Summit day!
The expedition got to the summit today! Guide Wesley and three climbers took advantage of the good weather window and stood in the highest point in the world outside of the Himalayas, the summit of Mt Aconcagua (22,841 ft). They got to high camp very tired but very happy.Then tomorrow (Monday) they will complete the circumvalation of the masif, desdending from the mountain by a different route.They will trek to the trailhead on Tuesday, then spen...
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New Year at Camp II
Happy New Year to all! The expedition led by guide Wes Bunch had a high party yesterday -at almost 18,000 ft in Camp II, the "Chopper Camp". The climbers and the guides are ok and motivated. They are carrying gear and food to Camp III today -which means they will reach 6,000 m (19,685 ft)! It has been windy these days, but it appears to be a calm weather window thet they can take advantage of. One way or the other, the final stage of the climb is...
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Move to Camp II
After a successful acclimatization at lower altitudes, the team is moving between Camp i and Camp II, called the Chopper Camp, above 5000 m (16400 ft). They did a carry of gear to Camp II and are moving there probably tomorrow, for the final stage of the climb! They are ok and motivated. Weather has been windy but it`s improving. I am sending a picture of the 5000 m zone, from a previous trip.
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza
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Christmas at base camp
The group arrived safely to base camp Plaza Argentina (4250m) today. In the hike in the had a good view of the East side of Aconcagua, with the imposing Polish Glacier (picture). The team is higly motivated. Tomorrow it's going to be a rest day and they will have salmon for dinner! Base camp manager Susy has everything ready for a nice Christmas dinner. Here in Mendoza (a mere 750 m above sea level) we will make a toast to the climbers! Merry Chr...
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On the trail
The expedition finally took off. The 10 climbers (one person had to pospone the trip for working reasons) and 3 guides set foot in the trail today. With an excellent weather forecast for the next 5-6 days, they shouldered their light packs and began the 3 days hike in to base camp. (Mules get to do the bad part of the job, with 60 kg in their backs). They will have an "asado criollo" -Gaucho barbecue- tonight, at the Pampa de Leñas campsit...
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All set for the trip!
As the 11 climbers slowly come to Mendoza after long hours on planes and airports, the 3 guides -Wesley Bunch, Forest Wagner and Rolo Abaca- are working hard to finish shopping and packing (picture). A day in the comfort of the Park Hyatt hotel should help the climbers to cope with jet lag! Tomorrow they have gear checks, a team meeting and then dinner in a good restaurant. Then on Sunday the climbers will get their Aconcagua permits and head tow...
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