January 1, 2017
Always happy to report on a summit but even happier to report that a team has returned to high camp and made their safe descent down to base camp the following day.
That’s exactly where Jonathan, Martin and team are after their successful climb. And they are VERY happy to be off that upper mountain. Cold and nasty at high camp while everything is better at Plaza Mulas. We traverse the mountain, returning to Plaza Mulas, as it gives us an easier/quicker descent from high camp, and it also cuts off one day of the walk out. Plus, it’s just kind of cool to do a traverse. Jonathan’s team will be eating steak in Mendoza by late Monday evening.
Josh McDowell also checked in. Team made a carry today to C1 and anticipate moving up to that camp in the morning. It’s one step at a time for those guys. Don’t rush but just keep plugging away.
Phil Ershler