Aconcagua Update 3

1/3/09

Hello, everyone.

We went to Plaza Canada today to drop off some of our gear. Our packs weighed about 40 to 50 pounds each, and the climb from 14,000 to over 16,000 feet was very strenuous. Tomorrow we will be climbing again to Plaza Canada with the rest of our gear but we will be staying there. As such, this will be the last update for about 6 or 7 days. Above base camp there is nothing but rocks, ice, snow, and wind.

While we were at Plaza Canada (which is really just a clearing in the rocks and snow at 16,000 feet where you can pitch tents), it started to snow, and we have heard that it will continue to snow tomorrow. We have also heard that the weather will clear on Monday, so it will be cold but no precipitation.

A lot of our conversations revolve around health and the weight of our gear. Our gear is rated to -20 degrees F (minus 20), but we probably wont see colder than -10 degrees. There was a big discussion on what warm gear each of us was going to leave behind at basecamp because our packs weigh so much, but with the snow, I think we will bear the extra weight and be more comfortable, yet still miserable!!! Once gear is left at basecamp, it is back there for good.

We also remember all our friends and family at home, and we want you to know how much we love and appreciate all of you. Taking on an adventure like this really lets you see how blessed each one of us is. I am truly grateful for my associations and friendships that I share with each of you. Please include us in your thoughts and prayers.

Warm Regards,

Stan Bastian