Entries By katrina bloemsma

Aconcagua: Nugent and Team Wait out Weather at Camp 2

January 16, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Katrina Bloemsma, Walter Hailes

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

Today marked the passing of yet another rest day. We hung out at Camp 2 along with many others; Katrina counted more than 67 tents in camp today. We sat the day out watching all sorts of crazy weather over the course of the day: Intense sun/heat, chilly breezes, pelting graupel and hail, puking snow, and continual thunder and lightning all afternoon... Pretty exciting. It seems the horde of other climbers have a very similar strategy to us. Our team is well-rested and ready to move up to Plaza Cólera (our high Camp 3) in what looks to be marginal weather tomorrow putting us in position to take a crack at the summit in better weather on Saturday. A strong wind event is forecasted to begin ramping up with moderate winds on Sunday and over 60 mph winds forecasted for Monday. Hopefully we can nail it but it certainly has been a bit of a chess match with the mountain and the weather. Wish us luck as we roll out on our summit push over the next two days, RMI Guides Billy, Walt, Katrina, and the Whole Gang!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Scott - Good luck on making the summit on the first try. Be well! Dad & Mom

Posted by: Ralph on 1/17/2014 at 2:24 pm

Following this blog feels akin to watching classic Hitchcock. The suspense!
Sending positive thoughts your way for favorable conditions, focused minds, and strong bodies.

Posted by: Geoff on 1/16/2014 at 10:16 pm

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Move Up to Camp 2

January 15, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Walter Hailes, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

Greetings friends, relatives, loves ones, roommates, neighbors, acquaintances, enemies, stalkers, etc. We've made it safely up to a crowded Camp 2 (Guanacos Campo, Chopper Camp) and settled into our tents. The move from Camp 1 was largely uneventful except for partly cloudy skies which made for rapid, drastic temperature changes... Freeze or fry, as they say, never comfortable. We moved extremely well despite the slightly funky weather and big loads and were greeted by the many Camp 2 inhabitants. We actually had to use our snow shovel and a borrowed McCloud to grade out new tent platforms in the dirt. Moving earth turned out to be quite a bit more taxing than the actual climbing! Anyway, we are all here feeling the altitude a bit but doing well nonetheless. Tomorrow's plan is largely dependent on the weather forecast we get tonight, wish us luck and good favor with Mother Nature! All for now, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hope the weather is good tomorrow Dawn & Len . We are following every step of the way - good luck to all.

Posted by: sue Menduk on 1/16/2014 at 5:11 am

Hi Jeff we are watching your progress, many well wishers from work and family. We miss you and love you Debbie, Andrew and Madison

Posted by: Debbie on 1/15/2014 at 7:23 pm

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Rest Day at Camp 1

January 14, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Walter Hailes, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

The rumor mill was definitely flying around the mountain yesterday about some big, bad weather system coming in next weekend... Luckily it has been pushed back out of the extended forecast and our intrepid team has been able to stick to our prescribed acclimatization schedule. Which means we're resting today! Laying around in the tent at over 16,000' isn't as exciting as it sounds but the rest will serve us well as we climb higher tomorrow. We are in good spirits and hopeful that the weather will cooperate as we move in to striking distance over the next couple days. Laying around, eating jamon y queso, drinking coffee... It's a grand life, RMI Guides Billy, Walt, Katrina, and the gang

On The Map

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Climb strong and climb safe! Be well.

Posted by: Tich on 1/15/2014 at 11:30 pm

Our entire team is cheering you on Patrick and can’t wait to see you plant The Comeback Initiative flag proudly on the peak! We know how hard you’ve trained for this, and you continue to amaze us with your courage, fortitude and accomplishments!

Keep up the great work!
Dan Cowan
EXOS / The Comeback Initiative

Posted by: Dan on 1/15/2014 at 7:16 am

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Aconcagua: Nugent and Team Carry to Camp 2

January 13, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Walter Hailes, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

We are continuing to plod our way slowly but steadily up this mountain. Our team woke to beautiful blue skies this morning and took advantage of the good weather by putting in another cache up at our Camp 2, which also goes by the names "Guanacos Camp 3," and "Chopper Camp." No matter what you call it, it sits at over 18k' and is one of the last spots with running water as you ascend. We made short work of the carry, climbing the 2,000' or so in 3 stretches and made even shorter work of the descent back to Camp 1. The skies clouded up this afternoon so we got to enjoy some comfortable napping temps in the tents. We spent the rest of the day eating napples, reading, and listening to tunes. Rumors of deteriorating weather have us pondering our next move but our plans call for another rest and acclimatization day. We'll see what Mother Nature has in store for us, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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David and I are thinking about you, Meredith. Be save and have a wonderful climb. Love to you.

Posted by: Tracye Wear on 1/14/2014 at 7:08 pm

Nugent, when you hit the casino after your climb make sure to look for a guy wearing a Ferrari tshirt. In the mean time hide your knife from the gouchos!

