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Posted by: JJ Justman
Categories: Aconcagua
Aconcagua of course is one of the seven summits and at just under 23,000 feet it is the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. It is the perfect mountain for climbers who want to get a start at expedition style climbing. The climb starts in the rugged, high mountain desert landscape where temperatures can be very warm. Mules carry our climbing gear the three day trek to base camp at Plaza Argentina. That means a couple of things: One, you get to trek into base camp with a light backpack; two, you get to hang out with the cowboys, also known as Arrieros, every night at the campfire; and perhaps most importantly, you get to experience a true Argentinian Asado as the cowboys cook steak and chicken over the campfire under the stars.
Once you arrive at base camp, most climbers are pleasantly surprised at how civilized it is. It’s very reminiscent of Everest Base Camp in that there are dining tents, toilets, and even showers. Since acclimatization is very important on such a high mountain, it certainly is nice to have some creature comforts and incredible support from a great base camp staff. The climbing above base camp is physically demanding. When I first climbed "The Stone Sentinel" in 1998 we only made two camps above base camp. Today RMI makes three camps. Camp One sits at 16,200 feet. Camp Two at 18,000 feet and Camp Three at 19,600 feet. With 20 summits of Aconcagua I have seen the success rate go way up due to the more strategic nature of making three camps. This acclimatization schedule helps to make our climbing teams much stronger, but the climb is still a lot of work!
I would love to explain to you how amazing the world looks up high on summit day, but it’s like every mountain I climb: you cannot fully explain the beauty of the high alpine world until you see it for yourself. As you stand on her summit and gaze out, you see a world that never ends; mountains beyond mountains as far as the eye can see. While you contemplate, it doesn’t take too long to begin to smile knowing that as soon as you get down, you are returning to the beautiful city of Mendoza to enjoy the hot weather and swimming pools, after an evening of dining once again on the most amazing food you’ll ever have in your life, that is!
Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher, Nick Hunt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 348'
Posted by: JJ Justman, Katrina Bloemsma
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
Jeff…What’s up brother? You should explain that while in Green Bay the best way to stay warm is to have a couple of drinks! Kids say hi. Hope all is well.
BillBoy
Posted by: Bill on 3/23/2014 at 2:09 pm
CONGRATS TO ALL!!!
JEFF VERY PROUD OF YOU AND ALL YOUR GROUP!!!!!
Posted by: LARI&B0B; on 2/26/2014 at 8:01 am
Corell, Elsie and Lucy- The rest of Team Waki is thinking of you all and wishing you great weather for summits! Know you all can do it and be safe while having fun.
Posted by: Kathryn LeBey on 7/26/2011 at 7:11 pm
Hi! Uncle David Good Luck and don’t fall! Stay warm! We are swimming and won the division championship!!! We love you! Andrew Robert & William
Posted by: The Sandeen Boys on 7/26/2011 at 6:03 am
Thursday, October 10, 2024 - 3:04 am PT
As much as we were enjoying the high life up in Gokyo, it was time to get lower. We got walking at 8:30 this morning down past the series of magical lakes pinched between giant mountains and a giant glacier. The end of the glacier brought a dramatic change in the scenery as we were then traversing a steep gorge with a charging and churning river below. The trail was in great condition, though it was still a challenge to keep from tumbling off as one could get easily distracted staring at the six or eight 20,000 ft mountains surrounding us. It wasn’t particularly busy on the trail but we were careful to give room to the hard working yaks when they came through loaded up with propane. The weather followed what we’ve come to think of as the normal pattern: crystal clear to start and clouding up after noon. We pulled into Dhole at around 1:40 PM after 8.2 miles, so the gang was definitely ready for lunch and a few hours of rest to complete the day. The rest -way down here at 13,400- ought to be a little more restful than we’ve had in recent days.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
New Post Alerts:
Gokyo Trek September 28, 2024
Posted by: Zeb Blais, Chase Nelson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Peru Seminar
Elevation: 10,000'
Hello to Steve Odom and the rest of the team! Hope the trip is going well!!!
Sayuri
Posted by: Sayuri Jinadasa on 8/17/2016 at 6:10 am
In awe of you all as I follow this incredible journey! Enjoy the respite…the next climb awaits!
Posted by: Judy Mileto on 8/16/2016 at 9:25 am
On The Map
Posted by: Casey Grom, Tyler Reid, Adam Knoff
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,300'
We awoke to clear views around camp, a nice change from yesterday's cold, wet cloud that enveloped us. On stage was the Baranco Wall, our first climb. The crew had no problem with the 8:00 start, though there was some anxiety because the trail up the Wall seemed to cling to a vertical rock face. Only after getting onto the Wall was it clear that the climbing is pretty manageable, with just a handful of spots that demanded our keen attention. To safeguard the passage of each team member we always had a guide or two present at each of these spots. By the top of the Wall big smiles were plastered on everyone's faces. I think we all had fun on this stretch. As a reward we had a surprise at the top. Our camp staff had set up a table with tea and snacks for us, which we enjoyed under the mighty presence of the Heiman glacier and the upper reaches of Kilimanjaro. Two hours later we rolled into camp.
Another wonderful lunch is sitting in our bellies as we spend a relaxing afternoon reading, writing, or just relaxing. We're saving energy for our hike to high camp and our climb tomorrow night.
The summit is getting close!
RMI Guide Brent Okita & Team
Must be a cool experience, climbing thru 5 climate zones! Good luck to all!
Posted by: John B on 8/5/2023 at 7:03 am
Carry on!!! Must be the elevation!!
Posted by: Terri Woellner on 8/4/2023 at 3:59 pm
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On The Map
Way to go guys! Sounds like conquering the headwall is an accomplishment all in itself. Something to celebrate in the POSH with your melted ice cocktails!!
Enjoy your very much deserved rest day, saving some energy and positive mental fortitude for the next leg.
Thanks Dave for describing the day so vividly!
Posted by: judychristofferson on 7/9/2013 at 11:08 am
Wow, Max! We are so impressed. Take care, climb safely and we are praying for good weather. Love, Grandma & Grandpa
Posted by: Bill & Caryl Reese on 7/9/2013 at 9:18 am
Go Dr. Bruce Terry!
Wishing you and your team good luck on your expedition!
Your Friends over at Lionville Dental Associates!
Posted by: Lionville Dental Associates, LLC Doctors and Staff on 5/28/2014 at 10:02 am
Have a great climb - it looks like a great group!
Posted by: susan scanlon on 5/24/2014 at 11:03 am
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