Mt. Aconcagua Climb Expedition 2011

climb permit

I really do not know how to start my post about the expedition. Of the 15 days that we are up in the mountain including the day we travel from Mendoza to Penitentes, there are so many things that run in my mind,  so many topics that I am thinking of writing about: the trek, the food, different campsites, the challenges encountered along the way, the little successes and difficulties each day. I was thinking how I will narrate it in such a way that I will vividly remember  the experience when I will be reading  it someday or may be my friends who will read it will at least have a clear picture of what I went through.

my dear diary

But now that I am back in the fast-paced streets  of  Manila,  I cannot even think of  a best way to describe what I went through up in the mountain. I thank God I brought with me a notebook and a pen and pencil  (up in the high camps my pen did not work anymore) which I religiously update as the day goes by, so I thought of following what I write each day of it. (Warning: This is going to be long,  really long.)

d only group pic at Plaza Argentina, tnx Lito

Climb Members

Group of  six members,  four climbers & two guides, 3 Filipinos & 3 Argentineans, five male, one female

Lito Sanchez- our lead guide from Aconcagua Trek, he has been to the summit of Aconcagua 56 times and has done many major climbs not just within Argentina but to other climbing destinations of the world. All About Lito

Cesar Quiroz - our energetic second guide who takes time to heat water and cook food for us on the higher camps and patiently sweep me on long  treks. He has been to the summit of Aconcagua 16 times and still counting. Passionate Cesar

Tito Morero - is a local from Sta. Fe who has climb Aconcagua before but only made it to Camp 2 and forced to go down due to high alti sickness. Determined Tito
Ramon Dysangco is from the Philippines Funny Ramon
Zenon Villongco is from the Philippines as well My Partner in Crime Zenon
and Me - Cheryl Bihag (the only female)
Route: False Polish Traverse 
Exclusive Dates: December 2 to 16, 2011
Outfitter: Aconcagua Trek

on the way to Penitentes

Dec. 2  Day 1 Travel from Mendoza (800M) to Penitentes (2,400M)

Left Hotel Balbi in Mendoza 10:00am. This is going to be a 3 hour mini bus ride to Penitentes. As we leave the city, we slowly see the beauty of the outskirts of the town, less establishments, there are still houses, more vineyards, less trees. Until both sides of the highway is just the vast scenery of the Plata mountain range and the famous Topungato, the mountain volcano. Mendoza has a good road system that leads to Chile. After two hours we stop by the gasoline station that is also the last place that has trees. I am amazed looking the beautiful tall mountains around. Our guide Lito said mountains on this area has an  elevation of around 3,000M and more, not even the highest in our place. Arrive at Los Puquitos office 1:00PM and finally meet Emmanuel.

At Los Puquitos, the place of Emmanuel

We leave all our gears that will be carried by the mules and  those that we will leave in the office, then head back to Ayelen Hotel to eat lunch and check in.  Penitentes is a ski place in Mendoza and Ayelen is a ski hotel. On winter, this place is full of snow and full of skiers. But because it's summer, the entire place is like a ghost town with no activities at all, only alive with few climbers like us who will stop over for the night before the start of the trek. I can only imagine how busy and alive this place will be with all the skiers around on a winter.  But despite it's being summer, this place is cold, not just cold but very cold. Ayelen Hotel is also the very last place that we have a  hot shower  prior to the 15 day expedition. Our lunch is an adventure in itself, greeted by beautiful Janina, with the menu card at her hand, we are not sure what food to order. We  cannot remember  if our food will be paid by the outfitter, so we ordered the less expensive one. I am happy with the entree of green salad,  but the ravioli that the 3 of us ordered is not so good. I did not even finish what I got.

Yummy Steak with Malbic Wine

After lunch , we settled on our rooms then proceed back to Los Puquitos to fix our things for the mules. It needs to be weighed  and securely packed, mine weighs 21kilos. At around 7:30pm, as every gear, food and all those needed for the climb has been tagged and ready for the mule ride,  we go back to the hotel and eat dinner. Now that we confirmed with Lito that everything that we will eat from then on will be shouldered by the outfitter,  the 3 of us look forward for dinner, beef with malbic wine. And true enough, it was really a great dinner with super delicious beef.  This day also starts a daily interview of our physical condition and recorded by our dear lead guide Lito. Mine: 97 oxygen saturation, 82 heart rate

Pictures:  Penitentes

At Vacas Valley

Dec. 3  Day 2 Trek from Vacas Valley (2,400M) to Pampa de Lenas (2,850M) Camp Site

Bringing my approach pack containing an outer shell jacket, 2 liters of water in my hydration bladder for the entire day, packed lunch from the hotel (milanesa bun with tomato and apple)  first aid kit, sunscreen lotion and lip balm,  my documents like passport and money, with my two trekking pole, we left Ayelen Hotel 10:15am. We check in at the entrance of Vacas Valley Park Ranger Station, our permit is checked one by one, given back to us together with a plastic where we should keep all our trash for the entire climb and supposedly surrender it at the end of trek. Start our trek 10:40am  along the Vacas Valley following the Vacas River. It's an easy trek but it's sunny, windy and dusty. We are surrounded by tall barren mountains, with minimal plants around, there are  few trees beside the river at the first few kilometers of the trek. 

