Entries from Aconcagua

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Begin Trek to Base Camp

January 31, 2016

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Its about that time. Our Aconcagua team is ready to hit the trail. We have our duffel bags ready for the mules and light backpacks ready to be slung over our shoulders. Needless to say, the team is anxious to get moving. Tonight will bring us to Lenas camp where we will enjoy hanging out with the cowboys eating steak and sleeping under the stars. RMI Guides JJ Justman and JM Gorum

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Greg and Jr. Looks amazing. Stay safe and have a great time. Your buddy Eric

Posted by: Eric Estebanez on 2/2/2016 at 6:00 pm

Gregory have fun!

Wishing everyone a safe and successful climb.
Josie (Gregory’s mom)

Posted by: Josie on 1/31/2016 at 7:11 pm

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Aconcagua: Justman & Team Arrive in Mendoza

January 30, 2016

Posted by: JJ Justman, JM Gorum

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Team Aconcagua reporting for duty! The gang is here and we are ready to get the show on the road. Yesterday we spent the day relaxing and enjoying the wonderful city of Mendoza. Today, we are securing permits, heading to Penitentes where we will finalize our packing and then...we will relax and enjoy more great food. Stay tuned as the team advances towards base camp. RMI Guides JJ Justman and JM Gorum

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Gregory & Greg Waltz, we are tracking you guys. Good luck, now is when the sacrifices pay off.

Posted by: Eduardo de Aragon on 1/31/2016 at 9:18 am

Signing in from Waynesville Dispatch. How’s my man Vigneau doing. Has he stayed in shape over the winter????

Posted by: Eric morrison on 1/30/2016 at 8:05 pm

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Aconcagua: Nugent and Team Celebrate in Penitentes

January 27, 2016

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Wow... All I can say is that it's been a crazy ride. Two days ago we were sitting tight up at Camp 2 waiting for the weather to open up and now we are down in Penitentes celebrating our escape from the wrath Aconcagua. We had decided to hold on a day or two longer and see if maybe the forecasts were wrong but alas, they were not. We made the decision to pull the plug and head down when the lowest wind speed predicted over the next 7 days was over 50 mph with several pulses up in the 70's. We woke on the morning we intended to descend to clear skies but moderate winds blowing snow and by the time we were able to pick up camp it had clouded over and the wind had intensified significantly. As we descended around and down the mountain the storm chased us all the way to Basecamp... There was no respite despite our descent into a portion of the mountain that is historically more protected. Our team was able to stick together and move well despite the challenging conditions. We were greeted warmly by the Basecamp staff upon our arrival back at Plaza Argentina. We enjoyed real chairs and a real meal (chicken Vesuvius) for the first time in over a week and then crashed hard. The next couple days we made our way down the Relinchos and Vacas Valleys and spent our last night out on the trail after devouring an amazing asado prepared by our mule drivers. We ate (beef, beef, beef!) and drank (vino, and even a little wild turkey) and went to bed happy and tired after a long couple of days. This morning we rose and walked the last of the Vacas to the road where we checked out with the park rangers and were greeted by our shuttle driver with beer and Fanta. Not a bad way to finish a long and tough expedition. Next stop, Mendoza! RMI Guides Billy Nugent, Katrina Bloemsma and Team

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home sweet home

Posted by: kat branchflower on 1/29/2016 at 2:28 pm

What a journey ! At least you all got back safe and sound. Blowing gales here today also!
Love Diane and Paul

Posted by: Paul and Diane on 1/29/2016 at 2:00 am

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Descend to Base Camp and Trek Out

January 26, 2016

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

The RMI Aconcagua Team led by RMI Guides Billy Nugent and Katrina Bloemsma were unable to make a summit attempt and are en route to Mendoza. The team left Base Camp today and is camped at Pampa de Las Lenas where they will spend the night. They will finish their trek to the trail head tomorrow and return to Mendoza.

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Jake and Doug. ..amazing trip I’m sure. ..can’t wait to hear all about it but more anxious to get you back home! Love you burly, hairy mountain men!!

Posted by: Marsha and jeremy on 1/27/2016 at 5:05 pm

To: Branchflower

Bummer…...

Sorry to hear you had to “turn-back”. At least you were’nt one in 1974!

Have a safe trip home!

