...Back at Aconcagua Base Camp...
The teams have descended today and are safely back at Aconcagua Base Camp having come down the other side of the mountain, making a full 360-degree circumnavigation of the peak.
They'll rest up (and have a well-deserved shower) before starting their trek to Penitentes and then making the drive back to Mendoza. By this time tomorrow, they'll be all checked into the Park Hyatt and enjoying that red wine after an epic, successful adventure. (Check back soon and I'll post some fresh photos for you as soon as they come through to me)
Congratulations to everyone on the team, and to those at home cheering them on (you guys can get ready for your incoming adventurers who are on their way home!)
Until the next expedition, happy adventures.
Caroline
...Aconcagua Summit...
The news we've all been waiting for has just arrived from the mountain, both of the CTSS teams have summited Aconcagua in absolutely perfect conditions and amazing weather. (With an impressive 16/20 climbers on top)
A momentous achievement and special congratulations to Bart Baars and Guide Martin who successfully ascended the steep Polish Glacier (a rare feat indeed) and timed it perfectly meeting the rest of the team on the summit!
Everyone is now safely back at High Camp where they'll rest up, before descending tomorrow to Plaza de Mulas and off the mountain the following day. They'll be thrilled to get back to Mendoza for those well deserved red wines!
Thanks for following along - I'll let you know when they get back to Base.
Cheers
Caroline
...Aconcagua High Camp + Ready for a Summit Bid...
Hello everyone,
Great news from the mountain today. Both teams are one big happy family up at High Camp (nearly 6,000m) today. They are getting ready for bed so they can be up early in the morning to go for the summit.
They'll leave about 5am, hoping to summit by lunchtime and then dropping back down to High Camp in time for dinner. It'll be a big 12 hour day that's for sure but everyone is doing great and moving strongly.
They have the weather on their side, it's perfect right now and forecast to be similar tomorrow for their summit bid.
Wish them luck, and as soon as I get the news of how they went, I'll update you.
Cheers
Caroline
...Aconcagua Teams at Camp 2...
Hello Everyone,
Our teams on Aconcagua are still in sync and they've both moved up to Camp 2 today. A windy move and while it's a bit fresh and breezy up there they are snuggled in and very comfortable. Mike said everyone is strong and moving very well which is great. The acclimatization schedule is working well for them.
With a good chance of clear weather, they'll do another carry to High Camp tomorrow, before returning to Camp 2 to sleep, before moving up again the following day.
They are on schedule and doing well.
Cheers
Caroline
...Aconcagua Teams Carry to Camp Two...
Good news from the mountain today, those higher winds have dropped right off, and our two Aconcagua teams had a near perfect day of climbing today. They've carried a full load up to Camp 2 and are now back at Camp 1 for the night, on their 'climb high, sleep low' acclimatization schedule.
They had about 4 inches of snow overnight which will help keep any dust down and make things very scenic. Tomorrow they'll push up to Camp 2.
Progress is good and everyone is happy & strong.
Cheers
Caroline
...Camp One & Windy...
Hi everyone,
Quick update for today to let you know both our teams on Aconcagua are hunkered down at Camp One having taken a rest day today as the weather is 'a wee bit breezy' up there.
The forecast is showing that the high winds the teams are experiencing now are easing up tomorrow and should be even better the following day. For now, they are keeping warm and sheltered in the tents.
Everyone safe and happy (and enjoying the bonus rest vs a carry day which is great for their acclimatization in any case)
Cheers
Caroline
...Above Base Camp Aconcagua...
Hi All,
The team are on the move on Aconcagua, having successfully carried a load to Camp 1 today, and they are back to Base Camp, on a 'Climb High, Sleep Low' schedule.
Tomorrow they'll move up to Camp One, before repeating the process and carrying to Camp 2 and returning to Camp One to sleep before moving up again.
Team is doing great with their acclimatization so far, but don't take my word for it - their smiles speak for themselves...
I'll keep you in the loop as they progress.
Cheers
Caroline
...Arrival at Aconcagua Base Camp...
The team have arrived into Aconcagua Base Camp, they are a little dusty and weary but happy. They had a great day today, gaining approximately 3,000 vertical feet.
They'll enjoy a complete rest day tomorrow to help acclimatize and regroup before heading up the next day to Camp 1 to cache a load of gear. They'll drop their load but return to base camp to sleep for their acclimatization. They're all feeling strong which is great news.
Cheers
Caroline
CTSS Team
...Aconcagua: Day 2 of the Trek...
Our Aconcagua teams are at their final camp Casa de Piedra (meaning ‘House of the Rock’) on their trek into Base Camp which they'll reach tomorrow. From there, they'll start their ascent of the mountain.
It's been incredibly hot and sunny with Mike says it's the hottest trek he's ever experienced in the valley. Everyone is being hyper-diligent about staying hydrated and protected from the sun.
Each night they have been enjoying Argentinan Asado (Argentinian BBQ) cooked by the muleteers under the stars - So not a bad way to start their expedition at all!
Everyone is doing great and they are all excited for the climb ahead.
Cheers
Caroline
...Aconcagua Teams on the Move...
Our two CTSS Aconcagua teams are on the move, leaving Mendoza and arriving in Penitentes today.
They're a very diverse, international group coming from all corners of the globe and already getting on like a house on fire. In fact, I could barely hear what Mike was saying on the phone amongst the cheerful laughter and banter in the background. They're all off to dinner now.
They'll have their last sleep in a proper bed tonight before they hit the trail in the morning. It's a 3-day hike into Base Camp up the Vacas Valley (which means 'cow valley' in Spanish!) enjoying stunning views of the Andes.
They will hike about 5 hours a day and gain approximately 1000 vertical feet per day.
Tomorrow they'll hug the river all the way into their first campsite; Pampa de Leans, before continuing their hike up to a campsite called Casa de Piedra (meaning 'House of the Rock') and then the following day up and into Base Camp.
The mules are carrying most of their gear, so these duffel bags might not look so clean and colourful by trip end!
I'll keep you in the loop.
Cheers
Caroline
