Entries By avery parrinello
January 15, 2020
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 16,200'
On the road again! We woke this morning to the hustle and bustle of the other teams packing up their camp. The sun creeped into camp warming our tents. This was our alarm to get up. Everyone had a good night and were feeling good this morning, so we continued with our plan to carry gear to Camp 2. Group piles were made while the stoves roared. Toasted bagels with cream cheese and bacon would fuel us to 18,000' and make the rest of camp jealous with its aroma. It was a busy day on the trail with almost all of Camp 1 occupants moving to Camp 2. After a few hours of walking and getting new views of snowy mountains we arrived at Camp 2. A new sea of tents scattered the rocky camp like skittles. We cached our gear, watched the other teams set up their camp, and then we packed up our things to head down hill. We arrived back to a peaceful Camp 1 with only our tents plus one other still standing. The rest of the afternoon we enjoyed the warm sun and fresh popped popcorn for an afternoon snack.
Having the camp to ourselves is nice and will be even nicer tomorrow on our rest day. The quiet will be much appreciated for sleeping in. The air is chilly now, so we are all off to bed to get warm.
Till next time,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and team
On The Map
January 14, 2020
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 16,200'
Bye bye basecamp! We left the comforts of basecamp and continued our journey uphill. Having been on this terrain just the other day on our carry, made today just a little bit easier. After conquering the final 100 feet, we strolled into a crowded Aconcagua's Camp 1. A sea on tents scatter the camp. Although there were many tents, it was quiet since the occupants were carrying their gear to Guanacos 3 Camp (our Camp 2). We claimed tent spots and got settled into our new home for the next three nights. Tomorrow we will carry to Guanacos 3 Camp, as long as we are all feeling good in the morning. As the sun drops behind the rocks, the temperature drops, and everyone begins to wander back to their tents where their warm sleeping bags lay. So begins spending 10-12 hours in our tents.
Goodnight all,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and team
On The Map
Amazing job Pops! We love you! Love, Xander and Nora
Posted by: Noel Imfeld on 1/15/2020 at 8:25 pm
Sending best wishes to Sue (a.k.a. Payday) from St. Ronaldo from Orizaba trip! You’ve got this…Carpe diem!
Posted by: Ron on 1/15/2020 at 5:01 am
January 13, 2020
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
Relax and chill! Today's main goal was resting the body for tomorrow's move to Camp 1. The team enjoyed warm naps in the tents (maybe a little too warm at times), reading books, playing cards, listening to music, and watching Netflix. The winds stayed calm all day which was a nice change from the rather windy days we have had. A highlight of the day was most certainly the dessert at dinner, a slice of cake. The flavor could not be pinpointed but is guessed at possibly lemon, coconut. Regardless of the actual flavor it was delightful. Tomorrow we leave Basecamp and the delicious dinners and desserts we have been enjoying, along with all the amenities. We will trade our plastic chairs and tables for rocks and dirt. But it also means that we are moving higher up the mountain and are that much closer to our goal.
Talk to you from our new camp tomorrow,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and team
On The Map
Hi Tim,
Thank you Hannah for the thorough, well written, updates. It’s been interesting and fun following the team. Sounds like everyone is healthy, and ready for the challenging days ahead!
Miss you Mountain Man, and think of you daily! Cheered, unsuccessfully, for your Seahawks.
Congrats on your great progress! One foot in front of the other.
Diane
Posted by: Diane Rollo on 1/14/2020 at 2:17 pm
Hi Sue!
Don’t forget yoga at camp one! Remember the chair getting broke! Don’t forget the happy surprise of the porters at camp 2.. the crazy great views! You’ll do great! Have fun.. we are so gonna celebrate in Ouray!
