Entries from Aconcagua

Aconcagua: Beren & Team Relax at Base Camp

December 26, 2013

Posted by: Jake Beren, Mike King, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 13,800'

Buenos Dias from Plaza Argentina! Today the team is enjoying a well earned rest day after long stretches of travel and three big days of walking. After breakfast we took a leisurely stroll to get the blood flowing and had a soup for lunch. Now mid siesta, we will spend the afternoon packing for our carry to Camp One tomorrow and going through our cursory check with the Base Camp doctors. It's definitely another hot one and we may be in for an early carry tomorrow to try and beat some of the heat. Hope everyone is doing well back home! RMI Guide Jake Beren

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Well since I’m clueless about mountain climbing I assumed you be climbing all the time and now I see walking and hiking are part of the adventure…and heat! Cool…well I mean hot. Have fun be safe; we’re all looking forward to hearing about this adventure, Bill. Breakfast Club via Dav’ne

Posted by: Dav'ne Stahley on 12/27/2013 at 9:20 am

Great to hear your voice. I keep reading of 100-degree weather in Buenes Aires—surely, it can’t be that hot up above!?! Power on, team.

Posted by: nsb on 12/27/2013 at 8:21 am

View All Comments

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Rest at Camp 2

December 26, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Leah Fisher

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

Safety is priority number one. Rumors of high winds coming in early next week has our team paying close attention to the forecast. The higher the winds, the colder it gets. Lucky for us we have all the necessary gear. Sure our packs are big but we are warm. For now, the team is lounging around Camp 2 at 18,000 feet on Aconcagua. We went up to 19000 + feet to acclimatize and everyone is doing really, really well. We need to rest and recuperate here tomorrow. We will be watching the winds and then we will make a game plan. Keep the fingers crossed and the positive vibes coming!!! Everyone here says hello to friends and family. RMI Guide JJ Justman

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Congrats Team 2 on trekking to camp 2!!! I’ve try enjoyed following along your journey and hearing of your progress each day.

Josh - you make me so proud. Not a minute goes by that you aren’t on my mind, talked about, or asked about. You are an unbelievably special person. Keep up the good work. We are behind you 100% of the way and can’t wait to hear you’ve accomplished your next goal. Enjoy your day of rest.

Sending much love….Jess

Posted by: Jessica on 12/26/2013 at 11:15 pm

Wow!! Kim - this is incredible, you are such a rockstar!!

Thinking of you….xoxo Steph, Adam and Lyle

Posted by: Stephanie on 12/26/2013 at 9:01 pm

View All Comments

Aconcagua: Beren & Team Arrive Plaza de Argentina

December 25, 2013

Posted by: Jake Beren, Mike King, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Christmas came early today, but instead of reindeer we mounted mules and forded the mighty Vacas river at dawn. Then we made our way up the Relinchos valley, gaining the most elevation of the trip so far. The team did great moving up this Tatooine like landscape underneath ten thousand feet of mighty Aconcagua visual splendor. It was a beautiful walk and and excellent way to spend the holiday. Knowing we've got a rest day coming up doesn't hurt either! Pulling into Basecamp we were greeted by the familiar faces of friends from Christmas' past, Ana and Griselda our hostesses with the mostesses who made an excellent dinner to celebrate our arrival. After a spectacular sunset the team has turned in for a well earned night of rest. Merry Christmas and Happy Festivas from all of us here in the Andes! RMI Guides Jake Beren, Mike King & Steve Gately

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Wow! Looks like a great adventure! Happy New Year Bill Dorn!

Posted by: Marshall Woodford on 12/29/2013 at 9:57 pm

for Bill Dorn: Had a wonderful Christmas with Mom in Lakeland - so glad we can ‘join’ you on this adventure! Love, Carol, Bill, Rita, Boone & Maggie

Posted by: Carol Barnes on 12/26/2013 at 10:07 am

View All Comments

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Rest Day at Camp 1

December 25, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas from Aconcagua Camp 1 at 16,200 feet! Team 2 is taking a rest day after a strong climb up to Camp 2 yesterday. We are in a festive spirit as we enjoy our own version of egg nog...it's water but if you close you eyes hard enough you can taste the resemblance! Everyone is doing really, really well and we are looking forward to moving up to 18,000 feet! RMI Guide JJ Justman

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Just enjoying watching the team and specifically Matt Hill climb the mountain. Always checking for updates. Hey Matt, Thinking of you buddy. Hope your taking lots of pics and see you soon.

Posted by: Robert Holmes on 12/26/2013 at 7:27 am

Josh - hope you had a wonderful Christmas! Santa didn’t visit our house… He said he was waiting for your return. No babies yet, but should be one soon. Best of luck tomorrow as you climb to Camp 2. We are loving the pictures and blog each day. We are so very proud of you. Can’t wait to see you at the top. Sending lots of love, strength, determination, warmth, energy, and warm hugs your way.

