Nine climbers and three guides met at the Mendoza Hyatt last Saturday. They went from complete strangers to a smooth team in just 24 hour, which is awesome, and headed towards a a lifetime experience in Mt Aconcagua, People from such different corners of the world as Letonia, Oman, England, Macedonia and the US will be family to each other for more than two weeks; 12 individuals pursuing a unique goal in a hostile environment. It is always moving to see them get on the van, after the group picture, and leave to the big mountain. From Mendoza, we will keep you relatives, friends, colleagues and jealous rivals informed of their progress in the slopes. The first stage of the climb has been completed: jet lag, gear check, paperwork (climbing permit fees), welcoming dinner -with ith 4 (or was it 5) bottles of Malbec wine from Mendoza, transfer to the small ski resort that we use as logistic base in Aconcagua. Tomorrow (Monday) begins the 3-day hike in to base camp. But we´ll get to that in due time. Regards from the Andes!
Nicolás García
AP Mandoza
