Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
Thanks to everyone in the forum for helping with trip planning info for my adventure down to Acon this month!! It was invaluable!
I've written a bit about the trip on my blog, so won't belabor the point here, but it went like this:
Flew from Denver to Toronto to Santiago to Mendoza and arrived on saturday morning. Spent one night in Mendoza and then headed by bus to Penitentes, where I spent the night a hostel (nice place).
The next morning, my mule company, Fernando Grajales, dropped me at the TH to Vacas Valley and I headed up to the valley solo. The following day to Piedra, and then to Argentina basecamp.
Day 4 - did a carry to Camp 1 at 16k. This day is phenomenal as it gets you onto the snow and inbetween the penitentes, and under some beautiful morraines.
Day 5 - Climbed to Camp 1
Day 6 - Carry to Camp 2
Day 7 - Rest day at Camp 1
Day 8 - Climbed to Camp 2
Day 9 - "Summit Day" - I felt great all the way up, save some shortness of breath during my first night at Camp 1. Upon arrival to Camp 2, I was the only climber and the winds were high, but the skies relatively clear. The morning of my summit day involved packing all gear into one pack and crossing the traverse with my 82lbs. After about 20 min of final prep/packing, the toes on my right foot were frozen and my foot was rapidly getting colder. Made a quick decision to re-set the tent, get in and warm up the toes in the sleeping bag. It was a scary few moments, but eventually all was good. I repacked and tried traverse, but quickly realized by toes was hurting badly and the weight of the pack was too much for me. I broke off the trail and began a downwards traverse to join the Normal route. Eventually I found Nido de Condores camp, but was thoroughly exhausted. Warmed up in the ranger's hut and then continued down to Plaza de Mulas.
Day 10 - Did the hike out to Horcones TH. Long, long, long....
My recomendation to anyone doing the Traverse is to return via Argentina, using Camp 2, as your bascamp and avoiding the heavy carry across the traverse. All in all, and beautiful, but cold and windy trip. Amazing country down there....
Tons of pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/CharlesMcCash/AconcaguaDec2009
Blog: http://adventures-racing-realestate.blogspot.com/
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
I was just reading the Frostbite chapter in Jonathan Waterman‘s ”Surviving: A Study of Accidents on Mount McKinley” and was kind of sickened by the common causes of frostbite, which have less to do with the right gear and a lot to do with listening to your body, and taking care of it. I really enjoyed your story, thanks for posting it. You could have just as easily been that American up there, dead on the summit, had you continued on without listening to your feet. Welcome back.
Hi,
Solo, wow! You da man.
Great effort and I bet, a fantastic trip.
Beautiful, isn‘t it?
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
