Entries By dominic cifelli
January 13, 2023
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 19,600'
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Our Aconcagua team moved to High Camp. The winds stopped as if a switch had been flipped around 9:30 last night. The eerily calm night led to another calm and hot day. The summit winds were still high with snow blowing 1,000 feet into the sky but have begun to calm down, or all the snow has vacated the summit. We will get some rest, eat and hydrate before turning in for the evening. Sleep is hard to come by at 19,600'. Hoping for a successful summit day tomorrow. We'll keep you posted!
--RMI Guide Mike King and team
January 12, 2023
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
Our team will take another weather day at Camp 2. Strong winds and lots of snow will keep us from moving up hill today. Tomorrow is our last chance to move to High Camp. We will hope to have a summit bid on the 14th. The team is hunkered down in their tents as 40 mph wind gusts roar through camp.
RMI Guide Mike King
Thinking of you and wishing for good weather for you all. Love Vonne.
Posted by: Vonne on 1/14/2023 at 7:08 pm
Thinking of the group and wishing you luck! 40mph winds, yikes! We got about 14in of snow yesterday, then some rain. Hopefully it keeps coming so we can start snowmobiling!
Missing you - Lydia, Matt & Wilhelmina
Posted by: Lydia on 1/14/2023 at 5:53 am
January 11, 2023
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
Our Camp 2 staycation continues with a weather day. The winds are blowing above with lots of snow transport. We went for a walk and are enjoying warm tents with some Pink Floyd playing in the background. The appetites are still strong and team is getting restless. The 14th looks like the best summit day when considering wind speed and trail breaking.
Thanks for following along.
We’re sorry to hear about the summit delay, but are very happy you are with guides that care so much about safety!
Hoping you packed in enough food so that you aren’t sizing up your teammates for BBQ options, haha!
Bitter cold here this am, folks had -4. We’re expecting 10 inches of snow, followed by rain, so I guess the weather people don’t know.
You’ll love this: ALL of the US airlines were shut down for hours this morning because the centralized air traffic control program went haywire!
Yesterday I saw two owls! They were huge, one on the way home from work and the other at the peak of our lone Maple tree on the road in front of our yard.
Sending you all hugs. Keep your spirits up, this is a once in a lifetime climb! XOXOXO Momma & Dad
Posted by: Momma & Dad on 1/11/2023 at 11:56 am
I can only imagine how hard it is to wait. Sending all of our positive vibes and love.
Posted by: Emily on 1/11/2023 at 11:09 am
January 10, 2023
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
Today our Aconcagua Team is taking a rest day at Camp 2, 18,000'. We had a cold night with light winds that blew the weather pattern of the last five days out of the area. Dark clouds and high winds plague the summit. We'll focus on eating, rest and hydration. Our plan will be to move up to High Camp up the 12th, and make our summit attempt on the 13th. We are hoping the snow firms up and we get clear weather.
Hi Team: I’m with you in spirit if not in body. My very best for your summit attempt. I’m willing those winds to lay down and the snow to sublimate away. I’m toasting you and the mountain which I can see from the vineyards here in The Valle de Lujàn de Cuyo, raising glasses of Torontés, Malbec and Cabernet Franc to you all and your climb. Salud!
Posted by: Lisa Fernandez on 1/11/2023 at 7:53 am
Hey Mike! Wishing you and your team all the best on your summit!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/11/2023 at 5:03 am
January 9, 2023
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 19,600'
We made our carry to high camp at 19,600' today. The mornings continue to be clear, calm and provide spectacular views of the Central Andes. The afternoon blizzards with scorching heat and thunder snow continue as if set by a Swiss watchmaker.
We will rest tomorrow and see what the winds do. The consensus of longtime local guides is this amount of snow, lack of wind and heat is unique when compared to the last 15-20 years.
RMI Guide Mike King and Team
Get some rest tomorrow. Hope the weather cooperates. Chloe says “Tell Daddy I love him”.
Posted by: Emily on 1/9/2023 at 1:38 pm
That is the strangest combination of weather that we’ve ever heard! Thunder snow?! Praying this isn’t met with lightening as well.
You picked the best time to be gone, weather is dreary (of course everything is dreary compared with what you are reporting!) and not enough snow to do much. Having to resort to trail walks and indoor track for exercise.
Alison, you’ll be happy to know we took the Christmas tree down yesterday. Never as exciting as decorating, but Dad was a champ on the first round of tree needles throughout the living room - he even got one jammed under a fingernail!
Continue to have a great trip! Sending our love! Momma & Dad XOXOXO
Posted by: Momma & Dad on 1/9/2023 at 11:47 am
January 8, 2023
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
Today we moved camp to 18,000'. The clear mornings and snowstorms in the afternoon trend continues. We got a heat wave of calm air and lots of sun on new snow reflecting off the hillsides. Once through the Col we got some respite but it was not to last as the subtle breeze died as we built camp and the frying of skin began again. We are in tents with snow falling. Thanks for following along.
Keep up the good work and slather on that sunscreen. We all miss you and we love you.
