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Posted by: Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 9,000'
The day that seemed like it would never come. The day the team has been training for for months. The day that starts it all, has finally arrived! We checked in with the rangers at the Parque Provincial Aconcagua, took a team photo, and started walking. It definitely felt good to get the legs moving after days of travel and sitting. The desert valley is beautiful. We walked along the riverside following the contours of the valley. After a few breaks and a juicy melon we arrived at Pampa de Lenas where we were greeted with snacks and juice. After our refreshments we put up camp as the wind picked up. The dust swirled around us. One day in and we are covered in dirt and look as if we have been here longer. With tents up and filled with sleeping bags, we took an afternoon siesta before dinner. Dinner was magnificent! Tomato avocado salad, potatoes, bread, and carne asado. The salt burns the sun-kissed lips but it tastes so good. Bellies full, once again, we head off to bed happy.
Tomorrow brings another day walking in the Vacas Valley.
Buenos noches,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and team
The sun came around the mountain at 10 AM today, which was also about the time we got out of our sleeping bags and unzipped the tents. There was a faint breeze keeping things cool, but we clambered into the dining tent for a leisurely breakfast/brunch/lunch. By the time we waddled out and suited up for climbing it was 2 PM. Yesterday, although we were roped to one another for glacier travel, it was just walking with ski poles. Today, we had on crampons and carried ice axes. It only took a few minutes to get to the base of the fixed ropes where we paused briefly to rig up and review techniques for climbing steep snow. The goal was “lunch ledge” about an hour up the lines. We were starting to get some pretty good views of our surroundings -including a cloud bank pushing in from the northwest. By the time we’d descended, the clouds were covering the summits and blocking out the sun. Luckily there wasn’t any wind to go with this change in our weather. We were back in camp by 5 PM and set in for an evening of snacking and rehydration. Dinner was fashionably late at 8:45 PM and we were back in the tents by 10 PM. The plan is to move to highcamp tomorrow if the weather holds and everybody has stayed healthy.
Best Regards
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
Happy New Year guys! Enjoy the view! Be safe. Shoutout from Dayton Ohio fan club.
Posted by: Michael on 12/31/2019 at 8:27 pm
I hope everyone is able to get to the top of that mountain!!! Go climbers!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love you Connor and Dad! <3
Posted by: Judy on 8/11/2014 at 9:28 am
Way to Go! Good to hear all is going well.
Enjoy and Stay Safe! Love, Grandpa/Dad & Babooshka/Cindy
Posted by: Carl and Cindy on 8/9/2014 at 6:38 pm
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Ben Liken, Sean Collon
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,200'
On The Map
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Bridget Belliveau
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Posted by: Jeff Martin
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Hello fellow climbers! I am glad to see that you are enjoying the continuation of your trip. Made it back to California without hassle. Helped by red wine and sleeping pill. My last day at The Dik Dik was a little lonely since I appeared to be the only guest there and my plane was not until 950pm that night. They tried to feed me a lot and at some point I had to say no. Also if you want to buy souvenirs I would recommend doing it while on safari, because the airport shops seemed to be lacking somewhat in authenticity (although not too bad). Interestingly, while waiting for my plane, there were 3 power failures in the terminal. Fortunately, the computers and runway lights seemed to be on a different circuit, so Hakuna Matata! Here is the latest Bieber update: http://celebrity.yahoo.com/blogs/celeb-news/justin-bieber—extremely-abusive—to-flight-attendant—has-pot-party-at-10-000-ft-184625636.html
Finally, something else I wanted to share with you. When I arrived back at the Dik Dik after the climb, I received a series of text messages informing me that my mother had passed away. She was 82 years old and was in declining health, but her death was not expected. She died on January 29, only a few days into our trek. Although I could have been informed of this, my father was absolutely insistent that I not be told until after I had summited (I guess he had more confidence in my abilities than I had myself). I did not want to mention this at our celebratory dinner since it would detract too much from our overall festive mood. Nonetheless, after having spent over a week with all of you and getting to know you, I think I can tell you now. So after a 36 hour turnover time, I will be on an airplane to Florida to visit with my father for awhile.
I look forward to seeing and sharing all of our pictures. It was a pleasure meeting all of you. I think our overall comradeship, as well as Jeff’s high degree of leadership and professionalism is what allowed us to be successful.
I wish you all the best.
Robert
Posted by: Robert on 2/6/2014 at 12:24 pm
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Ben Luedtke, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
Good evening readers,
After a high effort day of carrying to Camp One, the team enjoyed our last rest day at Basecamp. cups of coffee were enjoyed as the sun warmed up camp. Today was a leisure day. Time was spent watching TV shows, reading books, chatting with teammates, and showers. We also sorted gear for the move to Camp One. We don't want to be too heavy when we head back downhill, so luxury items like sweatpants, jeans, sweatshirts, need to stay behind.
A highlight of the day was welcoming the other RMI team back to Basecamp. We got useful information about the route and conditions and now feel ready to have our go at the upper mountain. Tomorrow, we say bye to the wonderful basecamp staff that have been taking good care of us and move to Camp One.
We are ready and excited to progress up this mountain.
Adios,
RMI Guides Hannah, Ben, Dan, and Team
We love seeing your photos and updates. As you approach 22,000+ ft, all of us in Ann Arbor (861 ft at our house) are cheering for you and wishing the team our best. Have fun!
Posted by: Janice Lieberman on 1/16/2023 at 11:26 am
Congratulations! I can’t wait to hear about the next climb!
Posted by: Lindsey Fisher on 7/21/2019 at 1:44 pm
Thrilled you all made the summit and enjoyed the day. So proud of you Trey.
Posted by: Phyllis Craig on 7/21/2019 at 8:31 am
On The Map
Hope you have a great climb and beautiful weather! Can’t wait to see the pictures. Love you Tyler!
Posted by: donna shearburn on 7/9/2019 at 3:33 pm
Posted by: Walter Hailes, JM Gorum
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,200'
On The Map
I can’t wait to hear the stories. What a great adventure.
Posted by: Tom Pattinson on 6/21/2018 at 2:27 pm
Congratulations Alden and the team! Unbelievable. Now rest up (and get warm).
Posted by: Carolyn Monaco on 6/11/2018 at 5:46 pm
Love seeing these photos & getting updates! We are living vicariously! Enjoy every moment!
Love you Beej!
Mom & Dad
Posted by: Judy & Dale, Byron’s parents on 1/9/2020 at 11:11 am
Thank you for posting these awesome updates and photos so we can follow along. Wishing you all the best! Hi to Byron :)
Posted by: Heather Collins on 1/9/2020 at 10:02 am
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