December 28, 2016

Route above C1

Jonathan checked in just now.  Carry made up to C2 and now everyone is back at C1 for the night.  “Climb high, sleep low” is still the right way to climb big mountains.  Team will likely make a move to C2 tomorrow, provided everyone is feeling reasonable and weather continues to hold.

Phil Ershler

December  28, 2016

Josh and Team at Penitentes

Josh and crew are on the trail.  They sent us this photo early today from Penitentes, just prior to starting their 3 day approach.  The mules make it relatively easy, as members only need to carry gear needed for that day’s walk.  Josh said the crew was ‘chomping at the bit’ to get out the door.

Phil Ershler

December 27, 2016

Josh McDowell and Team Ready for Aconcagua

Josh, Nickel, Leandro and team left Mendoza this morning for Penitentes.  That’s about a 4 hour drive.  They’ll spend the afternoon prepping loads for the mules , enjoying a last restaurant meal and then one last ‘bed’ night at the lodge there before beginning their 3 day approach.

Team 2 is on their way!

Phil Ershler

December 26, 2016

Santa was reasonably good to our teams on Aconcagua.  Jonathan Schrock and crew were able to push through pretty good winds and moved up to C1 today, located about 16,000ft.  Some guy named Rudolf led the way.  Likely a rest day tomorrow.

View of Aconcagua on way to C1

Santa also delivered for Josh McDowell and team when 4 of the last 5 missing pieces of luggage arrived Christmas day.  Last bag doesn’t have any critical items so all is a ‘go’ for those guys.

Aconcagua is a big, expedition climb with lots of pieces to the logistics.  Strong, experienced leadership tends to pay off, as does having a long-time Argentine guide working with each of our teams.

Phil Ershler

December 25, 2016

Merry Christmas to and from our Aconcagua teams.  Jonathan Schrock and crew took Saturday off at base camp.  They’re doing quite well.  They all ‘passed’ their medical exam with the Park and enjoyed a rest day with dinner of steak and even a little sip of champagne.  They’re spending Christmas day making their first foray up higher, with a carry to Camp 1.  Likely to be a little windy but hopefully they’ll get the carry completed.

Aconcagua Base Camp from above

In Mendoza, Josh McDowell and his crew are ‘wrestling’ with some delayed luggage.  We’re all working with the airlines and Argentine customs to get the bags cleared and into Mendoza.  This kind of thing is always tougher than fighting a little wind on a carry.  Seeing that luggage tomorrow will be their best Christmas present ever.

Phil Ershler