Entries By mike king

Aconcagua: King & Team Move to High Camp

January 11, 2018

Posted by: Mike King, Jess Matthews, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

Well, we pulled the trigger and moved to Cholera located at 19,600'. We decided to skip a rest day in exchange for 2 'active' rest days. The Team moved up with the bear necessities to establish camp and summit Aconcagua! We were on our feet for only three hours so the remainder of the day has been R&R. This morning was the coldest of the trip with beautiful clear skies and a 10-15 WNW wind that kept us cooler then yesterday's sweat locker. Other teams have been coming down from the summit so the track is kicked in which will make for great climbing. Everyone is doing great, some nervous energy but that is to be expected the day before attempting the highest mountain outside the Himalaya. We are about ready to feast on hot summer sausage cheese quesadillas and soup before doing a little pre-packing and talking summit day expectations and plan of action. Hopefully we will be calling in from the summit tomorrow. The Team is getting their final pep talk from your blog comments tonight, thanks for the encouraging words and being apart of this wonderful expedition with such a stellar crew! RMI Guide Mike King

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Congratulations Virgil what a great climb. What aw inspiring Beauty. See you back at sea level.

Posted by: Len currier on 1/16/2018 at 5:09 am

Wonderful news. Enjoy that summit viewing, Dave, I am so happy for you and for all the things you have accomplished and the new ones to come. Donna

Posted by: Donna Bernier on 1/12/2018 at 10:32 am

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Aconcagua: King & Team Carry to High Camp

January 10, 2018

Posted by: Mike King, Jess Matthews, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

Wow! It's was one of the hottest days above 18,000'! We had 4 inches of snow starting yesterday evening that tapered off by 9 pm. The 1,600 vertical feet to high camp took us up a snowy moraine and into a series of switchbacks that terminate below a complex of white rock towers. The camp is named after the fierce winds that plague this part of the mountain...Camp Cholera. We could have used a fraction of that wind today to cool down the Team and maybe prevent the roofs of our mouths from getting sunburned due to the heavy panting brought on by altitude and heat. The Team got in a small cache and now comes the difficult decision of when to attempt the summit. The weather models are showing increasing winds on Saturday with Sunday winds being high enough that maintaining camp will be difficult. Our current plan is to move up Friday but a move tomorrow is not out of the question in favor of lighter winds and snow and hopefully higher summit success. It's snowing again, we've been able to set out watches by the afternoon snow fall. Regardless of what happens, the effort today has the guides feeling optimistic for the Team to boot up and meet the challenge. Thanks for following along. RMI Guide Mike King & Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Virg - talked to Dad, Nora & Joe and we are all cheering you and the team on. I hope things went well today. Joe went snowboarding, Nora printed out W’2s, Dad went to Harbor Freight and I read one of the books you got me for Christmas. Well l’m sure your day was more exciting. Love, Mom❤️

Posted by: Barbara(mom) on 1/11/2018 at 4:02 pm

So glad to hear you’ve made a carry to the high camp! I’m sure you’re anxious to keep moving higher. We can’t wait to hear the tales from the trail. Much love and stay safe!

Posted by: Beth Ludwig on 1/10/2018 at 5:25 pm

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Aconcagua: King & Team Move to Camp 2 in Warm Weather

January 9, 2018

Posted by: Mike King, Jess Matthews, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

Our rest day ended with three inches of snow falling on camp with little to no wind and some spectacular heat lightning across the Vacas Valley. It's like one of those quiet winter nights where you wake to a yard filled with snow. We got underway by 9 am and moved camp to 18,000'. With all the new snow and still air we were roasting by the time we reached Amegino Col. The weather this trip has been atypical in that we have had three nights of snow, light to no wind and abnormally warm temperatures. The Team is currently in their tents riding out another snow fall and will hopefully have a good night's rest at the new altitude. Tomorrow we will carry food and fuel to high camp to continue our acclimatization. The Team has appreciated the blog comments, and send their love to family and friends back home. RMI Guide Mike King

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Great job to all of you! I’m glad you’re making progress. We’re rooting you on from home. Dad (Craig), we miss you and can’t wait to hear all about your adventure!

Posted by: Samantha on 1/10/2018 at 8:07 am

Well done team! Enjoy following along on this adventure of yours and seeing all the pictures. I hope you continue to have good weather! Love and hugs to Nick from his Mom.

