Aconcagua Expedition: Scott & Team Arrive at Base Camp
We woke up early today for the long hike to basecamp. The tents were wet from the fog that rolled through moments earlier and was still visible slowly making its way down valley. After a quick breakfast, we packed our duffles for the trip to basecamp began the longest walk of the climb. It would be 10.7 miles over dry, undulating terrain and across streams fed by snow and glacial melt as we slowly gained elevation. It was the clearest and sunniest day so far. Great for sightseeing, not so great when trekking through a high altitude desert. The summit of Aconcagua even managed to make a brief appearance once or twice along the way. After 10 miles of hard walking we made the final push straight up hill for the last .7 into basecamp. The team crushed the trek coming in two hours under the expected time, far outpacing both guides estimates. This team is Muy Fuerte, as they say here in Argentina. We are definitely feeling the altitude here at 14,500', but it’s nothing a rest day can’t fix. Tomorrow we relax and soak in the base camp vibes while planning our move to the upper mountain.
Comments (4)
You’ve got a 71 yo man watching your progress ... hopefully I’m not too old to do this adventure did, Kili in 2017 without a problem be safe have fun
Posted by: Stephen WAHMAN on
Sounds & looks like a great start for the whole team! Greatly appreciate the updates. Safe climbing & take it easy on my old(er) brother;) Tommy
Posted by: Tom Dietz on
Two hours faster? Slow down! There are speed traps and hefty fines too up there…and as you all go faster, windburn becomes an issue too!! Remember your sunscreen, good luck, enjoy, stay hydrated, cherish all the team you’re trekking and climbing with, especially the guides and remember when you summit, look west; if it’s clear enough, you may see the Pacific. Not that distant! Try to toss a stone in it from the top. Lookout below!!
Posted by: John on
Good luck guys!!! Hope you’re really enjoying this adventure
Posted by: Ariadna on