Aconcagua The Conclusion

Aconcagua - 22,841 ft.

1/13/09

Hi, everyone, for one last time from Argentina!

Well, we finally did arrive back to the lowlands of Mendoza, and we were finally able to shower after almost two weeks. Yes, the smell in the van was incredible during the almost four hour drive from the Andes back to civilization!!

Our flight leaves tomorrow afternoon for the USA, and we are content. We have had two days of recuperation in Mendoza in 90-degree sunny weather, and we have eaten a lot of beef! The beef here in Argentina is legendary, and I am amazed and shocked. We all are amazed.

Summit - Troy, Troy, Stan and Dan

After almost 14 days on the mountain and a bland diet of rice and noodles (but which we gratefully scarfed down!!), we spent our last freezing nights in the tents talking about the first thing we were going to eat when we got home. Troy Yost was going to drive directly to Chipotle for a mongo burrito; Troy Hull was going to go directly to Sky Sushi in El Dorado Hills; Dan Gregory wanted his wife to make him some French toast; and I wanted to drive to PF Changs in Roseville for candied walnut shrimp, chicken in black bean sauce, and Kung Pao chicken -- all three dishes. Now after gorging ourselves on bife de chorizo (sirloin steak) and costillas (beef ribs), we have all gained some weight back, and we can probably drive directly home to see our families, loved ones, and friends without the need to eat everything in sight!!!

Camp at Berlin - 19,000 ft.

Although the climb to the summit was taxing, the one-day 18-mile hike down the mountain from base camp (through riverbeds, up and down valleys and gorges, etc.) to the entrance of the national park was overwhelming. We have all learned a lot from this experience, and we are grateful for all the concern and prayers that were offered on our behalf. There were times when we doubted that the weather would hold for us to get the opportunity to try for the summit; and then the worry of sickness and health was a constant concern. To our knowledge, our team alone had 100% success on the mountain during the past weeks (7 of 7 climbers to reach the summit); and according to talk in basecamp, this season has been one of the deadliest on record.

Attached are some photos from the climb. In a few weeks, we have all agreed to throw a party at my house to celebrate, talk, and view a slide show of the climb. We would love to visit with everyone!

Warmest regards to all,

Stan Bastian