Entries from Aconcagua

Aconcagua: JJ & Team Headed to Basecamp

December 6, 2012

Posted by: JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 9,000'

Hello everyone, this is Team 1 on Aconcagua. Well, not just yet. Today the team left the comfort of civilization and we hit the dusty trail towards base camp of Aconcagua. The trek in is amazing. You are surrounded by giant mountain cliffs, a roaring river and occasionally a soaring condor. With light packs we enjoyed the warm weather while tanning our pasty legs. After a picnic lunch by the Vacas River we arrived at our first trekking camp at 9500 feet. If anyone can guess the name of this camp I will personally carry your pack next year into Aconcagua's base camp! The team is doing great! This evening we enjoyed hanging out with the Cowboys who work with our mules and gear to get into base. We enjoyed an authentic asado steak dinner cooked over an open fire, topped off with an avocado tomato salad. Life is good in the mountains! RMI Guide JJ Justman

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Sounds like a great time. Go Team!!!!

Be safe Robert, see you on Christmas Eve.

Jo Ward

Posted by: Jo on 12/7/2012 at 4:33 pm

Good luck on your climb Mike!
Mike

Posted by: Mike on 12/7/2012 at 1:49 pm

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Aconcagua: JJ, Geoff & Team Arrive in Mendoza

December 4, 2012

Posted by: Geoff Schellens, JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 2,449'

Hello RMI Family! Yes...I know, our first Aconcagua team photo certainly doesn't look like a mountaineering expedition. But you have to start somewhere. And you might as well start out in style. The entire team made it into Mendoza with all our mountaineering gear. Today was a busy day for Geoff and I. Between airport pickups we did some food shopping for fresh vegetables, fruit and a little filet mignon. We had our team meeting where we discussed gear, food and what lies ahead. However, for now...it is time to enjoy Mendoza. The land of spectacular food and amazing wine. Stay tuned and we will continue to provide updates of how much fun we are having. RMI Guides JJ Justman & Geoff Schellens

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

A friend of mine attempted Aconcagua in his 50s with a group of people and guides. Some young guys looked at him and complained that they’d probably have to be carrying his stuff near the top. Near the top, only my friend and one guide were capable of going on. But they had to turn back, because everyone else was sick or injured. ;-(

Posted by: Hank Halle on 12/15/2012 at 3:19 pm

JJ - Looks like a great start. Please leave a little wine for the Jan 2 trip!

Posted by: Peter Rogers on 12/6/2012 at 11:26 am

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RMI Guide Linden Mallory Blogs for Leave No Trace

March 13, 2012

Posted by: Linden Mallory

Categories: Guide News Aconcagua Everest

With RMI's very successful Aconcagua season wrapped up and our Everest Expedition just a few days from being underway, RMI Guide Linden Mallory discusses how our dedication to Responsible Climbing and the fundamentals of Leave No Trace influence our climbs as a guest writer on the Leave No Trace Community Blog. From the planning and packing of our climbs to the daily activities around camp, Linden outlines how we approach our climb and offers some good advice for planning of your own adventures. Check out his blog post here. Read more about RMI's dedication to Responsible Climbing here.

Aconcagua Expedition: Celebration in Mendoza

February 17, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Great news everybody! We are back in Mendoza after an arduous 3 days walking off the dreaded beast that is Aconcagua. Sunburned, dehydrated, exhausted, all of the fun stuff about mountain climbing had finally caught up with us and the team was really feeling it by the time we hit the trailhead at Punta de Vacas. But all of that was nothing a cheeseburger couldn't fix... and after a great lunch with a few beers in Penitentes we shuttled back to Mendoza and checked in to our hotel. Showers and aggressive cleanup are definitely in order before we head out tonight for a celebratory steak dinner! Thanks to everyone who followed along for the duration of the expedition. We had tons of fun and appreciate all the support from back home. Until next time, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Woo! Hoo! Hot damn and halleluiah! Congrats to the whole team. Michael - what a way to celebrate a Bday! and Bruce - yeesch! 13 pounds - holy smokes!
Enjoy celebrating and fattening up. See you when you safely return. ~Katherine

Posted by: Katherine on 2/18/2012 at 7:44 am

Congratulations! And thanks for letting us follow along. What a terrific climb.. Enjoy Mendoza. Party!

Posted by: Sharon Clarke on 2/17/2012 at 6:09 pm

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Aconcagua Expedition: Summit!

February 14, 2012

Posted by: Leon Davis, Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 22,841'

Well, despite Mother Nature's best efforts 100% of our team stood on the summit of Aconcagua, South America's highest point, at approximately 1:00 pm local time. We were accosted by moderate winds and cold temps most of the evening at Camp Colera so we decided to push back our departure to 5:30 a.m. We were hoping to avoid subjecting the team to too much cold. Well, despite our best efforts to mitigate the weather, we were thoroughly brutalized by wind and cold for the entire climb except for the last 2 stretches of the descent. Our climbers all did a terrific job taking care of themselves and preventing cold injuries. They climbed so efficiently that what is normally a 12 hour summit day we accomplished in 10! Maybe it was the short/lack of breaks, maybe they all possess mutant strength... Regardless, we're heading for Aconcagua Basecamp tomorrow! RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

well big bruce i guess that is how you roll!
Congrads on reaching the summit.