Posted by: Emily on 1/8/2023 at 12:01 pm
Sounds like you’re making great progress! We’re so pleased for you!
The whole gang was here this am to walk the trails, not enough fresh snow to need snowshoes but still a good base.
All the dogs loved the trek thru the woods trails! Wander misses you, Alison, she can’t stick close enough to us, as I write she’s on my lap and in my face!
We’ve got sunshine for the first time in 10 days, hallelujah!
Keep up the great work, thanks for your updates! Love Momma and Dad XOXOXO
Posted by: Momma and Dad on 1/8/2023 at 11:33 am
January 7, 2023
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 16,200'
The team has been battling some weather on the Aconcagua as of late, but this morning we awoke to crisp, dry air and snowcapped views on our horizon. Today is a rest day after our hearty carry up to Camp 2 yesterday. We will enjoy our coffee, well deserved naps, and lots of tent time to rest our bodies and minds for the move to Camp 2 tomorrow.
Wish us luck!
Enjoy the good weather, hope it stays that way. Wishing everyone a safe and successful summit! Can’t wait to hear all about the trip! Go Frogs!
The Broderick Family
Posted by: Nancy Broderick on 1/8/2023 at 5:36 am
Wonderful news about the weather break! We’re hoping it holds for you.
We finally had some snow and will be snowshoeing our home trails this morning. Going early so that Willa can have her nap on time, haha!
Ginger & Caleb spent the night and e we played Mexican Train. Had to make up a few rules, the directions were limited, haha!
Sending our love and prayers for the whole team’s good health and success! XOXOXO Momma and Dad
Posted by: Momma and Dad on 1/8/2023 at 2:28 am
January 6, 2023
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 16,200'
Today we carried food, fuel & a few personal items to Camp 2 at 18,000'. Pardon the typo of elevation yesterday (we had it 17,000'). We had a clear morning to begin the day. Heavy snow began to fall with a light breeze while we were putting together our cache. The team got back to camp and is waiting for a break in the snow. This weather pattern is forecasted until the 9th when strong winds are expected for the 10th & 11th. We rest tomorrow and hope the storm abates.
Weather prayer
Posted by: Waltero on 1/7/2023 at 3:50 am
I bet goggles are adjusted the moment you open that tent flat. Remember Enos Mills’ story “Snow Blind”.
Posted by: Renate Fernandez on 1/6/2023 at 3:36 pm
January 5, 2023
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 16,300'
We made good time to Camp 1 at 16,300'. There were some clouds that kept the temps comfortable. Heavy snowfall began as we setup camp. The team got their cached items and ducked into the tents for a little rest before dinner. Tomorrow we will continue our ascent of Aconcagua with a carry of food & fuel to Camp 2 at 17,000'.
Fingers crossed that the snow stops tonight and winds do not get too high. We'll check in tomorrow after our carry.
Thanks for following along.
RMI Guide Mike King
The “carry” operation. And the tents: do the hikers set them up on arriving at camp? Are tents up there for the snowy summer season? How are they warmed?
What was served for dinner?
At 17,000 altitude when do the first rays of sun reach the tents? Do other peaks block the rays? Nobody gets ‘sunburnt in their beds’ as counselors warn campers in the Rockies (ask Lisa about that adage)
Posted by: Renate Fernandez on 1/5/2023 at 6:50 pm
Climbing on up the big hill. Go team, stay warm!
Posted by: Dee on 1/5/2023 at 2:49 pm
January 4, 2023
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
We got a nice wake up call from the park helicopter flying in cool and calm air. Sun hits the tents around 7:30. Our team was anxiously awaiting coffee & breakfast, which is a good sign that they are acclimating well, good appetites are what the guides want to see.
Some took naps, showers and did crosswords. The Grajales team here at Plaza Argentina has been incredibly helpful and supportive. The blue skies with scattered clouds continue to dominate the horizon, new snow from earlier in the week is melting and the warm tents make for some excellent downtime.
We will head out for a walk towards the base of Ibanez in the broad and flat drainage that once held a massive glacier. Tomorrow we’ll move to Camp 1 and begin our 8-10 days up high. Fingers crossed for clear skie when we want to move and snow when we have rest days. High camp has been dry so the possibility of carrying water to 19,600’ for 13 people weighs heavy on the guides….especially their lumbago, pun intended.
Thanks for following along.
So excited to have this blog to follow your journey Alex! Uncle and I read it every morning. Lifting you all up in prayer. Can’t wait to hear all about your adventure in February! Much Love!
Posted by: Kim Peltier on 1/5/2023 at 9:13 am
It sounds amazing and it must be incredibly beautiful. Take it all in for the rest of us….
Thanks again for updates….
Posted by: Dee on 1/4/2023 at 3:39 pm
Love reading the updates. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers for a safe and successful summit. Brother Mitch, we love and can’t wait to hear all about your adventures.
Posted by: Marianne Harvey on 1/14/2023 at 10:05 am
Good luck team - Pez and Mike make it happen!
Posted by: Scott on 1/14/2023 at 6:17 am
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