Aconcagua: Gately & Team Move Into Camp 2
Posted by: Steve Gately, Hannah McGowan
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
The winds finally settled out last night for the first time in days and you could hear the heavy sounds of breathing and snoring coming from the other tents again. We woke to a pristine morning in the Andes and enjoyed being able to sit comfortably outside for breakfast. Shortly thereafter though our focus turned to business as our agenda for the day had us climbing to Camp II (18,000ft). The team was moving well and we forewent putting crampons on for the traverse up a snowy bowl feature. The lack of wind finally allowed the icy surface to thaw allowing us easy passage. Once past the col between Aconcagua and Ameghino we were treated yet again with the expansive view of the Northern Andes only this time we kept going! The route flattens out for a moment as we contour onto the North side of the mountain, before ascending again, and traversing another glacial valley to our destination, Camp II. The winds at camp for the moment are light and variable but we expect them to increase over the next 24 hours. The team is all doing well and readjusting to thinner air. Tomorrow we further the acclimatization process by pushing a bit higher to 19,000ft and returning to Camp II to recover.
RMI Guide Steve Gately
On The Map
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Comments (6)
Christmas morning has been exciting and eventful as expected but we miss you. Love you very much! Hope your Christmas meal is as yummy as ours.
Posted by: Jennifer, Adam, Susan, Rowan and Sawyer on
Merry Christmas Hannah and the team!
Maybe up there in the thin air you’ll be able to clearly see Santa, Rudolf and the reindeers!
Sending y’all warmth and merriment, with much admiration for your courage.
Love and care for each other up there and I look forward to hearing your stories.
With love,
Hannah’s mom
Posted by: Lisa Nezwazky on
Merry Christmas Eve. Can you see Santa yet? Betsy wishes for a great climb
Posted by: Lavender on
Merry Christmas! Hoping for good weather for you all.
Posted by: Amy Van Voorhis on
Such an adventure/expedition! Getting closer to your goal and we’re cheering you on
bigtime from the lowly heights of Denver, Colorado.
Merry Christmas Boyd!
The McConatys
Posted by: Patty and Brian McConaty on
Great progress team! Praying for more good weather! Merry Christmas, Bob!
Karen and Joe
Posted by: Joe Reinkemeyer on