We hope you enjoyed the earlier postings today, including Malcolm and Reyna’s stories. In addition to resting and relaxation the DNA climbers practiced putting on and taking off their crampons with their heavy mittens on to ensure that the crampons fit their boots and they know how to put them off even in their heavy mittens, as they will not want to waste any time
fumbling around on summit day. The guides also went through gear, again, to ensure that everyone packs the right clothing and equipment for the summit push, and especially for summit day. Another dinner in base camp tonight and hopefully some rest… although I bet there will be some anxiety and excitement in the tents tonight.
Tomorrow morning breakfast will be at 9 a.m. The climbers will take down their tents and get everything ready for the porters, and their own backpacks. Then, they will be off to Camp 1/Canada at 11 am. As I know you will, send all of your best for the DNA climbers, and everyone on the mountain, that they be granted safe passage.
And now messages from our climbers.
Mike Monahan
Hi Sandy and Matt, I feel very disorganized trying to get packed out in the middle of the Andes with the snow coming down. Matt I think of you every day and what you would think of this experience. Things are happening quickly now but I feel prepared as I can be. I won’t be able to communicate with you directly but there will be up dates on the Blog. Love you and miss you both also my best to Bob. Mike
Paulette, Evan, Corinne, Family and Friends, Well tomorrow we start our big push for the summit. Weather permitting, we will attempt the summit on Jan 18th. I am excited and nervous, but Marshall and our guides have us very well prepared. We will only have daily updates from Marshall until we get back. Wish us luck.Love Michael
Cat, Bryce, Logan, Family, and Friends, I am so excited to finally be heading up towards the summit. I am as prepared as I possibly can be. My gear is all working well, all of the camera equipment is charged, and I am fit and acclimated. I have a good chance of success, but each step after tomorrow will be another high altitude mark for me. Love and miss you all, …rick
Greetings from Robin. This is our last night here and we go up. Everything is going well so far and I’m feeling very soulful and in tune with the experience. Namaste to you all and I hold you in my heart.
Hi all, Lieve allemaal, here is Marieke.Today we had a quiet rest day, and we prepared for tomorrow: we had another medical check, checked our crampons and gathered our equipment. It started to snow higher up (up to Camp 2 – Nido de Condores). It looks very pretty, but also somewhat ominous as the Summit is huddled in the clouds. Heather is kindly loaning me her sleeping pad, so I am all set to go again. Summit day will be either the 18,19 or 20th depending on the weather. Love, Marieke.
Mck t
Hi Folks,
Thanks to all of you that have been following and writing on the blog. Today was our final medical check and gear check we’re off to the high camps tomorrow. I’m feeling really great but a bit dirty! Missed my 10 dollar shower today. I really appreciate hearing from all of you but all info will come from Heather starting Friday.. Bob B you a really funny guy. Bill thanks for your support and friendship. I’ll be back to ride / ski soon. Cousin Margo thanks for keeping dad informed! Last but not least thanks Sharon for all your love and support!!
Greetings from Jim! I took a shower yesterday. I loved it and I’m sure Gary my tent mate appreciated it. Of course I put back on the same clothes I’ve been wearing for 5 days so it lost some of the benefit. Today I switched to my other set of clothes. I will wear these up the mountain tomorrow and not change them until we get back in 5 days. Would Lecia still love me with my current hygiene regimen? I won’t put it to the test – I will shower when I get back
to Mendoza. However, I’m not shaving until I get home. I’m already pretty grizzly! Thanks for the posts from family and my friend Tony. I miss you all. I don’t think I will be able to post until we get back. I’m feeling strong and ready for the push to the top!!
Hii all- today was our last rest day. It felt good. Jason, if you’re out there, my pulse / ox is running about 90 / 70. I guess the airdyne did the job. I tried to get on the web cam today but I’m not sure holly ever got to see it. The stoner running the “art gallery / phone store” said the delay was no more than a minute or two, man. Friday we go to 16,000′ Saturday we
go to 18,000′ Sunday is 20,000′ then Monday we have 3500′ left to the summit. The last day will take about 12 hours. I’m paying for this ???
