DNA Aconcagua Jan 10 Live Update

Thank you again for following the Dreams in Action climb of Aconcagua.
Today the DNA climbers did an acclimatization hike from Confluenza to Plaza
de Francia – a hike of approximately 5 miles each way up to over 13,000
feet. All of the climbers did an amazing job on the hike up, as it took us
approximately 3.5 hours…. and the lead guide, Pepe, had said it would take
at least 4 hours and maybe as many as 6 hours up. Everyone stayed together
too which, especially for a group of 15 (including the Malcolm and Reyna) is
really amazing. This is a fit group that is coming together as a team, and
as friends.

From Plaza de Francia we had an absolutely INCREDIBLE view of the south fact
of Aconcagua, staring at us from 10,000 feet above where we sat. While the
group will not climb up the south side (they will hike up and around, and
approaching the summit from the north) the view was impressive – and
humbling.

After enjoying lunch and some rest and conversation, the group came back to
Confluenza. Total time round trip, including all breaks was just under 7
hours. AMAZING. Not only is this a group of good people, but a group of
strong people. Even Malcolm and Renya had no problem keeping up. Not bad for
kids that don’t have any experience in the mountains or hiking on trails.
But, both said that, in some ways, this is much easier than the work that
they normally do: up to 12 hours in the fields picking produce for Reyna and
picking grapes at the local (around Mendoza) vineyards for Malcolm. Reyna
started in the fields at age 11, Malcolm in the vineyard at age 13. These
kids want so much more for their lives, and we hope and pray that being able
to see their Provincial Park, and Mount Aconcagua, and sharing in the
experience with the DNA climbers will help to inspire them to continue to
chase their dreams, believing that anything is possible. If we can – or
have – helped them in any way is the most rewarding and humbling experience.

Tomorrow will be a big day: just over 11 miles to Plaza de Mulas base camp
at almost 14,000 feet. We are confident that all will go well.

Now, messages from the DNA climbers themselves for their friends and loved
ones. While they are having a great time here, know that the speak of you
often and truly do miss you.

From Bruce
we went to francia and saw the south face and the glacier. It was beautiful.
Tomorrow we go to plaza del mules at 14,000′ for four days. The weather is
not going to be good for a few days, so after that moves thru, we could get
lucky for the summit. Everything is good.

From Mick
Hi all,
We had a great day hike to the Francia glacier. We got our first look at the
south face. Wow it,s big!!

Love to you Sharon and Shirely. . Bob B. I’ve got the duct tape out for Mt.
Donoff . Thanks to all you who have been blogging . Off to Plaza del Mulas.

Hi All, Lieve allemaal, here is Marieke,
We had a fantastic day today, the south face was luring us in like a Siren,
so beautiful… The geology was great I even found an ammonite. The hike was
really great and we are getting ready for tomorrow…

From Robin;
Hello and loving thoughts to all. Today we saw some incredible scenery and I
am in awe.

I found a lovely gypsum crystal broken off of a rock composed of perfectly
bladed gypsum crystals. The rock was the size of a car! The mountain are
still lovely and the glacial valley incredibly interesting.

Still holding you in my heart.

Namaste

Mike Monahan
Hi Sandy today we went to Plaza de Francia The weather. Is turning colder
here in Confluenza. Tomorrow we go to :Plaza de Mulas. They say they have
internet and telephone there. Love to you and Bob I miss you both. Oh…. I
did get my hug. Thankfully from Heather, not Marshall.

Paulette, Evan, Corinne, Family and Friends,
What a stunning hike we had today. We were at ~13500 ft. staring up at the
9000 foot South Face of Aconcagua. There is a huge hanging glacier on this
face called Hercones Major. Marshall said that there are 8 different
climbing routes on this face. It is hard to believe that anyone can climb
these. We are having a great time, and feeling great. Love Michael.

Hey Julie,Family and friends,
Had a great hike today. Unfortunately there has been a little “Big Trouble
in Little China” but I am sure I will get over it soon. I am still
undefeated in Connect Four. We are going up to Camp Plaza de Mulas which is
at 14000 ft. There will be phone access there .So I will be sure to call. I
really miss you guys and thanks Mary Joe for the pictures. Every time I look
at them I get a little homesick. Sam,I hope my car is in one piece and I
love you guys. Give Asher and Lucy hugs and kisses for me.

Alex

Hola Newmans’ (and those who know us),
it was a very uplifting and spiritual experience today. I took ~200 pictures
on the hike. I have been speaking a lot of spanish, and translating for the
two students. Bryce & Logan will especially love this…they could not
remember my name, so they started calling “pelado”…..which means “Baldy”.
So they are picking up where you left off!

From Jim,
Another great day! We hiked alongside a glacier and had lunch with a view of
Aconcagua. It is an impressive mountain. People from another group partied
late into the night last night and I didn’t get much sleep with all the
noise. Given the hike today, I’m going to sleep like a baby. My family – I
miss you and live you very much!

Hello from Gary,
We hiked up to Plaza del Francia as a test hike. We all did well. It was our
first good look at the South face of Aconcagua. How stunning! We will be
climbing the West and North face when we go up. Send updates of the BCS
Championship game and any recent Nuggets scores. I miss you Dawn, Rachel and
Spencer. Hope Boji is on the mend.