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Aconcagua - first day on the mountain

View towards base camp
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Written by Ben Sadler, February 2022

Ben Sadler writes from Aconcagua base camp:

"After the long trek into base camp (4365m) and a rest day to acclimatise, the team made it onto Aconcagua proper today (Sunday).

Although not billed as one of the three hardest days, the push up to Camp 1 was a really tough effort. At 5000m it's the highest altitude most of the team have reached for many years, and with a steep climb for most of the route had many people gasping for air.

As well as to acclimatise, today was also about getting food and kit up to camp 1 for the summit push in about a week. So adding loads of up to 18kg, and some of the team breaking in heavy double boots, made it a much more gruelling day than expected.

The team relieved to reach camp 1

But while time on the mountain is tough, life at base camp is far from it. Last night's dinner was barbecued steak, followed by home made apple crumble (one of the kitchen staff called her sister in England for a recipe as a surprise for us!).

And to have running hot water and hot showers (for those of us who have summoned up the energy to use them!) makes life pretty good for us all!

Taking a break en route to Camp 1

Tomorrow is an optional trek up Bonneti Peak, which is supposed to be beautiful, before the second hardest day, up to camp 2. And then, fingers crossed, we head for the summit later in the week.

But first, time for a shower and more steak for dinner..."

You can follow Ben on Instagram @benclimbshills

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