Back at basecamp…
…and the weather determined it was not meant to be. Steve called this morning and the team has returned to base camp from Camp Two and a half. The weather over the last couple days has been challenging – cloudy with the winds bringing the temps. down to approximately minus 40F with windchill. After three days away from basecamp, on the mountain, the team decided that it was time to “pull the plug” particularly after the forecast looked like it was not going to improve.
So, the team will now be headed out of basecamp tomorrow for the two day trek back to Mendoza. Steve should have internet again, once he is back in Mendoza, so I have no doubt, he will be posting again soon. So, in case this is my last blog, thanks to all of you for the great support and encouragement for the team over the last couple weeks! I am sure we will be seeing some pics. soon!
– Randokitty
easy come, easy go!
My friend from Munich taught me,”the mountain is not a frog, it will not hop away.” In other words, its better off to try again in safer conditions even if the mountain is on the other side of the world.
so true…but i’m not totally handling it that well right now. i need to move on and it will be nice to get back to jh. i’ll tell more of the story soon…still in mendoza, but trying to bump my flight up so i can get home sooner. i miss home…and the kitty. catching up on email now…a chore to say the least.
thank you all for following along and your messages via the sat phone. they helped alot!
steve
That sucks but in the end you have to relize what you have just tried to accomplish on this mega trip. Seems like an awsome trip none the less.
Some times the dragon wins.
Glad you guys are safe, Steve. It’s hard to travel so far and not achieve what you aimed for, but I find that in the long run hidden aspects of these experiences offer surprising lessons and rewards. I’ve had to turn around at 20K ft before and it ain’t easy, but you’ve got to feel good about rolling the dice and giving it your best. Hope to actually ski with you soon, rather than just hike with blisters and mosquitoes! Cheers, Colin
Thanks Guys. I know that you can’t always win in the mountains and we got some great skiing in while acclimatizing (maybe even some first descents), but like all failures, sometimes it just takes time to get over it. Heading home tonight…30 hours of travel ahead…wahoo!!!!