Mt Aconcagua Base Camp


It has been about 5 days since we left Mendoza, now Elle and I sit in Base camp at 4300 metres. The road here was long, from Confluencia the camp below we climber from 3400 metres in a 10 hour day that saw walking through 50-60km/hr winds across open plains then up scree hills. Reaching base camp was a achievement in itself.


Base camp is a fascinating tent city, now we sit in a satellite Internet cafe, which draw is artificial grass and a fake palm tree. Avalanches can be heard through the day and night, it strangely warm with the sun out but drops to -15C at night.


An acclimatisation climb took us to 5000m yesterday to our next camp and open area on a cliff. Vegetation went a long time ago.

Last night, following the climb to camp Canada was the worst storm I have ever been in, winds were 93km/hr folded in half, so midway through the night we were out hedging it up with rocks and trying to find our socks, which were down the valley. Two great quotes came from the Spanish speaking guides that night:

1. At the start of the night. ¨I think it going its going to be windy"
2. As we were trying to keep the tent from blowing away, "welcome to Aconcagua."

We are of tomorrow so it will be 5 days before we return to Base camp as we have three camps before we can attempt to summit.

Both of us are well, holding up to the altitude though many long hard days!

Location: Aconcagua - Mendoza Province, Argentina

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