Aconcagua January 2005
Aconcagua's north east face, including the Polish Glacier, see from the Relinchos Valley on the second morning of t
Aconcagua's north east face, including the Polish Glacier, see from the Relinchos Valley on the second morning of t
Gear packing at home before the trip.
Gear packing at home before the trip. 2004-12-24
On the trip to Mendoza, Argentina, we had a 8 hour layover in Santiago, Chile. Here we wait.
On the trip to Mendoza, Argentina, we had a 8 hour layover in Santiago, Chile. Here we wait. 2004-12-27
Landing in Mendoza, Argentina on Monday evening, December 27th.
Landing in Mendoza, Argentina on Monday evening, December 27th. 2004-12-27
We stayed a very nice hotel in Mendoza called the El Portal Suites. Very nice in Mendoza costs only $55 per night/per r
per r 2004-12-27
Bill unpacking a bit in the room. Our luggage did not arrive when we did and we were told it would arrive the next day.
Bill unpacking a bit in the room. Our luggage did not arrive when we did and we were told it would arrive the next day.
Enjoying the evening in the Plaza Chile across the street from our hotel.
Enjoying the evening in the Plaza Chile across the street from our hotel. 2004-12-27
After dinner that night at Azafran on Sarmiento Street, it was time for ice cream. As one british climber we talked to
After dinner that night at Azafran on Sarmiento Street, it was time for ice cream. As one british climber we talked to
Moonrise over Avenue Civit in Mendoza.
Moonrise over Avenue Civit in Mendoza. 2004-12-27
Tuesday morning we went to the Aconcagua National Park office in Mendoza to obtain our permits to climb the peak.
Tuesday morning we went to the Aconcagua National Park office in Mendoza to obtain our permits to climb the peak. 2004-1
Aron filling out the climber's permit.
Aron filling out the climber's permit. 2004-12-28
Map of the area we would hike/climb. Our route follows the Vacas Valley on the right side of the map and then makes a l
climb. Our route follows the Vacas Valley on the right side of the map and then makes a l 2004-12-28
Climbing permits were a cool $300 USD per person. Mountain climbing can be expensive!
Climbing permits were a cool $300 USD per person. Mountain climbing can be expensive! 2004-12-28
Chris making the final signature for the permit aquisition.
Chris making the final signature for the permit aquisition. 2004-12-28
Yes, as it turns out, they have plastic and cosmetic surgery in Mendoza too!
Yes, as it turns out, they have plastic and cosmetic surgery in Mendoza too! 2004-12-28
Did I mention our hotel was nice? Sunning and relaxing on the roof top.
Did I mention our hotel was nice? Sunning and relaxing on the roof top. 2004-12-29
View to the west from the roof of the hotel.
View to the west from the roof of the hotel. 2004-12-29
On Wednesday, Bill's two bags arrived and one of my two bags arrived. Chris' bags had arrived on time so at t
On Wednesday, Bill's two bags arrived and one of my two bags arrived. Chris' bags had arrived on time so at t
Wednesday afternoon we walked Avenue Civit and purchased white gas from Pire mountain sports. Good stuff.
Wednesday afternoon we walked Avenue Civit and purchased white gas from Pire mountain sports. Good stuff. 2004-12-30
View of the intersection nearest our hotel. As we walked everwhere in town, we got used to this intersection.
View of the intersection nearest our hotel. As we walked everwhere in town, we got used to this intersection. 2004-12-3
Taking the taxi to the airport, 12 pesos (~$4 USD) each way, on Thursday to hopefully receive our bags.
Taking the taxi to the airport, 12 pesos (~$4 USD) each way, on Thursday to hopefully receive our bags. 2004-12-31
Denied! Yet another day passed that we did not receive our bags. Friday morning saw Chris and Bill heading up to the m
Denied! Yet another day passed that we did not receive our bags. Friday morning saw Chris and Bill heading up to the m
Saturday morning and our bags arrived. Happy New Year! January 1st!
Saturday morning and our bags arrived. Happy New Year! January 1st! 2005-01-01
We left for Penitentes on Sunday morning and arrived late morning to weigh our bags for the mules and begin the hike. G
We left for Penitentes on Sunday morning and arrived late morning to weigh our bags for the mules and begin the hike. G
Extra baggage storage at Grajales. I felt very comfortable with their operation and security.
