Happy New Year from Base Camp – Aconcagua
As you probably know, we took a lot of technology with us to Argentina, not only the latest in paraglider wings and harnesses, but state of the art compact 2 meter band radios for communication, satellite phone, netbook computer, video and still cameras and of course Ipods. All this technology will obviously only run for so long before it requires recharging. Luckily, one of our sponsors,
Voltaic Systems, provided one of the latest solar panels available at cost price. The
Voltaic Generator is unique as it can actually recharge a laptop computer, a task we actually completed with Ken’s full size Toshiba Satellite. It’s a great piece of technology adding flexibility to my task here at Base Camp keeping all our technology running, so many thanks to Jeff at Voltaic Systems.
I’ve just heard from the team on the mountain, they’ve all moved out of Camp One and are on the way to Camp Two taking the opportunity of a slackening wind this afternoon., With a weather window of Saturday morning looking like the only opportunity for summiting, the climbing schedule was changed to make best use of this window. Because of this, Keith and Ken made personal decisions to end their climb at this point, each attaining a personal best, Ken 20000ft and Keith just over 18000ft. They will arrive back at Base Camp late this afternoon. Meanwhile, Brad, Kev, John and Don Parmenter are going to make a bid for Camp Three today. Early Saturday morning the wind is forecast to be as low as 10km/hr, but Saturday night, forecast to increase to 50km/hr and even more in the following hours. So if any member of the team is to stand a chance of standing on top of the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere, it will have to be early Saturday Morning. Watch this space!
Blog update by Jerry
10 comments:
Dad,
We are all so proud of your achievement! 20000 ft is miraculous to those of us at sea level. May you enjoy some warmth and rest at base camp. Oh, and also the luxurious shower and toilet facilities mentioned on the blog so many times!
Love, Jenny, Jason, Emma, Jack, Jordan and of course your loving wife
Papa,
Merry Christmas, Happy New Years, and well done! The Dedication and drive you've put forth during the course of this adventure has been absolutely inspiring. I hope that i can return the favour through use of my words! Love you, Dust.
The Journey
The Mountains roll on, through the setting sun,
The Creeks, flow down through the trees;
High up in the sky on a windswept ledge,
A mans hair is blown in the breeze.
He unfurls his pack, and tucks in his top,
A shiver runs down through his spine;
Being alone in the wild is testing and hard,
But with his knowledge, he should be fine.
The day grows long and stretches to night,
Emotions are stirred and run deep;
He feels vividly, the bitter cold,
He needs a place to sleep.
Spotting a tree, fallen and aged,
Hoping it's home to no other;
In the coming night, a battle he'll wage,
A true test from the real mother.
The mountains roll on through the darkening eve,
The creeks flow down through the trees;
High up in the sky tucked away in a log,
A man lies sleeping in the breeze.
The 'Morrow comes and the man awakes,
To beign his journey 'anew;
The miles are long but his mind is set,
They roll by like only a few.
With his shoulder aching, determination shaking,
He pushes on, for its the only way;
To turn back now is to lose all hope,
And never again, see the light of day.
But the final leg of his Journey is near,
Along with his rescuers too;
He can't wait to be home and see his dear wife,
Whom he loves more than me or you.
The mountains roll on through the seasons and years,
The creeks flow down through time;
Lessons learned are with you forever,
As my love with you on this climb........
Much Love,
Dustin
Dad,Papa
We are and continue to be amazed and inspired by your adventureous and selfless spirit. A true measure of success is not in the final result but in the integrity and character one demonstrates throughout the journey. As always the integrity and character you have demonstrated throughout this very worthwhile journey serves as a beacon of hope for us all. While many are more than willing to talk the talk so few are willing to back their rhetoric by walking the walk. We are so very proud to call you our Dad and Papa and are greatful to you for your wonderful courage, personal sacrifice, and awesome example. We hope your journey down is safe and we wish those who are continuing on upward a safe and sucessful summit attempt. We can't wait to see you and to hear of your very successful journey. Love Paul, Shelly, Chelsea, Dustin, Cruze, and various pets
Keith (Dad),
There have been so many who talk to me and tell me they are following you on this journey, all excited and amazed at what you are doing. I know you went with the purpose of seeing this mountain all the way to the top, but your health and safety mean so much more than that rock. We are all so very proud of your accomplishment, what a long way you have already travelled this past year never mind how high this past few weeks. Your dedication to this project and all your training and hard work have inspired many. I hope that you too are proud of how far you have come to stand on this mountain with a group of men who have been doing this for so much longer than you. This was no "simple hike", and while my wish for you was to achieve the ultimate prize for all your hard work, I am so proud of how far you went. Everyone is really looking forward to some great stories...you better be prepared! Enjoy one of those enticing looking showers and a good rest. Best of luck to the rest of the team.
Love Lorill, Ryan and Sarah
I didn't see Randy K's name mentioned but am assuming that he is one of the team attempting to summit. Good luck, Randy. I wish you all the best. We are really starting to miss you at home. (Well, the girls from Florida.) I love you and am proud of what you are doing.
Bravo Ken
Mum asked me to pass on that she loves you and that you are in her thoughts and heart.
Very proud of you big brother and glad to hear you are heading down safe after touching the 20k mark.
Love Al, Kathy & Dylan
Hey Kenny,
Well done my son! Looking forward to catching up with you on your adventure. Have a safe return and Happy New Year.
Love,
Ron and Karm
Congrats papa! 20,000 feet is a miraculous achievement! We all knew you were an incredible person to have just gone on this trip and challenged yourself but are so proud that you were able to see your limits! Can't wait to hear of your adventure! xoxo
Keith,
We are so very proud of you!!!!!! Waaa hoooooo. You are awesome!
Jackie and Darwin
Keith,
We are so very proud of you!!!!!! Waaa hoooooo. You are awesome!
Jackie and Darwin
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