South America - Page 5

January 11-12. Chile, expedition to Ojos Del Salado. "Zorros Rojos y otros" team. On January 11th, we returned to our home (Laguna Verde camp) after a rest in Copiapo. We got there in 3.5 hours and climbed into our favorite tents, having had dinner in our huge and cozy tent beforehand.

On January 12, we went for the last acclimatization before the assault - to a height of 6000+. We walked up to 6200, it was somehow not easy. And cold. We walked parallel to Sasha Dorojukov's group. There were only young people there. We tried to keep up with them, but fell behind a little.

In the evening, at dinner, we gathered in two groups, listened to songs, drank wine and exchanged experiences.

Sasha's group is going down tomorrow, and we are resting and at night - for the assault. The forecast is not encouraging - snowfalls will start from tomorrow ... we will fight our way through!

From Chile - the leader of the expedition Lyudmila Korobeshko and assistant leader Alexander Spirin.

The 7 Summits Club guide Alexander Dorojukov reports from Chile:

Chile is in touch. The 7 Summits Club Pipi de Chat group. Yesterday we had a day of rest. We spent it in the area of the Laguna Verde base camp. The participants had classes with iron, they learned how to use equipment for climbing and descending on fixed ropes. Everyone liked it.

Hola! The "Chiki and Piki" group continues to acclimatize and prepare for the ascent to the summit of Aconcagua. Today we went to Plaza Canada, at an altitude of 5000 meters. At the same time, we tried out high-altitude boots in action. Tomorrow we have a rest day before going to Nido de Condores, where we will spend a night. The group's guides are Andrey Berezin and Viktor Volodin.

The 7 Summits Club guide Alexander Dorojukov reports from Chile:

Chile is in touch. Hello everyone from the Pipi de Chat group! Our gang climbed the San Francisco volcano today. We walked quietly and evenly. We reached the summit in about 7-8 hours. The weather allowed us to go in. Tomorrow is a rest day!

Hola! We, the "Chiki and Piki" group, are gradually settling in at 4300, at Plaza de Mulas. In terms of getting to know the surroundings, we visited an old hotel, as well as the nearest bar. Next, we are going to visit Plaza Canada and climb above the 5000 meter mark. And also, the famous high-altitude art gallery. Group guides Andrey Berezin and Viktor Volodin.

The ascent through the eyes of Alexander Spirin:

January 9. Chile, expedition to Ojos Del Salado. The "Zorros Rojos y otros" team. Today our team climbed the San Francisco volcano, and it was a moment we will never forget. We stood at the summit, where the sky seemed closer, and the ground below disappeared into a dusty haze, leaving us alone with the grandeur of nature. The altitude of just over 6,000 meters was a test for each of us, especially for the four participants, for whom this was an altitude record.

The wind beat in our faces, as if testing our determination, and the dust swirled around in whirlwinds, forcing each breath to be suffered. We walked forward through the cold, fatigue and doubt. Each step was given with effort, but no one gave up. It was a fight with ourselves that we had to win.

When we finally reached the top, I looked at the faces of my comrades in the personal altitude record. They were beaming. It was not just joy - it was the realization that we had conquered not only the volcano, but also our fears, weaknesses and limitations. We hugged, feeling the strength of the team that is always ready to support, even at an altitude of six thousand meters.

The view from the summit was harsh and beautiful at the same time: endless plains, distant mountains, clouds that now seemed so small. This feeling of freedom, pride and unity cannot be expressed in words. It will stay with us forever.

This ascent changed us. Now San Francisco is not just a volcano for us, it is a symbol of strength, faith and perseverance. Tomorrow we are going on vacation. To the town of Copiapo. We deserve it! Leader Lyudmila Korobeshko, assistant leader Alexander Spirin.

Hola! The "Chiki and Piki" group today made a difficult trek from the Confluencia camp to the Plaza de Mulas camp. The path is very long: 7.5 hours and 18.5 km, with an altitude gain of 1000 m. Now we are already at the base camp of our expedition, from where we will continue preparing for the ascent. The group's guides are Andrey Berezin and Viktor Volodin.

January 8. Chile, expedition to Ojos del Salado. Team "Zorros Rojos y otros". Today we devoted the day to rest before climbing to the summit of San Francisco (6018 m). After breakfast we went to the Atacama Desert, which has already become our home. 4 hours of travel (with mandatory stops for photos) and we arrived at the hot spring. It is really hot and, as the locals say, has healing properties. The bravest of the Red Foxes even washed their hair. The whole team enjoyed the already traditional barbecue masterpieces from our chefs. Tomorrow we have an acclimatization trip to San Francisco - wish us luck!

From Chile, expedition leader Lyudmila Korobeshko and assistant leader Alexander Spirin.

The 7 Summits Club guide Alexander Dorojukov reports from Chile:

Chile is in touch. Today, our Pipi de Chat group set off in the morning for an acclimatization hike from the Atacama camp towards the Tejos refuge. We safely reached the planned altitude of 5,700 meters. The breeze was brisk, but we had a good walk. New views, new colors and an interesting road. Tomorrow we will rest before a new acclimatization ascent.

