Aconcagua 6th January 2012 Expedition News

Leader: Kieran Hodgson. Team: Chris G, Stuart G, Jack A, Thomas A, Simon W, Mark R, Philip S, Robert M, Jack B, Geoffrey B, Matthew N, Bob L

21st Jan: Kieran rang this morning with the good news that 3 clients and himself reached the summit of Aconcagua yesterday; Tom A, Jack A and Mark R.

Stuart G reached as far as Black Rocks, and Simon W and Philip S turned back just before Black Rocks. The weather for the summit was perfect. They are heading back to Base Camp today and the weather has turned wild, so it looks like they picked the right day to summit. Congratulations to the team!

18th Jan: Kieran called this morning to say the team did a carry to camp 2 yesterday. Bob L has also helicoptered out with a bad chest. Bob L, Jack B & Geoffrey B are all now in Mendoza. The team are currently looking at the 20th for their summit bid. The wind is meant to be picking up after the 20th, but the team will keep an eye on how things develop over today and tomorrow.

16th Jan: Kieran called last night to let us know that Geoffrey B had to return to base camp after feeling unwell. The doctor treated him and he is now feeling much better but the decision was made for him not to continue with the climb. Geoffrey helicoptered out yesterday.  Jack B, his brother, has also decided to trek out to be with Geoffrey in Mendoza. The rest of the team wish them both a safe journey home. The team will head back up to camp 1 today and then start to make their carries to camp 2.

13th Jan: The team have now arrived at base camp and have a rest day tomorrow. So far the weather has been good for the team they plan to make their first carry to camp 1 on Sunday they will then head back down to base camp the same day to sleep.

9th Jan: The team all arrived safely on the 7th Jan. They have made their final preparations and filled their bellies with ample amounts of steak (the non-veggies did anyway). They will travel up to Penitentes today and start the trek proper along the Vacas valley tomorrow.