Extra baggage storage at Grajales. I felt very comfortable with their operation and security. 2005-01-02
The Grajales building at Penitentes.
The Grajales building at Penitentes. 2005-01-02
View of the ski area across the street from the Grajales office.
View of the ski area across the street from the Grajales office. 2005-01-02
Apparently it hasn't really snowed in Penitentes much in the past two years so these building are vacant and unused
Apparently it hasn't really snowed in Penitentes much in the past two years so these building are vacant and unused
And we were off! At 10:15am on Sunday, January 2nd, we were dropped off at our trailhead, Punta de Vacas, and we began
And we were off! At 10:15am on Sunday, January 2nd, we were dropped off at our trailhead, Punta de Vacas, and we began
Mule taking a break along the Vacas River.
Mule taking a break along the Vacas River. 2005-01-02
Aron hiking along the river. Temperatures were exceeding 90 degrees F and it was a dry, hot hike in.
Aron hiking along the river. Temperatures were exceeding 90 degrees F and it was a dry, hot hike in. 2005-01-02
Wild flowers along the hike.
Wild flowers along the hike. 2005-01-02
The first camp and ranger station, Pampa De Lenas. We checked in here and received our official trash bags. We did not
The first camp and ranger station, Pampa De Lenas. We checked in here and received our official trash bags. We did not
The crossing of the Vacas River just a short distance up valley from the Pampa de Lenas camp.
The crossing of the Vacas River just a short distance up valley from the Pampa de Lenas camp. 2005-01-02
An unnecessary crossing of the Vacas River about half way to Casa de Piedra to cool off and get water from a side stream
An unnecessary crossing of the Vacas River about half way to Casa de Piedra to cool off and get water from a side stream
The mules carrying our gear to Casa de Piedra.
The mules carrying our gear to Casa de Piedra. 2005-01-02
Casa de Piedra camp can be seen in the sunlight at the bottom of the photo. This camp is at 10,500 feet. We arrived her
Casa de Piedra camp can be seen in the sunlight at the bottom of the photo. This camp is at 10,500 feet. We arrived her
Our first view of the mountain! Looked windy up there. We hiked up the Relinchos until around 11:30pm until we were exh
Our first view of the mountain! Looked windy up there. We hiked up the Relinchos until around 11:30pm until we were exh
Waking up the following day, Monday, January 3rd.
Waking up the following day, Monday, January 3rd. 2005-01-03
Aron hiking the final two or three miles to basecamp on Monday morning with Aconcagua visible on the left and the should
Aron hiking the final two or three miles to basecamp on Monday morning with Aconcagua visible on the left and the should
Arrival. We reached basecamp, Plaza Argentina (13,800 feet), at 11:15am on Monday morning.
Arrival. We reached basecamp, Plaza Argentina (13,800 feet), at 11:15am on Monday morning. 2005-01-03
Eating oreos at basecamp. When we arrived at basecamp Chris and Bill were absent from their tent and up making a carry o
Eating oreos at basecamp. When we arrived at basecamp Chris and Bill were absent from their tent and up making a carry o
However, when Bill arrived back at camp, he wasn't feeling too well. We could tell from his breathing that HAPE (H
However, when Bill arrived back at camp, he wasn't feeling too well. We could tell from his breathing that HAPE (H
It was decided that Bill needed to be evacuated from the mountain so the heilicopter came in the next day, January 4th,
It was decided that Bill needed to be evacuated from the mountain so the heilicopter came in the next day, January 4th,
Bill giving the "Thumbs Up!" as he boards the chopper. The rest of the day was spent by Aron and I making a ca
Bill giving the "Thumbs Up!" as he boards the chopper. The rest of the day was spent by Aron and I making a ca
Cooking up blueberry pancakes on Wednesday, January 5th, in preparation for our move up to camp 1.
Cooking up blueberry pancakes on Wednesday, January 5th, in preparation for our move up to camp 1. 2005-01-05
Aron and Chris on the move to camp 1. The Polish Glacier, our intended route, is clearly seen in the background.
Aron and Chris on the move to camp 1. The Polish Glacier, our intended route, is clearly seen in the background. 2005-0
Chris hiking through snow Penitentes along the hike to camp 1.
