Entries from Aconcagua

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

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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: Gorum & Team Enjoy Sunshine and Good Food in Mendoza

January 3, 2018

Posted by: JM Gorum, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

We have shifted back to city life, and the intent of the blog has shifted as well. Some of the team members have changed their flights and gone home early, and while we miss them dearly, we want nothing more than to make them jealous, because that's what friends are for. So Kevin, Casey, and Patty, we're glad you made it home safely, and we hope you're enjoying the below zero temperatures in Minnesota and the NE. Because today we sat by the pool, soaked up some sun, and enjoyed a delicious southern summer feast for dinner. Tomorrow I think we might travel around and sample the Mendoza regions fine wines, while enjoying the sun's warming rays, and a nice cool breeze. We'll let you know how it goes. RMI Guide JM Gorum

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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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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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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Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Complete the Trek, on Way to Mendoza

January 1, 2018

Posted by: JM Gorum, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Guess who's back, back again...we are. We finished the walk out to Penitentes this morning, and are now eating hamburgers, french fries, and salads, believe it or not. After lunch, we're going to load up our bags, and fall asleep on the van ride to Mendoza. Once we get to Mendoza, we're going to eat even more. The summit is great and all, but this is the best part of the trip. Time to gain back all that weight we lost. RMI Guide JM Gorum

Aconcagua: King & Team at Pampa de Las Lenas

December 31, 2017

Posted by: Mike King, Jess Matthews, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 9,000'

Happy New Years from Pampa de Las Lenas! Today was the first day of the trek to Aconcagua Basecamp and we had a sunny day with a consistent 'breeze' that kept it cool and at times made walking a little difficult. Our trek follows the Vacas River which looks like it's filled with delicious chocolate milk and I don't even drink milk. The team enjoyed the five-hour hike and arrived in good spirits until the light rain set in. I learned long ago from a mentor that it never....keeps raining at Lenas Camp. True to form some group members put on rain gear and set up tents and the rain stopped almost immediately. We all met up with the descending RMI crew and celebrated the New Year's with the best steak asado dinner ever prepared on the Planet...since man learned to cook with fire. . . Yeah it's that good! The group is nestled in their tents thinking of the coming weeks and how good that steak was. We will get an early start tomorrow, bask in the remaining portions of shade offered on this climb while we hike to Casa de Piedra. Thanks for following along. RMI Guide Mike King

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Dad!
I can’t believe you’re already at 10K-something ft. That’s truly incredible. I leave for Brazil tomorrow and am spending the day baking a ton of cookies to give as gifts. They’re pretty damn good too. I’ll get to spend a little time in São Paulo this time which will be cool. Don’t know that city very well. We’re also going to Foz do Iguaçú so maybe I’ll hop over to Argentina for a day. Anyway, I hope you’re being careful and good to your body. Please be safe and don’t push yourself too hard!
Remember that tonight when you look up at the sky, even though our stars are different, we’re both looking at the same moon. I love you so much and am so proud of you.

Posted by: Emma on 1/3/2018 at 8:12 am

Happy New Year Daddio!
So jelly you are in beautiful Argentina, make sure you take lots of pictures! It’s finally sunny here, which is a good sign for 2018 I think. Hopefully it lasts! It’s also a full moon tonight. Miss you, love you! Be careful, take care of your back and knees!!

Posted by: Rowen on 1/1/2018 at 2:32 pm

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Aconcagua: King & Team Arrive in Mendoza, Argentina

December 29, 2017

Posted by: Mike King, Jess Matthews, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

We are all in Mendoza...the last 2 bags arrived late this evening and the Team is turned in and getting their last night of artificial air conditioning before heading out tomorrow. We will head to Los Penitentes to pack for the mules and sleep around 8,000'. Everyone is excited to begin the trek and escape the 100 degree weather here in town. Will be sending updates on our trip each day. Leave comments for your friends and loved ones in the blog comments, the moral support from back home goes a long way. RMI Guides Mike King, Jess Matthews and Nick Scott

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Virg, So I forgot - Joe’s truck went to the crusher today - it broke down. He bought another one - perfect for traveling Loveland pass and snowboarding - It is a van! He can carry snowboards and snowboarders up the pass - perfect. Also I am ordering mom and dad a cell phone tonight. Their home phone is all staticy - something is going on with the land line. Love ya - be safe! Nora

Posted by: Nora Hall on 1/6/2018 at 5:34 pm

Hello Virg,
I thought I would share this weeks menu with you:
Miso-butter Salmon & Lo Mein Noodles - with cucumber & Cherry Tomatoes - seared salmon and noodle salad with umami-packed sauce with sweet white miso and mirin - springy fresh lo mein noodles with crisp cucumber, scallions and cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Roasted Pork with fall vegetables and maple mustard sauce - hearty meal with rubbed pork blend sweet and smoky spices with medley of Brussels sprouts, carrots and Yukon gold potatoes and a drizzle of maple-sweetened creamy mustard sauce. Yum!!!
Love your sis - yum yum

Posted by: Nora Hall on 1/6/2018 at 5:21 pm

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Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Summit!

December 29, 2017

Posted by: JM Gorum, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 22,841'

Our first Aconcagua team along with their guides reached the Summit of Aconcagua at 22,841' earlier today! RMI Guide JM Gorum called in to happily report that the team reached the top, and have safely returned to camp. The team had absolutely perfect weather on their summit day, and everyone climbed well! The team is resting and refueling at camp. They will descend to Basecamp tomorrow where thicker air awaits! Congratulations Team!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Congrats and Happy New Year to the team!!

Posted by: Karen Weis on 12/31/2017 at 9:18 pm

What an awesome way to end one year and start another

So proud of you all

Joe Parrinello

Posted by: Joe parrinello on 12/30/2017 at 9:17 am

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Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Take a Rest Day At Camp Two

December 27, 2017

Posted by: JM Gorum, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

The team is all doing exceptionally well here at our new home at 18,000' on Aconcagua. The weather has been a bit unsettled, with scattered snow flurries and winds battering our tents throughout the day. This less than stellar weather has been a great excuse to hang out and rest to the best of our abilities, which is perfect because this will be our last rest day of the trip. Our plan is to make our summit attempt and hit a weather window in just a few days. We have done our time up high, and everyone is excited for the opportunity to show their stuff. For now, we're eating mac and cheese in the tents, and finishing off this relaxing day in style. Once we leave here, we will be on the go until we get back to Mendoza, so we're savoring the bit of down time that we have left. We'll check in from Camp 3 tomorrow. RMI Guide JM Gorum

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Entries from Aconcagua

Aconcagua: King & Team Rest Day at Basecamp

Aconcagua: King & Team Carry to Camp 1

Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Enjoy Sunshine and Good Food in Mendoza

Aconcagua: King & Team arrive at Base Camp

On The Map

Aconcagua: King & Team Arrive at Casa de Piedra

On The Map

Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Complete the Trek, on Way to Mendoza

Aconcagua: King & Team at Pampa de Las Lenas

Aconcagua: King & Team Arrive in Mendoza, Argentina

Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Summit!

Aconcagua: Gorum & Team Take a Rest Day At Camp Two

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