Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Finish Climb Preparations
Posted by: Billy Nugent, Katrina Bloemsma
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
The team met up around 8 a.m. for a not too early breakfast. Afterwards we split up and set out on the streets of Mendoza, running all of our last minute errands. We visited a couple gear shops, hit the pharmacy, grocery store, all the usual stuff before reconvening for a team lunch at a sidewalk cafe. Nicolas, our liaison from Grajales, was kind enough to deal with all the permit rigmarole that is normally a complete pain. So the pace of the morning wasn't nearly as rushed as in years past.
Our transfer out to Penitentes showed up at the hotel and we loaded up our gear and hit the road. The drive to Penitentes is absolutely gorgeous, rolling through the vineyards outside of the city, up into the foothills, and eventually making our way into the heart of the Andes. Four hours on the road brought us to the Grajales packing facility where we unloaded and spent the rest of the afternoon packing up for the mules and prepping for tomorrow's start up the hill.
Psyched to hit the trail...
RMI Guides Billy Nugent and Katrina Bloemsma and team
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Comments (8)
Hello Dear Rob !!
.....and thank you for the updates Billy ! Just know that there are many of us at home checking the blog multiple times a day for any and every bit of the story .... So don’t be hesitant to overload us with detail :)
RMI really does it right .... Wine and grilled steak ....And with chimichurri I bet!
Relieved to hear the temps are significantly warming at the summit ..... I never thought I’d be happy to see a -7 windchill forecasted for later next week (rather than the -35 I’ve been seeing).
Hoping and praying for continued health and goodness for you and all your comrades. Feeling especially confident since your flock of angels are comfortable with the altitude ;) and cared for you so well in Mendoza!
Missing you tons and tons but so happy for all you are experiencing.
..... Always in my thoughts and prayers…M.
Posted by: MFG on
Dear Dad (Rick),
I miss you sooooo much, I hope you are doing all right, and I love you.
From,
Hillary
Posted by: Hillary and Hallie Haggard on
Hi Heather
Thinking of you on your big adventure. Scenery looks awesome. Good luck and remember to wave from the top!
Lots of love Paul and Diane x
Posted by: Paul & Diane Macfaden on
I hope that the weather cooperates and that this grand mountain welcomes you to the top! (Somehow, I think that saying about “There is no bad weather, only bad gear” may not apply in this case.
I love you, Pardner! Have a great climb!—-Sally, Sam & Lucy
Posted by: Sally Falkenhagen on
Bailey says I bet dad needs me to walk on his back !!! (She also is proud to tell you that her PE teacher donated $100 in honor of your climb to footprints of fight)
Thinking and praying for you all constantly!! You know I am stalking the updates:)
Love you babe!!
Xoxo
Bre
Posted by: Bre on
Hope you enjoyed the view. Sleep well - Looks like the work begins tomorrow.
We pray you have the strength for a safe and successful ascent.
We love you,
Dad and Luz
Posted by: Dave & Luz on
Rick,
Just reading the updates on your adventure. Everyone at the office sends peace and strength to you and your climbing buddies. I will print the pictures and post for everyone!
We love you and miss you!
Your OccuMed Family
Posted by: Linda Sitton on
Godspeed, ladies and gentlemen. We love you, Doug! Char, Addy and Leith
Posted by: charlyn on