September 2, 2007: Establishing base camp in the Condoriris

AAI guide Mark Johnson called in this report:

It's 6:30 in the evening and we are camped in the Condoriri Valley at the international climbers camp. We got up to a frosty morning with beautiful skies. Sortly after breakfast the llamas came to load up our gear. Not one to hang back from the action, Bill actually got into the llama circle and helped hold them while the loading process went on. Usually the principle male llama (el macho) spits on anyone other than the lead handlers if they try to fill that role, but macho must have fest some respect or kinship wth Bill. Very impressive.

We had a nice hour and a half walk up to the base camp where we took our time at the higher altitude unloading the llamas and getting camp set up. We had a nice lunch around 1pm, and then we got together for the afternoon and went through some basic knot tying and the glacier travel set-up with loads as well as going over prusiking.

Everyone is feeling pretty good as they continue to adjust to the higher altitudes. The altitude is really treating people okay. In general, all things are good and we are right on schedule.

Read more about the itinerary and ascents on AAI's Bolivia Trek and Climbing Expedition