Entries By jack delaney
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.
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
January 3, 2023
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 16,400'
Today was our first real day of climbing and the first real test for the group. We carried loads from Basecamp up to Camp 1 at 16,400', an altitude record for some of the group. This day was used to help the group acclimatize and help split up the weight we carry up to our first camp. The weather was ideal, with beautiful clear skies and a light breeze. We made good time uphill and even more efficient on the downhill. We’ll spend the rest of the afternoon rehydrating and replenishing calories.
Tomorrow is a rest day for the team and we are anticipating some unsettled weather over the next few days.
Thanks for following along.
RMI Guides Dom, Jack & Mike
We’re excited to hear about your upcoming weather pattern and what that will mean with your schedule. Weather here is off, all we have is ice right now, can’t walk, snowshoe, or ski.
Good thing you’re remote right now, Alison, everyone is dropping like flies here. Matt caught some crud. A few days later Caleb came down with it (they overnighted with Dad at Grampie’s camp), and now Willa has it.
Pups are holding down your office like champs.
Grandad is being awarded on March 4th at the annual Welsh Society in Philadelphia for all of his work on their history and for the association, over the years!
Stay safe and well! Love, Momma & Dad XOXOXO
Posted by: Momma & Dad on 1/4/2023 at 5:49 am
anticipating next camp: How do llamas and their cousins ford glacial streams? Or do mules do it for you?
As ro “downhill”, explain please. Up and down each one of you, more than once?
Posted by: Renate Lellep Fernandez on 1/3/2023 at 8:30 pm
January 2, 2023
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
Monday, January 2, 2023
Aside from the to be expected issues from sleepy at 14,000' feet for the first night of the trip we are all enjoying a rest day at Plaza Argentina.
Lots of packing and sorting on the guides end and the climbers too.
The meals continue to impress here at Grajales’ basecamp. The remainder of the day will have to team taking a short hike and enjoying the hours of sun on camp. Apologies for some of the delays in these, had a mistyped email address for yesterday’s post. Thanks for following along.
Michael & Steven Roy…safe climbing!!
Posted by: Gerald Roy on 1/4/2023 at 5:22 am
Hi Ali! Great to see you in person, wow technology is amazing! Nearly better reception than at our home in Woodland!
Sounds like you’re really get up high into elevation, so glad the weather has been holding pretty well. I’m sure a bit of snow won’t bother you, you’ve got the gear.
Wander & Gracie play every day, well Wander plays, Gracie lies on the floor and lets her!
We still have the tree up. I’m going to try to hold out taking it down until you are home, it’ll be good to have help, but that’s a long way out and we may have nothing but branches without needles if I stick to this plan, haha.
Sending our love and cheers to everyone in your camp! XOXOXO Momma & Dad
Posted by: Momma & Dad on 1/3/2023 at 12:10 pm
January 2, 2023
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
Sunday, January 1, 2023
It was clear cold night, the stars shone like diamonds in the Andean sky. We awoke early in order to beat the heat of the day that was surely on its way with the rising of the sun. The days trek began with an icy cold crossing of a glacially cold stream. It was a painful but effective way to remove any last trace of sleepiness from the group.
Today is our greatest elevation gain of the trek to reach Plaza Argentina Basecamp. Gaining 3,600' of elevation is no joke when you’re starting from 10,000', but the team was well fed and ready to start the New Year right. We styled it. We enjoyed sunny skies, cool temps, and stunning vistas as we made our way up the Ralincos Valley and into Basecamp by midday.
We are playing dice & eating pizza. Some are napping and journaling. Regardless it’s been a good afternoon in the sun to dry out gear and tomorrow morning is a rest day.
Thanks for following along.
RMI Guides Jack, Dom & Mike
Enjoy foloing you along. Do well -Be well And Safe.
There in 2012 w/ Pete + Gabi + Gilbert.
Walter
Posted by: Waltero Glover on 1/3/2023 at 7:12 am
Keep up the good work. We love you!
Posted by: Emily on 1/2/2023 at 2:34 pm
December 31, 2022
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 10,550'
Aconcagua team reaches Casa de Piedra. Yesterday we had a nice overcast four hour day into Pampa las Lena's. This has been a windy and rainy trip so far. We had a nice asado last night and to celebrate New Years. We'll enjoy a quiet/unstaffed camp. We are hopeful that the rain holds off for tomorrow as we head to Plaza Argentina basecamp.
RMI Guide Mike King
Happy New Year! Glad the weather has changed for you.
Wander is missing you but had a few good runs at the Cary trails. XO Momma & Dad
Posted by: Momma on 1/1/2023 at 11:29 am
Happy New Year!! Took the tree down today- pine needles everywhere haha! Missing you, Alison! Xoxo Lydia, Matt & Wilhelmina
Posted by: Lydia on 1/1/2023 at 11:26 am
September 17, 2022
Posted by: Alan Davis, Jack Delaney, Leif Bergstrom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 9,131'
Our Mt. Shuksan seminar tagged the top of Mt. Shuksan this morning. After many days of training in the rain, the team awoke to clear skies for their climb. The previous five days were spent learning about rope travel, weather patterns, avalanche safety, snow and ice anchors, etc. RMI Guide Alan Davis reported great route conditions and a top out time of 9:30am.
The team is back at the trailhead and will enjoy some good food and drink before starting their journey home.
Nice work climbers!
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
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