June 22, 2007

Good news from Bolivia: Team 1 summited 21,201-foot Illimani today! Guide Danny Uhlmann called in at 4:30pm and said that the team had a very successful day, waking up at 5am and summiting by 10:30am in great conditions and stable weather. Danny said that since their route faces west, they didn't get the warmth of the sun until they reached the summit ridge, so it was very cold - Danny was wearing all of his Denali summit day clothes! After taking pictures and enjoying the success of being on top, the group descended to High Camp, gathered gear, then walked to Base Camp, where they are now.

Danny says Base Camp is currently a very festive sight. It's a gorgeous, clear sky and the mountains are all lit up in alpine glow. Horses are running around everywhere (making for a dangerous frisbee-playing field!), and Juan's whole Bolivian family has showed up for the upcoming feast of lamb, potatoes, veggies, beer, and coca cola. The team will sleep at Base Camp tonight, then tomorrow make the short walk to the road where their driver will pick them up and then take them back to La Paz. Congratulations Team Gran Poder on a very successful expedition!