A brief update on the mid-winter climbing season. The Southern Hemisphere is in focus with Mts Kilimanjaro, Vinson and Aconcagua receiving the usual attention. Thus far it has been a safe season albeit with death.
The commercial outfitters are in full swing with multiple expeditions to these three of the seven summits. Word has it they are sold out and doing well. The local outfitters are also doing well reporting good business. This is impressive given the world economy. Somehow climbers always find a way to climb.
Aconcagua
After a difficult start for many teams including an early season death, most are now report the normal high winds on the highest peak outside the Himalaya. Alpine Ascents Inc (AAI) has a steady steam of reports from the eight teams thus far. Jagged Globe had this report: Continue reading »
Wow, what a long strange journey … since the summit! As I write this, I just cleared security and customs at the Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport after standing in place for over 5 hours. And I mean not moving. It seems that the problem was that 50 people missed their flight the previous day and staged a sit-down to protest. For some reason they were able to completely shut the airport down. My fellow passengers and I stood in mile long lines waiting for a peaceful conclusion to this drama. The local Argentines apologized on behalf of their country – a sincere gesture.
Alan describes the team’s summit success in extreme high winds and brutally cold temperatures.
To hear this Aconcagua 2008 audio dispatch, just click on the play button. Thanks for listening and following me on The Road Back to Mt. Everest: Memories are Everything. This is about more than just climbing mountains….
Climb On!
Alan
Alan reports that the Mountain Professionals team made the summit (22,841′) this morning at 11:45 a.m. local time where it is currently very cold and windy. His sat phone battery is low so he will be unable to leave an audio dispatch at this time. Congratulations to the team on a successful summit!
Remember…Memories are Everything
Cathy
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Alan describes the team’s preparation for the summit push from to Camp 2 later tonight.
To hear this Aconcagua 2008 audio dispatch, just click on the play button.Thanks for listening and following Alan on The Road Back to Mt. Everest: Memories are Everything. This is about more than just climbing mountains….
Climb On!
Alan
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Alan describes the team’s carry to Camp 2 and some serious weather forecasts that will impact their summit plans.
To hear this Aconcagua 2008 audio dispatch, just click on the play button. Thanks for listening and following me on The Road Back to Mt. Everest: Memories are Everything. This is about more than just climbing mountains….
Climb On!
Alan
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Alan describes the carry to Camp 1 and how the team is doing.
To hear this Aconcagua 2008 audio dispatch, just click on the play button. Thanks for listening and following me on The Road Back to Mt. Everest: Memories are Everything. This is about more than just climbing mountains….
Climb On!
Alan
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The team is at Base Camp after a 3 day trek through the Vacas Valley.
To hear this Aconcagua 2008 audio dispatch, just click on the play button. Thanks for listening and following Alan on The Road Back to Mt. Everest: Memories are Everything. This is about more than just climbing mountains….
Climb On!
Alan
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Mendoza is just as nice as I remember from 2005. Families walking the streets, the warm winds blow along the tree lined streets and love is in the air! Yes the Latin culture is alive and well in Argentina!
I arrived around 10 PM on Friday night after a long journey from Colorado. My flight connections could have been better thus avoiding two 6 hour layovers in airports. But I arrived on schedule and with my bags so I am not complaining.
I met up with the team at the very nice Hotel Montanas Azules for breakfast. We have a 8 continue reading
The snow was blowing sideways as the temperature flirted with 10 F. The drifts were small but the ground was covered with a lite blanket of white. I stepped gingerly outside my protection to find it icy and dangerous. With that I scurried back into the garage and into the car for the drive to the airport. No I was not on the mountain but at home.
As Cathy and I navigated the slick roads of Colorado, I was concerned about making my flight but I was more worried about her driving back home in the worsening conditions. But everything continue reading
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