Hola! The 7 Summits Club group "Chiki i Piki" today climbed to an altitude of 4000 meters for better acclimatization, towards Plaza France, this is under the South Face of Aconcagua. In the afternoon there was a medical examination. Tomorrow we go to the Plaza de Mulas base camp, at 4300m. From where we will begin to actively prepare for the ascent of Aconcagua. The group's guides are Andrey Berezin and Viktor Volodin.

The 7 Summits Club guide Alexander Dorojukov reports from Chile:

 Chile is in touch. Our Pipi de Chat group sends greetings from the base camp! Today we moved to this cozy, beautiful place. On the way we drove through the desert, stopped to see a waterfall and had our first meeting with our goal, Mount Ojos del Salado. We had lunch and are resting. Tomorrow is a new day and new views.

January 6. Greetings from the Atacama Desert, Chile, from the group “Zorros Rojos y otros”! Our morning at Laguna Rosa began with a run along the lake. And then Olya Moroz held a yoga class right in front of a flock of flamingos. Even the guanacas were curious about what we were doing, and they came closer.

After breakfast, we got ready and went to Laguna Verde. On the way, we stopped at a warm river called Lama. And a little later we saw Ojos in all its glory.

The camp at Laguna Verde amazed us with its beauty and comfort. A huge dining tent with electricity and internet, separate sleeping tents, super-stable toilets (which is extremely important in the strong Atacama winds).

Before dinner, we bathed in the hot springs. And celebrated Christmas.

Tomorrow we have acclimatization on the slopes of Ojos - we plan to walk at altitudes of 5500-5900.

Expedition leader Lyudmila Korobeshko and assistant leader Alexander Spirin. Hasta la vista!

Hola! The 7 Summits Club "Chiki Piki" group visited Puente del Inca in the morning. After that, we went to the Aconcagua National Park. We registered with the rangers. And then on foot to the Confluencia camp (altitude 3400). Tomorrow we are heading towards Plaza Francia. Group guides Andrey Berezin and Viktor Volodin.

The 7 Summits Club guide Alexander Dorojukov reports from Chile:

 Chile is in touch. Our Pipi de Chat group climbed the summit of the Mount of Seven Brothers today. Well, two of the “seven brothers”. The weather is magical, the views are awesome! All participants are in formation, enjoying the views. Tomorrow we are moving on.

The 7 Summits Club guide Dmitry Semenov reports from Argentina:

Greetings from the slopes of Aconcagua! Yesterday our super team "Dohodyagi" climbed Mount Aconcagua (6962m). The ascent took place in difficult weather conditions, namely wind, snow, poor visibility. But we held out and were able to reach the summit.

The guide of the 7 Summits Club Alexander Dorojukov reports from Chile:

Chile is in touch. This is our new group named Pipi de Chat. We have started the expedition to the highest volcano in the world, Ojos del Salado. Yesterday was the day of the group's arrivals, and today we have already moved to the beautiful place of Santa Rosa. On the way we stopped at an abandoned mine and by lunchtime we arrived at our beautiful camp.

January 5. Hello everyone from the Atacama Desert, Chile, from the group "Zorros Rojos y otros"! Today, the brave Red Foxes went to acclimatize for the assault on the summit of "7 Brothers" at an altitude of 4900. But before that, we did morning exercises under the guidance of Olga and Vlad Moroz. After breakfast, we put on gifts from Red Fox (personalized hats) and went up. And we successfully climbed to the top of “brothers” under a light morning breeze.

By lunchtime we went down to our camp, where Lena cooked us a great lunch - chicken soup and dolma. Soon our second group of the 7 Summits Club arrived under the leadership of Sasha Dorojukov. We found many acquaintances from other expeditions here. We will go with them almost in parallel. Tomorrow we move to the Laguna Verde camp at 4300. Expedition leader Lyudmila Korobeshko and assistant leader Alexander Spirin. Hasta la vista!

Hola! Hello everyone from sunny Argentina! Our large 7 Summits Club group gathered in the Argentine city of Mendoza. From here begins the route to Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America. Group guides Andrey Berezin and Viktor Volodin.

January 4. Chile, expedition to Ojos Del Salado. Long-awaited news from the "Zorros Rojos y otros" team. Finally, we are all here. All 13 of us. Our path lies in the Laguna Santa Rosa de los Flamengos and the refugio mas comodo de la Montaña en solar Maricunga. Our "Zorros Rojos y otros" team paved the way to the Laguna Rosa through the depths of blue caves, abandoned cities, resting in an oasis, crossing passes. And finally, we have reached the cherished goal. Now the whole team is enjoying dinner under the Milky Way at an altitude of 3800 m near Laguna Rosa. This is fantastic! In the shade of five six-thousanders, we praise the culinary masterpieces of our professional team of high-altitude chefs, and the flamingos quack in unison. Beauty!

Guides Lyudmila Korobeshko and Alexander Spirin.

We are chilling in Chile!