DNA Aconcagua Jan 17 Update

Greetings again all at home who are following the DNA climbers on Aconcagua
Today the weather here in base camp was warm and sunny, and it looks as if the weather high on the mountain may have been good, too, although one never knows. Today the climbers should have made their way from Camp 2/Nido to Camp 3/Colera, the final camp from which the group should make their summit bid. Because Camp 3 is even higher than the 19,340-foot summit of Kilimanjaro, for all of the climbers (other than the local guides and Marshall) this will be a new personal altitude high record for the DNA climbers. Reaching this milestone is a huge achievement for all!!! Now, the summit will just be the icing on the – but all can be proud of their efforts to make it as far as they have.

Mike and I spent a quiet day in base camp. The highlight of the day was being able to take a shower. A hot shower, even. Yes, life here in base camp is pretty civil. I know the DNA climbers high on the mountain will look forward to the relative comforts we have here. Mike is feeling much better but is still confident that he made the right decision to not continue up on the mountain given the weakened state that he had been in. I agree… although only those on the mountain that face those decisions straight on can say for sure. I am glad that Mike is confident in his decision, is doing so well, and has decided to stay here in base camp until the group returns.

We spoke today about what a wonderful and amazing group it is. All unique, strong, intelligent, and capable individuals who have really come together as a GROUP – helping each other out, without someone having to ask for anything, and watching out for each other. They also have a good time together, with plenty of laughter. I am thankful for each and every member of the DNA group here on Aconcagua!

CLIMBER UPDATE

I JUST (it is now almost 9 pm here) heard from Marshall from Camp 3/Cholera (instead of Berlin). All is well. The DNA climbers departed Nido at about 11:45 am. today and made it to Camp 3 at about 2:30. Taking only about 2 hours and 45 minutes to make it up to about 19,400 feet is a very good time. As I’ve said before, this is a strong group. He said that the weather was good today with relatively warm temps and winds about 10 mph – tonight he guessed that the winds were around 15 mph with a wind chill temperature of about -10 degrees Fahrenheit. Marshall said that the stomach bug hit Robin for a bit, but that she’s doing okay. He also reported the Theresa has a bit of a headache but, in all, everyone is doing very well.

For us here on the mountain – as for you at home – it was wonderful to get an update.

Marshall asked for a weather update, as I have been checking two Internet sites (one recommended by our friends at Explorers Web) to get forecasts, especially what the winds are predicted to do. Tomorrow is supposed to be clear (no snow storms, and very few clouds) but may be a bit borderline for a summit attempt with winds in the morning predicted to be about 35 mph increasing to about 40 mph around 2 pm (peak winds about 40 mph or about 64 kph). Right now Marshall said the weather from his vantage point – the one that really matters – is a bit windy, maybe only 15 mph. He said that they may make an attempt tomorrow… but only tomorrow will tell. They will have to wake up and assess the situation from there. Do know that I will update you as soon as *I* know anything. If you don’t see anything posted here, it’s only because I have not received news.

If the DNA climbers cannot make an attempt tomorrow, the 18th (or are turned back because of wind/weather) they will most likely have to wait out high winds on the 19th, and possibly make an attempt on the 20th, when the forecast looks very good. But…. we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves! ONE DAY at a time. For tonight, may the climbers rest well, stay warm, and not have to deal with any additional stomach issues or other health concerns. Then, we’ll see what tomorrow brings. As I said, I will provide an update when I hear something. Remember: no news is good news! Hang tight, and hang tough, everyone. And, as always, thanks for following along.

MESSAGES FROM THE CLIMBERS
The porters did not arrive back in base camp this evening until after 7 pm, carrying messages from your climbers that they wrote last night, Jan 16 when they were in Camp 2/Nido. Here are those messages.

From Jim: Seth, I hope you did well the regional and that you had fun. Ethan, Happy 7th birthday! Have some cake for me. I set a new personal altitude record at 17,715 feet. The air is getting thinner and the climbing is getting harder but I feel strong. I miss you all!

From Gary: Spencer, hope your basketball practice is going well. Can’t wait to see a game when I return Rachel, by now swim season is in full swing. Hope the backstroke is a winner. Dawn, thanks for keeping the family intact while I’m away. All is well here. We’re headed up to Colera (Berlin) tomorrow. It is 19,700 feet and my personal best! Send mail! Love to you all!

From Alex: Hi all. Not much longer now! Happy birthday John.

From Bruce: We are at Camp 2 (17,800 feet appx). Mike had to turn back – everyone else is ok. Another 4 hour hike on Sunday – then attempt the summit on Monday if the weather holds. A lot of tent time resting and getting used to the altitude. Love to Holly & Juliana, Ben & Tricia, Caleb, Bella, Yenny, Asher, Merci, and Zimi.

From Robin: Namaste. Missing you horribly and hoping you are well. Loving you. Ciao for now.

From Theresa: Hello Donna, Randi, Martin, and Rich. It is really nice hearing from you when I am so far away! Tonite we are at Camp 2 over 17,000 feet. Tomorrow nite we will sleep at an elevation near the elevation of the summit of Kilimanjaro.

From Mick:Lost my tent mate today. Mike gave it his all, Sandy! Starting to get excited about the summit day. Feeling great for an old guy. Miss my wife and looking forward to being in warm country again. Thanks to all for their notes and well wishes.

From Michael: Hi all. All is going well, healthy and still acclimatizing well. Looking forward to tomorrow. One day at a time. Love, Michael

From Rick: Long hard day. Weather is – surprise! Cold and windy. I feel okay, but putting on my socks makes me suck wind. Love and miss, can’t wait to get some hugs. Love, Rick

From Marieke: Last night I was struck with the stomach bug – finally – it’s been going around. I still made it up to Nido and we will see how things look tomorrow. It is supposed to be a 24-hour thing and I am starting to feel better. Miss you all!