Entries By nick scott
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
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
September 15, 2019
Posted by: Andy Bond, Nick Scott
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 7,300'
August 20, 2019
Posted by: Nick Scott
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,100'
August 6, 2019
Posted by: Nick Scott
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The link in my previous comment did not come through. It was a story about 2 women who did the Rainier Infinity Loop: Climb from Paradise to the summit, descend the Emmons Route to White River, run half the Wonderland Trail back to Paradise, summit and descend to White River again, and run the other half of the Wonderland Trail—a total of 130 miles and 40,000 vertical feet. They were hoping to beat the record of 59.4 hours but had to turn back on at Camp Muir on their second climb due to the storm on Saturday. They went back to Paradise, had a nap, and then headed back up, ultimately finishing the loop in just over 4 days, not a record but still amazing. It sounds like they descended the Emmons Route the second time on Monday, not Sunday as I said in my previous comment.
Posted by: Bruce Burger on 8/6/2019 at 10:09 pm
Congratulations to Chuck, Jaquelin, and everyone else!
Did you happen to see these women descending the Emmons route on Sunday? https://www-1.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article233548707.html
Posted by: Bruce Burger on 8/6/2019 at 9:50 pm
July 31, 2019
Posted by: Nick Scott
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
So glad you made it! Nice to meet so many of you during our 4 day climb!
Posted by: shannon austin on 7/31/2019 at 11:26 pm
Congratulations to the team! Proud of you! Wish we were with you, beautiful view. How’s the air up there?
Posted by: Sky dog, Hilly, Belle and Rocket Lewis on 7/31/2019 at 4:18 pm
July 26, 2019
Posted by: Nick Scott
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
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
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