if the weather holds we should be back at 14,000′ by Tuesday night. Good luck to us !!! Bruce
Hi Julie,
It was great to hear about Lucy. She is a born leader. We are heading up to camp Canada in the morning. It looks like we will have snow over the next couple days. Then it looks like it will clear up. I love you and I will talk to you soon. Frank and Pete thanks for your support. Alex
From Theresa: Donna., Thank you so much for the great news from home. It is a relief to know that things are going well at home too while I am on the mountain. Tomorrow the high part of the climb starts
My Mantra
P atience
E arn (it)
R espect (the mountain)
S tamina
E nergy
R eliance (on myself aand my team mates)
V ictory
E ndurance
R elentless
A ttainable
N ever quit
C ypro, cardio, cunundrum
E nigma
Bruce Nystrom
Hi Mike-So good to hear from you often.I know I'll have to be patient from here on.Bob is back from the vet-he had the full treatment.If I check I'm pretty sure they painted his nails. We are all doing well here.Matt is doing a good job.I bought some daffodils (good memories) and a bottle of wine, so I guess it's official-I'm dating myself! I'm sure by now you are more organized and feeling settled.Try hard to sleep-stay calm, keep your head and one foot in front of the other.You are loved and your side of the bed is cold-but we're glad you are having this experience.Be safe-but I have confidence in both your ability and your heart. Love,wiff and bob
Hey Alex,
Its great to hear that you guys are really preparing for everything. It was nice to talk to you today.. I would really like for you guys to have great weather conditions for the climb!! I wold like it to be fast and a wonderfull experience for all!! We went to the gym today and Lucy cries when we pull in the parking lot, and then when we get there she walks right in and doesnt even look back for me. Everybody there is in love with Ashie, they fight over who is going to play with him:)We have such little superstars!!! They are playing with the videos and light switches now, ahhh the little things are what it is about. Have a great night and sleep ell, take care of your self, you have people who love you an would like you to come home safe and sound!!!! Love,
julie
For Rick Newman, Thanks for keeping us informed. We are following you day by day and praying for each day that Jesus will give you strength, wisdom and Angelic protection. Good pic of you at Camp today with the Peak behind. Love Dad and Mom
Mick
You're healthy, you're prepared, you have a great group with a terrific leader. The weather looks good. It's all up to you, so don't screw up. Have a great and an exciting climb to the summit.
Brokaw
Hey Alex..this is it buddy!! You're heading up tomorrow..keep pluggin along like you always do and you'll be there before you know it..and its a great view from the top..take some pictures!!! Stay strong buddy!! Frank
Hey Dad,
I can only imagine what a wonderful expierence this must be for you. I can't wait to discuss it with you when you get back. Y6
Matt
To one and all! Have a wonderful experience up there – be safe and strong and patient. Can't wait to read the updates and hear all of your stories. Wish I were there with you!
Best,
Randi Young / South Fork, CO
Dad, (Rick Newman)
I hope you have a great time on your mountineering experience and that you make it to the summit on summit day. I almost wish I could be there with you.
Be safe,
Logan
Hi Dad/Jim,
Seth here — It sounds like you are doing great. I'm really proud of you. You and I both have a challenge ahead of us… you getting the top of the mountain and me going to regionals in rock climbing this weekend. Can't wait to see you with a beard and tell you all about it. Will we recognize you? Love, Seth
Ethan here — Dad I really miss you and wish you were here for my birthday on Saturday. Mom can save you some cake. I can't wait to see you again and hear all about your climbing. Konan misses you too but we loving reading about what you are doing every night. Hugs forever, Ethan
Lecia here — Hi babe, we enjoyed your recap. Things are going well here. Sounds like you and the team are all prepared and excited about the next part of the adventure. In answer to the question you posed… OMG, getting really late here… get back to you on that!! (kidding of course I would…) Gary, I hope Jim isn't snoring too loudly in the tent or trying to keep you awake at night with scary ghost stories. Bruce, is it colder in Okoboji or Aconcagua?? You all be safe and stay strong!! Love, Lecia
Rick,
Just got back from RMHS wrestling meet against Collins. Garrett Kovach is a FORCE. You'll have to see him when you get back. They have 8 possibly wrestlers who may make it to state this year. Wow. Janice K. gave me the low down on the coaches and team – sounds like a GREAT program.
Logan's wrestling banquet was tonight. Coach Bibbey had some great things to say about him. I'll let him share…
Don't know if you'll get this before you head out, but we love you lots and can't wait until we can see you again – happy, healthy, and safe at home.
Love,
Cat
OK Jim, a shower and a clean set of clothes… you should be ready for the summit push! Things are pretty rough here too… "Kim, you forgot the slice in my Appletini, geez.."
Take it slow and easy, and try to forget that the rest of your climb is higher than that Cessna you use to fly… can't wait to hear the details. Stay safe and sneak back some summit dirt.
Alex if you could run 25 to 2500 at the Imperial Palace this would seem easy!!
Pete
For Rick — Just want you to know that we haven't forgotten you for a moment. We pray for you daily and it's exciting to follow the progress. Take care and be smart.
Mick-this is Corey. I was thinking about how great it was that you were doing this and how glad I am it isn't me looking out over the 20K foot cliffs with you! Have a safe climb, takes lots of pics, and you can do your slide show presentation in Chino Hills for us when you get back. You're missing out on about 10 ft of powder in Mammoth this week! Miss ya!!