Entries By dominic cifelli
January 25, 2020
Posted by: Nick Scott, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
It’s day four of our Aconcagua expedition. Our first rest day for those at home following along. We all got a good sleep in and enjoyed an extended breakfast of eggs, pancakes, and lots of coffee this morning while discussing the itinerary of the next few days. Even though we call it a rest day, there is never a day on a mountaineering expedition when we are doing nothing. While the group enjoyed plenty of down time a good portion of the day was spent packing for our carry tomorrow, sorting group food, going on a short hike to stretch the legs and the lungs, and getting in our park-mandated doctor visit to make sure all climbers are adjusting to the new altitude appropriately. Spoiler alert! Everyone in the group passed their physical and the doctor gave us all the thumbs up to keep cruising up hill. Tomorrow will be the toughest day for the group so far as we shoulder packs and climb to Camp 1 at 16,400ft to cache some of our gear before descending back to basecamp to continue the acclimatization process. I have no doubt this determined group of climbers will perform their task without trouble. Everyone is feeling great and ready for more!
January 24, 2020
Posted by: Nick Scott, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
On the third day of our expedition we woke early and climbed reluctantly from the warmth of our sleeping bags. Today, we would leave the Vacas valley and climb steadily over 3000 feet through the Relinchos valley to Plaza Argentina, and home for the next three days. The increase in elevation brought some much needed relief from the heat as the temperature dropped with every foot gained. The team traveled together in good spirits under blue skies and marveled at the scale of their surroundings. Early in the afternoon, tired and dust covered, we found ourselves in the small city that is Aconcagua Basecamp. After three days of wandering through the high desert of the Andes, the team welcomed the comforts of the camp with open arms. Tomorrow we have a well earned rest day to lounge and do a bit of packing to prepare for the upper mountain. The team is in good spirits, and despite being tired from the three day trek, are eager to move higher up the mountain. We can only hope the good weather continues and that the mountain allows us the opportunity to climb.
RMI Guide Nick Scott
So beautiful! Praying the weather continues to cooperate! Climb on! :)
XO Guide Mom - Coeli Scott
Posted by: Coeli Scott on 1/25/2020 at 2:13 pm
WALKING WITH YOU MARK. LOOKS GOOD SO FAR. BET THAT JUICE FELT GOOD AFTER A LONG WALK. WILL TAKE A DAY OFF LIKE YOU LOVE MOM
Posted by: MOM on 1/25/2020 at 11:19 am
January 23, 2020
Posted by: Nick Scott, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 10,550'
The second day of the trek took us ever higher into the desert valley on our way to Aconcagua Basecamp. The trail wound it’s way through the high desert of the Andes, past scrub brush, and the occasional Guanaco. Today also provided us with the first views of the mountain. It was a beautiful bluebird day and the upper reaches of Aconcagua were in full view as they towered over the surrounding peaks, including Amighino, a mountain that tops out at the same elevation as Kilimanjaro. Tomorrow we make the final push to basecamp at 13,800 feet and start acclimatizing for the upper mountain.
On The Map
January 22, 2020
Posted by: Nick Scott, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 9,000'
Today we left behind the comforts of civilization and began our trek to Aconcagua Basecamp. The first day turned out to be a hot and dusty one, with only the occasional breeze to cool us down. After several hours of walking through the desert we reached Pampa de Lenas, our camp for the night. Our outfitter Grajales was waiting for us with pitchers of lemonade to relieve our parched mouths and a spread of orange slices and snacks to replenish our energy. While our accommodation for the night may be modest, our dinner certainly won’t be. Tonight is the night of the famous Lenas Asado! A traditional Argentine BBQ cooked over an open fire under the stars. After such a long walk today, you can be sure our appetites are primed and ready for the meal to come.
All the climbers did well today, but another long day is in store for us tomorrow as we make our way closer to basecamp and deeper into the mountains.
On The Map
We love you Dad/Gramps/Mark!
Posted by: Chelsea Miller on 1/23/2020 at 4:27 pm
Good luck dad! (Joe D.) Reading the blogs all the way from Pa. Keep up the good work, everyone! ❤️
Posted by: Nicole on 1/22/2020 at 4:56 pm
Today we left the low elevation sanctuary of Mendoza and began our trip into the mountains. Our first stop? The town of Penitentes where we began the process of packing all of our gear and food for the length of our expedition. Not a small feat by any means. After the bags were packed and weighed for the mules, we enjoyed our last group dinner inside a permanent structure for the next two weeks. Tomorrow our trek to basecamp begins and along with it, our adventure.
Very PROUD of all you men and miss you. How do you eat a elephant ? One bite at a time! Lol
Miss you Daryl
Posted by: Katie on 1/22/2020 at 4:05 pm
The climbers have all arrived and day one is in the books. While the guides were kept busy with preparations for the coming days, the climbers that arrived early had a chance to experience a bit of Mendoza. Everyone is excited and eager for the days to come. Hopefully the sudden thunderstorm this evening means our bit of moisture for the trip has come and gone and sunny, blue skies await us on the mountain. Here’s to hoping!
Looks like a wonderful trip stay hydrated get rest and most of all enjoy the view.
Posted by: PATTI RICHARDS on 1/21/2020 at 4:45 pm
Safe travels all! And hoping for beautiful weather for all the days ahead! :) XO
Guide Mom - Coeli Scott
Posted by: Coeli Scott on 1/21/2020 at 3:11 am
August 10, 2019
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Dominic Cifelli, Matias Francis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 6,200'
August 6, 2019
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Dustin Wittmier, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
CONGRATULATIONS
MT. BAKER TEAM !!
Very proud of you Peter Gaeta !!
Posted by: Doreen Kaplan on 8/6/2019 at 1:39 pm
Congratulations, I am in awe of your bravery and hard work!
Posted by: Judy Costigan on 8/6/2019 at 1:08 pm
July 16, 2019
Posted by: Josh McDowell, Dominic Cifelli, Kiira Antenucci
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
June 22, 2019
Posted by: Mike King, Avery Parrinello, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 348'
On The Map
Congratulations to you all. What an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy your achievement - and the beers burgers and showers.
Awesome!!
Thanks to your great guides as well.
Posted by: Stephanie on 6/23/2019 at 10:38 am
Fantastic!! Congratulations to you all. Thank you for the updates it’s been good reading them. Take care xx
Posted by: Anna Naylor on 6/23/2019 at 10:24 am
Best to you Mark. Reading what you all are doing. Praying that you all enjoy the trip. Love Mom
Posted by: Cornelia Miller on 1/28/2020 at 9:24 am
Mmm pancakes! Go Daryly Dooo, eat them up! We are all cheering for you in Coronado! Good job team! Hoping for good weather tmw!
Posted by: Katie on 1/25/2020 at 5:10 pm
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