Jussi Westergren’s Aconcagua Expedition Dispatch
February 1, 2011 – More from Plaza de Mulas Base Camp
Because we have some extra time this afternoon and access to the internet, we wanted to share what we have been up to.
We have been busy here at base camp with visitors from all over the world. We had a Russian Team come by our dining tent yesterday and order the largest box of wine in the house. They did not seem to want any lunch, but they enjoyed the wine and played dice on the table in our dining tent through the afternoon. Today some Americans came by who had turned back short of the summit say, “We will be back next year.” They ordered 12 cans of beer to go and started down the trail.
As I mentioned earlier, Osvi, Simon and Sergio carried gear high on the mountain today. They planned to climb all the way to Plaza Canada and Nido de Condor camps, in order to support our climb as we move higher as a team. Jussi and I spent the day enjoying the sights and activities around Plaza de Mulas...
Perhaps a good way to give you a feel for all that is available around Plaza de Mulas is to send a photographic sample of the various signs that we find here at 4,300 meters in the Andes.
Sergio leaving camp with a heavy pack
We’re lucky these guys are so strong - Simon with his big pack
Osvaldo leads the way with more heavy supplies
Need someone to carry your water for you?
We expected to see mules, but Coca Cola?
Who wants a hot shower?
We think they mean that you can rent mules and eat in their restaurant, not that they serve mules in their restaurant.
Left: Even Seven Summit climbers get homesick and need to phone or email home!;
Right: Strange but true, cigarettes even make the list of supplies for some climbers. You’d think the thin air would be enough to make you quit!