Berg Adventures International: 2005 Aconcagua and Ojos del Salado Expedition Cybercast

Hi, this is Leila Silveira calling from high camp at 5,780m (18,964ft) on Aconcagua. I am happy to report that Roger, Ken, Wally, Oswaldo and Juancho reached the summit of Aconcagua at 6962m (22,842 ft.) by the northwest route at 2:40pm today. Juancho who went down to Plaza de Mulas yesterday decided at 4:00am this morning to join the team and left Plaza de Mulas and went directly to the summit. He brought up a pizza for the team from Plaza de Mulas which may just be the highest point a pizza has ever been delivered.

Conditions were excellent this morning, no wind, warm temperatures with almost a full moon. After a good breakfast the team was feeling very strong and started off with a clear sky. Around noon it started to snow slightly which the team welcomed since they were very warm during their climb since there was no wind. The team now has good visibility and will be making their descent back to high camp.

We have heard from Niki who reached Plaza de Mulas last night with Juancho. He is well and enjoying his rest days at base camp and I am sure he will be happy to know that his teammates reached the summit today.

So we reached the summit 3 days ahead of schedule but now I have to go because being the cook I will have some hungry team members to feed once they come back down to high camp. We will report again once the team has safely descended back to high camp.