February 14, 2011

Hamill called in to report the team had a great summit day and are all are safely back in camp. A couple team members made the tough decision to hang at High Camp while the rest of the crew went for the summit. Never an easy decision.

One more night at High Camp tonight then it’s down to Plaza de Mulas tomorrow and then just 18 more miles to the van. +/- 48hrs and they’re back in Mendoza.

Well done everybody!

Tye Chapman

P.S. Hamill asked us to pass along a “big Happy Valentines Day to all the our loved ones back home”.

February 13, 2011

Hamill called in this afternoon to report that the team made the move to High Camp today in some relatively high winds. The forecast shows the winds slowing down a bit this evening into tomorrow, so they’re planning a summit attempt early tomorrow morning. Wind or not, it’ll be a cold one!

Everybody is doing just fine and all will give it a go tomorrow.

Tye Chapman

February 12, 2011

Hamill called in today to report that the team is hunkered down at C2 after carrying to High Camp yesterday. They took a “weather rest day” today and are optimistic the storm will die down tomorrow. If the storm dies down they’ll make the move to HC tomorrow and summit on Monday,  weather permitting.

Time will tell.

Tye Chapman

February 11, 2011

A nice view from Camp 2.

Light snow and wind didn’t keep the team from heading up to C2.  Two team members decided that discretion was the better part of valor and decided it made more sense to head down.  Always a super tough decision but an important lesson learned on the big mountains is that you have to listen to your gut.  Sometimes it’s just not smart to push.

Martin Lucero headed down with the folks and they’ll be home soon.  For the others, it’s a matter of continuing to take care of themselves and keep putting one foot in front of the other.  We can’t say it enough – Aconcagua is a big mountain.  7000 meters is high.  There’s nothing easy about climbing Aconcagua.  Keep wishing the team luck and good weather.

Phil Ershler

February 9, 2011

Camp 2 with the trail leading to High Camp

Yesterday was another good day.  “Helicopter Camp” or C2 was reached by the team.  Loads were dropped there and the team beat feet back down to C1.  Weather remained good with only a trace of snow.  Nothing that prevents movement at this altitude.  And, forecast still looks reasonable going forward.  Later today, we expect to hear word that the team has moved back up to C2 and settled in for the evening.  Progress continues to be good with all team members still firing.  That’s no small accomplishment, in itself.

Phil Ershler

February 8, 2011

Camp 2 on Aconcagua

Camp 1 at 16,200 ft. was occupied by our team on Aconcagua yesterday.  All the climbers are still in good health and the weather is still cooperating.  Goal for the day is a carry to C2.  How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time.

Phil Ershler