Day 3 - Plaza Argentina

Another spectacular day of hiking leads us to base camp at Plaza Argentina at 13,700 feet.

Our day started in the heat of the valley with several frigid river crossings. We ascended steeply on precipitous trails at the bottom of which were the remains of a couple of mules who hadn't fared as well on the narrow, sketchy trail sections.

Base camp is positioned at the bottom of the intimidating south face of Aconcagua. We have a rest day tomorrow and if the weather coorperates we'll head up the following day to camp one with ear we'll need up the mountain.

All in our group are strong and healthy but tired. We celebrated our arrival at base camp with a feast and a few bottles of wine that the mules carried up for us.

I'm off to try and get some sleep - not always an easy prospect for me at this altitude.

Back at you tomorrow.

Terri