Entries from Aconcagua
Day 16
After what felt like an eternity, the winds finally calmed and the clouds parted ways as we arrived at Nido de Cóndores – Cólera (High Camp). A challenging day with a very rewarding conclusion. The team quickly made camp in hopes of getting as much sleep as possible before the big day tomorrow. We are tired but prepared.
Till next time,
RMI Guides Luke, David and Team
Posted by: Luke Wilhelm, David Price
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Day 15
Our team is so resilient. This storm continues to pound the mountain, but our positivity is overwhelming it! It was another really windy and cold one. Despite the bad weather, we were able to get out and stretch our legs a bit. It felt great to move around! The team kept themselves busy this afternoon sorting and preparing gear. If the weather allows, we plan to move to Camp 3 tomorrow.
Till next time,
RMI Guides Luke, David & Team
I’m in awe of both the physical and mental strength you all have to push forward! Stay strong team. You can do this!
Posted by: Amanda Schimkus on 2/5/2022 at 4:05 pm
Hey Pop/Tim,
It wouldn’t be an adventure if everything went as planned! I know you will be persevere these hardships and conquer this challenge. Just know that we are all rooting for you and miss you. I’ve got a laundry list of “man” projects around the house for us to complete upon your return which should motivate your prolonged stay in Aconcagua. Take care and be safe!
Love your favorite son-in-law,
Chris
Posted by: Christopher Nicholson on 2/5/2022 at 12:42 pm
Day 14
What a sight to behold. We all stood in the morning silence watching the winds on the summit. So much change within a few thousand vertical feet. Snow was getting ripped off of the highest parts of the mountain above us, disappearing into the rapidly moving clouds beyond. We sure felt grateful for the calm weather we were experiencing around camp. Despite todays spectacle, the team remains optimistic.
Till next time,
RMI Guides Luke, David and Team
JOSEPH
Hunker down, do some walking about and take pictures for us.
We are so proud of you!! You’re in striking distance, Talking to the big guy for you all. Your climbing patner Daryl
Posted by: Daryl on 2/4/2022 at 7:00 am
Rooting for y’all from Vermont!! Some updates: Darius Garland was named an All-Star reserve (hell yeah), Olympics started today (US women’s hockey beat Finland 5-1 and Italy beat Norway in an 8th end heartbreaker in mixed curling), Harbaugh didn’t get Vikings job, Samuel L Jackson signed a 10-day with the Canton Charge, and Midd’s getting 12-18 tonight! Hope everyone’s doing well- y’all are crushing it!!! Relish this experience.
Posted by: Greg on 2/3/2022 at 6:46 pm
Day 13
The team awoke to warm bagels and crackling bacon. That was the warmest part of the day. It was a frigid one. We practiced cramponing while dashing in and out of our sleeping bags. Now is the trickiest part of any expedition. We sit, checking the weather repeatedly, waiting for our weather window to climb. Despite so much time in the tent, we are ready when the time comes.
Till next time,
RMI Guide Luke Wilhelm & Team
Hey Dad,
Hope you are staying warm and keeping up morale while you wait for a clear safe opening for you to summit. Thinking of you! Sending Love and Strength!
Kelly
Posted by: Kelly on 2/3/2022 at 6:23 pm
Sounds like a you’re in good company while you await your window for summiting. Sending prayers the weather God’s turn in your favor. In the meantime, eat, rest, and relish in your magical winter wonderland adventure. We love you!
Love and God Bless,
ChrisBoLillianCarl
Posted by: ChrisBoLillianCarl on 2/2/2022 at 7:45 pm
Our mood was a reflection of how the snow fell today. Slow and relaxed. After a really hard day yesterday, the team enjoyed recovering in our tents. Reading, writing, and watching movies. And how could we forget the amazing pizza meal for lunch?! Not able to see past our campsite, it's really nice to be living in a world of snow.
Till next time,
Posted by: James Bealer, Luke Wilhelm, David Price
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,300'
We huffed and puffed our way up to Camp 2 today, which sits at 18,300 feet. The team did a great job with the move! Arriving at camp this afternoon, everyone felt a major sense of accomplishment. Ear to ear smiles, and hugs all around! Our hard work today will be rewarded with a much deserved day of rest tomorrow. We have now situated ourselves perfectly for a summit attempt in the coming days.
Till next time,
RMI Guide Luke Wilhelm and team
I have wonder and excitement for you on what it must feel like for this to be accomplished. What a life changing event for you. I am so excited for you all. Keep going! Love you Tim!
Teri
Posted by: Teri Derr on 2/1/2022 at 8:43 am
Richie, you da man! I’m super proud of you for pursing your life passions and adventuring to new epic heights. I’ve been reading the blogs and it sounds like you’re surrounded by amazing human beings with enormous hearts. Keep blazing upward! GO TEAM!!!
