Blog update Dec 26

Blog update 26 December 2009

As the early morning sun changed the colour of the high peaks around base camp and I struggled with my contact lenses frozen into their solution, 7 of the team prepared for an early morning hike and fly before breakfast and before the wind got too strong preventing any possible paragliding.

The early rise and cold hike were rewarded by a fantastic scenic flight, taking off at 14,800ft and heading straight towards Mt Aconcagua while the rest of the camp slept below, but not for long as the whole area was soon echoing to the ‘whoops’ and ‘yeehas’ of the pilots as they passed over base camp towards the landing area kindly staffed by Ken acting as airport manager passing wind reports as requested by the pilots…..and all this before breakfast too!

During the afternoon, some of the team felt strong enough to tackle a carry to camp one, stockpiling essential supplies such as food, fuel and warm clothing for the climb ahead. Tomorrow the whole team will head off on the main carry to camp one, but return to base camp for supper. Don’t forget to watch the progress on the Spot GPS. All the team remain healthy, in high spirits and eager to start the main climb in 2 days.

Blog update by Jerry Mason