January 19, 2014
Josh called at 6 am, Seattle time, to let me know they couldn’t get up Aconcagua this morning. They encountered way too much snow up high. Winter conditions and a winter snow pack. Discretion is the better part of valor and it just wasn’t safe enough to continue. The team’s back at high camp and everyone’s safe. Disappointed, for sure, but they know they gave it their best shot. At the end of the day, that’s the best you can do.
Cayambe in better weather
Better conditions this morning on Cayambe in Ecuador for Luke and team. Better, but not much better. Luke said the gang had to work hard for this summit. They summited with a quarter inch of rime ice on all their clothes. Very nice job. Packing up now and making their way to the hot springs in Papallacta. Long day, for sure, but ending it soaking in the hot springs with a bottle of beer is not a terrible thing.
Phil Ershler