Entries By j.j. justman

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Travel through the Vacas Valley to Casa de Piedra

January 15, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Mike King, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 10,550'

The team is at Casa de Piedra, which in Spanish means... house of...Piedra. It was another gorgeous day of trekking in the Vacas Valley. Everyone is doing great and we are excited to be one step closer to base camp. For me it's always fun to hear and see the expressions on people's faces as they truly appreciate how beautiful it is here. We had a condor sighting, which is rare in the towering mountains. However, the elusive guanaco is nowhere to see. I'm pretty sure if I put on some Old Spice it will attract some for the team. Stay tuned!! RMI Guide JJ Justman

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Well done, dad (Lew Smith)! Keep going strong! We hope you are having a great time down there. Climb on!

Love you,

Kyle and Stephanie

Posted by: Kyle A. Smith on 1/17/2014 at 8:41 am

Good going Mom! Stuff is great at home….. don’t worry….

Posted by: Buddy on 1/15/2014 at 6:11 pm

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Camped at Pampa de Las Lenas

January 14, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Mike King, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 9,000'

Hello folks! It's JJ and the Aconcagua Team reporting live from Pampa de Las Lenas at 9,000 feet. It's phenomenal to finally hit the trail with the team. And what a team it is! We have brothers and sisters, old climbing buddies and now new friends. We had a hot and blistery day trekking in the heat. Sunscreen and lip balm was in full effect. However now it is cloudy and we received a few drops of rain, which we welcomed with open arms. The guides are busy chopping fresh vegetables that we are going to grill along with a big slab of beef. It's one of my favorite things...hanging out with the cowboys and the team. The cowboys like it when you ask questions and it's interesting to learn about their lifestyle. They work hard for it and it's nice to enjoy a great evening of food and their favorite drink...orange Tang. RMI Guide JJ Justman

On The Map

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Awesome photo! Great job, dad (Lew Smith)! Best of luck to you and the team! Climb smart, and climb on!

Love you!

Kyle

Posted by: Kyle A. Smith on 1/17/2014 at 8:43 am

Hey Denise, This is so cool! I love seeing your progress. Yahoo! Be Safe! Have the best time. Make snow angel for me when you get to the fluffy white stuff!
Sputter Dog says Hey!

Posted by: Mary Fox on 1/15/2014 at 9:22 am

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Begin Trek to Basecamp

January 13, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Mike King, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 9,000'

The gang is all here! It certainly has been an adventure already for half of our team. However, we are all ready to go. For the other part of the team we had a great day in Penitentes, which is a small ski area. We had our first glance of Aconcagua as we took a 4-hour hike up to 10,000 feet. It's a beautiful view of the south face of Aconcagua. The team finished packing our duffels for the mules and we are ready to walk! RMI Guide JJ Justman

On The Map

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Hi Lew-

Look forward to hearing all about your trip. We are praying for you. Hope it is all you imagined it would be. Take care and God Bless!

John

Posted by: john walker on 1/16/2014 at 12:06 pm

Lew: Praying for a great climb for you brother! I’ll think and pray for you often. Can’t wait to see the pictures!
Mike H

Posted by: Mike Harvey on 1/16/2014 at 7:35 am

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Ready in Argentina

January 12, 2014

Posted by: JJ Justman, Steve Gately, Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Well...I've always said, "the hardest part of any expedition is just getting to the mountain". And that certainly is the case for my second team here on Aconcagua. We have everything from missing bags to missing half of the team. Well, they're not missing just really late due to Tormento de Estados Unidos 2014! However, all the team members are in Argentina. Half the team is in Penitentes and the other half is in Mendoza. We will all join up tomorrow and begin the journey. We want to congratulate the recent team under Garrett Stevens on their recent summit. We are at 100% expedition success. I feel a trend coming on. Stay tuned for another exciting adventure with me, Mike "the lion" King and Steve "fresh outta da" Gately. RMI Guides JJ Justman, Mike King & Steve Gately

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Lets get this party started!!!

Posted by: Josh Barnes on 1/13/2014 at 9:32 pm

Wishing Diane, Randy and Denise better travels in the Andes then the trip down from Detroit and Miami along with marvelous weather. I hope Michigan and Utah gets all of the snow and cold weather instead of hitting your adventure!
Take care!
Bonnie

Posted by: Bonnie Janssen on 1/13/2014 at 8:31 am

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Aconcagua: Justman and Team back at Base Camp

