December 30, 2012

Josh Tapp called it at 7:30 am Pacific time from the summit of Aconcagua.  One member returned early but the others were able to persevere and stood on top.  Congratulations for a job VERY well done.  Now, they need to stay focused and get back to high camp.  The team will descend tomorrow to Plaza Mulas, on the Horcones Valley side of the mountain, completing their traverse.  One long day later and they will be heading for Mendoza.

Phil Ershler

December 29, 2012

Josh Tapp called.  Camp 3 is now occupied.  Everyone continues to feel good.  Good is relative at around 6000 meters.  Forecast is good for tomorrow.  The team will be weighing the weather and how they’re feeling and make a good decision regarding whether to head for the top in the morning or take a day off.  Pros and cons to each choice.  Josh, Leandro and the entire team will discuss and do what they feel is best.  They’re in a good position.

Phil Ershler

 

December 28, 2012

Josh Tapp called in at 11:30 am Pacific time.  They made the carry to C3, drop their loads and are already back at C2.  The plan is to move up to C3 tomorrow.  Still cold and breezy.  If everyone stays healthy and fit, we’re looking at a possible Sunday or Monday summit attempt.  The winds be a big determining factor.  For now, it’s one day at a time and the group is taking it ‘one day at a time’.  Again, so far, so good.

Phil Ershler

December 27, 2012

Josh Tapp phoned in today from C2.  The team had a good move day and are now out doing a quick crampon and ice axe review.  Still breezy but manageable.  Their plan is to make a carry to high camp tomorrow.  Everyone’s healthy and working together well.

Aconcagua is not a trekking trip.  It’s a true expedition and it’s great to see how members are so willing to help with carries and camp chores.  Keep wishing the crew good luck with the wind.

Phil Ershler

 

December 26, 2012

Josh called in this afternoon. The carry to C2 is now complete. If winds continue to die down, the team will move to C2 tomorrow. It gets tough now, but everyone is holding up well. This is a tough mountain and the group is doing well. Another piece of good news is that winds are forecasted to remain in a reasonable range, at least through Monday. It’s only a forecast but at least it’s not the other way around.

Phil Ershler

December 24, 2012

Eben and crew are back in Mendoza.  Way too much food got consumed last night.  Here’s the list of food which was eaten last evening.

4 triple macs

1 quarter pounder

1 double quarter pounder

1 bacon double angus

5 large fries

3 large cokes

2 small cokes

Smiles by all

People are happy to be out but disappointed that the ‘Viento Blanco’ didn’t give them a shot.  Especially tough when the team’s strong and raring to go.  No doubt there will be a next time.

Josh and crew decided to hang tight today at base camp.  It’s windy.  Forecasts call for decreasing winds into the weekend so the team is hopeful they can move up to C1 on Christmas day.

Everyone said to make sure we sent holiday best wishes to everyone back home.

Phil Ershler

December 23, 2012

Heard from both of our current Aconcagua teams today, Sunday, December 23.  Eben and team saw the writing on the wall after a valiant attempt to get higher yesterday.  Winds in the 100 kph range around the area of the Ameghino Col told them no.  And they listened.  After a final review of weather/wind forecasts after returning to base, the team realized there was no reasonable expectation of a predictable let up in sight.  Summit day winds don’t look acceptable until Thursday.  Tough to pull the plug when everyone is strong and moving well but the mountain said no and they listened.

Josh reported a successful carry to C1 today.  That’s always a tough day but folks did well, got the job done and had a good dinner at Plaza Argentina and are now getting some well-deserved sleep.

Phil Ershler

December 20, 2012

Eben and team are at BC today.  Winds should dissipate today and make it possible to head back up in the morning.  The team is strategizing about their next move.  Forecasted winds, their strength and time remaining are all key components to their decision making.  They’re weighing all the information available.  Never easy but part of what makes expeditionary mountaineering so interesting.  They want to make good, considered choices.

Phil Ershler

 

December 19, 2012

Both Eben and Josh called in today, the 19^th, at different times.  Eben’s crew had a wild night at C1.  BIG winds – likely in excess of 100 kph.  That’s breezy.  They decided enough was enough and hightailed it down to BC until things calmed down.  When the mountain says no, you’d better listen.  They’re fine, enjoying life at BC and will move right back up as soon as things calm down.  That will likely be on Friday, the 21^st.

Josh Tapp called in, too.  His crew had their first day on the trail today.  Papas de las Lenas is their camp tonight.  It takes 3 days to reach base camp.  The team uses mules to carry group gear so they can hike with a light pack.  Exercising as you’re moving to higher altitudes tends to enhance acclimatization and it truly helps ‘ready’ you for the work encountered above base.  They’re doing just fine.

Phil Ershler