Aconcagua: Gately & Team Acclimate at Camp 2
Posted by: Steve Gately, Hannah McGowan
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
Wind, wind and more wind! The forecast keeps calling for all this wind but we haven't seen any of it yet! Knock on wood, right? Because that's what your supposed to do? By admitting that there hasn't been any wind when there should be I've now angered the wind somehow, woken it from its slumber and now it's only purpose is to make it windier then it ever was supposed to be. But! If I slam my knuckles against a piece of wood, POOF! I can control the weather. Unfortunately there isn't any wood here. Maybe a rock would do? Is it just anything hard? My head has gotten pretty dense over the years maybe that will suffice? Hopefully you viewers at home recognize the above as sarcasm. Of course it only works on wood!
Okay, let's get serious. The team is doing great! We went for an acclimatization hike around midday today to about 18,500ft. The winds blew at about 15-20MPH from the Northwest but nothing anywhere near the 50+ that was forecasted. After reaching our destination the team turned around with Hannah and I continued up to our High Camp at 19,600ft to cache some food and fuel. Tomorrow, Merry Christmas, will be our last rest day at Camp II before we look to move up and set our sights on the summit. Tomorrow we'll surprise the group by making them a traditional Christmas Pizza for lunch! Okay, it's pretty much just a normal pizza, but at 18,000ft, so it should taste better, right? I thought we were trying to be serious?Anyway, don't tell them and ruin the surprise, okay. Thanks for following as always. Tomorrow we'll let the team write the blog in the form of small notes to loved ones so stay tuned!
RMI Guide Steve Gately
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Comments (17)
Merry Christmas Rob & team! We just had dinner w/ Mel & Jeff @ Jeff’s sister’s house. Praying for your safety and that you can fully take in the wonder of it all! Deb for Mark & boys….
Posted by: Debbie Millman on
Merry Christmas, Hannah! Sending you and the team lots of good energy. Enjoy the stars this evening and let them inspire you as you prepare for tomorrow’s challenges. Remember to take a private moment to savor the joy of the higher world. Continue to shine as you help guide your new friends to the summit.
All my love,
Dad
Posted by: Tom McGowan on
Merry Christmas Boyd!! Thank you for my welcome gift. Be safe and I hope you and the team have a safe decent!!
Brenda J
Posted by: Brenda on
Merry Christmas Boyd
Love Tyson
Posted by: Tyson jensen on
Merry Christmas Boyd,
I will keep the trees up till you get home. I hope your view is amazing today! We miss you!
Love,
Nichole
Posted by: Nichole jensen on
Merry Christmas to the team! Knock on Christmas trees (that counts as wood, yeah?) that the weather continues to hold and provide safe passage for you all!
Enjoy the summer of the soul at 18,500 feet!
Much love,
Julie
Hannah’s Seester
Posted by: Julie on
Merry Christmas Bob we are thinking of you every day.
John and Mia
Posted by: John Horgan on
Boyd,
So much fun watching your amazing adventure. Here’s to wishing you and your team a safe trip up and back down again.
Susie
Posted by: Susie Copeland on
Merry Christmas and best of luck on your trek up to the Summit. We are praying for clear skies and calm winds! Best wishes, Boyd :-). We are thinking of you!!!
Warm regards,
The McGonagles
Posted by: Anne McGonagle on
Merry Christmas
Posted by: Viv on
9:24 a.m. Central Standard Time. Just an FYI. Three earthquakes in Southern Chile in last hour (7.7 x 2 and 7.9). Far removed Aconcagua but aftershocks may be felt nonetheless.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-chile-quake-idUSKBN14E0DT
Posted by: Jen Harmon on
Merry Christmas, Rob. I have been praying without ceasing for the team and you as well as asking others to pray. Looking forward to seeing your handsome face in January…...applesauce. Enjoy every moment of your amazing adventure. I miss you. I love you.
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa on
Merry Christmas to everyone. Enjoy your Christmas dinner! Miss you Jen. Be safe and good luck on on Summit day. Love you
Posted by: Terry (Jen's Mom) on
Merry Christmas! All the family is holding you and the entire team close. Hope Rudolph shines his light on your journey! Love Peggy and John
Posted by: Peggy on
Merry Christmas Bob and team!
You guys have been in my thoughts and prayers since day one. Hopefully, the weather gods and mountain mother cooperate for summit day.
All the best and happy climbing!
Tev
Posted by: Tev on
We miss you like crazy Uncle Bob but happy that you are able to go on such an awesome adventure! We are wishing you the MOST MERRY CHRISTMAS! It won’t be the same without you. Hope Santa is able to fine you way up there. Maybe you can catch a ride home with him. Love you lots!
Posted by: Rowan and Sawyer on
Pappy,
I want you to come back home. Merry Christmas!! I have been waiting for you to come back home. I love you, Pappy!!!
Your baby doll
Rob,
Praying for your safety and can’t wait to see the pics when you reach the Summit!!! Merry Christmas!!! I’ve been keeping Mom & Dad updated of your daily treks.
Love you!
Marg
Posted by: Ellie on