Ladies, gentlemen, and children of the worldwide web, thanks for tuning in to the cybercast from Alpine Ascents Aconcagua expedition team number 5, now calling themselves Team We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Lunch! Today we’ve enjoyed another day in Plaza Argentina, our scheduled rest day following a carry yesterday to Camp 1. This was a gain of 2,400 feet over probably a couple of miles to 16,200 feet, where we were met with some tremendous winds. We were able to set up two out of our four tents, where we stashed all of the group gear we carried and a few personal items. Nine hours later we returned to Plaza Argentina, with everyone a bit tired. We enjoyed a meal of quesadillas before hitting the sack and sleeping for some 12 hours. This morning we woke to clear skies and no wind, and enjoyed a potato fry for brunch. Most of us are lounging today, just relaxing. Everyone’s in good health. Otherwise today was pretty uneventful, except that team-member Nancy saved the group from imminent demise through her brilliant display of extreme strength and sharp wit. Other than that we are packing our personal gear and planning to do our move tomorrow, where we will commit to the mountain, spend the night at Camp 1, and begin working our way slowly up Aconcagua for the next week. There’s nothing else much to report. I was asked to say hello to everyone back home, and to wish Alex a happy departure for his next stint with the Marine Corps.
This is Brent signing off for the Team that changes its name daily.
The rest of the team has also submitted the following highlights from their expedition:
- Everyone was impressed with Jon’s bravery and acrobatic talent in recovering his hat, which was blown quite a distance by the wind. This is the same wind that apparently sent Cathy (one of our smaller members) sailing for a short distance as well.
- Everyone also noticed the pace set by Patty with metronome-like precision. Not even the Aconcagua scree flowing downhill under her feet could put her off her pace.
- Al stepped inside Tent 1 to secure it while team mates anchored it in the blasts of wind. Janney did her part for Tent 2 with rock anchors like none ever seen on the mountain – about ¼ ton per anchor and artfully placed to boot! Gene provided excellent supervision and kept team spirit high.
- Dave’s butterscotch candies provided the crucial burst of energy for all team members to return safely to base camp, where Ellie and Brent’s snacks, hot soup, and quesadillas awaited all.
- Words heard uttered by certain team members while lounging in the sun today included “helicopter”, “Mendoza”, “pub”, and “poolside”. (What, don’t they like our base camp beach??? I’m sure “beer” should be included there as well.)
Hi Guys,
nice to follow this stroy and your progress at the Aconcagua. I'll go there on wednesday next week (same route). May be I'll meet you guys when you descent the mountain.
Tomsky
Posted by: Tomsky | February 13, 2007 at 08:32 AM
You are my hero!! Stay strong, stay sharp, give and get with that energy of yours. Did I ever share with you The Secret? LOL. Gratitude and postive energy baby. Take it to the top.
Sitin here in bethany rivited to your daily posts. Thanks for the inspiration!
Big Blue, Iron Mike. Mountian Mike?
Posted by: mike macnair | February 18, 2007 at 01:00 PM