February 13, 2019

Final Team Dinner

Cheers to Rikki and his Aconcagua expedition.  The group had their final meal together in Mendoza last night and are now making arrangements to head back home.  Aconcagua weather wasn’t exactly cooperative for their expedition, but everybody is happy and healthy and that’s what counts.  Nice work to this team for hanging tough and doing the best with the hand that they were dealt.

Camp II on Aconcagua (Luke Reilly)

While this team is enjoying the luxuries of Mendoza, Rob and his team are still up high on the mountain.  Rob checked in via satellite phone an hour ago and gave me the scoop.  They made a successful carry up to Camp 2 today and the trip is back in motion after their rest day.  Winds have calmed down as predicted and the plan is to head up to Camp 2 tomorrow morning.

Luke Reilly

February 12, 2019

Rob setting up a tent on Aconcagua.

The Robert/Leo Aconcagua team hunkered down at Camp I today and took a rest day and were able to regroup after the heavy winds yesterday and the day before.  Winds are still being a little stingy but things are supposed to calm down starting tomorrow midday.  They will take advantage of the hopeful break in the wind and make a carry up to Camp II in the morning.  Could be a little bit blustery but it’s always good to keep moving up the mountain if conditions allow.  Getting into position for a summit push is always a bit of a chess match, and I think this team is doing a great job.  Let’s hope they can put Aconcagua in check mate.

Luke Reilly

February 11, 2019

A Stormy Night at Camp I (Luke Reilly)

The wind is being persistent on Aconcagua.  Rob and crew have made it to Camp I at approximately 16,400′ and they’re getting a good dose of high winds but are hunkered down for the night.  The forecast is calling for the winds to start calming down tomorrow and we will hope this holds true.  Tomorrow will either be a “wake up and wait it out” kind of day or they’ll attempt a carry of equipment and food up to Camp II.  Good job to this team for staying strong and establishing camp in tougher conditions.  They’re doing well.

Luke Reilly

February 10, 2019

Rikki Dunn and team gave it the old college try today on Aconcagua but wind was not their friend. Not unusual on Aconcagua but always disappointing. Lots of work to get that close and not be able to stand on top. BUT bottom line is that everyone comes home, and everyone comes home with ten fingers and toes, and that we do it with a reasonable margin of safety. BUT… it still sucks when mother nature says no.

Until next time. (Peter Adams)

Team retreated to high camp from the beginning of the Traverse and made the decision to continue down to base camp at Plaza Mulas. I have no doubt that a rematch next season is already being planned. Dinner and drinks tomorrow evening in Mendoza. Great effort, team, and more importantly, good decision making.

Phil Ershler