Entries from Aconcagua

Aconcagua: RMI Team at Pampa de Las Leñas

January 24, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

We had a great hike down to Pampa de Las Leñas. A little rain on the way but has changed to blue skies. The team is doing well and is excited to celebrate our last night in the mountains with an Argentine-style barbecue. We'll check in tomorrow from Mendoza! RMI Guide Gabriel Barral & the Aconcagua team

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Hope you are enjoying Mendoza with your 2 xtr days,
excited to hear the details.

Posted by: Fred & Jan on 1/27/2011 at 8:21 am

Keith. . .

Glad you made it. . . on a side note, you’re “on-call” when you return and while I’m skiing next week.

Kamran sends his love, and since it snowed 1 inch today, he of course stayed home. I am piss!

Posted by: Brian E on 1/26/2011 at 12:29 pm

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Aconcagua: Back to Basecamp

January 23, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 14,000'

We are back at Basecamp! The group woke early to sunny skies, and some small snow drifts at 19,600'. A quick breakfast and time to break camp and pack, and we were on our way downhill. The group moved very well, and just under 5 hours later we were walking into Basecamp ahead of some weather that was chasing us. While we sat in the cook tent drinking tea and coffee, the skies opened with snow and gusty winds. We have just finished an incredible dinner of Argentine steak and Malbec (at 14000 ft!). The group is well fed, happy for the thicker air, and headed to bed. Tomorrow, our packs again get lighter as the mules give us a hand with our loads. We will walk to our first camp (Pampa de Leñas) for a barbecue and sleep, before a last few hours to the trailhead, and transport to Mendoza! We'll be in touch tomorrow. Thanks for reading, RMI Guide Gabriel Barral and Team

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Hi Dad!
Sounds like you guys had a great trip, glad you made it back safely!
love,
Kayla

Posted by: Kayla Eland on 1/25/2011 at 12:04 pm

What a wonderful experience for all of you.
Wishing you safe travels again tomorrow. :)

Posted by: Judy H. on 1/23/2011 at 7:32 pm

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Aconcagua: Successful Summit on Aconcagua!

January 22, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

The team did a great job, not just on the climb to the summit, but also on the descent back to high camp. Now everybody is very tired, but I think that after a big portion of Ramen the stoke meter will mark a 11! (It's one bigger isn't?!) This is the RMI Aconcagua Expedition checking in from Camp 3 after a successful ascent to the top of Aconcagua (22841'-6962m) A beautiful dark blue sky, lots of stars forming constellations such as the Cruz del Sur (southern cross) and a magnificent full moon were the kick off of our climb at 5:30am. The weather during the first 6 hours of our ascent was extremely good, no wind and temperatures on the sunny slopes were more than comfortable. Once we started the final part of the ascent (the Canaleta) clouds moved in, but the temperatures kept getting warmer. Unfortunately at the moment of our arrival on the summit it became covered by clouds, and we did not have the chance of enjoy the awesome 360 degrees view of the Andes, but this didn't stop the group from having the opportunity to let our emotions get out and celebrate. Stokemeter

We will check in tomorrow from the comfort of Base Camp Plaza Argentina. Thanks to everybody out there for following our progress on the mountain and for sending all those kind messages. Cheers, Gabi and the RMI Aconcagua Expedition.

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Congratulations on making the summit dad!! The weather looked so amazing over there, can’t wait to see you when you get home!!

Love, Bart

Posted by: Bart Eland on 1/23/2011 at 4:50 pm

congratulations Sid ! We have all been tracking your progress and are excited for you that you all reached the summit ! Quite an impressive mountain I’m sure ! Great job ! The Fitzy cheering squad !

Posted by: Carol Eland on 1/23/2011 at 4:41 pm

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Aconcagua: RMI Team Moves to Camp 3

January 21, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

This is Gabi and the RMI Aconcagua expedition checking in from Camp 3 (19600'). This morning we started at Camp 2 with an early breakfast. We started our ascent at 10:20 am and after 3 hours and 20 minutes of hard work we arrived at our high camp. The weather this morning was awesome, no wind and warm temperatures (well, as warm as it could get at 18,000'). During the ascent clouds moved in and a cold breeze cooled us. At our arrival to Camp 3 a little bit of weather added some spice to our day. It snowed half a inch, but for a good 15 minutes it looked like it was going to keep snowing all night. Current conditions are better. It is still cloudy, but it has stopped snowing and it looks like we are going to have a clear night. Our plan is to wake up early tomorrow morning (sometime between 3 and 5 am) and we will check the weather. If the weather is as the forecast is calling, we'll have breakfast and start our summit attempt !