Posted by: Rhonda McCormick on 1/14/2020 at 10:57 am
January 13, 2020
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 16,200'
Sunday, January 12, 2020
Scree...every uphill travelers worst nightmare. Today we got to see more of the mountain as we did our first carry. We left Basecamp, packs loaded up with food and fuel and made our way through the rocky terrain. The middle portion of the day looks like a cratered martian land. We weave our way around the craters to the final scree hills to camp. The last 100 feet are a butt kicker. Everyone showed determination and that they were willing to embrace the suck. After taking a well deserved break, we unloaded our packs, made are cache, and enjoyed the scenery of camp one. A couple hours of much easier downhill travel, we were back to the comforts of basecamp. The team did a fantastic job navigating the terrain and the altitude. We are looking strong and getting ready for our move. Now we will enjoy one more rest day before leaving basecamp.
Adios,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and team
On The Map
The terrain looks and sounds very challenging. Keep up the good work everyone!
Posted by: Heather Collins on 1/13/2020 at 12:23 pm
Hi Pops! And climbing crew!
We love hearing about your progress. Way to go! Sounds grueling, but rewarding. I’m sure it’s a great feeling at the end of the day. Know we’re with you every step of the way, but from the comfort of our couch lol. We love you Pops!
Love, Noel, Xander, and Nora
Posted by: Noel Imfeld on 1/13/2020 at 11:29 am
January 10, 2020
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
Giddy up! We woke to a chill in the air and ice where there was once a puddle of water. Today we turned off the Vacas Valley and headed up the Relinchos Valley. Several ribbons of water separated us from where we wanted to go. Instead of rolling our pants up and confronting the painfully cold water, we opted to hop onto mules and ride them across. For a brief moment we all got to pretend we were an Argentinean cowboy. Back on two feet, we spent the day making our way to basecamp. The views were jaw dropping and Aconcagua stayed in our view the entire day. Her summit calls but not just yet can we go. First we must rest from a day well done. Tomorrow we will soak in basecamp and also start preparing our loads for our carry to Camp 1 the following day.
Nighty night,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and team
On The Map
So cool you got to ride mules! Good job, great to follow your progress !
Posted by: All Creatures on 1/11/2020 at 2:07 pm
Amazing job everyone! We are enjoying the updates and hearing a bit of what you’re doing each day. We will continue to pray for safe trails.
We love you Pops!
Love, Noel, Xander, and Nora
Posted by: Noel Imfeld on 1/10/2020 at 10:56 pm
January 9, 2020
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 10,550'
Windy windy windy. We left Pampa de Lenas amd continued our journey up valley. What started as a light breeze grew stronger and stronger throughout the day. The wind whipped down valley creating dust clouds. Our mouths became gritty. Our skin felt rough. Our bare skin got sand blasted. It felt like tiny stings on our shins. It was as if mother nature was trying to push us away. But we put our heads down and leaned into it. Right before camp we were rewarded with our first views of Aconcagua and her neighboring peak Amigino. They look so big from where we stand. Towering 12,000 feet above us sits the summit. Fingers crossed, all the stars align and we will be standing up there in just shy of two weeks. But before that we are going to focus on our next goal, arriving at basecamp.
Talk to you all tomorrow from Plaza de Argentina,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and team
sounds wonderful ! Brave and strong describes you all! A special hello to Tim!!
Posted by: Connie Riddle on 1/10/2020 at 5:11 pm
Happy Base Camp Everyone!
Sue! Bad intel.. sorry..you know..
Hannah.. dinner at Brickhouse 737 when you get to Colorado..
Avery..well… I still love my Baker Buddy..
Everyone else? Kick butt!
Posted by: Rhonda McCormick on 1/10/2020 at 4:13 pm
January 8, 2020
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 9,000'
The day that seemed like it would never come. The day the team has been training for for months. The day that starts it all, has finally arrived! We checked in with the rangers at the Parque Provincial Aconcagua, took a team photo, and started walking. It definitely felt good to get the legs moving after days of travel and sitting. The desert valley is beautiful. We walked along the riverside following the contours of the valley. After a few breaks and a juicy melon we arrived at Pampa de Lenas where we were greeted with snacks and juice. After our refreshments we put up camp as the wind picked up. The dust swirled around us. One day in and we are covered in dirt and look as if we have been here longer. With tents up and filled with sleeping bags, we took an afternoon siesta before dinner. Dinner was magnificent! Tomato avocado salad, potatoes, bread, and carne asado. The salt burns the sun-kissed lips but it tastes so good. Bellies full, once again, we head off to bed happy.
