DNA Aconcagua Post Summit Summary

Hello all from Mendoza, Argentina. As you know, three members of the Dreams in Action (DNA) group reached the summit of Aconcagua on January 18, 2010: Alex Nemet, Rick Newman, and Michael Hansen. Others in the group that made it to over 20,000 feet were Robin Swank, Marieke Deschense, Theresa Daus-Weber, Jim Rogers, Bruce Nystrom, and Mick Donoff. Marshall Ulrich and Gary Schaffer climbed as high as Camp 3 at 19,600 feet but did not depart from Camp 3 the morning of the 18th to make the summit attempt as they were hit by the intestinal bug that was going around. Above is a photo of Rick, Alex, and Michael at the top of South America with the TeleTech flag.

After reaching the summit on the 18th – or reaching a new personal altitude record – the DNA climbers returned to Plaza de Mulas on the 19th. For Mike Monahan and myself, it was WONDERFUL to see them return safely to base camp!!! I immediately went to connect to the Internet to send out a message to those of you following at home about the summit success and the safe return of the team. That night, the guides, with the work of the cooks, presented Alex with a birthday cake and champagne, as it was his 35th birthday. What a celebration we had! Not only for his birthday but for the achievements of the entire team.

On the 20th the entire team made the LLOOONNG hike out from Plaza de Mulas down to the ranger station at Horconces, a trek of about 11.3 miles to Confluenza and another 5 or so miles down to the ranger station for a total of over 16 miles. From there we took a bus down the road (we did not have to trek) to Punta del Inca. It was a hot day, perhaps in the 80s lower on the mountain in the valley. What a difference a day or two makes! Those who were high on the mountain had been in temperatures, with the wind chill, of below zero just two days prior. While the trek out was long, everyone finished in fine style and celebrated with beers at small dinner in Punta del Inca while waiting for our luggage to arrive on the mules. By the time everything was gathered up and loaded on the bus it was close to 9 pm.

After a 3 hour bus ride to Mendoza, checking in at the hotel, and really LLLLLOOONNNGGGG showers for all it was late by the time everyone finally crawled into a BED – with clean sheets and flush toilet nearby, what a treat 🙂 – to get some sleep. Well…. in fact, a few members of the group went out into the night streets of Mendoza to get some more food! Yes, it had been a long day of hiking and an even longer time since hot food like pizza, hot dogs, or french fries were available, and some just couldn’t resist!

Yesterday, Jan 21st team members hardly recognized each other, all clean and shiny! ;-} After enjoying breakfast team members made phone calls, connected with people via the Internet, sorted gear, made arrangements for additional hotel nights in Mendoza, went shopping for gifts for friends and family at home, found laundry mats, and/or took naps. Last night, the entire group was treated to an amazing dinner at a vineyard/fruit farm at the home of a friend on Pepe’s that used to guide on the mountain and now does traditional Argentinean barbecue. The setting was unbelievable, and the food just kept on coming! With an on-site adobe wine cellar, built around/incorporating an olive tree, a great time was had by all.

Today Marshall, Theresa and I went out to Cecelia’s home, just outside of Mendoza, to have lunch with Renya and Malcolm. Cecelia is the head of the Crescere Foundation which connected DNA and TeleTech with the youth. We met most of the other staff and learned more about the work of the foundation. And, of course, it was wonderful to see Reyna and Malcolm again… still smiling and grateful for the opportunity they had on the mountain.

More details on all later. For now, we will go out and enjoy an evening in Mendoza!