Photos from the Trip

Here are the photos from Ecuador >> Photos...

And the photos from Aconcagua >> Photos...

Aconcagua

Left the mountain at 6:00pm last night for the drive back to civilization. The climb was great. Quite bit easier than I thought it would be. Even through I was wasted by the time we got off the summit and to the safety of the high camp. Richard and I were able to do the climb quite quickly, as we were somewhat acclimitized from Ecuador. I will give all the details later, but in summary:



Day 1 - Hike to Confluencia (to 3,300mts/10,850ft and taking 3 hrs)

Day 2 - Hike to base camp (to 4,300mts/14,114ft and taking 7 hrs)

Day 3 - Rest Day in Base camp. Doctor gave all clear to go higher.

Day 4 - Load carry to Camp 1 and Camp 2 (almost). Weather starting to turn bad.

Day 5 - Another rest day (after load carry). Overnight storm, everyone above base camp retreated from the mountain. Many tents blown out. Things not looking good.

Day 6 - Forced weather day. Starting to get nervous about the weather.

Day 7 - Move to Camp 1 (Canada) and spent the night (4,910mts/16,100ft)

Day 8 - Move to Camp 2 (Nido de Condores) and spent the night (5,400mts/17,650ft)

Day 9 - Move to Camp 3 (Berlin) and spent the night (5,780mts/19,000)

Day 10 - Summit around 3:30pm after 9 hours slogging up the hill. Weather was a bit lousy, with high winds. Four teams set off from our overnight camp, but only Richard and I made it through the wind. I required full cold weather gear (no skin exposed).

Day 11 - Descent to Basecamp.

Day 12 - 24km (15 mile) hike out and drive back to the `big smoke`.



An excellent trip. But very glad to be out of a tent. Flight back to the USA is tomorrow evening. Tonight we shall celebrate with some beers.



Signing out from Mendoza (where it is warm and sunny).

Success on Aconcagua!! 22,841ft/6,962m

Hi all,



It's Monday morning and Stephen just rang to say that he and his climbing friend Richard summitted Aconcagua successfully! Stephen will fill you in on the details later. He's back in Plaza de Mulas basecamp at the moment and may get to a computer in Mendoza in the next few days.



I am soooo proud of him!!!!!!!

Hot Springs, Sunburn and Argentina

Yesterday was spent relaxing and soaking up the sun and warm water of the Papallacta Hot Springs. Needless to say I got sunburnt. The only fortunate thing is that you can`t see the sunburn.



Tonight I fly to Argentina to continue the adventure and attempt the summit of Mt Aconcagua. This will be a different style of climbing. Instead of short bursts up to high altitude, we will creep up on the mountain over 10 days or so and try to win it over. More expedition style climbing, requiring a sustained effort. This is where my fitness will kick-in. Well, I hope so.



Signing out for the last time from Quito.

Success on Chimborazo

Richard and I were successful on Chimborazo (Veintemilla) yesterday. It was a massive day making the ascent in a little under 7 hours to gain the 6,267m (20,561ft) summit. The snow condition was excellent allowing us to make good speed up the mountain. Unfortunately the wind was terrible, and we both had a layer of ice coating all our clothing and climbing equipment. We both looked a pretty miserable sight, but actually it was not so bad. We both slept 11 hours last night and are heading to the local hot pools to recover fully.



Signing out from Quito.

Success on Cotopaxi!

Just returned from a summit success on Cotopaxi, Ecuador's second highest mountain measuring in at just under 6,000mts. The snow condition was terrible, so made the climb very (very) difficult. Currently absolutely exhausted, so heading for an afternoon nap.

Chimborazo in two days.



Signing out from Quito.

Acclimization is Over - Let the Climbing begin

Just spent the last two days in the region just outside of Quito where the hills rise to 4,794mts or 15,700feet. Tomorrow we head to Cotopaxi and attempt to summit. Wil let you know how I go.



Signing off from Quito (where it is not currently raining).