Today was our
acclimatization day. That means we climb
to a higher elevation to build up our blood cells. We went to a place called Plaza De Francia. We had an altitude change of 2000 feet. Not
much to compared the nearly 3000 feet we have on ascent day. The hike generally takes 7 hours but we were
such a strong group that we only took less than 6 hours. It was a relatively easy ascent. I use the term relatively because I am used
to climbing in Colorado and it is about the same ruggedness of terrain. The
hairiest part was a landslide area. We walked slowly,
quickly and quietly so not to disturb the surroundings. I would have held my breath if I had had any
:). We passed without incident.
Food tastes so good
when one is exerting oneself. Our lunch
was tomato cheese empanadas, oranges, chocolate cookies, walnuts and
raisins. We practically inhaled our
food.
After the climb we
had to have a medical check. After each raise in altitude we have to have a
medical check. If we don't pass we can't go further. We all approached it with
trepidation. We did pass but several of us had caveats. One had low oxygen
saturation and my blood pressure was elevated.
We have another check today. My ox- sat and pulse was the best of the
group except for Jamie. So hope my blood pressure goes down. We will see.
I was bummed that I
may be barred from the ascent. It would
mean I would not be able to experience subzero temperatures, hypoxia, frostbite,
and climb through snow, scree, and ice.
Gee what a loss:).
I hope I
can go but I am not risking my life.
Me and Jamie - South face of Aconcagua
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