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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Ben Luedtke, Michael Murray
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 19,600'
Today began with a team meeting at breakfast. Last night there was a possibility that mud slides in the Vacas Valley would prevent us from coming down the mountain the way we came. Fearless leader Dom confirmed we would not be able to backtrack the way we came and instead would go down the other side of the mountain to the Mulas base camp, a route known as the "360." Since we would not be able to go back to our original base camp, we'll have one of the helicopters pick up our duffels and bring them to us at the Mulas base camp.
Our carry day to Camp 3 today brought many us to new high points, with Camp 3 at nearly 19,600ft. Since we would have to carry all our gear up and over the mountain, as opposed to caching it at Camp 2, we all had pretty heavy packs. As we climbed today, the air got thinner and thinner, for most of us requiring a breath every step. Even though we have been at 18,000ft for almost two days, it still required significant fortitude to keep climbing.
High elevation does a number on your body. As you climb higher, the decreasing oxygen makes it difficult to even do the very basic tasks, you loose your appetite and have to force yourself to eat, and for most climbers there is a point where they need start taking Diamox to help prevent high altitude pulmonary and cerebral edema.
After a few days at a particular elevation, we get acclimatized and start feeling good. But we can only bring so many supplies and we have only so many days to get to the summit and back. So our schedule keeps us moving to a new higher point just as we were getting used to our current camp. This is mountaineering and one of the many things that makes it so difficult and the act of doing it so rewarding. Getting to a rest stop on a hike or the next-higher camp on a carry or move day brings a sense of relief that is hard to find in any other activity.
As we approach our last uphill move day, and followed soon after by our summit bid, it's important to remember what a great feat we have accomplished so far, and how lucky we are to be up here with the best climbing team you could ask for.
Climber Andy Green
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Aconcagua Expedition January 12, 2024
This just got even more exciting. Mudslides, helicopter transport and an alternative route. You’re all so close!
Posted by: Ed DaPra on 1/25/2024 at 7:19 pm
Amazing! Difficult! Rewarding! And the VIEW!
Personally could have done without some of the detail on the altitude challenges on the body Dr. Green. I trust the spirit of the team to check on each other. Difficult day for sure.
And, best of all, The Summit is Just There!
Posted by: Michelle DeMers on 1/25/2024 at 4:04 pm
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Lauren Macklin
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
Elevation: 17,340'
Feliz Día de San Valentin :)
We are now settled in at high camp on Ixta after a day of good Mexican eating and a four hour hike with heavy packs.
Everyone is in good spirits as we enjoy another nice sunset and prepare for our first big summit attempt of the trip.
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Today we started our day at 6:30 feeling good and refreshed after a much needed night's sleep. We had breakfast, then enjoyed some goodbye songs and dance from our amazing African crew of porters, cooks, and local guides numbering 37 to our team of seven. We finished the little celebration by handing out their well deserved tips and then hit the trail one last time.
It took just under three hours to reach the park gate where the team had lunch then hopped aboard our awaiting bus for the ride back to the lodge.
Finally we are all safe and sound, cleaner, and smelling fresh after an exciting seven-day journey up and down Kilimanjaro.
Stayed tuned, Safari starts tomorrow!
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Kilimanjaro crew
RMI Guide Zeb Blais calls in from Hogsback Camp, Mt. Baker.
Hope you all had an amazing adventure!
Posted by: Lilli and John on 8/28/2016 at 10:55 am
So excited for you guys… hit that summit and BANG! (In the words of Jay Wright!)
Posted by: Megan on 8/28/2016 at 10:52 am
Posted by: Elias de Andres Martos
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Peru Seminar
Pete-
What a feast! Best wishes to you and your trail mates for a successful climb!
Dad
Posted by: Ted Sage on 7/16/2014 at 5:15 pm
Pete,
Great to see your smiling face in the Huaraz pic. Jim Daverman alerted me to your presence on this trip.
Good luck; make it happen!
Art Muir
Posted by: Art Muir on 7/15/2014 at 8:40 pm
Happy winter solstice!! Stay strong and take lots of wide angle shots of Aconcagua. You can never have too many (-;
Posted by: Monsieur Homme on 12/21/2013 at 8:28 am
On The Map
we have been thinking of you and glad to hear all is fine. been warm here in CT and undoubtedly cold there - we’d both benefit from something in between. most important, take care and stay safe.
Posted by: david areson on 5/17/2013 at 10:51 am
Posted by: Kel Rossiter
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Thanks for blogging. Looking forward to following your progress. Have fun. See you soon!
Posted by: The Koch Family on 6/18/2011 at 4:30 am
Go Patrick! Denali waits for no man.
Posted by: Austin on 6/17/2011 at 10:01 am
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