Day 9 - Saturday, January 20

There's always been something attractive, pure and primal to me about living in basic conditions in the wilderness. I enjoy pondering mundane survival issues like the weather, where I'm going to get water to drink or contemplating whether I care if my mug is dirty before I pour soup into it. In a civilized world we can get so caught up in the details of getting ahead that we forget how fortunate we are to have a roof over our heads and a hot shower or a clean environment. Engaging with nature for extended periods forces us to focus on those very very basic things we too easily take for granted. I feel fortunate that I choose to generate that respect frequently. It keeps it all real. We're definitely keeping it real here in camp one.

Today is our last rest day before our summit push. Tomorrow, Sunday, we head up to camp two, set up camp and prepare for our summit attempt early Monday morning. The weather forecast for Monday is windy, clear and very, very cold. If that forecast holds true we'll take it.

As always, I'm nervous and excited about stepping into the unknown. At 22,841 feet, Aconcagua summit will be the highest I've attempted and definitely the coldest. Thus far the biggest problem seems to be regulating my body temperature while climbing, which is a very important thing to do on a mountain in cold temperatures. I tend to run very hot, like when I sleep. I am constantly unzipping, rezipping, peeling layers and putting them back to keep an even temperature so I don't sweat. With a minus degree temperature expected this will be quite a game for me to attend to.

Note to my family - wear your bracelets on Monday and send me all your really great energy. I'll have mine on as well.

Wish us luck. Back at you tomorrow from camp two.

Terri

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Note from Penni:

I actually spoke to Terri today when accidentally picking up the phone. Usually when she calls I can see the country code (54) so I just don't answer. This one didn't have the code on it and I was pleasantly surprised to her her saying "You're not supposed to pick up the phone!" We had a good, albeit brief conversation. She is well and sounds good.

Today, because of their position on the mountain the satellite phone coverage was spotty but I think I got it all after four attempts.