Chris hiking through snow Penitentes along the hike to camp 1. 2005-01-05
Aron excited to be at camp 1. We spent the afternoon on Wednesday relaxing at camp 1. Good water was found in a snow fi
Aron excited to be at camp 1. We spent the afternoon on Wednesday relaxing at camp 1. Good water was found in a snow fi
Aron had his NBC-issue videocamera along the whole time.
Aron had his NBC-issue videocamera along the whole time. 2005-01-06
The view up to the saddle between camp 1 and camp 2.
The view up to the saddle between camp 1 and camp 2. 2005-01-07
Thursday, January 6th was our first and only rest day on the mountain. We picked a good day as clouds, wind and cool te
Thursday, January 6th was our first and only rest day on the mountain. We picked a good day as clouds, wind and cool te
Me enjoying some chai tea in the tent on the rest day. The following day, Friday, January 7th, we would make a carry to
Me enjoying some chai tea in the tent on the rest day. The following day, Friday, January 7th, we would make a carry to
Saturday, January 8th came and it was time to move to camp 2. Chris and Aron starting the move.
Saturday, January 8th came and it was time to move to camp 2. Chris and Aron starting the move. 2005-01-08
Once at 16,800 feet, we had a great view of the upper mountain and Polish Glacier. We were encouraged by the snow on the
Once at 16,800 feet, we had a great view of the upper mountain and Polish Glacier. We were encouraged by the snow on the
Pushing up the final bit of scree to our high camp among the large boulders at the base of the Polish.
Pushing up the final bit of scree to our high camp among the large boulders at the base of the Polish. 2005-01-08
Aron at camp 2 at the base of the glacier on Saturday. The weather forecast for the next day was favorable so it was de
Aron at camp 2 at the base of the glacier on Saturday. The weather forecast for the next day was favorable so it was de
Aron catching some rest Saturday afternoon.
Aron catching some rest Saturday afternoon. 2005-01-08
Dawn on Sunday, January 9th, on the Polish Glacier. We began our climb at 7am. Chris had departed an hour earlier to m
Dawn on Sunday, January 9th, on the Polish Glacier. We began our climb at 7am. Chris had departed an hour earlier to m
The first part of the Polish Glaicer was good snow mixed with some ice at low angle.
The first part of the Polish Glaicer was good snow mixed with some ice at low angle. 2005-01-09
Looking down glacier at Aron. We simuled soloed the first half of the glacier to the bottleneck feature.
Looking down glacier at Aron. We simuled soloed the first half of the glacier to the bottleneck feature. 2005-01-09
Taking a break at about 20,800 feet to eat some Gu and drink water.
Taking a break at about 20,800 feet to eat some Gu and drink water. 2005-01-09
Looking down the glacier and the Relinchos Valley, the valley we hiked up on the approach.
Looking down the glacier and the Relinchos Valley, the valley we hiked up on the approach. 2005-01-09
Aron passing through a short section of rocks.
Aron passing through a short section of rocks. 2005-01-09
Another view of Aron.
Another view of Aron. 2005-01-09
Looking down the glacier. About 1600 feet of glacier separated us from the scree at the end of the glacier.
Looking down the glacier. About 1600 feet of glacier separated us from the scree at the end of the glacier. 2005-01-09
After we passed through the bottleneck, Aron headed up to a small rock for a break.
After we passed through the bottleneck, Aron headed up to a small rock for a break. 2005-01-09
Aron pushing on up around 22,100 feet. It was getting tough. We took four breaths for each step!
Aron pushing on up around 22,100 feet. It was getting tough. We took four breaths for each step! 2005-01-09
Alright, Aron nearing the summit ridge!
Alright, Aron nearing the summit ridge! 2005-01-09
The snow was soft and windpacked here to the summit ridge.
The snow was soft and windpacked here to the summit ridge. 2005-01-09
Looking down the steep chute directly down our route. Once we reached the summit ridge we had to pass over a couple of
Looking down the steep chute directly down our route. Once we reached the summit ridge we had to pass over a couple of
Excellent! We arrived battered and tired on the summit of Aconcagua, 22,842 feet, at 5:10pm on January 9th! Seven days
Excellent! We arrived battered and tired on the summit of Aconcagua, 22,842 feet, at 5:10pm on January 9th! Seven days
Myself and Aron hoisting the NM flag on the summit.
Myself and Aron hoisting the NM flag on the summit. 2005-01-09
The daunting south face of Aconcagua from the summit.