Posted by: Ed Gramm on 2/16/2012 at 6:29 am

Congrats Mark and Team,
It must feel real good to breath easy.
Stay safe and return quickly.

Posted by: Steve & Corene on 2/15/2012 at 7:38 pm

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Aconcagua Expedition: Team Moves to High Camp

February 13, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 19,600'

Greetings from the beautiful (albeit a little smelly) Plaza Colera, our high camp at 19,600'! We endured a very cold night last night at Camp 2 but awoke to clear skies yet again so we got ourselves in gear and broke camp. Three relatively pleasant stretches later the team arrived at Colera and quickly set up shop. Right now everybody's chilling in their tents, resting up. Hopefully, we won't be here more than a couple of nights as we intend to set out very early tomorrow morning for the summit! Much love to our friends and family following along back home... RMI Guides Billy Nugent, Leon Davis and Team

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Absolutely Awesome!! Good luck William, you’re getting close. Hope you all reach the summit and will have a moment to take it all in.
xoxo J,C & J

Posted by: judy on 2/13/2012 at 10:32 pm

Go Duncan’s!!! A big ole howdy from Central Oregon!!!

Posted by: Pete Slert on 2/13/2012 at 8:52 pm

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Aconcagua Expedition: Rest Day At Camp 2

February 12, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Leon Davis

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

Hello from Aconcagua, We are sitting here at Camp 2 with intermittent snow falling. Another scheduled rest day but luckily this one coincides with our first lousy patch of weather. We ate cheerios with craisins for breakfast! Exciting, I know... Maybe tomorrow we'll have some news that's a bit more breathtaking, like "we just moved to high camp 2," or something like that. That's about it, RMI Guides Billy, Leon, and the gang.

Aconcagua Expedition: Team Moves to Camp 2

February 11, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

Hola amigos de Guanacos Camp (Camp 2)! We awoke to perfectly clear, blue skies so we took advantage by breaking down camp early and ascending up to Camp 2 where we are currently well established. However, this morning's blue skies have given way to some clouds and flurries. Seems like we've timed tomorrow's rest day perfectly with some crappy weather. Right now there's an ominous lenticular cloud engulfing the summit but the team remains optimistic because there should be a break in the weather beginning Monday evening. We are all feeling great and climbing exceptionally well. Tonight is also Michael's birthday and we intend to do our best to celebrate it at well over 18,000'. Ciao, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

I ordered 75 pizzas for Freed’s birthday. I hope you guys get them…

Posted by: Zach on 2/11/2012 at 5:56 pm

I guess with the change in weather Mark has his shirt on!! Love ya Julie

Posted by: Julie on 2/11/2012 at 2:44 pm

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Aconcagua Expedition: Rest Day at Camp 1

February 10, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

Not much to report from Camp 1, which is to be expected on a rest day. The good weather continues to hold and the team seems rested and eager for tomorrow's move up to Camp 2. We've been passing the time catching rays (Mark--shirtless!), jamming our iPods, and of course good old fashioned reading. A full day in the tent can inspire some serious restlessness, which we hope will propel us upward tomorrow. Signing off, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

To William - we’re all rooting for the “old man” with the heart of a lion and the perseverance of a mule. Can’t wait to see you and, hopefully, lots of photos. Hope all goes well and that you’re enjoying (?) the challenge.

Much love from J, C & J.

Posted by: Judy on 2/11/2012 at 8:48 am

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL. Stay safe. We all love you and will celebrate when you come home. Love Mom

Posted by: Joyce on 2/11/2012 at 7:04 am

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Aconcagua Expedition: Carry to Camp 2

February 9, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 16,200'

Another day of near perfect weather! So, we took advantage by bringing another load of supplies further up the mountain to our Camp 2 or Chopper Camp. There used to pieces of a wrecked helicopter strewn about camp but today's visit confirmed the fact that most of the wreckage has been removed. All of the guys on the team performed extremely well on our first mission above 18,000'. Upon returning to camp it seems that several teams moved up today so there's lots of room in Camp 1. Right now we're laying around after the day's work contemplating our next move... All for now, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Happy birthday to Michael! We hope you feel so loved and celebrated today! We are so proud of you and cannot wait to hear about your adventure and see your photos. Our thoughts are with you, Dr Bruce and the team!

Posted by: UDON, TURTLES & The Shortman on 2/11/2012 at 11:57 am

Happy Birthday Michael. I cant believe that 24 years have gone by. Stay safe and warm up there. Get in one of the photos so we can all see you. Love you. Mom

Posted by: Joyce on 2/11/2012 at 6:07 am

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Entries from Aconcagua

Aconcagua: JJ & Team Headed to Basecamp

On The Map

Aconcagua: JJ, Geoff & Team Arrive in Mendoza

RMI Guide Linden Mallory Blogs for Leave No Trace

Aconcagua Expedition: Celebration in Mendoza

Aconcagua Expedition: Summit!

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Aconcagua Expedition: Team Moves to High Camp

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Aconcagua Expedition: Rest Day At Camp 2

Aconcagua Expedition: Team Moves to Camp 2

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Aconcagua Expedition: Rest Day at Camp 1

Aconcagua Expedition: Carry to Camp 2

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