Lozier sends

Posted by: Tom Lozier on 1/27/2016 at 10:12 am

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Waiting out the Winds at Camp 2

January 24, 2016

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

Well, we are currently pinned down by high winds at Camp 2 and despite the sunny weather we are stuck alternating between chilling outside in camp or baking in the tents. Last night a pretty hefty storm thrashed camp with strong winds, new snow, and repeated thunder and lightning. Skies began to clear this morning and the wind began to abate in camp as it shifted more to the southwest putting us a bit more in the lee of the mountain. Unfortunately, it is still howling up at Camp 3 and the entire flank of Aconcagua is adorned with swirling clouds of spin drift and the summit is sporting a sizable contrail. Today is officially our first weather day as we have been knocked off our planned itinerary for the first time. Still, two days stuck in the tent feels like a lot and we are trying not to get saddled with cabin fever. The team is doing a great job staying positive despite the fact that nearly every other expedition on the mountain has bailed for Mendoza and we are eagerly awaiting the latest weather forecast for a potential summit window... Wish us luck! Stuck in the tent for now anyway, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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I love you Daddy We all miss you so much.I hope you and Doug are having fun!!! HI Daddy! Love,Bailey

Hey Babe- bails wanted to write you a message on her own!! You guys are all in our prayers for a chance at the summit but we are all so proud of you even if you don’t get a chance at it!! See you soon!!

Love you

Posted by: Bailey on 1/26/2016 at 8:28 am

Praying your team gets a break in the weather Jake.

We are following you from SAMCOM in Dallas

Good luck

Bob & the Crown gang

Posted by: Bob Fiedler on 1/26/2016 at 5:07 am

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Rest Day at Camp 2

January 23, 2016

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

We woke this morning to our first bit of precipitation. When I stuck my head out of the tent around 5 am, we were essentially in a cloud with some light flurries coming down but now the clouds have parted a bit and we're enjoying views towards Mercedario again. It's calm and more or less pleasant but we are waiting for a system to hit this afternoon with wind and precipitation. We are on a scheduled rest day and will hopefully see what this storm brings before we try and figure out our next move. When a window presents itself we'll make a move for high camp at Plaza Cólera and hopefully take a crack at the summit the following day. But for now... We're about to be stuck in a holding pattern. On a brighter note, we are celebrating a teammate's birthday today complete with a cake and balloons courtesy of Katrina. Hoping everyone at home wishes John a happy one! Signing off for now, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Dear Dad
We are glad that there are only 9 more days until you get home. We are missing on you. LOVE: Addy Leith Babe

I love you Dad so much. We can’t stop thinking of you because you are our best dad and babe ever. Love, Leith

Posted by: Addelyn on 1/25/2016 at 8:14 pm

Hey Babe!!

Hope all your crazy coats are keeping you warm while you wait out the storm!! We are praying hard you stay safe but have a chance at the summit- hearing the kids prayers would bring a smile to your face for sure!! Can’t wait to see the pics and hear all about your adventures- I like Charlyn an def looking forward to seeing that beard and crusty the clown hair you most likely have by now!!

The kids did awesome in their games yesterday and Mason even played on Bails team since they were short players!!

Stay safe all!!
Xoxo
Bre

Posted by: Bre on 1/24/2016 at 8:01 am

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Settled into Guanacos Camp

January 22, 2016

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

Checking in from Guanacos Campo 3, or Camp 2 for us at well over 18,000'. We are moved and settled in, enjoying yet another perfect afternoon with coffee, cribbage, prosciutto, and of course, siestas. We felt the altitude before but with this most recent move higher we are all moving a bit slower and scratching our heads a bit longer when trying to figure out where that one stuff sack with our snacks went. The team is staying positive despite a tough looking weather forecast and we are hoping that Mother Nature will give us an opportunity to sneak in a trip to the top. Not much else cooking up here besides our broccoli and rice dinner... RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Doug,

Man! We sure hope you guys can at least take a crack at the summit. Always in our prayers. I know I’m a day late on this post, but just know we have been actively thinking and praying for your adventure. Enjoy your time and keep that mind of yours sharp! That altitude is no match for my babers!
We love you so much and miss you lots!
Char and kids

Posted by: Charlyn on 1/23/2016 at 8:29 pm

Hi Heather
Amazing to think you’ve gone so far. Hope you get a weather window for your attempt on the summit.
Love Brian, Mary Lou, David and Sarah

