Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Waiting out the Winds at Camp 2
Posted by: Billy Nugent, Katrina Bloemsma
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
Well, we are currently pinned down by high winds at Camp 2 and despite the sunny weather we are stuck alternating between chilling outside in camp or baking in the tents. Last night a pretty hefty storm thrashed camp with strong winds, new snow, and repeated thunder and lightning. Skies began to clear this morning and the wind began to abate in camp as it shifted more to the southwest putting us a bit more in the lee of the mountain. Unfortunately, it is still howling up at Camp 3 and the entire flank of Aconcagua is adorned with swirling clouds of spin drift and the summit is sporting a sizable contrail. Today is officially our first weather day as we have been knocked off our planned itinerary for the first time. Still, two days stuck in the tent feels like a lot and we are trying not to get saddled with cabin fever. The team is doing a great job staying positive despite the fact that nearly every other expedition on the mountain has bailed for Mendoza and we are eagerly awaiting the latest weather forecast for a potential summit window...
Wish us luck!
Stuck in the tent for now anyway,
RMI Guide Billy Nugent
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Comments (14)
I love you Daddy We all miss you so much.I hope you and Doug are having fun!!! HI Daddy! Love,Bailey
Hey Babe- bails wanted to write you a message on her own!! You guys are all in our prayers for a chance at the summit but we are all so proud of you even if you don’t get a chance at it!! See you soon!!
Love you
Posted by: Bailey on
Praying your team gets a break in the weather Jake.
We are following you from SAMCOM in Dallas
Good luck
Bob & the Crown gang
Posted by: Bob Fiedler on
Hmmmmm…..... No post today???? Can’t help but have a twinge of worry. But know you are all in the best of hands ...but then again at the mercy of the weather…..
Sending prayers southward and focusing on positive thoughts…
Stay warm and strong dear Rob…....
Lots of love….M.
Posted by: MFG on
Dear Dad
we are glad that there is only 9 more days until you get home. we are missing on you. LOVE: Addy Leith Babe
Posted by: Addelyn on
Rick… Nana wanted me to send you this message…
I Love you Son so much. Cant wait to see you. I hope you make it to the summit, and hope you stay safe. Love mom
Posted by: Shannon on
To: John Branchflower
DON’T GIVE UP THE SHIP!!
Loz sends
Posted by: Tom Lozier on
Praying the weather will break for you to make a summit attempt Heather and the team. Hard being stuck in camp when you were doing so well.
Thinking of you and following you daily. Keep safe sis.
Love Hazel & Mum
Posted by: Hazel on
Doug S.,
Keeping my fingers crossed for you guys. Good Luck!
Luis
Posted by: Luis on
Hey Dad (Rick),
Me and Hillary miss you very much. I hope that the weather doesn’t bring you down too far! Not one day has passed in which we do not think about you… Can’t wait until you return!
Miss you,
Hallie
Posted by: Hallie Haggard on
Know weather is a BUMMER! And know It is driving you crazy just sitting around.
Know that we are both with you in thought and spirit, and hoping the weather breaks so your team can take a shot at the summit.
Stay warm and safe.
Love you,
Dad & Luz
Posted by: Dad & Luz on
Randy…sounds like a rough night last night! Stinks that you are having to spend 2 days stuck in your tent when you’ve made it this far. I know it’s got to be really hard for my man that doesn’t like to “just sit around”.
You missed a great football game! Broncos defense rocked and let’s just say…Brady is going to be a little sore and bruised. Haha. I was holding my breath a few times at the end and I missed having you here to cheer with me. So happy Peyton gets another run at the Super Bowl. Allison even watched part of it with the guys and was getting excited.
Hoping the weather improves so you guys can keep moving up!
I love you!
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Irwin on
Babe,
Man! Sorry you guys are getting caught in the yucky weather. Praying hard for it to clear up so you guys can move on. Impressed you guys are trying to hold it out despite other teams turning around. Keep the faith alive. No matter what, your family is so proud of you. You’re still the highest you’ve ever been!
Broncos just beat the Patriots!! Watching the AZ/Carolina game now.
We love you, babe and we’re rooting for you guys!!! Miss you tons and although we’d love to have you home early, still hoping for Feb 3 so you guys can make a summit bid. Praying for your safety. Love, love, love you.
Char and kiddos
Posted by: Charlyn on
RWL,
sending warm, positive thoughts your way. Regardless of the outcome, what an amazing journey so far, and you’re so close. Praying for favorable conditions so you all can get a peek from the top. Be safe and good luck!
-SJ.
Posted by: Sheila on
Just wanting to say hey baby ...Rick :)
Missing you here… Getting a lot done around the house emptying boxes and cleaning. Getting ready to sit down and eat a healthy meal of cheese nuts and fruit and thinking about you. Another person left a message about a hot tub and wine, she was reading my mind, can’t wait for you to get back. Wishing you luck for better weather, an adventuresome summit and a safe return. I love you, Shannon
Posted by: Shannon on