January 7, 2019
Thumbs Up! (Nickel Wood)
Two down and our third Aconcagua expedition is on deck. IMG Guides Nickel Wood, Martin Lucero, and their team are in Mendoza putting final touches on shopping and packing. Everyone arrived without major issues and with all luggage. Nice to have cleared that hurdle. Two nights in Mendoza to wrap preparations and secure the climbing permit and then it’s off to Penitentes, at the foot of Aconcagua. One more night there to prep ‘mules loads’. The group uses mules to get the bulk of the group gear to base camp at Plaza Argentina (approx. 13,600’).
It’s an exciting time. They’ve been doing their homework for months and the excitement is palpable. Enjoy Mendoza, meet your team mates, put final touches on your gear and then it’s game time. Stay tuned. Aconcagua is a big mountain and a serious challenge. 23,000’ is high!
Phil Ershler