The daunting south face of Aconcagua from the summit. 2005-01-09
More celebration on the summit.
More celebration on the summit. 2005-01-09
Self portrait, Aconcagua summit, 22,842 feet, January 9th, 5:28pm.
Self portrait, Aconcagua summit, 22,842 feet, January 9th, 5:28pm. 2005-01-09
Aron enjoying one fantastic view!
Aron enjoying one fantastic view! 2005-01-09
Time for the descent. We chose to descend the Normal Route full of scree, loose rock and some snow.
Time for the descent. We chose to descend the Normal Route full of scree, loose rock and some snow. 2005-01-09
Near Berlin Camp on the Normal Route looking up the normal route with Dee in the foreground. We arrived back at camp a c
Near Berlin Camp on the Normal Route looking up the normal route with Dee in the foreground. We arrived back at camp a c
Packed up and ready for the descent. A knee and toe killing descent with these loads!
Packed up and ready for the descent. A knee and toe killing descent with these loads! 2005-01-10
Talk about loads, this is awesome! Chris hoisting the world on his shoulders.
Talk about loads, this is awesome! Chris hoisting the world on his shoulders. 2005-01-10
Descending through penitentes around 15,900 feet.
Descending through penitentes around 15,900 feet. 2005-01-10
Field of penitentes.
Field of penitentes. 2005-01-10
Aron and Chris on the descent to basecamp.
Aron and Chris on the descent to basecamp. 2005-01-10
At basecamp we found out high winds two days previous had destroyed the Grajales gear storage tent. Our bags were intac
At basecamp we found out high winds two days previous had destroyed the Grajales gear storage tent. Our bags were intac
NM flag and the summit on Tuesday, January 11th.
NM flag and the summit on Tuesday, January 11th. 2005-01-11
Chris, Aron and I ready to make our descent to the Pampa de Lenas camp on Tuesday.
Chris, Aron and I ready to make our descent to the Pampa de Lenas camp on Tuesday. 2005-01-11
One last view of the mountain on the hike down the Relinchos valley.
One last view of the mountain on the hike down the Relinchos valley. 2005-01-11
OK, really onne last view of the mountain on the hike down the Relinchos valley.
OK, really onne last view of the mountain on the hike down the Relinchos valley. 2005-01-11
Chris fording the Vaca River near Casa de Piedra camp.
Chris fording the Vaca River near Casa de Piedra camp. 2005-01-11
Muleteers sacked out at Pampa de Lenas. This was our last night out on the trip. The following day we would hike to the
Muleteers sacked out at Pampa de Lenas. This was our last night out on the trip. The following day we would hike to the
Back at the highway on Wednesday, January 12th at 10am.
Back at the highway on Wednesday, January 12th at 10am. 2005-01-12
Aron showed up at 11:30am. It took him a bit longer to hike out than it did me.
Aron showed up at 11:30am. It took him a bit longer to hike out than it did me. 2005-01-12
On Friday, January 14th, we met up with Bill back in Mendoza. He had gone down to Patagonia for a few days and was now b
On Friday, January 14th, we met up with Bill back in Mendoza. He had gone down to Patagonia for a few days and was now b
Red helmets are totally in in Mendoza this year!
Red helmets are totally in in Mendoza this year! 2005-01-15
I'm not "in" and chose to ride sans helmet.
I'm not "in" and chose to ride sans helmet. 2005-01-15
Wine barrels at the Museo de Vino.
Wine barrels at the Museo de Vino. 2005-01-15
Bill enjoying a nice chardonnay.
Bill enjoying a nice chardonnay. 2005-01-15
Wine glasses and barrels at Vino El Cerno.
Wine glasses and barrels at Vino El Cerno. 2005-01-15
Group shot at the Vino El Cerno.
Group shot at the Vino El Cerno. 2005-01-15
Aconcagua seen from the airplane between Mendoza and Santiago on our return flight on Sunday, January 16th. Seen is the
Aconcagua seen from the airplane between Mendoza and Santiago on our return flight on Sunday, January 16th. Seen is the
On the trip to Mendoza, Argentina, we had a 8 hour layover in Santiago, Chile. Here we wait.
On the trip to Mendoza, Argentina, we had a 8 hour layover in Santiago, Chile. Here we wait. 2004-12-27