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aconcagua blog

Decision made

2/13/2013

4 Comments

 
As noted earlier, howling winds, often at 85 km/h, factored directly into the success of our trip to the summit of Aconcagua. The relentless wind speeds have made it impossible for our group to reach High Camp (20,000 ft), from where we were going to make our final summit push. As a result, three members of our team, David, Heather, and Jimmy made their down the mountain this morning. The plan now is for Adam, Jen, Santiago, and Gaspar (our leader) to head for the summit directly from Nido. We plan to wake up around 2 a.m. and head out of camp by 3:00 or 3:30 a.m. We expect the climb up to the top to take 10 or 11 hours -- this is based on some practice climbs that we've been able to do despite the poor weather conditions. After reaching the summit, we will spend another 5 hours getting back down to Nido. Our hope, at this point, is to rest for 2 or 3 hours, and then keep heading down to Plaza de Mulas. Whatever the case, we will be off the mountain by midday Friday. Thankfully the skies have cleared and the winds are dying down. I (Adam) went for a walk in gorgeous weather this afternoon. After days in a tent, this was a wonderful break.

You may be interested to know that oxygen levels at the summit are a third of what they are at sea level. This brings to light the critical importance of  the acclimatization climbs. For example, a person taken directly up from sea level to the summit would be unconscious in approximately 5 minutes and dead in 30 to 60 minutes. As a result of our acclimatization on Vallecitos and the time we've spent on Aconcagua, I am thankful to report that I feel strong and healthy. The upcoming climb will be long and difficult but I have a good deal of confidence in our leader, Gaspar, and the rest of our small group.
4 Comments
Rod Thiessen
2/13/2013 01:11:09 pm

Ahh, the vagaries of mountain weather. Hope it works out Adam. Stay safe. Rod

Reply
Eleanor
2/13/2013 02:47:29 pm

Safe vertical travels, Adam! When does the movie come out? (I have the film festival on the brain this week.)
You are in my prayers.

Reply
Jonathan
2/13/2013 10:27:20 pm

May the winds blow you to the summit and support your descent. Be safe up there. We look forward to hearing all about it when you return. Praying!

Reply
Meg
3/30/2013 08:12:57 pm

I’m not sure if this comment would be ever seen, but just wanted to say hi to Jimmy and Heather. I first met you guys at El Salto, then on Aconcagua on your way down when I finally got into the park after the landslide. I wished we had more time to chat that time. I just got back my home in Kodiak after my two months trip in Argentina/Chile. Meeting with you guys were one of a few highlights in my trip.

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  • Home
  • Expedition Twitter Feed
  • Mount Khuiten Blog
  • MOUNT KHUITEN 2019
  • Location Tracker
  • Mera Peak 2017
    • Mera Peak Blog
  • South America 2015/2016
    • Video
    • Blog
  • Auyuittuq National Park 2015
    • Explorer Page
  • Elbrus - 2014
    • Blog
    • Elbrus 2014 Video
  • Aconcagua - 2013
    • Aconcagua & Vallecitos Photos
    • Aconcagua & Vallecitos Video
    • Blog
  • Denali - 2012
    • Denali Photos
    • Denali Blog
  • Kilimanjaro - 2011
  • Mt Baker - 2011
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