February 4, 2014
En route to C2.
Tapp called in from today Camp 1 after he and his team got back from their carry to Camp 2. They got their butts kicked a little bit by the cold and wind today, but made it up and back without issue. They’re sipping on some hot drinks in their tents now and will likely move up to C2 tomorrow. A rest day may follow.
Tye Chapman
February 4, 2014
Hamill’s team having dinner in Mendoza.
Josh Tapp called in over the weekend and again on Monday. His group made a carry to Camp 1 on Sunday. The team moved to Camp 1 on Monday at 14,500. At 6pm Argentina time  on Monday his team was already in their tents on  a cold, windy evening but feeling well and preparing for a carry to C2 in the morning.
In Mendoza, Mike Hamill’s team all met up on Monday. Tuesday they will start their journey to Los Penitentes, and then begin the trek in on Wedesday, Feb. 4.
George Dunn
January 31, 2014
Just outside Plaza Argentina. (Tye Chapman)
Tapp called in today from Plaza Argentina after a nice day on the trail. It’s sunny but a little breezy at camp right now. The team is busy getting tents set up and preparing for the day off tomorrow. Sounds like their team is between a couple different waves of other teams so they’ve pretty much got Base Camp to themselves right now, they’ll enjoy the peace and quiet. Burritos are on the menu tonight.
Our other two teams made it off the mountain yesterday without issue ; below is an email Mike Hamill sent in earlier today wrapping up the two trips.
Tye Chapman
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From: Michael Hamill
To: Phil Ershler, Tye Chapman
Subject: Back in Mendoza
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2014 14:18:53 +0000
Hey Guys,
Peter may have shot you a note already but we shared a transport back to Mendoza last night and both teams are back here safe and sound. It was perfect weather for the trek out yesterday with impressive views of the South Face. We stopped in Uspallacta for a group dinner on the way back. The gang is busy doing laundry and getting cleaned up today.
Mike
January 31, 2014
Orizaba (Ann Sparks)
Austin called in today to report great conditions on Orizaba. The team summitted in good form and are back down at the hut where they’ll pack up and head back to Tlachichuca for the night and then onto Mexico City tomorrow for flights home on Sunday – just in time for the Super Bowl.
Tye Chapman
January 30, 2014
Piedra Grande Hut.
It’s a quick turn around for the Mexico Team…After a quick night in Puebla, the team loaded up again and headed for the hut Orizaba. Austin called in this afternoon reporting good weather and more importantly a nice forecast. They’ll head to bed in a couple hours then it’s up again at midnight for the summit bid.
We’ll get word from Austin at some point tomorrow…
That’s all for now.
Tye Chapman
January 30, 2014
Some of the gear of the local cowboys at the second trekking camp. (Tye Chapman)
Tapp called in this afternoon from their second trekking camp en route to Base Camp. The team is doing great and is set to enjoy some chicken asado tonight. Their camp is set up just alongside a braided river that they’ll cross in the morning. It’s a little breezy at this camp but the views are amazing.
Their plan is to get started pretty early tomorrow so they can get to Plaza Argentina (Base Camp) early and enjoy the afternoon relaxing. The following day (Saturday) will be a rest day. They may go for a short hike but will generally be resting for the days ahead.
No word yet from the teams on their walk out today but they’re likely at the trailhead or back in Penitentes having a beer, sorting gear and waiting for their ride to Mendoza.
That’s all from Aconcagua for now.
Tye Chapman
January 29, 2014
Tapp’s team this morning before hitting the trail.
Hamill called in today from Plaza de Mulas to report that he and his team as well as Peter Anderson and his team all made it down to Base Camp without issue. They’ll enjoy a few creature comforts there at Base Camp – specifically some overpriced, and not so good (but good enough), pizza and maybe a glass of wine or two. Tomorrow they’ll put on their hiking shoes for the 18 mile walk out to the trailhead. It’s a nice walk down a mostly dry riverbed with the wind (usually) at your back. After the hike out they’ll head back to Mendoza for a shower and a late, late dinner.
On the other side of the mountain is Josh Tapp and his crew who are on day 1 of the approach hike to Plaza Argentina, Base Camp on the other side of the mountain. Tapp didn’t call in today so like we always say – no news is good news. We’ll hear from those guys tomorrow.
Tye Chapman
January 29, 2014
The lowlands surrounding Ixta. (Dustin Balderach)
Austin called in this afternoon to report that the team summitted Ixta this morning and have made their way back down. Sounds like they had a little weather and some low visibility but all are back down safely. Tonight they’ll make their way to Puebla for a late dinner then it’s off to Orizaba tomorrow.
Tye Chapman
January 28, 2014
Dawn on summit of Ixta (Elizah McLaughlin)
Another sat phone call came in this afternoon… this time from Austin Shannon who is with his team at High Camp on Ixta. They’ve enjoyed the afternoon soaking in the sun on the rocks around camp. Right now they’re cooking up a little pasta with a nice red sauce and some chorizo. They’ll be heading to bed shortly thereafter.
They’ll wake up around midnight and if all goes well they’ll be on the summit 6 or 7 hours later.
That’s all for now.
Tye Chapman
January 28, 2014
High Camp (C3) on Aconcagua.
IMG Guide Peter Anderson called in from High Camp after summitting with his group earlier today in great conditions.
They’ll hang out at High Camp tonight and then head down to Plaza de Mulas tomorrow. Right now it’s chow time followed immediately by bedtime!
On the other side of the mountain is Josh Tapp and his team who are busy sorting gear in Penitentes. They’ll start their 3 day trek into base camp (Plaza Argentina) tomorrow.
Tye Chapman
