Woke what what I call a bluebird day. It is sunny and clear. It is cool being at 9000 ft but pleasant.
We had a group supper last night and each told our "life story". John is a commercial plumber from Northern Ireland, Shao is from Malaysia but works in Singapore is a stockbroker, Niv from Israel, Herman our guide studied medicine in Buenos Aries but bagged it to be a mountain guide. All are experienced climbers. Most have done Kilimanjaro and either Everest or Annapurna base camp. No super stars climbing Everest or K2. Of course the elite wouldn't do a guided and supported trek. We are recreational climbers. It seems all of us are basically overachievers by nature. Otherwise why would we take on such a foolish quest?
Herman is teaching me Spanish. This is very different Spanish from what is spoken in Denver. Even in Argentina there are 5 dialects. I will do my best to learn since I think it is respectful to try to use the native language.
We head out in an hour. The mules left very early and should be at our camp hours before we arrive. We are good if we get to camp early enough we may find spaces in the large permanent tent that has beds. My fingers as crossed. I could do with one less day sleeping on rocks.
No internet for a few days I am told.
So we begin.
Long trek up to Confluencia through a river valley. It was a rugged but okay pathway. Crossing over a bridge on the river was very steep but we were well rested and it was okay.
We arrived at Confluencia to the enthusiastic welcome of Victoria. She has a snack ready for us. We were so hungry. The tents were set up, we got settled and then it was time for a very nice supper.
This camp has a flush toilet! Yeah. We rejoiced at this simple amenity for it would be our last for many days.
Confluencia
Jamie resting
Niv and Shao setting up the tent
Janie, Herman and John
John
Our Dining Room Tent
Jamie at Laguna De Horcones - the beginning of our journey
We had a group supper last night and each told our "life story". John is a commercial plumber from Northern Ireland, Shao is from Malaysia but works in Singapore is a stockbroker, Niv from Israel, Herman our guide studied medicine in Buenos Aries but bagged it to be a mountain guide. All are experienced climbers. Most have done Kilimanjaro and either Everest or Annapurna base camp. No super stars climbing Everest or K2. Of course the elite wouldn't do a guided and supported trek. We are recreational climbers. It seems all of us are basically overachievers by nature. Otherwise why would we take on such a foolish quest?
Herman is teaching me Spanish. This is very different Spanish from what is spoken in Denver. Even in Argentina there are 5 dialects. I will do my best to learn since I think it is respectful to try to use the native language.
We head out in an hour. The mules left very early and should be at our camp hours before we arrive. We are good if we get to camp early enough we may find spaces in the large permanent tent that has beds. My fingers as crossed. I could do with one less day sleeping on rocks.
No internet for a few days I am told.
So we begin.
Long trek up to Confluencia through a river valley. It was a rugged but okay pathway. Crossing over a bridge on the river was very steep but we were well rested and it was okay.
We arrived at Confluencia to the enthusiastic welcome of Victoria. She has a snack ready for us. We were so hungry. The tents were set up, we got settled and then it was time for a very nice supper.
This camp has a flush toilet! Yeah. We rejoiced at this simple amenity for it would be our last for many days.
Crossing the bridge used for the film "Seven Years in Tibet"
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