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Posted by: Hannah Smith, Ben Luedtke, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 9,000'
Howdy howdy,
We woke up for the last time on the mountain.
We opened our eyes to a frosty dome tent as we packed up our sleeping bags and got ready for breakfast. Today, we headed down the valley towards the park entrance. 8hrs and 17miles later, we arrived at Lenas, our first camp we stayed at 16 days ago.
We started our expedition with a carne asada dinner and ended it the same way. Bellies full of steak, potatoes, veggies, red wine. Our bellies no longer rumble and are now instead very full. The team earned this glorious meal cooked by a spectacular chef. With a light breeze we are headed to our sleeping arrangements, some in tents, others sleeping under the stars.
It's a surreal moment looking back at being at 19,600' just yesterday and now sleeping on the valley floor. Tomorrow, we finish our trek out to the gate entrance, concluding our 17-day trip up and down Aconcagua. Everyone is ready and excited for the hotel amenities - top on the list is a shower, a reliable toilet, clean clothes, and a comfy bed.
For now, we are content laying in the dirt after a long day hiking.
Buenos noches,
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Ben Luedtke, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
Good evening all,
Today we said goodbye to Aconcagua High Camp and hello to basecamp. We woke to a breezy, chilly morning as we broke down camp. Cold fingers and toes couldn't slow down our packing with so much incentive to go down, one being more oxygen. We made our way back to our previous camps to pickup gear left behind. With each stop our packs got bigger and heavier. Descending almost 6,000' puts some hurt on the body, especially the toes. But the team moved well and before you knew it we were back at the comforts of basecamp in our camp shoes drinking beer and juice and munching down delicious wraps. After enjoying our drinks and food, we sorted gear for tomorrow and patiently waited for dinner. Everyone's tummies are bottomless pits right now. Instead of setting up tents most of the team has opted for a slumber party in the dome tent where we eat our meals. It's one less chore in the morning before hitting the trail to the Park entrance. Tomorrow is a big day walking down to Lenas but it does conclude with a Carne asada celebration dinner. That is it for tonight. Now it's time to enjoy some much deserved and needed rest.
Goodnight all,
RMI Guides Hannah, Ben, Dan and Team
Awesome Hannah!! I love following along!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/25/2023 at 9:17 am
Posted by: Ben Luedtke, Hannah Smith, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 16,200'
Hola amigos!
This morning we bid farewell to our fellow RMI team as they headed back down the Relinchos Valley, one day closer to civilization. We on the other hand shouldered our heavy packs and began our move to Camp 1 at 16,000ft. Blue skies and a light breeze accompanied the team up toward camp. We arrived in good style, feeling and looking good, happy to be making our way to the upper mountain. The night ended with our very own high altitude rendition of Pad Thai. The sun dipped below the ridgeline, the wind picked up, and we all took the cue and retreated to our warm sleeping bags. An early night's rest will do wonders for our carry to camp 2 (Guanacos 3) tomorrow!
Cheers!
RMI Guides Hannah, Ben, Dan and the team
Hey Hannah! Best wishes for Strength and perfect weather for your climb!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/17/2023 at 8:15 am
How excited you must all be!
Posted by: Peter Darasz on 1/17/2023 at 5:25 am
On The Map
Posted by: Jake Beren, Leon Davis, Josh Maggard
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,200'
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On The Map
Looking good, Thanks for the wonderful updates and photos. B Safe and have fun! Kalispell Montana
Posted by: Jay Rocha on 6/10/2013 at 12:06 pm
Getting tremendous vicarious enjoyment from your trip! Keep up the fantastic work!!
Posted by: Nina Baj on 6/10/2013 at 11:43 am
Posted by: Adam Knoff, Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
On The Map
Hello from your FOAA management team! Hope you are enjoying the challenge of the mountain, and away from the challenges of FOAA-land!
Be safe!
MGL and Team
Posted by: Marie - FOAA TEAM on 6/22/2011 at 8:29 am
David Gee, keep trucking all the way to the top. Get our name on the heaven’s list while you are up there!! Love, Mom
Posted by: Connie Hall on 6/20/2011 at 10:37 am
On The Map
RMI Guide Jake Beren checks in from Ixta's High Camp.
On The Map
Great to follow you on this climb. Can’t wait to hear all the details when you return.
Stay Safe!
Posted by: Diana Boyce on 3/12/2015 at 11:12 am
Dom,
We hope you are safe and having a great climb to the summit!! Can’t wait to see pics and hear the stories ! We know you are taking it all in ! Enjoy the thrill!!
The Holland’s
Posted by: Ron , Peachy, IZ & RD on 3/11/2015 at 2:55 pm
On The Map
Hola equipo:
Les deseamos mucha suerte en su ascenso.
Juan, amor. Recuerda siempre que te amamos y estamos siempre contigo. Estamos muy orgullosos de ti y te extrañamos muchísimo.
Ve por la cima y vuelve pronto, que aquí te estamos esperando.
Besos
Tu familia
Posted by: Eva Glenn on 12/3/2013 at 6:46 pm
Godspeed to the climber in the red beret!
Posted by: Jenny French on 1/26/2023 at 6:58 am
Congrats Hannah to You and your Team! You all Rock!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/26/2023 at 3:22 am
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