Jan 13 DNA Aconcagua live update

Thanks again to all of you for following along at home and checking out the
informational pieces prepared by the DNA climbers. Today’s standard posting
was a bit different, introducing you to our friend Ray Zahab and his
impossible 3 Possible (i2P) organization, in particular announcing his
Siberian Express for Water. Check it out! And, when he makes his trip in
March, you can follow along on his Web site.

Today, here on Aconcagua, the DNA climbers are doing an acclimization hike
from base camp/Plaza de Mulas, to Camp 1/Camp Canada. The weather is
perfect: clear with little wind… at least here at base camp. Perhaps there
is a bit more wind up above, but looking up at the route and the location of
Camp 1 all looks favorable. The good weather should hold for the DNA
climbers to complete their hike to Camp 1, enjoy lunch, and then return here
to base camp tonight. Tomorrow will be another rest day before the summit
push is scheduled to begin.

The weather forecast that we’ve heard here on the mountain is that it might
snow tomorrow and the next day, Jan 14 and 15. If it does snow tomorrow, no
worries, as it will be a rest day in base camp. And, snow on the 15th might
not stop the climbers from making the first portion of their summit push –
to Camp 1/Canada – *if* it is not too windy. “Worst case” scenario, the
climbers can use one of their contingency days here in base camp, and not
start the summit push until Jan 16. Either way, if *appears* that things may
be favorable for the DNA team, as snow on the 14th and 15th is supposed to
be followed by good weather. Long range forecasts *appear* to call for good
weather on the first possible summit day, Jan 18 and possibly even better
weather on th 19th. Of course, one never knows here in the mountains, but we
would ask for all of you at home to keep your fingers (and toes) crossed,
send positive thoughts, say prayers for the DNA climbers and everyone on the
mountain to be granted safe passage.

And now messages from our climbers.

Hello world! Today has been the best yet. The climb was splendid and the
scenery never fails to amaze! I am in awe. I understand why many cultures
put their Gods on the mountain tops. I am constantly thinking of friends and
family and hope that you all are well. I love you and hold you in my heart.
Namaste, Robin

hi everyone ! After a rest day on Tuesday, we hiked to camp Canada and back
down. Three and one half hours up and 50 minutes down ! I could hardly keep
up. I
finally got a full night sleep last night,. We rest on Thursday and the go
for the summit starting Friday, if the weather holds, that will take four
days with any luck. Bye for now – Bruce

Mike Monahan Hi Sandy and Matt, we had a great hike up to Camp Canada 16000
ft, Things are going very well. Matt thanks for taking care of your mother.
And thanks
for taking care of bussiness I miss you both very much and am looking
forward to a successful result to report to you. Love you and miss you Mike

Hi all, lieve allemaal, here is Marieke:We had a great hike today up to
check out our first base camp, Camp Canada. The views were splendid and we
were starting to rise above the surrounding mountains in an 800m climb.
Geologically we spanned about 4 million years, from 15.8 to about 11 on the
flank of the Aconcagua volcanic complex.The weather is warm today, however
they are predicting snow for the next 2 days. My sleeping pad is
unrecoverable damaged (I have been trying to repair the
many slashes, but the patches did not hold): my mule fell off a 500 ft
cliff. It was a horrible sight they said and he was bleeding from several
wounds upon arrival here. I only hope that all my down gear and my pad,
padded his fall and that he is recovering well at his stable..

Update from Jim:Today I set a personal altitude record – 16,100 feet!! The
hike was straight up a scree field but the guides set a manageable pace I
climbed it without
too much trouble, It took us 3.5 hours to get up and we slid down the scree
in 50 minutes. I feel strong and I may treat myself to a shower. Love you
all!

Alex Here. Finally slept well last night. My stomach is a little better. Had
a nice acclimatization hike today to 16100 feet. I have a slight
headache.Julie this is the worst I have missed you guys on a Trip. Tell
Everybody I am fine. I cant wait to get home. Give Sam,Asher and Lucy hugs
for me. I looks like some weather is coming in. Hopefully it passes quickly.
I love you very much. P.S. Tell Frank and Chelsea thats great news. And
Frank it looks like I may not need that diaper Alex

Hello TeleTech, What a wonderful acclimation climb from our base camp at
just under 14,000′ to 16,100′ in 2.5 km. While the climb with our day packs
was 4 hrs, the descent was just 50 min-sort of like skiing a black run but
in mountaineering boots and a pack. 🙂 The real climb to camp II with full
packs will be a different experience. Theresa

Gary here. Did not sleep well last night. Had a touch of the intestinal flu.
Got some meds to help counter it. Therefore I took a rest day to catch up.
We’ll see how tomorrow goes. Send blog entries. Love to Dawn, Rachel &
Spencer. Miss you all!

Buenas Dias de Ricardo! I had a great day! The pace was slow-perfect. About
30-40 steps/minute. I felt strong all day. This is a very spiritual place,
and I felt I was conversing directly with God the entire way up. We came
down so fast —like skiing; 2500′ in 50 minutes (took 3.5 hours to go up;
about 2 miles). I loved hearing your comments! Love and miss you, Rick.

Paulette, Corinne, Evan, Family and Friends, An absolutely amazing day up to
~16,500 ft. My acclimatization continues to go well, no headache, no problem
with the pace. In fact we came down so fast that I worked harder going down
than up. Another rest day tomorrow, the we begin our move to the higher
camps.I really appreciate the notes that you are leaving on the blog.And
Barry, Evan’s Pinewood car is gonna rule. “If you ain’t first, you’re last”
Mr. Ricky Bobby Love Michael