Posted by: Coeli Scott on 1/10/2018 at 7:15 am

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Aconcagua: King & Team Enjoy Snow and Rest at Camp 1

January 8, 2018

Posted by: Mike King, Jess Matthews, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

A thunderstorm skirted us late last night as we fell asleep to the occasional flash of lightning and clap of thunder. Luckily, it was short lived and we dozed off listening to the tapping of heavy, wet snow hitting the tent late into the night. As the sun hit camp this morning, we crawled out excited to see all of Camp 1 and the slopes above us coated in a couple inches of fresh snow - quite the refreshing contrast to the myriad of browns, tans and grays up to this point. The team enjoyed a long, leisurely breakfast and hot drinks to start off the rest day with some quesadillas to follow for lunch. Sometimes rest days can be just as tough, testing one's patience a bit, but everyone is doing a great job taking advantage of today to continue getting stronger for our next big push to Camp 2. We'll be keeping our eye on the weather which looks to have more snow in store for us, but in the meantime we're taking full advantage of some really beautiful, calm days here at Camp 1. Hopefully the next time you hear from us we'll be settled in at Camp 2 with a hot drink in hand, feeling accomplished, but still aware of the effort that lies before us high up on the Stone Sentinel. RMI Guide Mike King

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Hello boss, we are following along back here! Hope the progress keeps moving upward and that the hands are staying warm!!
- Team CRS

Posted by: Team CRS on 1/10/2018 at 4:30 pm

My 1st born son Virgil - hope you are feeling good and having fun. Your bro and l would not have liked the thunder and lightening - the snow he could handle. We think of you everyday - maybe more like every minute of everyday for me. Miss you. Love Mom❤️

Posted by: Barbara(mom) on 1/9/2018 at 9:53 am

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Aconcagua: King & Team Make a Carry to Camp 2

January 7, 2018

Posted by: Mike King, Jess Matthews, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

The general consensus was that last night -20 degree sleeping bags were more then warm, they were down right hot at times. In a three-person tent filled with enough goose down, it can look like one of those ball pits at a McDonalds... Good luck finding anything your looking for. We woke with the sun hitting our tents and not even a hint of wind the entire night. The first night at a new altitude can make good sleep difficult and the Team was feeling the effects of this and the move up from Aconcagua Base Camp. Our task today was to move food, fuel and some summit gear up to Camp 2, located at 18,000'. The trail takes us up to Amegenio Col (saddle) with spectacular views of the Central Andes. Glaciated peaks like El Mano and Mercedario dominate the skyline. The group did well with the carry and even better showcasing their downhill skills. Rest, water, food and some cards is all that remains of the day. We'll take a rest day tomorrow. RMI Guide Mike King

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hi Rogan, thinking of you, we are in Clarens till Sunday, no Wifi, fewer messages,sounds like everything in your favour of summits get. Holding thumbs for all of you,love mom

Posted by: Daphne Carew on 1/9/2018 at 4:17 am

Hi Rogan, thinking of you, we are in Clarens till Sunday, no Wifi, fewer messages,sounds like everything in your favour of summits get. Holding thumbs for all of you,love momx

Posted by: Daphne on 1/9/2018 at 4:15 am

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Aconcagua: King & Team Move to Camp 1

January 6, 2018

Posted by: Mike King, Jess Matthews, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

The Team decided that they have had enough of the comforts of base camp...roasted lamb, showers, Internet and pit latrines and told the guides they trade it all in for pasta, dusty scree, interpersonal conversation and blue bags. With our lungs and legs feeling stronger after another rest day we cruised up to Camp 1 in under 5 hours and spent the remainder of the day setting up camp and enjoying the view. We can see the first hour and half towards Camp 2 and the red, brown and orange pastel colors of the Central Andes to the East. There is some apprehension in the group about what the coming days and weather will bring. So far everyone is acclimating well and excited to be finally heading up Aconcagua. Thanks for following along, we'll carry gear and supplies to Camp 2 tomorrow and check in with an update. RMI Guide Mike King

On The Map

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Good on you, mate!! Have a safe climb and show em how we do it in Texas.

Posted by: Lee on 1/26/2018 at 8:09 pm

So good to hear your voice, Dave. Sorry to hear of the BP change you had. So you are on your way again, keep trucking! Enjoyed the post to you all by Rachel Ford, so fitting.

Posted by: Donna Bernier on 1/7/2018 at 10:21 am

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Aconcagua: King & Team Rest Day at Basecamp

January 5, 2018

Posted by: Mike King, Jess Matthews, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

With a portion of our gear safely stowed away at Aconcagua Camp 1, the team took a well-deserved rest day to soak sore feet and massage aching leg muscles. The guides let the climbers sleep in as they prepared a nutritious and delicious egg and bacon breakfast followed by an alpine pizza lunch. Meals designed to replenish lost calories from the taxing carry the day before. Basecamp was buzzing as climbers and guides from other outfits prepared for their own move up to the next camp, at 16,400 feet, despite an unsettling weather forecast. As the RMI crew strapped on their booties for an acclimatization hike, we wished our friends good luck and watched from a safe vantage as they ascended into the low hanging clouds. When the last climber disappeared from view, we were all left to wonder what the weather would look like tomorrow and if Aconcagua would grant us safe passage. What the future holds is uncertain, but this RMI group is in high spirits and ready to get moving. RMI Guide Nick Scott