Posted by: Joey Collazo on 2/1/2022 at 5:55 am
Posted by: Luke Wilhelm, David Price
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Day 10
Leaving the ruckus of Basecamp behind, the team enjoyed a smooth ascent to Camp 1 today. The massive rock buttresses of the upper mountain certainly made us feel tiny. It is peaceful moments like today, in epic places like this where we are reminded of how small we all are. It feels great to be established on the upper mountain.
Till next time,
RMI Guide Luke Wilhelm
You may be (feel) small, but, you are giants of courage! Breathe, take it all in, this will become you as you move through the rest of your lives.
Terri
Posted by: Terri L. Jennings on 1/31/2022 at 8:21 am
Posted by: James Bealer, Luke Wilhelm, David Price
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
The Soul of a Climber
The mountains hold the soul,
And light fire in the hearts of some men.
It leads them to do things,
Others don't just understand.
It's not only the summits,
Though that's what we oft speak of.
It's the journey, the effort,
And so much more that we love.
It's trekking the valleys,
That lead to the trailhead.
And the anticipation of adventures,
During the journey ahead.
It's the early morning sun,
As if it illuminates the peaks.
All through the day until sunset,
These are the beauties we seek.
We realize it will take effort,
That there will be moments of pain.
But the mountain gives more back,
It is much more of a gain.
It's the time spent with others,
Telling tales of past climbs.
And of more ventures ahead,
That excite each climber's mind.
There is time spent together,
There is tile spent alone.
But mostly it is time in the mountains,
In this place we call home.
The time comes to leave,
It invariably does.
But our hearts and souls have been nourished,
By these sacred mountains we love.
-Tim Cavanagh
Hola, Tim and the Team! We hope your lungs are cleansed and your hearts are filled in your dance with Mother Nature. We are right behind you in spirit. Love, D and I
Posted by: Dick and Irene Simpson on 2/1/2022 at 9:47 am
To our dad and his fellow mountaineers,
Your journey brings envy to our “home isolation”
but hope you’re enjoying God’s Divine Creation.
The mountains are beautiful and treacherous at best,
We hope you are eating, hydrating, and getting adequate rest.
You’ll be climbing and slogging through all sorts of weather
Just think of the camaraderie and memories you’re making together.
It is one of the best parts of these expeditions no doubt,
Along with reflection, prayer, and a few curses throughout.
We’re praying for you all and especially the “Soul of a Climber” who’s soles imprint on the trail
And look forward to you regaling us with your long mountaineer tale.
We love you, dad!
Love and God Bless,
Chris, Bo, Lillian, and Carl
Posted by: ChrisBoLillianCarl on 1/30/2022 at 8:33 pm
Posted by: Luke Wilhelm, James Bealer, David Price
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
It's easy to forget how wild it is here. Over the past several days we have been surrounded by the hustle and bustle of helicopters, mules, and other climbers rushing in and out of Aconcagua Base Camp. Today brought a lovely change. Carrying our gear higher and higher, we were reminded of how incomprehensible the land we are exploring in is. The surrounding mountains took depth and the air became noticeably thinner. It was calm. No wind, no helicopters, no loud music. Just climbing. Wonderful.
Till next time,
RMI Guide Luke Wilhelm & Team
So excited for you Richie! Can’t wait to hear all about this and see pics. You are a rockstar!
Posted by: Andrew Hatfield on 1/29/2022 at 11:37 am
Sounds amazing! Keep it up and enjoy the adventure everyone!
We love you and miss you Pops! We’re all rooting for you!
Posted by: Noel Imfeld on 1/28/2022 at 9:29 pm
Posted by: James Bealer, Luke Wilhelm, David Price
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 14,400'
The team enjoyed a well deserved rest day at Basecamp. We spent the time napping, reading, and preparing gear for tomorrow. Optimism and hope flowed out of our dining tent this evening as we were finally able to see the climbing route above us. We feel recovered and ready for what lies above.
RMI Guides James, Luke, David & Team
Joe 1 foot in front of the other.
We are rooting for you, and wishing were there with a Cold Coke
Posted by: Daryl and Katie on 1/28/2022 at 9:35 am
Richie! Finally, the moment you all have been waiting for! I’m sending you all positive energy for a memorable and fulfilling moment in time that you will always cherish. Looking forward to seeing your group photo at the summit. Peace and love to all of you :)
Posted by: Joey Collazo on 2/6/2022 at 2:22 pm
Joe and Team, rest well and best of luck. Joe remember the plan, God speed, be safe you got this
Daryl
Katie
Posted by: Daryl and Katie on 2/5/2022 at 8:57 pm
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