December 9 2014
The day has finally come. Jamie my son and I are on our way to Argentina to climb Mt. Aconcagua.
I began to assemble my gear nearly a month in advance. I didn't want to forget anything nor did I want to over pack since there is a limit on what can be carried on a back up a high and steep mountain. To be clear, it will not be my back. I have hired a private porter which I think is the privilege of one in their sixties. Jamie will be macho and will carry his own gear.
Last night, I made my finally pare down. I don't care if I am grubby and stinky. That is just how it is on the mountain. so I have two sets of clothes and my ascent expedition gear and that is all. I was heartened to hear we do get a shower at base camp (a mere 14k). I probably won't wash my hair because it is too cold and no way to dry it. We'll see.
In my past climbs, when one reaches 15 or 16 k, it is just too cold to remove clothing so you stew in what you are wearing. The good news (?) is that it is too cold and dry to sweat much. That is at least my personal experience.
First stop or rather stopover on our adventure is Houston. Just a few hours. But, as Coloradans, it is always painful to be in Texas - our nemesis state. We plan on going to the International Lounge and get licquored up to ease the pain. We won't be drinking in the days ahead. That is for sure. Altitude and alcohol do not mix.
I now sit in the plane from Denver to Houston with feelings of excitement and trepidation. I am fit, I think. Training for and running the NYC Marathon just a month ago has gotten me into good condition. Even if as my son says, I am a lazy runner, I did the distance and finished.
I am probably a lazy climber too. I have no desire to set a speed record. I want to make it up and down and enjoy the sights on the way. On Kilimanjaro, he was always several hours ahead of me. That is why I have my own porter and guide. Who needs that performance anxiety? Not me!
I started my day doing last minute stuff. I visited my wonderful chiropractor, Dr. Robert Ebeling, and had a back adjustment and water massage. I feel so good. I did last minute work stuff, bills and mail. I had been away from home working at Suncadia for the prior ten days. what a scramble. Jamie worked in the morning and I picked him up and we went to the ParkNRide. I am so cheap, we took the bus to the airport. I only pay $4.50. How can I pass up such a deal?
I have begun to read Blind Descent about a climber who had to descend Everest after going blind at the summit. Inspirational or desperatinal ... hmmm.
The day has finally come. Jamie my son and I are on our way to Argentina to climb Mt. Aconcagua.
I began to assemble my gear nearly a month in advance. I didn't want to forget anything nor did I want to over pack since there is a limit on what can be carried on a back up a high and steep mountain. To be clear, it will not be my back. I have hired a private porter which I think is the privilege of one in their sixties. Jamie will be macho and will carry his own gear.
Last night, I made my finally pare down. I don't care if I am grubby and stinky. That is just how it is on the mountain. so I have two sets of clothes and my ascent expedition gear and that is all. I was heartened to hear we do get a shower at base camp (a mere 14k). I probably won't wash my hair because it is too cold and no way to dry it. We'll see.
In my past climbs, when one reaches 15 or 16 k, it is just too cold to remove clothing so you stew in what you are wearing. The good news (?) is that it is too cold and dry to sweat much. That is at least my personal experience.
First stop or rather stopover on our adventure is Houston. Just a few hours. But, as Coloradans, it is always painful to be in Texas - our nemesis state. We plan on going to the International Lounge and get licquored up to ease the pain. We won't be drinking in the days ahead. That is for sure. Altitude and alcohol do not mix.
I now sit in the plane from Denver to Houston with feelings of excitement and trepidation. I am fit, I think. Training for and running the NYC Marathon just a month ago has gotten me into good condition. Even if as my son says, I am a lazy runner, I did the distance and finished.
I am probably a lazy climber too. I have no desire to set a speed record. I want to make it up and down and enjoy the sights on the way. On Kilimanjaro, he was always several hours ahead of me. That is why I have my own porter and guide. Who needs that performance anxiety? Not me!
I started my day doing last minute stuff. I visited my wonderful chiropractor, Dr. Robert Ebeling, and had a back adjustment and water massage. I feel so good. I did last minute work stuff, bills and mail. I had been away from home working at Suncadia for the prior ten days. what a scramble. Jamie worked in the morning and I picked him up and we went to the ParkNRide. I am so cheap, we took the bus to the airport. I only pay $4.50. How can I pass up such a deal?
I have begun to read Blind Descent about a climber who had to descend Everest after going blind at the summit. Inspirational or desperatinal ... hmmm.
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