December 19, 2012

The route to camp 1

Both Eben and Josh called in today, the 19^th, at different times.  Eben’s crew had a wild night at C1.  BIG winds – likely in excess of 100 kph.  That’s breezy.  They decided enough was enough and hightailed it down to BC until things calmed down.  When the mountain says no, you’d better listen.  They’re fine, enjoying life at BC and will move right back up as soon as things calm down.  That will likely be on Friday, the 21^st.

Las Mulas

Josh Tapp called in, too.  His crew had their first day on the trail today.  Papas de las Lenas is their camp tonight.  It takes 3 days to reach base camp.  The team uses mules to carry group gear so they can hike with a light pack.  Exercising as you’re moving to higher altitudes tends to enhance acclimatization and it truly helps ‘ready’ you for the work encountered above base.  They’re doing just fine.

Phil Ershler

December 18, 2012

The scene at Camp 1 (Tye Chapman)

Just spoke with Eben.  The carry to C2 is done and the crew is back at C1.  As he said – “they earned it today”.  Got windy up high, as expected, but that’s OK for a carry day.  Now, they’re tucked in at C1 and will stay there until the forecast is more favorable.  Far better to wait out the winds at C1 than higher up.  The team is still doing very well.

Phil Ershler

December 18, 2012

From: Josh Tapp
Date: December 18, 2012, 2:38:53 AM PST
To: Phil Ershler
Subject: Photo of the gang

Had a fantastic dinner last night with the gang.  Everyone is doing well.  Off to Penitentes by mid afternoon.

Photo of the gang (Josh Tapp)

December 17, 2012

New toilet bucket (Eben Reckord)

Aconcagua Team #2, with Josh Tapp in the lead, checked in today from Mendoza.  Great news was that all climbers have arrived and all luggage has arrived.  We had a couple of missing bags yesterday but all has been resolved.  That’s huge.

Final shopping and final packing are going on now.  A quick stop tomorrow at the permit office and the team will be on their way to Penitentes, at the base of the mountain.

Phil Ershler

December 16, 2012

On the road to C1 (Photo: Justin Condon)

Eben and crew had a good carry today to C1.  Camp is at about 16,200 ft.  Weather was good, as you can see from the photo.  They’re back at base camp now, which is Sunday afternoon, eating pizza.

The plan is to make the move to C1 on Monday.  Health is good and people are acclimatizing well.  The acclimatization is something we can’t force.  This isn’t the time to rush things.

Phil Ershler

December 15, 2012

View from the tent (Phil Ershler)

We heard from Eben today.  The crew had a nice rest day at base camp today.  Lots of eating and drinking and generally enjoying a day off.  Tomorrow’s their first carry to Camp 1 at around 16,000 ft.  Higher winds are forecast for later in the week, but for now, all’s good.  The team probably couldn’t be doing better.

Phil Ershler

December 14, 2012

Casa Piedra (Nick Hayward)

Another dispatch from IMG guide Eben Reckord, the team made it yesterday to Casa Piedra, camp 2 on the approach to Aconcagua.  Weather was reported to be “ridiculously nice”.  Today, everybody arrived at base camp in good shape, no issues.  It was surprising to see how many people were not on the mountain, but it’s still early in the season.  In the meantime, all is well.

On another note, IMG guide Josh Tapp finishes his packing today and will be leaving for Aconcagua early tomorrow.  He’ll be leading the next team uphill on December 16.

Becky K