...Penitentes...
Our Aconcaguan team have made their way to Penitentes, handed off their duffle bags to the mule service and are enjoying their last night in a bed for a while before they start their 3 day trek into Base Camp.
First stop is Pampa de Lenas at 3000m and then onward to Casa de Piedra at 3,600m and finally into Plaza Argentina Base Camp at 4,000m
We are unlikely to hear from them during the walk in as they usually enjoy the opportunity to log off a little and enjoy the scenery and acclimatization a little.
Cheers
CTSS Team
..Into The Park..
And CTSS Team Aconcagua is officially on their way. Up the highway and into the Andean giants, the team has shaken off the jet lag, spent their first night up on thin mountain air, and this morning made their way into the park.
The forecast shows clear skies and the viento blanco winds dropping off just as our team hit base camp at the end of the week. So it'll be a double celebration on arrival.
More from the team in the days ahead. A last photo of the clean and scrubbed crew on departure.
Cheers
Team CTSS
...Meeting in Mendoza...
Our main Aconcagua team has all met in Mendoza, done their gear checks, checked out town and will now undertaking the duffel shuffle to Penitentes where they'll begin their 3 day trek into Base Camp.
We've got a great crew together for this one and I'm sure they'll be doing as much laughing as they will climbing.
Once they reach the mountain comms will be a bit sporadic but that's the nature of a good adventure - getting off the beaten path a bit!
Meanwhile Badr has now acclimatized and will be heading up the peak tomorrow.
Cheers
CTSS Team
....Team Tags Camp 1....
It's been a productive 24 hours for our private Aconcagua team. Badr, Nico, and Curtis tagged camp one today and cached a load of gear and food for their imminent return. The summary of the day from the guys directly, "All is perfect!"
We look forward to their ascending up to the higher mountain over the weekend and setting up position for a summit bid near the end of next week.
Meantime, our wave of February team climbers begin arriving into Mendoza today and tomorrow. The food shopping and packing is done, so it's just our hard-working guide team packing up the last of the tents and cooking supplies and then soon it's off to the big mountain again!
Cheers
Team CTSS
...Private Team arrives at Aconcagua Base Camp...
Badr and Curtis have just arrived at Base Camp after a great trek up the valley to Plaza de Mulas.
A few days ago we had a big storm which dropped much needed fresh snow on the mountain giving us more plentiful water sources higher on the mountain. The weather has cleared now.
They are feeling good and very strong. They will enjoy a rest/acclimatization day at Base Camp before moving up the peak. They'll be head down and climbing hard so keep in mind that no news is good news.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...In the Air...
Well that's a wrap for our Vinson season with our team currently flying back to Punta Arenas... hooray for a break in those clouds. Time for a well deserved celebration dinner and a drink.
Here's a few photos from Darren Rogers of their summit..
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Waiting on the Weather...
I'm afraid we're still waiting on those clouds to clear down South and hoping that they do so the team can jump on their scheduled flight back to Chile.
We've got our fingers and toes crossed for a window but even if it doesn't come, rest assured that all is well on the ice, there's plenty of good food to eat and grand adventure stories amongst the team to swap.
Stay tuned...
...Awaiting the Planes...
Well the team have been rewarded for their summit with just a little extra time on the ice... they are currently playing a bit of a waiting game for the clouds to part at Vinson Base Camp with the whole team down safe and sound.
They are now enjoying the abundant hot chocolate and awaiting their boarding call! The clouds are just a little too thick to land the Twin Otters currently but with better weather on the horizon, they'll hopefully be back in Chile before long...
Cheers
CTSS Team
...100% on top of Vinson...
It's always such a joy to report a successful team summit where everybody achieves their goal together - congratulations to all our Vinson team who tagged the top today!
The team summited in clear but cold weather and are now safely snuggled back in at High Camp where they are having a hot bite to eat. They will get some well deserved rest tonight and then drop back down to Base Camp tomorrow and hopefully bounce straight onto the Twin Otters back to Union Glacier and onward to Chile from there.
We passed on your well wishes, and everyone is in great spirits. Thanks for following along.
A super strong team and a summit to be proud of.
Cheers
CTSS
...Happy at High Camp...
A very quick update today to let you know that our Vinson team are currently at High Camp.
They collectively decided to take a rest day today to regain their energy levels and strength and enjoy the perfect weather and they will push for the summit tomorrow...
Stay tuned..
