We Can Do This

This is a post from several days ago that I put on facebook.

I finally have the details on Josh Ellison and Kaiden's trip so far. The details were far worse than I had expected to hear but they are safe.

-They were both trapped at base camp 4 at 18,500 feet in a blizzard for 6 days. The temperatures were negative 20 degrees. They ran out of food and water and we're starving because they had to wait out the storm for so long. 

This was at base camp 4 called Nedo de Condores where they were trapped. You can see the ice inside their tent. They were in all of their gear and sleeping bags and still freezing.

-They managed to gather some energy and descend Sunday to Plaza De Mulas, Aconcagua Base Camp 4.200 MSNM (or 14,000 feet) which is second largest base camp in the world outside Mount Everest south Nepal side. 

Plaza de Mulas-The Second Biggest Basecamp Next to Mt. Everest

-Some other climbers gave them some jerky which helped them get down the mountain.

-They are preparing to go back up Wednesday when there is a break in the weather with the help of Porters who will carry their food and water up. Apparently doing it alone (without an expedition team) as they did is not common. The fact that they made it that far is miraculous. 

-They are tanking up with lots of food and water now and enjoying the luxurious amenities of an outdoor toilet (vs. frost bitten hole in the ground) at their camp. 

Looking Good and Ready to Try Again

-They feel great and are ready to go back up.

-I'm confident they will be safe but anxious that their trip is extended and wish I could be there to help.

-Aconcagua is one of the 7 summits at 22,838 feet. It is the second highest in the world to Mt. Everest.