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Feb.
3: I just a got a call (Lisa Pargeter) from Paul on the
satellite phone- they made it to base camp at 14,000 feet- 4200m.
Acclimatizing tomorrow and then
moving on up- weather permitting. The mules have left their bags with them
so now they get to carry the essential climbing items themselves. Weather
is beautiful but still quite windy. Everyone is doing fine! Stay
tuned!
Feb.
2: Climber Scott Driscoll's wife, another Becky, is
keeping us updated as well a few others. Here is what Becky D. writes:
"Just
got an update that they guys are at Casa De San Piedras at 10400 feet.
They will eat, go to sleep, and set out on a 5-6 hours trek to Base
Camp 1 in the morning where they will spend a few days trekking up and
down to acclimate. Funny to think the name of the current stop
translates to the “Home of the Stones”. Attached is a picture of
the mountain sent from
Aconcagua
summiteer, Dan Rothrock, last year. It looks like they will be
trekking over stones until they hit snow. "
Tomorrow
they climb to just over 14000 to the first base camp. Everyone is
healthy and enjoying the sunshine although the wind is a little strong.
It is summer down there but the elevation brings different kind of weather
patterns. Sounds like they are having fun!
Jan.
31: Team departs to the expedition staging area of Penitentes,
the staging area for all Aconcagua expeditions. Everyone except for Scott
and Analia Lettos, Angel's Assistant Mountain guide. Scott's bag was miss
placed but is now with him. He and Alnalia took at taxi to Penitentes
tonight to catch up to the group. Whew... it was a squeaker but he made
it.
PHOTO: (1)
Last dinner before heading out to climb. (2) Load
up! (3) Top right: Alnali Lettos
(Assistant Mountain Guide), Angel Armesto (Full Mountain Guide).
Shortly
after our first expedition (Jan. 30) was listed it sold out within a
couple of days. As a result we put up another expedition for Jan. 3, 2010
which was successful in reaching the top on Jan. 15. The climb was led by
our exclusive Argentinean guide Angel Armesto from Mendoza. 
Tim and
Angel first met on Ama Dablam several years back where they both were
guiding at that time. They stayed in touch and became good friends. After
a few trial runs they quickly learned that their expertise and style of
guiding moulded well together. They thrive on being with people and
playing in the mountains. They both built their own homes and Juliana his
partner, like Becky holds the ship together so these boys can do what they
do best. We are honoured to have one of Argentina's number one guides on
our Peak Freak guide roster. Angel has led over 60 successful summit
ascent on Aconcagua. Angel lives in Mendoza, the staging area for all
Aconcagua expeditions. Argentina breeds some hard working and passionate
mountain guides with climbing ethics that merge well with our Peak Freak philosophies.
With Angel on
our team we rest assured that all Peak Freak participants will be fed
well, kept safe and have the time of their lives. Angel has a special
interest in Mountain Medicine and is gifted in the cook tent with all the
fresh ingredients available to him in the vibrant wine capital of
Argentina.
Angel will be joining us guiding on our
Everest 2010 expedition this spring. The fun has just begun! |
