July 12, 2007

Good news from Bolivia! Team Mabunga called in to say that the entire group had a successful summit on Pequeno Alpamayo! Guide Danny Uhlmann also said that the weather had completely cleared up this morning when they woke at 3:30am, though a few inches of snow had fallen earlier in the night. The team left for the summit from camp at 5am and summited around 10:30am. They ascended in three rope teams: Danny on a rope with Sigrid Sexton, guide Joey Elton on a rope with Kurt Gusinde and Rob Smart, and guide Juan Churra on a rope with Steve Eichel and Tom Sexton. The route was in good condition, despite the few inches of snow that Danny and Sigrid volunteered to break trail through. They saw another climbing team - seven Brazilians - en route. The summit ridge was a highlight, with two to three pitches of moderate to steep snow and dramatic drops on either side. Once at the top, they had amazing views of Illimani, Mururata, Pyramida Blanca, and the Cabeza de Condor. All in all a good day, especially considering that it was beautiful and sunny the entire time.

Once they returned to base camp, the team ate grilled cheese sandwiches with tomatoe and oregano. Tonight for dinner they will feast on fresh trout caught from Lago Negro down the valley (caught and sold by the local Aymara people).

Lastly, Danny wanted me to mention that Kurt won the gin rummy tournament last night! He wil have to defend his title tonight...