A very well-written and informative TR. Quite a reminder of my own trip to the mountain. My hat's off to the folks who can tolerate spending day after day sitting around camp, melting snow, etc. I went nuts from boredom and got the hell out of there after only my first night at Nido.
When I was there I was also surprised there weren't more Americans. Mules is big enough I'm sure where you camp colors the makeup of who you see. I kept bumping into Norwegians and Japanese. We were camped next to a couple from Austria and spoke to a couple from Croatia several times.
I actually found some of the porters and guides to be quite friendly. There were a couple in a particular I kept meeting on the mountain and would have conversations with.
Thanks for checking out the report and pointing out those errors. I knew I would overlook something with a big TR like this. Spell Check is smart, but not that smart.
This makes me put the Assassin on my "must do" list. Great report. I may have to re-read, but I was baffled about your crampon problem. I'm glad it worked out in the end.
Congratulations on your summit and a great report. Sounds like you got into some cold weather. I found we run into more North American climbers on the Polish Routes on the Vacas Valley side which, from your descriptions of garbage on the Normal Route, is much cleaner and less busy.
Enjoyed your report. Sorry the hotel did not work for you in Mendoza. They have always let us sort our gear on the roof behind the pool. But yes the rooms are small for that sort of thing. I agree with Brad you find more North Amercains on the polish side. But that is only if you are seeking them out. Sound like you had agood trip. Cheers William
SawtoothSean - Feb 11, 2008 5:16 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Interesting read.
Thanks for checking out the report. That hotel was a disappointment because it was recommended. When we were there, the staff didn't know much about the mountain- mule arrangements, local climbing shops, storing bags etc. Also, it was 270 pesos which was comparatively high. No big deal though since we were there to be on the mountain. I didn't mind not seeing Americans most of the time except when I was seeking a weather report or such. It actually helped add a sense of isolation on a relatively crowded trade route.
Hey congrats on a successful summit! I was actually thinking about climbing this mountain within the next year or so, so I will definitely follow your advice. By the way, what is the model of your TNF down jacket?
SawtoothSean - Feb 11, 2008 5:22 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Killer report!
Thanks for checking out the report. That jacket was from 2000 when North Face made higher quality technical gear and it's bomber. Today if I had to buy one, I would go with Mtn Hardware or Feathered Friends.
cp0915 - Feb 8, 2008 12:36 pm - Voted 10/10
Congrats Sean!A very well-written and informative TR. Quite a reminder of my own trip to the mountain. My hat's off to the folks who can tolerate spending day after day sitting around camp, melting snow, etc. I went nuts from boredom and got the hell out of there after only my first night at Nido.
Great job.
CP
MountainHikerCO - Feb 8, 2008 1:58 pm - Voted 10/10
Nice articleWhen I was there I was also surprised there weren't more Americans. Mules is big enough I'm sure where you camp colors the makeup of who you see. I kept bumping into Norwegians and Japanese. We were camped next to a couple from Austria and spoke to a couple from Croatia several times.
I actually found some of the porters and guides to be quite friendly. There were a couple in a particular I kept meeting on the mountain and would have conversations with.
MoapaPk - Feb 8, 2008 9:48 pm - Voted 10/10
good readI was rapt reading this -- I feel tired just from the descriptions.
SawtoothSean - Feb 9, 2008 1:04 am - Hasn't voted
Re: good readThanks for checking out the report and pointing out those errors. I knew I would overlook something with a big TR like this. Spell Check is smart, but not that smart.
Rob Ricks - Feb 10, 2008 11:20 am - Voted 10/10
InspirationThis makes me put the Assassin on my "must do" list. Great report. I may have to re-read, but I was baffled about your crampon problem. I'm glad it worked out in the end.
Brad Marshall - Feb 10, 2008 12:43 pm - Voted 10/10
Congrats SeanCongratulations on your summit and a great report. Sounds like you got into some cold weather. I found we run into more North American climbers on the Polish Routes on the Vacas Valley side which, from your descriptions of garbage on the Normal Route, is much cleaner and less busy.
andre hangaard - Feb 10, 2008 6:32 pm - Voted 10/10
Boots?Great report! what kind of climbingboots did you use??
cheers
TJ311 - Feb 10, 2008 6:54 pm - Voted 10/10
A good readVery nice trip report and great pictures. Congrats to you on your summit!
William Marler - Feb 11, 2008 11:30 am - Voted 10/10
Interesting read.Enjoyed your report. Sorry the hotel did not work for you in Mendoza. They have always let us sort our gear on the roof behind the pool. But yes the rooms are small for that sort of thing. I agree with Brad you find more North Amercains on the polish side. But that is only if you are seeking them out. Sound like you had agood trip. Cheers William
SawtoothSean - Feb 11, 2008 5:16 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Interesting read.Thanks for checking out the report. That hotel was a disappointment because it was recommended. When we were there, the staff didn't know much about the mountain- mule arrangements, local climbing shops, storing bags etc. Also, it was 270 pesos which was comparatively high. No big deal though since we were there to be on the mountain. I didn't mind not seeing Americans most of the time except when I was seeking a weather report or such. It actually helped add a sense of isolation on a relatively crowded trade route.
Byron27 - Feb 11, 2008 1:06 pm - Voted 10/10
Killer report!Hey congrats on a successful summit! I was actually thinking about climbing this mountain within the next year or so, so I will definitely follow your advice. By the way, what is the model of your TNF down jacket?
SawtoothSean - Feb 11, 2008 5:22 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Killer report!Thanks for checking out the report. That jacket was from 2000 when North Face made higher quality technical gear and it's bomber. Today if I had to buy one, I would go with Mtn Hardware or Feathered Friends.
gimpilator - Feb 11, 2008 2:41 pm - Voted 10/10
Excellent Job!Three cheers for your success! I really enjoying reading this report. It has given me a much better concept of Aconcagua. Thank you.
tanya - Feb 11, 2008 9:09 pm - Voted 10/10
Wonderful!You did a great job on this Sean!
SawtoothSean - Feb 12, 2008 1:51 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Wonderful!Thanks for checking out the trip report!
Tbacon251 - Feb 12, 2008 4:17 am - Voted 10/10
NiceNice article. Hopefully making the trip in 2009. Loved your pictures!
gregorywp - Feb 12, 2008 5:06 pm - Voted 10/10
Excellent TRThanks for sharing, I hope to go there one year!
Bassoon - Feb 13, 2008 2:35 am - Hasn't voted
Fascinating!This was a wonderful trip report! Not only were the stories great, but the logistical information was also really helpful. Conrats!
stinkycheezman33 - Feb 13, 2008 11:23 am - Voted 10/10
Great Write-UpYou had my full attention the whole time I read, with incredible pictures to boot! Thanks for sharing this experience.
stinkycheezman33 - Feb 13, 2008 11:24 am - Voted 10/10
I would......love to see an album of all your photos to accompany this! They were all so completely gorgeous.