Rob’s voicemail today sounds like they’ve been solid trucking. They left Base Camp at Plaza Argentina at 9:30am through the Vacas Valley to a camp called Pampa de Lenas by about 5:30pm. 8 hours straight, snowing the whole way, and cold winds a’blowin’. Others are coming down, too… dozens of summit attempts spoiled by the storm. He hopes that everyone is warmer than he is right now.

Here’s this morning’s view from Plaza Argentina… click to see the snow/wind storm set in at 18k’..

Day 17: Summit Day on Aconcagua! Making an early alpine start, we climb out of camp to join the Ruta Normal. A gradual traverse along the mountain’s northwest flank takes us past the abandoned Refugio Independencia and to the base of the Canaleta, a 1,000′ high couloir leading to the summit ridge. Upon reaching the top of the Canaleta, a straightforward traverse leads to the summit. After celebrating on the summit, we descend to High Camp for the night.* Wednesday, December 19th, 2012

* Itinerary summary from RMI Guides