The 6 climbers and two guides are working hard in Mendoza. They are doing gear checks and packing all the stuff. We will have a solid Argentinean steak dinner tonight, of course with some Malbec red wine since we are in the land of the sun and the wine. Here is a picture of the guides Martín Molina, a master rock climber and UIAGM guide from Mendoza, an Eliana Caamaño, a really strong lady from the city of Rosario, in the Pampas, as they prepare the gear in our logistics house.
Tomorrow the team leaves to Penitentes, a small ski resort close to the trailhead, where they will spend one night to start acclimatizing. Then it is a 3-day hike to Plaza Argentina. This is the nice base camp of the East side of Aconcagua. It is the last point where the mules take the loads; from there on, is human power! The group will stay at least 3 more days at base camp (nice dinners by chef Susy Tarditti). Then the altitude game begins. But there will be plenty of dispatches before, as they call me from their sat phone and I deliver the news to you. Until then!
Nicolás García
AP Mendoza
