September 4, 2007: Ascent of 17,230' Austria Peak

AAI guide Mark Johnson called in this report by satellite phone at 6:10 pm Bolivia time:

Our team is all settled in back in base camp for the Condoriri area. Last night or I should say, this morning, we got up at 3am, but the weather wasn't that great so we decided to hold off on Pyramide Blanca.

We waited for the weather to improve and then headed out for a little easier target, 17,230-foot Austria Peak. Three folks summited and two others got within 150 feet of the top. This was a record setting altitude for everyone except Susan!

Just as we started descending, a little lightning started, but everyone moved well and we quickly made it back to camp, arriving at about 2pm. We just now finished a great dinner, and it's clearing up just as darkness approaches. We plan to get up in the morning at 3am again for Pyramide Blanca. The weather looks great now so ought to work this time! Everyone is feeling well and is healthy, and we're all looking forward to this next climb and to some more great views of this complex range.

We'll be back in touch soon. Everyone days "Hello" to the folks back home.