Lost in Tanslation

Things are tough here at the Mendoza Park Hyatt. Days are spent feasting on breakfast tortillas, lounging by the pool, exploring the town and sweating it out on the hotel stairmaster (Think Bill Murray in 'Lost in Translation'). Wolfgang arrived yesterday and we are just organising our last minute supplies. Apparently there are only 2 other climbers on the climb and 2 guides, which will make for a nice small group. We will meet the team tonight at a introduction feast, and tomorrow we set of for Penittentes Ski area from where we start the climb proper. From there we will walk for 3 days to base camp.

Touchdown

Finally made Mendoza, Argentina after spending 24 hours wedged next to a peruvian hombre who spent the flight describing the carnivorous joy of devouring the entire four legged food chain (including guinea pig, which is a big ticket item in Peru) I think being a veggie in South America is going to be a challenge. The flight over the Andes was spectacular despite the plane lurching menacingly close to the mountains that we will be attempting to climb in a few weeks. Just like a scene out of the film 'Alive'. At least if the plane went down there were plenty of juicy passengers to feast on! Luckily made it, and am now of to explore the sights of Mendoza.

One More Sleep

I am freaking out. I have packed and re-packed 10 times and am still missing bits and pieces. Then I lost the packing list, and after turning the house upside down found it in the bottom of the pack! It's going to be down to the line to get everything sorted before that taxi arrives at the 'brutal' time of 4.00am to take me to the airport...

Packing Frenzy

Checking the gear list of the expedition notes I was confident that I would have most of the 'big ticket' items covered. Wrong! Because of Aconcagua's high altitude and extreme weather, I realised that I needed to upgrade quite a few items to handle the bitter cold. This meant a frantic couple of trips to the outdoor shops and a serious dent in the plastic. I figure my toes and fingers are worth it though...

The approach

The approach to the climb will include a 35 mile trek that is crucial to our acclimatization. Trusty mules will carry our gear up the 'normal' approach route from where on the third day we split from the normal route and continue up the less used Vacas Valley. We hopefully will not see any other expeditions on this exciting new route which will provide amazing views of spectacular glaciers contrasting with the dessert backdrop. We will also have the chance to see elusive herds of Guanacos. From here the real 'hard' work begins...

One Week to go!

After nearly two years of planning, It is hard to believe that in less then a week I will be embarking on the epic adventure to climb South America's highest mountain - Aconcagua. Flying into Santiago, Chile I will then make my way to Mendoza which is the base for Aconcagua expeditions and is famous for it's fine Argentina's wine. Joining me in Mendoza from London will be my climbing partner in crime Wolfgang. Speaking to him on the phone the other night I was a bit concerned about his planned 'strategy' to wear only one pair of underpants the entire expedition, only changing into the 'freshies' on the final day...Nice!