Here are some more photos from the DNA climb of Aconcagua.
Up to 14,000 feet (to Plaza de Mulas base camp) the mules, or mulas, do the real work on Aconcagua. They start at the Horcones trail head, loaded with supplies including food, fuel, tents, and climber’s equipment/gear and make the approximately 16 mile run (the muleteers rarely let them walk, other than on the very steepest sections, and definetly do not want them to stop and graze! I’m not sure they even let them stop to drink in the glacial runoff streams) up to Plaza de Mulas. The mule teams typically arrive in Plaza de Mulas base camp between 10 am and noon, where they are unloaded at the appropriate locations in the small city-like camp (at the Aymara tents for us, for example). Then, the are reloaded with things like trash and climber’s gear (for those going down the mountain) and make the run back down to the trailhead the same day. It is not an easy life for a mule on Aconcagua! But certainly climbers are grateful for not having to haul everything themselves!
Reyna arriving at camp Confluenza, happy with her efforts as she well should be! Trekking guide Leo from Aymara took good care of Reyna and Malcolm as they made the trek as a part of the DNA group.
The DNA group with the south face of Aconcagua (note: you still can’t see the summit!) behind, taken at Plaza Francia – and acclimization hike made by the group from Confluenza. The hike was well worth it, not only to gain some red blood cells, but to enjoy the beauty of the mountain!
Reyna, Marshall, Heather, Malcolm and TeleTech employee Theresa Daus-Weber at Plaza Francia with the south face of Aconcagua behind, holding the TeleTech banner. Again our thanks to TeleTech for helping to sponsor the climb and our thanks to the TeleTech Foundation for making a grant to the Crescere Foundation so that they can continue their work with families and youth in and around Mendoza. DNA was thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to Malcolm and Reyna, which was also made possible through the support of Aymara (including their donation of equipment for the youth while they were on the mountain).
The DNA group arrives at Plaza de Mulas, base camp on Aconcagua at 14,000 feet. This was the final destination/”summit” for Malcolm and Reyna, who were incredibly strong on the mountain – and were an inspiration to all of us. For me (Heather) this was also as high as I would go on the mountain.