Tomorrow brings another day walking in the Vacas Valley.
Buenos noches,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and team
Love seeing these photos & getting updates! We are living vicariously! Enjoy every moment!
Love you Beej!
Mom & Dad
Posted by: Judy & Dale, Byron’s parents on 1/9/2020 at 11:11 am
Thank you for posting these awesome updates and photos so we can follow along. Wishing you all the best! Hi to Byron :)
Posted by: Heather Collins on 1/9/2020 at 10:02 am
January 7, 2020
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 9,000'
Evening everyone! Today was a busy day full of the good ole duffle shuffle. We gathered our things and loaded into the Grajales van to make our way to Penitentes. Winter here, Penitentes is a ski resort but for us its the launching pad for Aconcagua. Our main goal today was to separate our gear into two piles: one that rides the mules straight to basecamp and one that rides the mules to each of our camps on the way in. We were rewarded with a delicious dinner after our hard work. Tomorrow is the big day...the day we hit the dusty trail. Before we start our big journey though we have got to rest up. So good night everyone. Talk to you all in the Vacas Valley.
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and team
What a magnificent place! Congratulations to the entire team.
I must say, it looks like a lot of work; so I am quite thrilled to experience your excursion via blog and photos from down here.
Much love to you, Tim. We are sending good thoughts to you every day.
Irene
Posted by: Irene Simpson on 1/18/2020 at 2:42 pm
January 6, 2020
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Hello everyone!
Our Aconcagua 2020 season is starting off swimmingly. The entire team has made it to Mendoza with all 19 duffles accounted for. After getting settled in at the Hotel Diplomatic, showering off the days travels, and having a team meeting, we headed over to one of our favorite restaurants, Anna Bistro. The meat and wine are as good as all the hype. With bellies full of delicious food and the air full of pleasant conversation, we made one final stop for gelato, because there is always room for dessert. But the jetlag is starting to settle in so its off to catch some Z's and dream of the days to come. Tomorrow we head to Penitentes, our launching pad for the trail. Before we know it we will be saying goodbye to beds, wifi, and luxury items and hello to sleeping bags, a dusty trail, and the brightest stars blanketing the night sky.
Good night all,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and team
We are thrilled to watch as all of you launch on this adventure! Our best hopes for all of you to have a glorious time & spectacular views!
Love from us all,
Byron’s family
Judy, Dale, Anna & Heather
Posted by: Judy & Dale on 1/8/2020 at 2:56 pm
Tim,
Looking good! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Godspeed!
With Love and admiration, Diane
Posted by: Diane on 1/8/2020 at 1:36 pm
September 3, 2019
Posted by: Steve Gately, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Awesome news Colin!!! All your training paid off. Congratulations and can’t wait to see the pics and videos.
Posted by: Mark Lockareff on 9/3/2019 at 11:13 am
Congratulations Colin! You embraced the challenge and conquered the Summit. I truly admire your indomitable spirit!!
Posted by: Sharon Lockareff on 9/3/2019 at 10:37 am
You all are amazing! Stay safe and enjoy. Tell Tim hi for me!!
Posted by: Connie Riddle on 1/16/2020 at 4:34 pm
Amazing work out there everyone! Happy to hear you get a rest day. I’m sure it’s much needed. Enjoy and stay warm. So nice to hear your progress.
Love, Noel, Xander, Nora
We love you and miss you Pops!
Posted by: Noel Imfeld on 1/15/2020 at 8:55 pm
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