Aconcagua - Highly Supported Vacas Valley Route

Leader: Martin Barnett. 18th January 2014 departure.
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8th February: This is the last post before the end of the trip. Here we are enjoying our last meal together before we all head home. We all had a great time and now looking forward to our next trip.

2nd February: I would like to congratulate Dave and Bill for getting to Indepencia Hut. Unfortunately, the wind prevented us from getting past this point as it would have been just too dangerous. Adrian and Len got to about 6200m. I was very proud of the team for making the effort as another group in the camp didn’t even bother to leave their tents.

The weather was great for several days that it took us to get to our high camp but it turned nasty as we got to Camp Colera. The wind was over 100kph again on the summit yesterday. What a mountain.

We are all looking forward to getting back to Mendoza to enjoy a nice juicy steak. Martin

31st January: Martin has called with an update. They are going up to Camp Colera today with plans to head out for the Summit tomorrow morning around 5am.

Everyone is feeling strong apart with from one client who headed down this morning not feeling great. They have reached Base Camp already and are now feel well again and looking forwards to a steak in Mendoza tomorrow!

The weather forecast is looking very windy over the next 4 days but we plan on giving it our best shot and will no doubt all reach a personal best for altitude if not the summit! Wish us luck, Martin.

27th January pm: From Mark, Ade, Dave, Bill, and Len. Hi everyone. We’re on our 3rd day at base camp, and everyone is well. We made our first load carry yesterday up to Camp 1.

Right now we are sat at base camp having a rest day, excited to be moving up to camp 1 tomorrow. Spirits are high with lots of laughing and joking, while we keep one eye on the weather for our summit attempt. The trek in to base camp was incredibly hot and dusty. Everything we own is covered in a thin film of dust which is finer than powder.

The Guides are great, and are helping up progress at the best pace. We are all getting on very well, which is just as well with the need to co-operate and help each other.

Lots of love from all of us to all our friends and family back home.
Dave: PS chin up Mike! tclyl xxx
Mark: Love to you all. Smurf is with me every step x.

27th January: Mark, David, Adrian, Len and Bill all made it to Plaza Argentinas (4200m) this afternoon. They are well, happy but tired after a breezy walk from Casa de Piedra. They are now looking forward to a wonderful dinner and a well deserved rest day tomorrow. Well done guys.

25th January: The team has seen the doctor and we have all been cleared to move up the mountain tomorrow. Our plan is to do a carry up to camp 1 and leave some food, tents and gear there. We have had a nice rest day today relaxing and getting to know each other. The weather is looking good for the next few days which will make our time up there much more pleasant.