We miss you!!! Love -Jess

Posted by: Jessica on 12/25/2013 at 9:51 pm

View All Comments

Aconcagua: Mallory & Team Wrap Up Their Expedition

December 25, 2013

Posted by: Linden Mallory

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Feliz Navidad from Mendoza! Yesterday was a whirlwind day for our team. We woke up at high camp after a much needed night's sleep. Still tired from our push the day before, it was an effort to haul ourselves out of the sleeping bags and begin packing up - despite the call of the little luxuries found at lower altitudes. A round of coffee helped motivate us (Via tastes amazing at 19,000'+!!) and we soon had our pack loaded up and began walking downhill. Descending all the way to Base Camp put into perspective the distances and elevations we covered over the past week. It was a long walk down the sides of Aconcagua and we were more than relieved to finally hit flat ground when we stepped into Base Camp. We dropped our packs and sought out shade underneath the tents, along with some deliciously cold instant orange juice! We were fortunate to spend only a few hours at Base Camp before catching a ride in helicopter out to the trailhead. Within a few minutes we were bound for Mendoza as the sun was setting over the Andes. We reached Mendoza well after dark but town was buzzing with Christmas Eve festivities. The courtyard of a church just down from our street was filled with practitioners sharing a meal beneath strings of lights and decorations, families strolling through the main square, and palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights. After well-earned showers, we collapsed into our beds and promptly fell asleep, relishing the feel of sheets and pillows! This morning we took full advantage of the breakfast buffet before Tom and Thomas left for the airport. It was a wonderful Christmas morning and we enjoyed all of the little things like cotton t-shirts, fresh fruit, and warm sunshine. It's always a strange experience to step off of a mountain as big as Aconcagua back into the hustle of life in town, but a pleasant one. The expedition over the past few weeks was a true adventure and we're looking forward to heading home to share more stories. RMI Guide Linden Mallory

Aconcagua: Beren & Team at Casa de Piedra

December 24, 2013

Posted by: Jake Beren

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 10,550'

Buenas noches and Merry Christmas Eve from our second camp before Basecamp. Our time down here in the Southern Hemisphere was a hot one again today, but we did get to camp before the heat of the day set in and enjoyed a siesta while it passed. As one of the few inhabitants of this camp we did introduce ourselves to our neighbors. Our friends the herreros, led by Fernando, and the ranger crew, run by Diego, who made introductions to a most rare Mitchell's Plover. This is a rare bird living in the meadow adjacent to our camp. A cute fellow with a small curved beak and white halo, yellow breast and pleasant disposition, I was pleased to make his acquaintance. Tomorrow we will push for Basecamp, leaving the Vacas Valley for the Relinchos Valley and tasting our first elevation gain of the trip. Wish us luck! RMI Guide Jake Beren

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Merry Christmas from NC. I’m glad all is going well with the team. Love the pic of the rising moon and sunset. Saying hello and sending christmas hugs to my friend John F. and hello to Paul.

Posted by: RJordan on 12/25/2013 at 7:14 pm

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas from sea level.

Posted by: Elsie on 12/25/2013 at 2:39 pm

View All Comments

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Send Their Holiday Wishes

December 24, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

Hey everyone this is JJ Justman with RMI. We did a carry to Camp 2 at 18,000'. The team is doing great. But more importantly, I think all of our friends and loved ones would like to hear from us on Christmas, so I will start with my wishes. (Click on audio to hear from the team.) RMI Guide JJ Justman & Team

JJ Justman and team send their holiday wishes to family and friends.

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Cindee….Merry Christmas Cindee!!! Better late then never. It took me a little while to figure this blog thing out(I guess your niece is right). Thank you for my gifts. I love them bunches. I was not expecting the one thing. That would have been enough. Wishing you and your team a Happy New year and a safe trip. Will talk to you when you are off the mountian. GO TEAM GO!!!!!
Big Sis

Posted by: Sandy on 12/26/2013 at 2:53 pm

Hey Bro! Good to hear from you. We’re all really proud of you. Huddy wanted me to remind you that 3WC will always be behind you! Merry Christmas,

-Love John, Maria, and Cam.

Posted by: John Keaney on 12/25/2013 at 8:37 pm

View All Comments

Aconcagua: Beren and Team Reach Pampa de Llenas

December 23, 2013

Posted by: Jake Beren, Mike King, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 9,000'

Greetings from our first camp! Today we launched from Las Penitentes and began our approach to Base Camp. Walking along the Vacas River, we wound our way up the valley to Pampa de Llenas for another round of chats with the Guardalparque (rangers) and the pitching of our first camp. The team did well today, managing very warm temps and not getting too over cooked along the way. Tomorrow we will try to get out early and head to Casa de Piedra (House of Rock!) for our next camp. Til then! RMI Guide Jake Beren

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hi Cin. I hope your having a great time! The pictures are awesome! Were enjoying following your expedition. Fingers crossed for good weather.

