737 Leg 3 Aconcagua - Day 57

Hi Guys, We are back at Plaza de Mulas base camp after packing up from camp 2 Nido de Condores. It took us about 5 hours to get down from the summit meaning it was about a 17 hour day. We were all pretty shattered last night but the team is in good spirits. 4 of our team and leader Gianni summited. Myself, Diego, Brett and Andy made it.

I can fill you in a bit more about the final moments today. When we reached Canaleta, a large gully leading to the summit ridge, and the most strenuous part of the climb, the weather turned on us quickly. This part of the climb is about 500m of rock scrambling before the summit. Diego and I had to split from the group and push on to ensure we made the summit due to the concern about the weather. Our leader Gianni confirmed we might not have the chance to summit unless we moved on so we made the decision to push on ahead quickly. The others arrived at the summit about half an hour after us and I was really pleased that we were all able to make the descent together, it was nice to start and finish the climb as a group.

Not all the group were aware but there were rumours going around that a German climber had slipped off the Canaleta and died a few days before so our minds were extra focused on those last 500m and it was pretty tough. Before that I had been feeling really comfortable and overall I am really pleased that the climb was a success and I have plenty of gas left in the tank, I feel great proving my training has prepared me really well.

Tonight we will pack more gear up and in the morning load it on to mules. Tomorrow it’s about a 27km trek to the ranger’s station to check out of the park and after that it’s back to Mendoza by bus, which is about 4 hours. Then I’ll get a welcome rest by the side of the pool!

Thanks for all your messages on Facebook and Twitter guys, it’s awesome you are all keeping up to date and to know you are all following my progress every day really does spur me on.