Everybody is very excited for tomorrow and the stokemeter is very high (8) at Camp 3! We'll be in touch tomorrow. Cheers, RMI Guide Gabriel Barral and the Aconcagua expedition

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Lisa: Mary and I have been following your daily progress and envying you every step of the way! When you read this you are most likely down from the summit. Congratulations on your accomplishment. We are anticipating seeing all your pictures.

Love, Jud and Mary

Posted by: Jud on 1/22/2011 at 10:54 am

Frere Jacque,

I am vicariously enjoying your grand adventure. See you at the top!

Posted by: Andy Lee on 1/22/2011 at 9:41 am

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Aconcagua: RMI Team Reflects on their Expedition during a Rest Day

January 20, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

We are enjoying a beautiful bluebird rest day here in the comfort of our second camp high on Aconcagua, after yesterday's trip to Campo Colera at 19,600'. The temperatures have warmed up and the winds have died down, so we are all just refueling and getting mentally prepared for the upcoming push to our highest camp and the summit. For a change of pace, we're going to have each team member share some thoughts today. Without further ado: Sid: rest days are probably the toughest days, though given the push ahead it is welcome. Hello to all and thanks for your thoughts, they make a difference. Keith: VERY tough mountain so far, but Gabi, Garrett and Pete have made it do-able and tolerable so far. Hi to fam and friends! Erin: it's been a difficult climb with high winds, but I am feeling well despite a brief battle with dehydration yesterday. Looking forward to coming home to family and friends, see you all soon! Todd: Looking forward to the summit! Kili ain't got nothing on Aconcagua...go market go!! Dan M.: Awesome team, great climb and scenery. Send more TP. O-H! John: Greetings family and friends, looking forward to the summit attempt. This is a beautiful, awesome and challenging mountain. As in Psalm 19, "The heavens and earth speak forth His glory". Michael: It's all I expected physically and with beauty. Love to Lois and my girls, miss you all. Lisa: Tom, miss you every day. Would love for you to be here. Sheri, your sleeping bag is working perfect. Garrett: Great climb with great people in a spectacular place! Amy, I love you and miss you. See you soon! Pete: The Andes have been showing us their spectacular side! Katie, love you, miss you, and talk soon! Gabi: Having a great time, enjoying the time shared with the team members and my friends Pete and Garrett. Ceci: te amo, nos vemos pronto por Buenos Aires! Thanks to everybody out there for following our progress and sending all those positive wishes. Cheers, The RMI Aconcagua expedition

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Fun to hear from all the climbers! Wishing you a safe push to the summit! Hi, Michael! XXOO :)

Posted by: Judy H. on 1/22/2011 at 7:22 am

Go Sid!
Great that the whole team is strong. Have a fabulous summit day. Don’t forget to take the time to soak it all in. You are a great inspiration to al of us back home. We want pictures.
Kevin & Patty

Posted by: Kevin Callaghan on 1/21/2011 at 10:01 am

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Aconcagua: Carry to Camp 3

January 19, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

Despite weather forecasts calling for high winds, we woke to clear skies, cool temps, and dissipating winds. By mid-morning, the weather looked good enough to do our carry. Our loads where light today as we only had to move three days worth of food, as well as a small amount of personal gear up hill to camp 3. The group climbed in style, arriving at our 19,600 ft camp in about 3.5 hours. The descent went quickly, and the group is back in camp resting, re-hydrating, and preparing for our last rest day before the summit push. Stokemeter

The stoke meter boosted to 8 today with our beautiful weather and successful carry. We'll check in tomorrow with tales of rest day shenanigans. RMI Guide Gabriel Barral and the Aconcagua Team

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HELLO LISA (and her climbing team). From the blogs it sounds like the climb is going good. We are so proud of you Lisa and can’t wait until you get home. Looking forward to your stories of the climb and also can’t wait to see all your pictures. Be safe :) Bill and Jeri

Posted by: Jeri Hall on 1/19/2011 at 10:37 pm

Another beautiful photo! Glad your climb today went well. Will look forward to the next blog post. :)

Posted by: Judy H. on 1/19/2011 at 7:30 pm

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Aconcagua: RMI Team Moves to Camp 2

January 18, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

The team woke early today to make our move to Camp 2. Just over three hours after leaving Camp 1, the group rolled into our new home under bright sunny skies and a chilly breeze. Everyone was relieved to shed the weight of packs at 18,000 feet. Tents are up and everyone is resting and beginning the process of acclimating anew. Stokemeter

Tonight and tomorrow are supposed to be very windy, so we will see in the morning if we are going to do our scheduled carry to Camp 3, or whether we will sit tight. We'll let everyone know tomorrow! Today's stoke meter is resting between 6 and 7. We worked hard, but everyone is excited to be that much closer to our objective. Until tomorrow, The RMI Aconcagua expedition

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Garrett, your new nickname is Captain Stoketacular. FYI.

