December 30, 2024
We always say the hardest part of some expeditions is just getting started. Despite the bad weather for air travel over the last few days, our Aconcagua and Vinson climbers have navigated the challenges of cancelled and delayed flights, and made it to their respective destinations. Well done teams!
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- Aconcagua team at the hotel in Mendoza (Stu Johnson)
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- Enjoying the ambiance in Mendoza (Stu Johnson)
IMG Aconcagua leaders Stuart Johnson and Martin “Tincho” Lucero report from Mendoza, Argentina that the team are all together and doing well. Yesterday they did their gear checks and wrapped getting the permits squared away. Today they are doing the final packing before they head for the mountains. The plan is to drive up to Penitentes (about 9000 ft)) where they will weigh the duffels and deliver them to the mule drivers. Then, they will drop down to the village of Las Cuevas for the night. All’s well in Argentina!
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- The team enjoy Antarctic cocktails in Punta! (Max Bond)
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- Magellen’s well kissed foot in Punta (Max Bond)
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- A penguin at the rookery near Punta (Max Bond)
Meanwhile, 1500 miles further south of Aconcagua, IMG Mt Vinson leader Max Bond reports that his team is all together in Punta Arenas, Chile, at the very southern tip of South America. Yesterday the team wrapped up their gear checks and got all checked in with ALE for the flights to Union Glacier (complete with drinks with Antarctic ice!). While they wait for favorable conditions for the 4.5 hour flight down to The Ice they have been seeing the sights around town. This included the obligatory visit to kiss the foot of Magellan (for good luck!) and visiting a local penguin rookery. The weather is currently not looking great for flying tomorrow, so they will likely be waiting a bit longer. So far so good!