Trip Reports

Aconcagua - 19 Jan to 12 Feb '06

Written by Leader Greg Coe, February 2006

Our first opportunity for the summit coincided with a rare, perfect day, and seven team members took the opportunity to reach the top, while the eighth reached her personal high point. Blue skies, a cold gentle breeze, and squeaky snow underfoot: the hard-packed remains of the big dump a fortnight ago. We’d met plenty of disappointed folk heading off the mountain during our approach, their summit window coinciding with the storm, so we were especially delighted to meet Paul Donovan's team, and hear of their success after our week of acclimatisation.

Aconcagua takes no prisoners, though and we’d already lost Morgan by this stage, who struggled to acclimatise and after three days of roller-coaster health, had reluctantly decided to head out. John too was struck by a throat infection and pulled out during our move to camp 1, leaving eight of us to continue up the mountain in changeable weather.

The day of our move to high camp, we awoke to strong icy winds, but conditions improved somewhat that day and we made the decision to go early on Sunday morning. The blustery wind faded away and we were treated to a breathtaking sunrise and a 'peach' of a day.

Dr Suzanna, who’s medical knowledge and tales of romance had so educated and enlightened us in the mess tent, was unfortunately moving too slowly to reach the summit and turned back just before Independencia, while the rest of us pushed on. Wayne and Gerwin were back for their second crack at the mountain and this time Gerwin had brought his 18 year-old son Will, who showed an impressive performance at high altitude. All three reached the top in good order. Likewise Everest summitters Tony and Sibusiso and merchant seaman Neil, from his habitual home six metres below sea level, with the ever-impressive local guides Nils and Martin. Adam, fighting the effects of an infected tooth, reached the top on sheer determination and an empty stomach, with expedition leader Greg. We all spent half an hour enjoying the windless conditions, awesome views and the satisfaction of the summit.

A great effort all round, and a most enjoyable trip: I particularly enjoyed the mess tent banter, but bad luck about the cards, fellas: next time we’re playing for money...!

Greg Coe, expedition leader « Previous report | Next report »

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