Upon arrival at camp one Dec 8 three days ago we got settled in and the next day took a hike to 17050 feet and it was a successful acclimatization hike.
That evening the winds picked up in a big way and our tents were hit by gusts up to 80 miles an hour
This wind storm has continued unabated ever since.
Last night and this morning we had wind gusts that pushed a hundred miles an hour.
When we arrived at camp one on Dec 8, I calibrated my Suunto Core altimeter watch to 16700 feet it has since risen over two hundred feet and this morning it was reading 16965 feet. This would indicate a substantial drop in barometric pressure. The good news is, the team remains in great spirits and we are using this opportunity to acclimatize while remaining strong and healthy in anticipation of more favorable climbing weather to come.
We received a weather forecast calling for drastically reduced winds as soon as tomorrow. Assuming this is the case we anticipate moving up to camp two sometime in the next couple of days and preparing for a summit attempt soon after.
Thanks to everybody at home for your prayers and positive thoughts, we can feel the love all the way here at 16700 feet on Aconcagua.
Sending many toasty thoughts your way! Happy trails, hopefully on the 12th. Kay
I just found (or possibly re-found) your weblog, and am looking forward to reading about your Aco experience. Be fast, be safe!
eagerly awaiting next post! Hope all is well and everyone is feeling good!
Be well!
Ditto what reedi said!!! Sending prayers every day!