December 31, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Leah Fisher

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Here we are! Base Camp! The team made it Down from high camp in 50 mph winds. It was a tough day packing up but the weather calmed down as we descended. It's a slow gradual zombie descent. However, as soon as people see the tiny little tents of base, people's spirits soar. Now in base camp we are sucking down juice and wearing flip flops. The team has a little bit of packing to do and then we are off down the trail to finish the mountain part of the adventure. Tomorrow we will head to Lenas, which was our first camp on the trek in. I usually tease our climbers by telling them we are going to have chicken ramen for dinner. However, I think another giant steak asado is in order. After all, when in Argentina! Especially after a safe and successful summit of South America's highest peak! RMI Guides JJ Justman and Leah Fisher and Team

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Congrats Cindee.. sounds like an amazing adventure. Glad you are safe. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

Posted by: Bruce on 1/3/2014 at 8:43 am

Congrats and Happy New Year Kim! Are you eating STEAK?
Alison

Posted by: Alison on 1/2/2014 at 9:27 am

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Aconcagua: Justman and Team arrive back at High Camp

December 30, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Leah Fisher

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

Hey everyone this is JJ Justman with Team Two on Aconcagua. I believe you all heard through my last dispatch that we were on the summit of Aconcagua. I just want to report that everyone is safe and sound. We are here at high camp. Our work is not yet, at least not for the guides. We are busy getting water and snow melting to get everyone rehydrated and refueled. We had a long day, probably had to say that it was one of my toughest climbs in regards to the weather. It was cold and windy and just took a lot out of us. The team did an absolutely fantastic job! I’m really proud of everyone they did a great job climbing and we are really happy to be back at camp. We are going to be heading back to Base Camp tomorrow. That’s a big day of carrying heavy loads. We do have some porters coming up to help out, which is good. We will touch base tomorrow when we get back into Base Camp. We will get into some of those nice luxuries that we have been missing for the past week or so. Thanks for following along everyone, we will touch base tomorrow. Bye Bye!

JJ Justman calling in from High Camp

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Congrats Kim and team!!! So excited for you. What an amazing way to close out 2013!

In awe,
fran, dan and sophie

Posted by: fran on 12/31/2013 at 9:01 am

Congrats JJ on another summit - I had a great time down there last year!!!!!!

Posted by: Jeff Hall on 12/31/2013 at 8:18 am

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team on Summit!

December 30, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Leah Fisher

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 22,841'

Hello everyone, This is JJ Justman and RMI Team # 2 standing on the highest mountain in South America in the western hemisphere of the world. We had a great day climbing it was a very tough day climbing, it was very cold. It's still a little breezy up here on top, but not bad. Everyone is doing well and we're looking forward to walking down hill and back into camp and recovering. So that's it for now from the summit. Everyone is doing great. We will touch base again when we make it back to camp safe and sound. But like I said everyone just did a phenomenal job today. Take care and we'll touch base again soon. This is Team 2 from the summit of Aconcagua out.

RMI Guide JJ Justman calls from the summit of Aconcagua.

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Kim, what an incredible feat! We are all very proud to know you. Take care of yourself. Happy New Year from Francesco, Katerina, Marina, Luca and Nadia.
P.S. Did you know Nashville is so hot right now?

Posted by: Francesco on 12/31/2013 at 8:24 pm

Hi Kim, We are so proud of you!!!!....This was your goal for 2 years & you kept your focus & tenacity….YOU DID IT!....Words cannot describe our feelings of joy for you in reaching this major goal ...We can’t wait to hear from you!!!...Love You, Dad & Trish

Posted by: SHEL on 12/30/2013 at 5:38 pm

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Ready for Summit Bid

December 30, 2013

Posted by: Leah Fisher, JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

Hey, this is JJ and Leah up here at High Camp 19,600' finishing up the hot drinks and breakfast for our team. It's about 4:30 in the morning, a little bit of wind today but it's looking like it's going to be a nice day to climb Aconcagua. So the team is up and at 'em, getting ready for our summit attempt. Wish us luck! And hopefully we will have some great news for you a little later on today. We'll touch base hopefully from the top of South American's highest mountain. Take care, JJ Justman

RMI Guide JJ Justman checks in prior to summit bid on Aconcagua.

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Wait Out the Winds

December 29, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Leah Fisher

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

Update: 5:56 am PT It's a little bit of the high camp blues up here at 19,600 feet on a Sunday afternoon. Will someone please magically tell us what's going on in the nfl?! The winds are still strong but we are having more lulls which is a good sign. Now it's a waiting game. We need the winds to be reasonable to make a safe summit attempt. And if there is one thing Aconcagua is known for...it's wind. We are hoping for the best! Voicemail: 2:59 am PT: Hey Everyone - This is Team 2 up at High Camp on Aconcagua at 19,600’, I am trying not to yell right now, but if you hear that noise, that is the wind. As I speak the tent walls are slapping me in the face. We did not go the summit today, it definitely was way too windy. But the word on the street, is the winds are supposed to die down later this evening and through tomorrow so keep your fingers crossed. Everyone here is doing really well. We are making the best out of a windy day . Keeping some hot drinks going for the gang and making some breakfast. We will be hanging out and making sure these tents don’t go any where. Thanks for following along. Everyone is safe and sound, we will check in later, hopefully with some good news tomorrow. RMI Guide JJ Justman

RMI Guide JJ Justman checks in from 19,600 ft on Aconcagua.

