Mt Aconcagua – day 7
Today is a much needed rest day at Plaza de Mulas (Base Camp) before they load carry up to Camp Nido des Condores (the condor’s nest) at 5200m tomorrrow or Plaza Canada (4900m) and then descend to Base Camp by tomorrow evening. They’ll carry tents and food in their backpacks for caching (storing) at Camp Nido. In the early stages of the climb, the plan is to move up and down the mountain a few times fairly slowly, while gradually stocking the two higher camps with food and equipment in preparation for the summit bid, at the same time allowing their bodies to acclimatise to the thin air. This up-and-down process is about climbing high, dropping their loads and sleeping low.
Excerpt from ‘Freeze Frame’ – Sean’s 2002 Aconcagua Expedition – ‘…the trip is a 21-day excursion. A fortnight of that time would be spent actually climbing on the mountain. This is roughly how long it takes to acclimatise before you attempt the 16-hour crack at the summit from the high camp. The enormour size of the mountain and its proximity to both the coast and the equator has a strong influence on its weather….’
Hi
It is really awesome to follow your journey … thinking of all of you … but especially of Molly! PS: I have baked those Muesli low GI nutella biscuits so many times now since tasting yours! You gotta come over for coffee and taste some of mine when you are back from the summit : )
@Wilmien… Lee said that she will send you a warm jacket in an envelope with a sweetie… and something blue, that’s to do with Blue Bulls…. All the best Miena from all the Vannerspuys….
I believe Nolan will be sharing a tent with Johan at Colera and Nido. Johan, I reserve sole rights to nibble on Nolan’s ears and they had better be intact when he gets home! Jokes aside I am so proud of all of you…its an achievement that so few people could ever accomplish. Johan, Wilmien, Molly, Andrew, Scott, Jimmy, Sean and my beloved Nolan, my thoughts are with you all and I have no doubt that the summit will be yours on Saturday. Love to you all xxxx