Posted by: EDGE on 1/14/2014 at 9:56 am

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Move to Camp 1

January 12, 2014

Posted by: Walter Hailes, Katrina Bloemsma, Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

We said our bittersweet goodbyes to the good life at Plaza Argentina this morning as we headed up on the mountain to begin our climb. No more steak or lasagna dinners but it sure feels good to be finally doing this! The team climbed extremely well and made even better time up to Camp 1 than we did on our carry a couple of days ago. Everybody is a bit tired but in good spirits... Looking forward to a good night's sleep and another work day tomorrow as we try and push a load of supplies further up the mountain. Also wanted to make a shout out to Garrett's team, who made the summit today! Nice work guys... Buenas noches de campo 1, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Enjoy One More Rest Day at Basecamp

January 11, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Walter Hailes, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Another rest day here at Basecamp... Not much to report other than that the team is enjoying a beautiful day resting up after a longer day yesterday. The R & R down here at base is definitely going to pay dividends as we climb higher and higher. Tomorrow, if the good weather continues, will see our departure from base onto the upper mountain for good... Talk tomorrow after our move to Camp 1! RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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When you have worn out your shoes, the strength of the shoe leather has passed into the fiber of your body. I measure your health by the number of shoes and hats and clothes you have worn out.

Posted by: Ralph W. on 1/12/2014 at 6:24 pm

Billy Nugent.. Be safe and enjoy the climb, always thinking about you! Love from all of us here on the ground! Pam, Jim Jack and Abby!

Posted by: Pam Wenzel on 1/11/2014 at 11:13 pm

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Carry to 16,200’ Camp

January 11, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Walter Hailes, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Today saw our first dose of real work above Basecamp as the gang carried up a load of food, fuel, and cold weather gear. It was a long day with big loads up to elevations over 16,000 feet, so we were certainly working hard but the team was generally unfazed. The carry definitely helps supply us on the upper mountain but also serves as a good stimulus for our bodies as they try and acclimatize to the higher altitude. The physiological changes are happening and the headaches most folks reported on our first night at Basecamp are now long gone. Higher oxygen saturations and lower resting heart rates are also the norm. Another rest day tomorrow and a fat steak dinner tonight here at Basecamp should give us an opportunity to get stronger and stronger and set us up well for the hard work that lies ahead as we move up. All for now, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

On The Map

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Rest Day at BaseCamp

January 9, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Walter Hailes, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Not much to report from our first full day at Basecamp. The team is enjoying a rest day filled with such exciting activities as sleeping in, eating a big breakfast of bacon and eggs, lounging around our weather port drinking coffee, getting checked out by the Argentine medical staff, and packing up for tomorrow's carry up to Camp 1. We'll check in again tomorrow after our carry, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Jeff-We are watching your progress, keep up the “pings!” I am praying the wind and weather are your friends. Love Deb and kids

Posted by: Debbie on 1/11/2014 at 8:35 am

Meredith - Looks spectacular. We’re following you and hoping for great weather…

Posted by: Rachel on 1/10/2014 at 10:04 pm

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Arrive in BaseCamp

January 8, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Walter Hailes, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Hello everyone out there following along in RMI Expeditions blogland... Our team made short work of today's hike and arrived at Plaza Argentina (our basecamp) early this afternoon. We started off early early, firing the stoves before sunrise because we needed to hitch a ride on muleback over the river. The herrieros were planning on running the rest of our gear up to basecamp and then running the mules all the way back out to the road so they requested the early start. Normally we'd cross the river on foot but it's running pretty deep this year and the mule option seemed like a safer one especially considering my lifeguard certification expired about 15 years ago.. . Anyway, the team is settling in to life at just under 14k feet and hoping for a good night of sleep after three consecutive hot and dusty days on the trail. Hasta mañana, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

On The Map

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Trek to Casa de Piedra

January 7, 2014

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Walter Hailes, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 10,550'

Checking in from Casa de Piedra, aka trekking camp 2 here in the Vacas Valley. Our crew had another great day moving well and enjoying near perfect weather. While the terrain was very similar to yesterday's hike the temperatures were considerably lower and there was a pleasant breeze all day that lessened the onslaught of the sun. Right before the Refugio we caught our first glimpses of the mountain without a cloud in the sky. The mountain looks a bit more dusty and dry than normal. The Polish Glacier also appears more broken up than normal. Still, we took a break to shoot some photos and let the size and grandeur soak in a little. After arriving in camp around 2:30 pm, we spent the afternoon lounging and some adventurous folks even went for a swim in the river. The river is running a fair bit deeper than normal so our team is going to ford it tomorrow on mules instead of on foot which will be a new experience for all of us. All for now, will check in again tomorrow from basecamp... RMI Guide Billy Nugent

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

I love reading your updates! Wishing you all a happy, healthy, safe and harmonious expedition. Thank you for these postings! Sending lots and lots of Love, BB

Posted by: Barbara Lynn Bloemsma on 1/8/2014 at 9:19 pm

Mountain river swimming? What could be better! I hope you brought your snorkel gear for such opportunities.

Thinking of you with pan flutes playing. Jealous of your sunshine and glad to hear about the breezy weather. -k

Posted by: Kendra & Rocky on 1/8/2014 at 8:05 pm

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Entries By katrina bloemsma

Aconcagua: Nugent and Team Wait out Weather at Camp 2

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Move Up to Camp 2

On The Map

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Rest Day at Camp 1

On The Map

Aconcagua: Nugent and Team Carry to Camp 2

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Move to Camp 1

On The Map

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Enjoy One More Rest Day at Basecamp

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Carry to 16,200’ Camp

On The Map

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Rest Day at BaseCamp

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Arrive in BaseCamp

On The Map

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Trek to Casa de Piedra

On The Map

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Entries By katrina bloemsma

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