|
      |
Expedition Dispatches
| ||
 Vern | | Download a FREE media player to listen. [Windows Media] [RealPlayer] |
Colorful SantiagoTuesday, September 28, 1999
"Well, we made the last seven-eight miles of our walk out in record time...I think it has to do with a Tejas travel theory that one travels faster towards a food source than away from one — especially when one is almost out of food...."
Spring in the AndesMonday, September 27, 1999
"Boy, howdy, spring has come to the Andes! As we've descended Aconcagua, we've noticed that all the snow that was here on our way in has now gone..."
A Harrowing DescentSaturday, September 25, 1999
"The mountain shined on us and allowed us to stand on the summit. But yesterday, coming down, whoo-wee, she showed a different face. We got knocked down by at least 60 mile-an-hour gusts..."
A Windy, Cold SummitFriday, September 24, 1999
"Yahoo! We were very fortunate yesterday and we were able to summit. Even though there was high winds and low temperatures, we stood on top and were able to take measurements — both climatology and physiological measurements on the very summit of Mount Aconcagua...."
Summit DayThursday, September 23, 1999
"Today is our summit day. We're looking forward to a clear, but blustery day. A big low front is starting to head in and we're going to run for it and see if we can tag the top today — weather permitting, of course...."
Moving to High CampWednesday, September 22, 1999
"Today we move up to High Camp; we are starting our summit bid push. Unfortunately, looks like the weather might be changing...."
Through the PenitentesTuesday, September 21, 1999
"We made an excellent camp, where we have running water and lots of ambient heat from the rocks that have been heated up by the solar input during the day...."
Progressing in Pristine WeatherMonday, September 20, 1999
"Yesterday we came up the Ameghino Glacier which is generally - in the summertime - a field of penitentes. Penitentes are very similar to upside-down icicles and they're very difficult to travel through...."
Mental Test DaySunday, September 19, 1999
"We're taking four tests while we're on the mountain to check and see where we go mentally as we ascend and watch our mental capacity as we descend..."
Tent SaunaSaturday, September 18, 1999
"We're inside the tent and it's 75 degrees, we're taking a sauna — goodness gracious. We're actually going to have to bury some of our food in the snow to keep it from spoiling...."
Steep Canyon and Snow BathsFriday, September 17, 1999
"We were able to take snow baths yesterday and melt water to save our precious fuel for up high — that was a real plus. Yesterday morning we climbed through the Relinchos Valley, a very steep, narrow gorge..."
First Glimpse of the MountainThursday, September 16, 1999
"And yesterday, as we got into camp, we got a first view of the mountain. Aconcagua, from the east, is spectacular: a pretty amazing set of glaciers and rocky buttresses soaring into the sky. We're really excited...."
A New Modus OperandiWednesday, September 15, 1999
"We are going to drop probably a good 20% of our weight here. Instead of double-carrying up the valley now, we're hopeful that we can actually do a single carry and maybe get twice the mileage...."
Wish You Were HereTuesday, September 14, 1999
"Boy oh boy, I wish you could have been here yesterday afternoon. Bob and I slugged it out against 50 mile-an-hour winds — whiteout conditions — to get to our campsite...."
Inchworming Up the Vacas ValleyMonday, September 13, 1999
"The whole place got pretty steamed up. It was remarkable, but if you've got enough gasoline you can dry almost anything, is my theory...."
Fresh Tracks up AconcaguaSunday, September 12, 1999
"We've been able to use our skis for the last day, which has been a real treat...."
Following the Guanaco's TrailSaturday, September 11, 1999
"...we also have also seen a couple herds of guanacos which — very fortunately for us — have come down to the lower elevations..."
Detained by Local JuntaFriday, September 10, 1999
"We were escorted off the mountain and taken into custody several days ago by the local border police. We had to explain to them what our mission was, and we were still denied access..."