Our first Aconcagua expedition for the 2010/2011 season is on its way! Ralph Drollinger, Fred Simmons, and Bill Simon will be joined by April Mayhew and Kurt Wedberg.
The team will fly from the United States and meet as a group in Mendoza, Argentina on November 30. After securing climbing permits we will drive to Los Penitentes where we will organize our gear to be carried by mules for the 3-day trek into Base Camp.
The team spent the last couple of days organizing last minute details in Los Angeles before flying.
A couple pictures are below. Stay tuned for updates to our expedition!!
The team having fun shopping for last minute items at Adventure 16 in West LA. From left to right: Ralph Drollinger, Kurt Wedberg, Alia Mohsenin (A16's stellar veteran salesman and expert boot fitter), Bill Simon, and Fred Simmons.
Ralph needed specially modified crampon to fit his size 17 boots. A metal expert designed extra long bars to give the crampons enough length. Kurt and Ralph used material purchased at Adventure 16 to manufacture straps that were long enough to fit around the boot.
oBill Simon doing his best Maxwell Smart agent 86 imitation with one of Ralph's crampons turned "crampon phone".
The team in Bill Simon's office organizing personal equipment for the climb.
Bill and Kurt in Bill Simon's conference room turned gear packing room discussing equipment selection for this expeditions
Kurt and Ralph with Denni Cohen. Denni is Bill's #1 administrative assistant and came in to double check that all final details were taken care of before we left. Thanks Denni!!
Ralph and Danielle Drollinger inspecting one of the expedition tents.
After finishing shopping and packing for the expedition Ralph Drollinger questioned the regulation height of Bill Simon's basketball court.
April Mayhew making sure we don't miss Ralph's arrival at the Mendoza airport!
First lunch in Mendoza!
Great first post!! Have a great trip and great climb Dad!!
Love you guys and am praying for a wonderful trip!
“Did you make the peak!
‘Did you make the peak!’