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Posted by: Nick Scott, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 9,000'
Today we left behind the comforts of civilization and began our trek to Aconcagua Basecamp. The first day turned out to be a hot and dusty one, with only the occasional breeze to cool us down. After several hours of walking through the desert we reached Pampa de Lenas, our camp for the night. Our outfitter Grajales was waiting for us with pitchers of lemonade to relieve our parched mouths and a spread of orange slices and snacks to replenish our energy. While our accommodation for the night may be modest, our dinner certainly won’t be. Tonight is the night of the famous Lenas Asado! A traditional Argentine BBQ cooked over an open fire under the stars. After such a long walk today, you can be sure our appetites are primed and ready for the meal to come.
All the climbers did well today, but another long day is in store for us tomorrow as we make our way closer to basecamp and deeper into the mountains.
On The Map
Posted by:
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Northside
Saturday, November 30, 2024 - 5:48 pm PT
Today is rest day in Camp 2. I don’t know what Dom’s blog said about yesterday’s ‘hike’ to Camp 2, but it was hellish. Endless fixed lines, rising almost perpendicularly - a little exaggerated - and me demonstrating the art of the ascender to all. We literally died when we reached Camp 2. So today was Lazarus day - the day to bring the team back from the dead. We slept, or rested, ‘til about noon. Chris had a quick blood transfusion to overcome the odor poisoning he suffered in our tent last night. Then it was hydration, eat, and construct our best version of the mess tent. Dom has taken over design, as he was quite put out by the excellent design the rest of the team executed in Base camp without his input or supervision, while he tunneled looking for the origin of man, or more accurately Dave Hahn. Dom is quite fussy about his cooking space, the worktop height, easy access to the spice rack - it’s a bit like Gordon Ramsey! In fairness he is an ace with the ice-saw.
We had a quick stroll to the most fantastic viewing point. Looking down on the dot of Camp 1 in the valley below, and the most incredible view of Mt Shin, and the pinnacle ridge leading to Tyree. However it is way too cold to linger, someone said -25F. Antartica brings a whole new definition to the word cold. Hopefully Lazarus day works and we’ll be fit to give Vinson a shot tomorrow.
- RMI Climber Myles
New Post Alerts:
Vinson Expedition November 22, 2024
Sending good vibes to the team. Go Myles Go! Got the best leader in Dom!
-Andrew
Posted by: Andrew H Hall on 12/1/2024 at 4:19 pm
Dear Vinson Team 2024
The good news is - you have reached the high camp.
That was not the coldest but the hardest part of the expedition.
I remember Dave saying - whoever reaches high camp also reaches the summit.
Dave said on the last evening in the high camp:
“Today there is no one in all of America who has had a dinner as high as ours.”
Supposedly there were more people on Everest than on Vison and you will be one of them.
I wish you bright sunshine on the way to the summit and hopefully no wind.
I am sure you can do it and will never forget the last steps to the summit.
Take care of yourselves, you can’t feel the cold anymore because of all the happiness. I lost a fingertip while taking photos at the summit, it turned black and somehow I kept thinking about ET.
Good luck to you all.
Dear Anja, my thoughts are with you - Hans
Posted by: Hans on 12/1/2024 at 8:34 am
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Ben Luedtke, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
Howdy all,
After a somewhat fitful nights sleep accompanied by the barking of our new dog friend and the whineying of mules, the team awoke to some slightly threatening skies. Luckily we had the reprieve of our dome tent to allow for an easy morning breakfast and coffee. As if the coffee wasn't enough to wake us up we began the morning crossing the Vacas River to enter into the Relinchos Valley. The mules were hot on our tail as we began our gradual ascent to Plaza de Argentina Basecamp. Once gaining a high platuea we received our second view of Ameghino and Aconcagua. The stoke rose with the elevation. We were greeted warmly to Plaza de Argentina with some tasty and warm lentil soup, juice, dulce de leche and fresh fruit. The afternoon was spent taking in the panoramic views and lots of relaxing. After another delicious meal and some fine Mendoza malbec, the team, full, happy and tired, retreated to their tents. That's it for now, tune in next time!
RMI Guides Hannah, Ben, Dan and the team
Hey Hannah! Wishing you and your team great rest at basecamp and all the best ahead and above!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/14/2023 at 3:28 am
RMI Guide Dave Hahn checks in from High Camp after summit.
On The Map
congrats!!! and happy birthday Heather
Posted by: joe duty on 8/2/2018 at 8:32 am
What a spectacular adventure and accomplishment! And you think we do fun trips ... LOL!
Enjoy the rest of the your experiences. We may have to plan a trip to CO to hear about it.
Posted by: Bob & Sandy Amory on 8/1/2018 at 1:02 pm
Posted by: Adam Knoff, Leon Davis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
What a Great Experience! Thanks to Leon, Nick, Chase and our team.
Posted by: Fran G on 8/10/2013 at 7:46 am
OUTSTANDING!!!! Way To Go People !!!!
Posted by: Rick Myers on 8/2/2013 at 9:47 pm
Posted by: Jake Beren, Leon Davis, Josh Maggard
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 14,200'
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On The Map
Wonderful news!!
We are sending the good weather vibes from LA to you all!
Thinking of the Team often and wishing you luck these next few days!
~S Brownie
Posted by: S Brownie on 6/16/2013 at 1:51 pm
Peter!
So proud of you and your team! Happy to hear you are safe and still climbing. Miss you and am excited to see you on your safe arrival home! Lots of love.
Xoxo
Chels
Posted by: Chelsea Hall on 6/16/2013 at 12:02 pm
Posted by: Mike Walter, Solveig Waterfall, Ben Liken
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 9,400'
On The Map
Hey Mike and Team,
I am back in Denver. I guess Ed, Seth, Mark and I would still be sitting there with you guys. Hang in there and be safe!
Posted by: Kevin Duncan on 5/19/2011 at 12:48 pm
Hi David,
Hope you are enjoying your climbing adventure and that your team stays safe. Liam still talks about your Mt. Hood climb. Wishing you the best from a very flat Chicago suburb. Susan, Dave and Liam.
Posted by: Susan on 5/19/2011 at 7:02 am
We love you Dad/Gramps/Mark!
Posted by: Chelsea Miller on 1/23/2020 at 4:27 pm
Good luck dad! (Joe D.) Reading the blogs all the way from Pa. Keep up the good work, everyone! ❤️
Posted by: Nicole on 1/22/2020 at 4:56 pm
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