Dispatches

December 20, 2007

Summit Success!! Yesterday, after a second go, Jim and I made it to the top of Aconcagua. Congrats to Jim for a tremendous effort and sticking to his goal. We are now at basecamp and will hike back to the trailhead tomorrow where I will meet up with the next Aconcagua group. This has been a very exciting trip for all and we have had great fun. More to come from Geoff and I in a few days. Cheers, Pablo.

December 17, 2007

Hello from Aconcagua High Camp!! Summit success!! Yesterday, after a surprisingly warm and calm day day, Jason Bluesmith, Jonas Ruttas and myself summated Aconcagua! Jim and Lorreta gave a valiant effort but turned around just shy of the top. Conditions dependant, Jim and I will make another summit attempt tomorrow. The rest of the group has sescend down to basecamp and will wait there for Jim and I's return. Wish us luck!! - Pablo.

December 13, 2007

Hola from Camp Nido de Condor!! Everyone has reached camp healthy and feeling very strong for the climb ahead. The weather was quite windy yesterday but it seems to be quieting down a bit and looks as though it will will continue to improve through tomorrow. We anticipate making a carry up to Camp Berlin tomorrow where we will stage our summit siege for Sunday.

Jason Bluesmith says that the last six months have been the best of his life and Jonas Rutta cant believe that he is viewing sunsets at 8:30pm!! Cheers, Pablo.

December 12, 2007

Greetings from Camp Canada! We have established Camp I and are slowly working our way up the mountain. Tomorrow we plan to make a carry to Nido De Condor, I think we will do well because everyone is feeling very strong. The weather, luckily, has been great and looks as though it will continue to cooperate. Wish us luck!! Pablo.

December 10, 2007

Hello all! Pablo Puruncajas here checking in from Plaza de Mulas. We arrived here at basecamp and couple of days ago and are acclimatizing well. Unfortunately Roy Belanger has fallen ill and had to leave the trip, we all wish Roy well and a good journey home.

Today we made a carry to Camp Canada and are starting our own journey up the mountain. Thats all for now, best wishes to everyone! Pablo.

December 6, 2007

Greetings from Camp Confluencia!! The group arrived here two days ago and everyone is in great spirits. Jonas Rutta says hi to his wife Christina and his children Susanne and Johnson. Jason Bluesmith says hello to his beautiful Sachi, "We are all doing great here and I cant wait to see you soon!"
After arriving at Conlfuencia we hiked to Plaza de Francia and viewed the magnificent South Face of Aconcagua. The weather has been a bit windy and a storm could be coming from the south sometime soon. Hope everyone is well!
Pablo.