Aconcagua: Scott & Team Reach the Summit!
Posted by: Nick Scott, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 22,841'
We woke early to clear skis filled with unfamiliar stars. The wind was on us from the moment we crawled from our tents, taunting the climbers as they packed and tried in vain to drink down their coffee before the heat was stolen by the gusts. At 4am we marched, uphill into the darkness with only the bubble of light produced by our headlamps to guide us. Slowly, we made progress. One switchback after the next. Hour after hour, we toiled uphill, the wind a constant companion. It chilled us to the bone, no matter how many layers of down were added. On and on we climbed, past the ruins of the Independencia hut, across the Gran Traverse to the cave. Ever higher, one foot in front of the other. One step, one breath. The air is getting thinner with every meter gained. Harder and harder we breath. Onward from the cave, up the daunting Canaleta Couloir to Guanacos Ridge. Upward we go, ever so slowly, our muscles at their limit without precious oxygen to fuel them. Our legs are burning, one final step. No more mountain above us. The summit! Success! After so many days of carrying loads, one after the other. Moving camps day after day. We are finally on top of Aconcagua, The Stone Sentinel. 22,841 feet. The tallest mountain in South America. We’ve done it!
RMI Guide Nick Scott
Comments (6)
WHOOHOO!
Congratulations to the whole team. A special day for all to see. Safe travels as you descend such a magnificent place.
Posted by: Pat on
Congratulations from Mr. C
Posted by: Ken Cwikula on
Congrats, Adam and the whole team! - Love, Rowan, Damon, Callan and Finn
Posted by: Rowan Driscoll on
What an amazing experience. Congrats to all and have a safe trip back to base camp. Gazzy and I sending Joe D our love ❤️
Posted by: Jane on
Congratulations to all! Job very well done! Which mountain it’s next:) ?
Posted by: CSIB on
Wahoo!!! Congrats team (special shout out to Joe D)! That’s wonderful news - hard work payed off!! Safe travels as you begin your descend back down the mountain!
Posted by: Marlana D on