P.S., I climbed Pine Knob today. I’m very tired! LOL :)

Posted by: Stacy on 12/28/2013 at 11:27 am

Thanks for the call, it made our day! Hope the singing didn’t send you over the edge!! Praying for you each day! Merry Christmas!! Love, Sis

Posted by: Mary Fletcher on 12/25/2013 at 6:45 am

View All Comments

Aconcagua: Mallory and Team Reach 21,700’

December 23, 2013

Posted by: Linden Mallory

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 21,700'

Just as we hoped, we awoke to a beautiful morning here at high camp. After a quick breakfast we started climbing just after 4am. The waning moon cast enough of a glow we could follow the trail without lights for certain portions and the southern cross hung above Aconcagua's summit pyramid. We climbed well through the darkness, reaching ~20,500' just as the glow in the eastern sky finally erupted into sunrise. The brief sun was welcome as we passed into the shadows on the western side of the summit massif. Daybreak also brought some consistent winds which chilled us to the bone, despite the multiple layers of down and gore tex we wore while climbed. We soon passed the forsaken Independencia Hut, now not much more that a few 2x4s echoing the shape of an A frame and crested the aptly named Windy Ridge at 21,000'. From here we began traversing the giant scree slope with bowling ball sized rocks sitting right at the angle of repose known as the Gran Acarero. The path started gently but soon began climbing steeply through the loose stones, occasionally covered in stretches of icy snow that required crampons to cross. The climbing became very challenging, steep loose rocks and ice patches slowed our progress and after several hours our legs began to tire. By midday we reached 21,700' at the base of the final couloir to the summit ridge. It was getting later in the day than we hoped and the challenging terrain behind us took more energy than we planned. We decided to call that our high point, a bit dismayed but still thrilled to have reached 21,700', a good stretch higher than any point in North America. After catching our breaths and enjoying the views, we retraced our path back to high camp, arriving in the early evening. We're tired, but certainly not disappointed as the expedition provided everything we'd hoped. After a much deserved nights rest we will descend back to Base Camp tomorrow. RMI Guide Linden Mallory

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

LINDEN,
THIS SOUNDS ASTOUNDING.
BE SAFE. YOU MUST BE ON YOUR WAY BACK BY NOW.
PB

Posted by: phyllis bronson on 12/29/2013 at 2:18 pm

Wow!!!! Thats higher than any point on North America, Africa, Europe or Antarctica. GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT!!!! Be safe and enjoy the steak in Argentina!! Very jealous of the experience.

Posted by: Bill McGahan on 12/24/2013 at 2:38 pm

View All Comments

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Settling in at Camp 1

December 23, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

Hello everyone in the lowlands! It's Team 2 up here at Camp 1 on Aconcagua. We just found some prime real estate at 16,200 feet. It's a sunny day with some scattered clouds, which made it comfortable climbing. Everyone is doing great and we are now relaxing in the sun drinking water and eating to recover. RMI Guide JJ Justman

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Cindee,
Happy New Year! You must be getting close to summit or already summited. Hope your first two days of the new year are treating you well!
Kristina

Posted by: Kristina Markula on 1/2/2014 at 9:36 am

Merry Christmas to all you trekkers. Josh it was so nice to hear your voice. I know you all are having a wonderful time and what an experience to will be able to share with us when you get home. We went to Mass and spent Christmas Eve with Lily’s family and truly missed you not being there but knew you were there in spirit. Have a great and blessed day today and continue to be safe. I can’t wait to see you and a picture of you all the day you summit. Lots of love of this Christmas Day. love mom and dad

Posted by: phyllis on 12/25/2013 at 8:22 am

View All Comments

Previous Page Next Page

Check Availability

Entries from Aconcagua

Aconcagua: Beren & Team Relax at Base Camp

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Rest at Camp 2

On The Map

Aconcagua: Beren & Team Arrive Plaza de Argentina

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Rest Day at Camp 1

Aconcagua: Mallory & Team Wrap Up Their Expedition

Aconcagua: Beren & Team at Casa de Piedra

On The Map

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Send Their Holiday Wishes

On The Map

Aconcagua: Beren and Team Reach Pampa de Llenas

On The Map

Aconcagua: Mallory and Team Reach 21,700’

Aconcagua: Justman & Team Settling in at Camp 1

On The Map

Sign up for Expedition Dispatches

Contact Us

Privacy Policy

Translate

Log In

Register With Us

Check Availability

Entries from Aconcagua

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

On The Map

Sign up for Expedition Dispatches