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Dec 30 - Results from the NFL games on Sunday (home team in CAPS)

INDIANAPOLIS 30 Jacksonville 10

NY Jets 20 MIAMI 7

MINNESOTA 14 Detroit 13

TENNESSEE 16 Houston 10

PITTSBURGH 20 Cleveland 7

NY GIANTS 20 Washington 6

CINCINNATI 34 Baltimore 17

Carolina 21 ATLANTA 20

Green Bay 33 CHICAGO 28

NEW ENGLAND 34 Buffalo 20

NEW ORLEANS 42 Tampa Bay 17

Denver 34 OAKLAND 14

San Francisco 23 ARIZONA 20

SAN DIEGO 27 Kansas City 24 (OT)

SEATTLE 27 St. Louis 9
Dec 30 (Infostrada Sports) - Results from the NFL games on Sunday (home team in CAPS)

INDIANAPOLIS 30 Jacksonville 10

NY Jets 20 MIAMI 7

MINNESOTA 14 Detroit 13

TENNESSEE 16 Houston 10

PITTSBURGH 20 Cleveland 7

NY GIANTS 20 Washington 6

CINCINNATI 34 Baltimore 17

Carolina 21 ATLANTA 20

Green Bay 33 CHICAGO 28

NEW ENGLAND 34 Buffalo 20

NEW ORLEANS 42 Tampa Bay 17

Denver 34 OAKLAND 14

San Francisco 23 ARIZONA 20

SAN DIEGO 27 Kansas City 24 (OT)

SEATTLE 27 St. Louis 9

Philadelphia 24 DALLAS 22

Detroit, Oakland, Washington Cleveland and Minnesota have all fired the head coaches! It’s Black Monday for sure! I hope the wind calms down! Happy New Year! Go Sparty!

Posted by: Stacy on 12/30/2013 at 7:54 am

HI KIM!!! Hope you’re not having tent fever! Do you all tell each other ghost stories to pass the time?? Good luck and hope those winds blow themselves out! AT

Posted by: Alison on 12/30/2013 at 7:30 am

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Prepare for Summit Bid

December 28, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Leah Fisher

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

Hello RMI followers! Team 2 is at high camp on a gorgeous day. We are doing great and preparing for our summit bid tomorrow. Leah and I will be operating the stoves full time melting snow and boiling water. Our plan is to rest, rehydrate and eat some calories in preparation for a big day tomorrow. The wind prediction is staying true. We will have a breeze to keep us cool. Tomorrow will be a busy day for the guides but we will try to communicate as soon as we can. RMI Guide JJ Justman

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So awesome! Can’t wait to hear that you guys have made it to the top! I look forward to the updates every day! Josh- I went to Oxford with my family today, Marlene asked about you and kept asking when you would be here. I have a video of you on my phone and she kept watching it. Since you were in the car she thought you were on your way over. I think she’s ready to see you! I’m so proud of you! I can’t wait to hear all about the climb and see your picture when you summit! Everyone says hello, and they’re proud of you. They’re all so excited for you! Family has been coming in for Marlene’s party they’re all up to date on the blog! Love you!! -Lily

Posted by: Lily on 12/28/2013 at 8:58 pm

Way to go team!!!! You are so close!!!! It’s truly been a pleasure following you along your journey and priceless adventure. I hope that tomorrow’s summit is a hallmark moment, and one you’ll always remember. I can’t wait to hear all about it. Best of luck tomorrow as you make your final ascend.

Josh - words can’t describe how extremely proud and excited I am for you. You amaze me everyday. I can’t wait to see your smiling face atop one of your lifetime goals. You are going to do awesome tomorrow, and remember you have three big angels guiding you along. Everyone here is rooting you on, and waiting in the incredible news that you’ve made it to the top. Heidi and I played fetch today. She was really hoping you’d come take over. No babies yet. Best of luck tomorrow!!!!! Can’t wait to see you.
Love you - Jess

Posted by: Jessica on 12/28/2013 at 7:36 pm

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Entries By j.j. justman

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Travel through the Vacas Valley to Casa de Piedra

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Camped at Pampa de Las Lenas

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Begin Trek to Basecamp

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Ready in Argentina

Aconcagua: Justman and Team back at Base Camp

Aconcagua: Justman and Team arrive back at High Camp

Aconcagua: Justman & Team on Summit!

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Ready for Summit Bid

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Wait Out the Winds

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Prepare for Summit Bid

On The Map

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