First, and most important, ALL of the DNA climbers are back, safe and sound,
in base camp!!! They just arrived (about 3:15 local time) traveling together
as a group. Much more later, but…. there were 3 DNA climbers who reached
the summit: Alex Nemet, Michael Hansen, and Rick Newman. Our sincere
congrats to them, and to the entire group for a stellar effort. The stomach
bug continued to hamper Gary, and got Marshall the night before the summit
attempt, so both Gary and Marshall did not get out of their tents on summit
day. The rest of the group traveled a ways towards the summit, but turned around
at Independcia – a typical turn-around point for climbers if the weather is
a bit difficult (winds were fairly high) or if they aren’t feeling great or
are moving to slowly. So, from there, Alex, Michael, and Rick continued to
the summit. But, again, most important, EVERYONE IS BACK SAFELY to base
camp. More later. All of the climbers are asking about YOU at home, so I’m
sure messages will be forecoming, after some well deserved rest.
Yahoo!!! Praise the Lord!!
Yeah! Thank you!! I am so relieved.
Paulette
Mick,
We will wait to hear from you…right now I will hold back my sadness, but rejoice you being safe and well.
Bill & Monica
Mick,
Now I am also going to hope that Michael means YOU Mick. Gotta hope for the best…you are soooooo strong.
We are hoping Michael is MICK who made the summit…
Bill & Monica
Mick,
Well we answered our own question in the update…Congrats to Michael Hansen. Sure was wishing another Michael could have made the summit too. Sure wish everyone could have made the summit…darn it.
Love ya
Bill & Monica
CONGRATS Alex!!!!!!!!!!! I never doubted for a second that you wouldn't top out!! You're one tough SOB brother!!! Way to go!!! Cant' wait to hear all about it!
Frank
Hey Jim… Like I told Lecia, Summit was optional, getting down is mandatory! Hope you're doing well, anxious to hear the details. An amazing accomplishment… let me know when you're in front of that webcam so we can see your smiling face! All the best…
Congratulations on an extraordinary effort! Relieved to hear all are safe, and hope all are healthy, recovering quickly.
Rick – congrats to you and your team! Chuck Norris somehow isn't as cool anymore…
Congrats to all on a safe passage.
Yippee!
Give Rick a big hug for me!
Cat
congrats to everyone, alex i forgot to ask how was it, call me back if you can. lucy and i watched you on the web cam. she loved seeing you and so did i . hope you have a great bday my love!!!! we are so proud of you . sam says happy bday and good job!!
love
julie
Congrats Alex!
Congrats my good friends Michael and Rick! An amazing feat to be sure. I can't wait for the stories, pictures, and good times back in Fort Collins. Please, have a safe journey back down.
Best of luck to the rest of the DNA climbers … you got our support back home if you make or don't make the summit. Simply amazing!
Congrats to those who summitted and also for all of you because you took the challenge. How sad that a "bug" crept in. You know what they say about the best laid plans. I'm glad you are safe.Mike-give Mick a hug from Sharon.We've been in close communication these past days.Tell him she is well. and sends love. My love to you. Wiffo
Wonderful to hear that all are back safe and sound. Your stories will be great to read – so sorry to hear that so many were laid low by a little bug. Great effort by one and all. Congrats to all of you for the tremendous team effort.
Randi
Congratulations Mike. I have been following your adventure through Paulette's FB page link.
hey if anyone is seeing this please tell alex to call me again i just missed his call
julie
Mick
You are still my hero. You made it to Independencia and that is over 20k thats a great accomplishment you animal. I'm glade you are down and safe. Talk to you soon.
Brokaw
Heather, thanks for the continued updates. You guys are amazing! Kudos to Rick, Mike and Alex for the stellar summit. Kudos to everyone for being safe, acting on instinct and getting back to camp in one piece. Can't wait to hear all the stories. Jim, things are going well here. Can't wait to hear more about the trip!!
Love, Lecia
Mick,
Thank God you are safe! We are so proud of you. I will tell your dad you are down and safe.
Love,
Margo
Mick,
Glad you are back down safely. I am damn proud of you.
Dad
Hi Mike-Great to hear from you.I'll bet you are happy to have the group back together.Ihope that everyone is recovering.Weather here is like I've never seen.Not to worry, all is well with our home, but I have gotten sandbags for the front door-yep, it got that high. All at once for about 15 minutes it rained like crazy.Tell Mick that I just talked with Sharon and all is well at their home. More is due for tomorrow, but I am prepared.Once again,glad that everyone is safely back to base camp.Take care, and I look forward to hearing from you tomorrow. love, wiffo
A fantastic voyage. I am beginning to understand the DNA concept. You are all truly amazing.
Prayers are continuing with you through your journey down and safely back home to your doorsteps.
Rick – I think the Omahaha excursion was good prep!
Alex you made it again!! I'll be sure to tell Bob Fox and ET that they underestimated you again!!
Pete
Gary,
We hope you are feeling better, and have been keeping track of your trip this week. We admire the time and the effort it has taken you to prepare for and undertake this expedition.
It is good to know you are safe. Take Care!
Barry and Cathy Stamp
Rick…we're proud of you and thankful you are safe. Will continue prayers for safety on the remainder of your journey. Looking forward to your travelog. Dad and Mom Shoup
Mike,
So sorry I missed your call today! It was wonderful to hear your voice. I am so proud of you. So many people have been following the expedition and rooting you on. We are anxiously awaiting details! We all miss you.
Much Love,
Paulette
Hello Theresa, The Daus/Florschutz clan is so happy to hear you are safely back at basecamp!!! We are so proud of your expedition to the unbelievably high mountains of S.A. You rock my sister. Take good care of yourself the rest of the trip. I can't wait to hear your voice.
Love Donna and Henry, Kaylee too.
Theresa,
Relieved to hear you are back at base. I know you went to new heights these past days. I hope you are feeling well now that you are lower in altitude and the weather is more calm. I have you in my thoughts constantly. Can't wait to hear your voice again.
We are so proud of your accomplishment.
Love Donna, Henry and Kaylee.
Hi Mick:
Sorry I missed your call. If possible, call on the cell tomorrow as I'll be out and about all day – and will be picking up Kathy. The weather here is wild! You sound good. Get home, okay? Love you, Sharon
Returning from the mountains with rich memories and experiences you'll remember for a lifetime…sounds like the entire team have succeeded beyond most of our imaginations. Congratulations to all.
Drew Miller
Well done by all, and delighted to hear everybody has returned safely!
Steve and Barb
Houston, TX
I am dying for an update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Julie
Rick,
It was great to hear from you – to hear your voice and to know that you are safe and well. I'm sorry I missed your call, though!
We are dying to hear from you and to get all the details. And of course we can't wait for you to get home.
When you get back to Mendoza, if you have internet, you should check out *your* blog – and see what I've been posting all along the way.
Love and miss you terribly,
Cat
Hi Michael,
What a day you made it to the top. OEM is following you with updates. Be safe can't wait to see the pic's and stories.
Sue H