Rob says things are going good. The team met with doctors to get their bio-stats and everyone passed with flying colors. Tomorrow they travel up to 16.2′ to set up their cache for camp 1. He says everyone’s getting along. Its windy, clear, and chilly (not chile, har!). Dad-humor intact!

So here’s something kind of amazing… the website Aconcagua Now has a live webcam at Plaza Argentina (Base Camp) so you can see the whole day in three minute increments if you go to their “history pictures” section. So here’s 221 images from today’s live feed at base camp (click the image)! And if you spot Rob, leave a comment with the timecode that’s posted in the top right of the photo.

Day 7: Rest and acclimatization at Base Camp. We relax and adjust to the new altitudes while we focus on packing and organizing our gear for the mountain.* Sunday, December 9th, 2012

* Itinerary summary from RMI Guides

After three days of hiking, Rob is happy and healthy at the base camp (aka Plaza Argentina). He says one of the highlights of the day was crossing an ice cold river on a mule for $5.

Day 6: We complete the approach to Base Camp by following the Relinchos Valley to Plaza Argentina. Base Camp (13,800′) is on a glacial moraine overlooking the river valleys of our approach. We unpack our climbing gear carried by the mules and establish camp. * Saturday, December 8th, 2012

* Itinerary summary from RMI Guides

A very windy phone dispatch from today’s camping spot. Rob says, “I’m feeling fine and looking forward to another day tomorrow!”

Day 4: We begin the approach to Base Camp at Plaza Argentina. We make our way into the heart of the Andes as we ascend the gentle, winding trail of the Vacas Valley. Team members carry 20 to 25 pounds in their packs; mules carry the remaining personal and group gear. Our first camp is at Pampa de Las Leñas (9,000′).* Thursday, December 6th, 2012

* Itinerary summary from RMI Guides

Rob left his first voicemail dispatch and a Christmas greeting. They had just set-up their tents in Los Penitentes. The journey upwards begins!

Day 3: We depart from the hotel and head to the permit office to obtain the climbing permits for our expedition. With our climbing permits secured, we depart Mendoza and head west towards Aconcagua. We drive out of the fertile wine country and into the mountains, reaching Los Penitentes at 9,000′. Los Penitentes is the center of activity for climbers heading up the mountain and it is here that we finalize our preparations for the expedition. Overnight in Los Penitentes.* Wednesday, December 5th, 2012

click to view in google maps

* Itinerary summary from RMI Guides