Posted by: Brian Macfaden on 1/23/2016 at 10:50 am

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Rest Day at Camp 1

January 21, 2016

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

Well, we are enjoying a pleasant, if a bit breezy, rest day here at Aconcagua Camp 1. People are passing the time watching movies, playing cribbage, reading, and taking Spanish lessons from Pato, our newest addition to the guide team. Not much else to report, we're hoping to move up to Camp 2 tomorrow where we plan on waiting out the coming weather before making our move to Plaza Cólera (Camp 3) and subsequent summit push. Morale is high and we are all looking forward to being reunited with our best snack food up in the cache at Camp 2. More to come as the story develops, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Hey Randy (AKA - Mountain Man),

Enjoy your day off. Hope your climb to Camp 2 goes smoothly and the weather there is not too much of a challenge.

Stay strong and be safe.

Love you,
Dad

Posted by: Dad on 1/22/2016 at 6:36 am

Buenos dias querido Randy (Good morning dear Randy) I am sure that you will make your goal. Arrive safe to the top of the mountain. Good for you that you are learning Spanish ( Bueno para ti que estes aprendiendo espanol). Receive all my love and blessing from God,

Posted by: Luz Irwin on 1/22/2016 at 6:31 am

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Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Carry to Camp Two

January 20, 2016

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,400'

Hola! Billy here back at Camp 1 chilling (out) and filling (up on food) after a flawless carry to Camp 2. We moved well and had little trouble putting in our cache of the usual food, fuel, and cold weather/summit gear. We bumped into friends and acquaintances all along the way enjoying the better than decent weather. There were a few minutes of flurries and even a little thunder in the distance but nothing of consequence. As I write this we're basking in the sun, satisfied with the day's work. Oh, we also met our third guide who traversed the mountain from the other base camp (Plaza de Mulas) and descended with us back to camp. His name is Pato, which means "duck," and he's a pretty cool dude. Not much else to report other than some inclement weather in the forecast, hopefully it doesn't slow our roll too much... Until our next dispatch, RMI Guide Billy Nugent and team

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Randy…sounds like things are going well so far. In fact with all your chilling and filling and basking in the sun it sounds like you are on a very leisurely vacation…makes me a little jealous…haha. I know better but I hope you are enjoying the challenge. Lucas wanted me to tell you his great news that he just passed his MIG certification for a vertical up weld. He is so excited!
I miss you and I’m hoping Mother Nature remains kind to you.
Love Lisa

Posted by: Lisa Irwin on 1/21/2016 at 10:26 am

It’s National Hug Day, so a great big hug with warm thoughts to Dr. H from all of us! Have a good climb today!

Posted by: Linda Sitton on 1/21/2016 at 6:55 am

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Aconcagua: Billy Nugent & Team Move Up to Camp 1

January 19, 2016

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Katrina Bloemsma

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

Hi all, Billy here checking in from Aconcagua Camp 1 after a smooth move on up from basecamp. We enjoyed sunny skies and a bit of light breeze, all in all a perfect day to head up the hill. After arriving mid afternoon we took our time settling in. We had to move our cache over to our actual campsite, setup tents and get moved in. Sometime after we had set up camp the notorious Camp 1 creek began to flow. This made for a little engineering project redirecting the flow of water around our tents and with just a little bit of effort we've managed to stay dry... So far anyway. Camp is a bit crowded with several teams so good tent spots are at a premium. We just scarfed a toretellini dinner and are crawling in for the night, all of us a bit tired but no worse for the wear. Nighty night. RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Good luck Dad,

Love,

Sam

Posted by: Sam Falkenhagen on 1/20/2016 at 11:58 am

Jake,

Great that things are going smoothly. Looks fantastic from up there. Good luck to the team and with weather the rest of the way. Look forward in seeing Jake with hair..LOL
Cheers from The guys at Sound Beverage.
David

Posted by: David Bruce on 1/20/2016 at 7:49 am

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Entries from Aconcagua

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Begin Trek to Base Camp

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Arrive in Mendoza

Aconcagua: Nugent and Team Celebrate in Penitentes

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Descend to Base Camp and Trek Out

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Waiting out the Winds at Camp 2

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Rest Day at Camp 2

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Settled into Guanacos Camp

On The Map

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Rest Day at Camp 1

Aconcagua: Nugent & Team Carry to Camp Two

On The Map

Aconcagua: Billy Nugent & Team Move Up to Camp 1

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