Aconcagua summit bid, Feb 2009

2009-02-26T23:09:00.000-08:00

Thursday - they are all well and have had a good nights sleep followed by several showers. Out and about in town today buying more T shirts!! Its a Murray thing.

Friday - they leave Mendoza 10.00 am UK time for a flight to Buenos Aires the flight back to UK is at 7pm UK time arriving at London 7.15 am. flight no. BA246

2009-02-23T23:09:00.000-08:00

Tuesday 1.00 am UK time arrived back at H Camp 3 all ok gald to be back.

Will post again later to today.

2009-02-23T12:23:00.001-08:00

Sorry for delay in posting large family to inform. 7.45 UK time they have made it, took a lot longer than they thought exhausted but exhilarated. Taking a few photos and about turning for H Camp 3. I will be getting another call when they have reached HC 3 tonight with more details and will then update tomorrow am.

2009-02-22T12:29:00.000-08:00

Evening all, Sunday 8.30 pm UK time. High Camp 3 windy last night but no wind today quite warm at times.

Tomorrow Monday 8.00 am UK time Dennis, Charles and Adrian will be leaving to summit Aconcagua. The weather out look is perfect they will have two guides with them and only be carrying small ruck sacks.

Unfortunately Anton and Helen are unwell and will not be able to make the attempt tomorrow.

I have passed on your blog messages and good wishes.

As soon as a get a call with news I will post it.

2009-02-21T02:00:00.000-08:00

Friday 20th 8.45 uk time all have returned to High camp 2 for the night after a exhausting climb to High camp 3. Wind has been strong throughout previous night not helping with sleep. All looking forward to the rest day today. Wind is forecast quite high for Saturday day and night but dropping down Sunday night and Monday so hopefully this weather front will hold for them.

2009-02-18T12:35:00.000-08:00

Wednesday 8.30 UK time. All climbers at camp 1 tonight with the exception of Louisa who has had to go back to Mendoza with a wrist injury. The 5 have been up to camp 2 with some of the kit and will return tomorrow with remainder and then stay overnight at camp 2. The climb is now pretty much back on schedule. They have had some light snow today. I have checked the next 5 day forecast it looks clear for the rest of the week with less wind as of Monday which will please them all. Will update again as soon as I get a call!!

2009-02-16T13:17:00.000-08:00

Monday 8.00 pm uk time. Couple of the climbers have arrived at high camp one rest are following. Its been a very hot day and a really tough climb have now brought rest of gear up between 20 - 25 kilos so a heavy climb as well. Can nearly see camp two from site the trail to camp two is clear. The views on route to camp one have been stunning. Forecast for next couple of days is good. I will be updating again Wednesday technology permitting.

2009-02-15T09:55:00.000-08:00

Saturday 10.00 p.m uk time the climbers have just returned to base camp having climbed to high camp 1 today! It took 4.30 hrs up and 2 hrs down alittle out of breath but on the whole all ok. They have taken approx 20 kilos of kit up to camp 1 in readiness for the next stage. They are a day ahead of schedule and are resting today Sunday not Monday. Relayed rugby and football scores which seemed to please a few of the climbers. Will update again sat phone permitting Monday

2009-02-13T03:06:00.000-08:00

Thursday should have been a gentle walking day. However, they have gone for it, they arrived at base camp a day ahead of schedule, all well but tired. They now have two days rest and time to catch up on some much needed washing, not just clothes. The last shower they all had was Monday morning! The scenery on the way to base camp was spectacular with view s of the final goal most of the way keeping them all going.

2009-02-10T04:57:00.000-08:00

Arrived late at hotel Sunday night all feeling exhausted after traveling. Great Hotel! Monday - After a good nights sleep off to get climbing permits, no problems. Feeling ready for the task ahead. A little cooler than expected looking under dressed in shorts and sandals arriving at not so good hostel! "Very Basic" .Tuesday - started 3 day walk today

2009-02-08T06:26:00.001-08:00

They have arrived in Argentina. Now in mini bus for an hour then a further 2 hour flight to Mendoza.

2009-02-06T09:35:00.000-08:00

off tomorrow!

2009-02-01T00:23:00.000-08:00

Our back bedroom looks like an outdoor shop franchise. It's never all going to fit into 1 large and 1 small rucksack. 6 days to go.

2009-01-30T05:30:00.000-08:00

Aconcagua, Argentina -Feb 2009

22,842 ft - 6,962 m

Welcome to our blog page, where we hope to keep, family, friends and supporters up to date, as we endeavour to reach the highest point of the Americas and the highest point in the world outside of the Himalaya.

Our small but perfectly formed team is: -

Helen Cooke

Adrian Court

Anton Cross

Louisa Higgs

Dennis Milstead

Charles Murray

We depart the UK on 7th February, returning on the 28th February. We'll endeavour to update this page everyday, with the updates being done by our chief technician Heather Murray (Charles's wife) at mission control in sunny Manchester.

Please feel free to add your own posts and messages of encouragement, as Heather will be able to relay these back to the team during the expedition.

Will somebody please take it upon themselves to post the Sale Sharks and Man Utd scores too!