Posted by: Amy on 1/19/2011 at 10:23 am

Lisa, I am sitting at my computer following your awesome adventure step by step! Girlfriend, you rock!

Posted by: Karen on 1/19/2011 at 9:39 am

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Aconcagua: Rest Day at Camp 1

January 17, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200

Today is a much deserved rest day, after yesterday's trip to Guanacos Camp (Camp 2) at 18,000'. The team slept well despite last night's wind, which wasn't quite as strong as the night before but was still strong enough to keep the tents flapping and creaking throughout the night. We woke this morning to more beautiful azure skies and golden sun, which quickly warmed the tents and our spirits. We had an impromptu team meeting during our breakfast of oatmeal and cocoa to discuss the upcoming legs of the climb, and everyone is ready to keep moving towards the top! We're spending the remainder of today indulging in delicious lunch foods and conserving energy for tomorrow's move to Camp 2. Stokemeter

Today's stoke meter remains high, with an average of 8. Stay tuned for more details as we move higher on the mountain. Cheers! RMI Guide Gabriel Barral and the Aconcagua Team

Aconcagua: Carry to Camp 2

January 16, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

Weather forecast was right. Winds picked up last night and didn't slow down until 8 am this morning. We estimate that the wind speed was a steady 30 mph and gusts of 50 mph. The good news is that besides a few cut guidelines, our tents stayed in place with no damage. Nobody slept that much so this morning our stoke score descended a few points. Once the wind slowed down we had a late breakfast and packed for the carry to Camp 2. The first hour and a half we walked uphill on a steep trail up the col Aconcagua-Ameghino (17,500'). Once we got to the west side of the col we were exposed to the cold wind that was still blowing on that side of the mountain. It took us 2 more hours to reach Camp 2. The descent to Camp 1 was very quick, just 1:10hrs. Stokemeter

As I write this Garrett is cooking dinner, which smells great, so our stoke score will get to 8 points! Hot drinks are ready so we will be sending a new dispatch tomorrow during our well deserved rest day at Camp 1. Gabi and the RMI Aconcagua expedition

Aconcagua: RMI Team checks in from Camp 1

January 15, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

This is Gabi and the RMI Aconcagua expedition checking in from Camp 1. This morning we left the comfort of Aconcagua Basecamp and started to head up at 10am. The team did a great job climbing today, it took us 4 1/2 hours to reach the camp. We enjoyed another sunny day. The cold winds on the Andes started to pick up, not too strong yet, but forecast is calling for 75 mph at the top for tomorrow. We will see how hard is blowing here tomorrow morning and we will decide if we do the carry to Camp 2. Our plans B and C for tomorrow are to carry just to the col between Aconcagua and Ameghino (half way to camp 2) or we'll use one of the weather days if winds are extremely strong. We'll be sending dispatches from the new comfort of Camp 1. I am passing the keyboard to Garrett, and he will give you the score of the stoke meter. Stokemeter

By popular request we are instituting a daily stoke meter, to share with the world the level of excitement the team is currently feeling. We'll be using a numeric scale that corresponds to a specific level of stoke, defined as follows: 0-2= no stoke. 3-5= semi-stoke. 6-8= stoked. 9-10= TOTALLY STOKED! Today's stoke meter is a healthy 6, which is pretty nice after the climb. Stay tuned for more updates from the team! RMI Guides Gabriel Barral and Garrett Stevens

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Entries from Aconcagua

Aconcagua: RMI Team at Pampa de Las Leñas

Aconcagua: Back to Basecamp

Aconcagua: Successful Summit on Aconcagua!

Aconcagua: RMI Team Moves to Camp 3

Aconcagua: RMI Team Reflects on their Expedition during a Rest Day

Aconcagua: Carry to Camp 3

Aconcagua: RMI Team Moves to Camp 2

Aconcagua: Rest Day at Camp 1

Aconcagua: Carry to Camp 2

Aconcagua: RMI Team checks in from Camp 1

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