Aconcagua Expedition 2011

ACONCAGUA EXPEDITION - February 2011

FUNDRAISING FOR Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease

"Taking Hope to New Heights" is my objective as I fund-raise for Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis by climbing Mount Aconcagua.  In doing so, I pay tribute to my father and mother and the challenges they have faced with these two diseases.

The Training Continues and the Anticipation Builds

This sums up my week quite accurately. I have continued to train as hard and as much as I can because I know this along with a positive attitude and commitment will give me the best chance of making to the summit on Mount Aconcagua. 

I am going  out with my heavy pack for a hike at least five days a week in whatever conditions we have. It has been -25C with wind some of the time and I tell myself that training in this weather is not only good physical conditioning but good mental conditioning as well. 

Everything I read about the Aconcagua expedition tells me that the weather conditions could be nasty and because there is so much less oxygen at altitude (there is about 50% of the oxygen at 6,000 metres that there is at sea level) and you have to move slower (can’t go fast because of the lack of oxygen) the effect of cold will be much greater - how much I’m not sure but definitely greater! 

In the past week, I have made contact with two of the ten teammates I will climb with and it is clear their anticipation is also building. Although I know I will benefit from more training part of me wants to get started on the climb now rather than continue to let the anticipation build. Then I remind myself that the best thing I can do is continue to train hard and use the week I have left to get myself in the best physical and mental condition I can before I leave.

Reading the information included in this update about Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis and the work that is being done to find a cure or make improvements for those living each day with one of these diseases reminds me how lucky I am to have my health and to be able to decide to attempt the ascent of Mount Aconcagua. 

Many thanks to all those who have already made generous contributions to either or both of these two worthy causes. By working together we can make a difference and “Take Hope to New Heights”.

As often as I can I tell myself that I can not conquer the mountain; I can only take what it will give to me on that day. 

The Climb Begins

From this point forward all communications will be via Satellite Phone

The Trek to Basecamb.  A sunny day leads the way.  We are all packed up and ready for whatever adventure lies ahead.

We get our first look at the Peak!

Settled in at Camp 1

We arrive at Camp 2 in the middle of a Blizzard

We break at Camp 3 before tackling the Summit

SUMMIT DAY!

Celebrating at the Top with Mom and Dad.