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Virg-just finished watching play off game between KC and Titans. Titans were down 18 points and came back to win 22 to 21. Very exciting. Hope things are going well. I am doing well and feel good - Dad also - he even watched some of the football game. We love you. Mom & Dad

Posted by: Barbara(mom) on 1/6/2018 at 5:02 pm

Craig and Caroline, I’m following the blog and your progress daily. You know I still worry but that’s a “mom” thing. Stay hydrated and healthy. Love you both.
It’s wicked cold here, -3°F at night with brisk winds. The high today was 11°F. I’m glad I only have to hike out to the barns 4 times a day to care for the horses, dogs, cats, etc. There is nothing in the world as fun as shoveling frozen horse manure. LOL
We are looking at a warm up in the next few days so that is good. I’ve not been hunting the last couple weekends due to the deep cold. The deer are not moving anyway so why should I freeze, ha ha ha. Take care of each other. Love Mom

Posted by: Sarah Relyea on 1/6/2018 at 3:20 pm

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Aconcagua: King & Team Carry to Camp 1

January 4, 2018

Posted by: Mike King, Jess Matthews, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,400'

The Team is back down at base camp after a successful carry to Camp 1, located at 16,400'. There is no snow between Plaza Argentina and Camp 1 which means lots of scree. This makes footwork more difficult and the combination of high altitude means the Team ate a lot at dinner and are anticipating a good night's sleep. We will have a rest day tomorrow before moving up the mountain. The weather has been good despite some high winds, we are anticipating deteriorating weather over the next 36 hours. The Team is gelling and getting to know each other, lots of laughs and some inside jokes already, so we're doing just fine. Thanks for following along. RMI Guide Mike King & Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

16,400-that made me want to turn up my oxygen. Hope everyone is doing well. Virg we are fine, but as usual having computer problems - so if you don’t hear from me that is why. Love, Mom

Posted by: Barbara(mom) on 1/5/2018 at 7:16 am

Woohoo, 16400! Warm and dry in Colo., you’re not missing any skiing! Wishing you all continuing success up the mountain!

Posted by: Carol Clark on 1/5/2018 at 6:15 am

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Aconcagua: King & Team arrive at Base Camp

January 2, 2018

Posted by: Mike King, Jess Matthews, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 10,550'

We were up before the sun having breakfast by headlamp and quickly packed up camp to catch our mule ride across the Relinchos River. Shortly after 7am, we were making our way up the narrow Relinchos Valley on our way to thinner air. After two days of gentle terrain in the Vacas Valley, it felt good to head uphill and gain some elevation. We enjoyed another pleasant, sunny day with a light breeze that stayed with us all the way to Basecamp, and we had another brief Guanaco sighting. We are now all settled at Aconcagua Basecamp and getting ready to switch gears for the days to come. Everyone is in good spirits and looking forward to seeing what the upper mountain has in store for us. RMI Guide Mike King

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Great job Virgil glad you’re having the weather with you hope it stays

Posted by: Len Currier on 1/4/2018 at 4:19 pm

Great job Virgil glad you’re having the weather with you hope it stays

Posted by: Len Currier on 1/4/2018 at 4:18 pm

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Aconcagua: King & Team Arrive at Casa de Piedra

January 1, 2018

Posted by: Mike King, Jess Matthews, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 10,550'

Happy New Year from Argentina. The Team made short work of the hike today, partially due to cloud cover which kept the temperatures and wind low and because they were eager to get our first glimpse of Aconcagua! We got to see some wildlife on the hike with a fox and some guanacos (Alpacas' smaller cousin) hanging out along the way. True to form, Casa de Piedra is HOT in the midday sun. Team members are busy napping, reading and trying to stay cool for the remainder of the afternoon. We will have dinner and get to bed so that we can catch an early mule ride across the Vacas River tomorrow morning. One more day to finish our trek to Plaza Argentina. Not a bad way to spend the beginning of another trip around the sun! RMI Guide Mike King

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Rogan , all the best for 2018.

We got your back and we are extremely proud of you.

Go Rogan !!

Posted by: Rukesh on 1/2/2018 at 6:44 am

Happy 2018!! Miss you Craig Clark!
Hope you’re all enjoying the adventure and are staying safe! High of 20 in Denver, that Argentinian heat sounds pretty good!

Posted by: Carol Clark on 1/1/2018 at 1:59 pm

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Entries By mike king

Aconcagua: King & Team Move to High Camp

On The Map

Aconcagua: King & Team Carry to High Camp

Aconcagua: King & Team Move to Camp 2 in Warm Weather

On The Map

Aconcagua: King & Team Enjoy Snow and Rest at Camp 1

On The Map

Aconcagua: King & Team Make a Carry to Camp 2

Aconcagua: King & Team Move to Camp 1

On The Map

Aconcagua: King & Team Rest Day at Basecamp

Aconcagua: King & Team Carry to Camp 1

Aconcagua: King & Team arrive at Base Camp

On The Map

Aconcagua: King & Team Arrive at Casa de Piedra

On The Map

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