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
It is good to be back in the summer heat of Mendoza! The team returned to the city healthy, safe, and proud of our climbing accomplishments. Switching our boots and jackets for flip flops and swim suits has been a welcomed change. To unwind from the trip, we have enjoyed all of what the city has to offer. Lounging by the pool and eating copious amounts of gelato have been our main focuses. The group has become incredibly close during our time in Argentina. We are all eager to head home, yet reluctant to part ways. As the trip concludes, we will continue to relish in each others company until the final moments. Our time together has truly been the best.
Till next time,
RMI Guide Luke Wilhelm, David Price and Team
After a great night of sleep, we slowly made our way down the mountain. The team was motivated and made quick work of the descent. Motivated by the thought of hot showers, delicious meals, and communicating with loved ones. A nice evening at Aconcagua Basecamp was had rehashing memorable moments of the trip. We are all very fond of the experience Aconcagua has allowed us to share together.
Till next time,
Congratulations on what must have been a really challenging, yet incredibly rewarding journey. Can’t wait to see pictures and hear stories. Well done.
Posted by: Levert on 2/8/2022 at 5:34 am
While not everybody reached the summit of Aconcagua today, we all soaked in the entire experience. It was a perfect day to simply be in the mountains. Stars illuminating the landscape this morning. A windless day with not a cloud in the sky. Shadows creeping across peaks far in the distance, helping gauge the time of day. It was very easy to be distracted from the strenuous climbing by the surrounding beauty.
Till next time,
RMI Guide Luke Wilhelm
Tim,
Don’t know if you summited or not, but it doesn’t matter. It’s all about the journey and you have been on quite a journey over the last few years! We love you and can’t wait to see you and hear about your adventures. Now, get down and back home safely!
Love,
Dick and Irene
Posted by: Richard & Irene Simpson on 2/7/2022 at 6:51 pm
Congratulations! We’re so proud of all you! What a gorgeous day you must have had… and no matter what the outcome, we know this was a whole team effort. Way to go. Now get back down safely!
Posted by: T and B on 2/7/2022 at 4:07 am
Weather prayer
Posted by: Waltero on 1/7/2023 at 3:50 am
I bet goggles are adjusted the moment you open that tent flat. Remember Enos Mills’ story “Snow Blind”.
Posted by: Renate Fernandez on 1/6/2023 at 3:36 pm
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