Our Lunch

We stop at around 12:15 noon beside a flowing stream from the melted snow above the mountain slope to eat our lunch. The group from Australia is also resting on the same place, they just finish eating. After lunch we resume our trek, the first batch of mules pass by us some of them are bringing our gears. We have one last rest stop and eat trail food before arriving the camp site, Pampa de Lenas at around 3:30pm. The campsite is dusty and windy but beautifully surrounded by mountains.  Upon arrival of our gear, we have to pitch our tent.  With Ramon as my tent mate, Cesar and Lito show us how to pitch the tent especially when the wind gets strong and gusty and how to peg the guy lines. It is here I know how to pitch a four season tent without any peg, just gather and use any rock big enough that I can carry and tie the guy line...hhmmm, probably this is how it is in the big mountains. After setting up our tent, I get my big duffel carried by  the mule, it's a carry your own thing here and I cannot forget how Heidi helped me when I pass by her tent carrying my big bag. She thought  my bag is even much bigger than I am. So kind of her, she is a lady from New York State who is the only female from the Aymara team. I begin to like her for she become close to our team.  There are already few climbers around, several tents are already pitched. I get excited, with tent pitched I settled inside our tent, arranging whatever gear I will be needing for the night.

Asado

Our dinner is with the Areros (Muleteers) and I can say it's the BEST. It's asado....a mix of grilled beef (the best), chicken, chorizo (with black chorizo), green salad, bread, soda and red wine. It's an eat til you drop thing. Sitting on a file of rocks, we are gathered on a side of the wall of the small hut, around the live charcoal with all the meat being cooked by  the areros. They are many, more than ten of them with us and other climb guides. As soon as the meat is cooked, sliced and we will just get as many as we can. I eat with so much gusto until I just can't take anymore, as much as I wanted to eat more, I am so full already. I just watch all of them with so much amazement and awe. I am glad I am given the chance to be with them, to mingle with them this close. After more than an hour,  I decided to rest on my tent, it's getting cold and getting late. Sleep 9:30pm without using our sleeping bags, we feel it's warm enough not to use one.

Facts of the day:

5 hour trek in a distance of 12 Kilometer

2 liters load of trail water

91 oxygen saturation, 95 heart rate

Picture:Vacas Valley to Pampa de Lenas

Dec. 4  Day 3 Trek To Casa De Piedra (3,200M)

crossing the bridge

Wake up 4:30am, need to go to the latrine, it's a few meters walk from where our tent is being pitched and went back to sleep. It's cold outside but bearable. By 6:00am I finally decided to wake up and start fixing my things. Before 8:00am we are called for breakfast, option of hot tea, coffee or instant soup, biscuits and cake. I thought of the chicken last night, had I know that our breakfast will be this light I should have get one slice of chicken for breakfast. After breaking our camp, I just wait for the signal to start the trek, we finally leave 9:25am. It's a trek along the Vacas Valley again, beside the river, just a continuation of what we did yesterday. Along the way, we see 5 guanacos, an animal native to the arid mountains of South America. They are up far in the inclined slopes of the mountain away from the people. Today is more windy  than yesterday still sunny and dusty. The trail is more rocky.  We stop thrice, when we eat snacks, then lunch along the side of the dry river bed under the heat of the sun.

our lunch from day 2 onwards

Our lunch: cheese, tomato, salami, ham, can of sardines and tuna, mayonesa, biscuits and olives.  Our last stop is on the approach to Casa de Piedra campsite, when we see for the first time the view of Aconcagua. It's cloudy when we arrive though but we still watch her beauty from afar. It excites me seeing the huge fang from afar. Casa de Piedra  is a windy and cold campsite,  the latrine is located on the upper part away from the campsite. On our light snacks after pitching our tent I asked Lito when will they serve rice to us. As early as second day of the climb I already think of eating rice, since I arrive Argentina 6 days ago, I haven't eaten any yet. So Cesar cook for us, it's his first time to cook one. Having an MSR stove with only on and off control, that makes cooking rice a challenging one but he managed to cook it, not so good but good enough.

Casa de Piedra (Stone House)

Dinner is pasta with chicken as sauce, so it's a good viand for the rice that they cook for us. I enjoy every grain of it. That makes me so happy. After dinner we rest on our tents for the night, I have my  hot water on my nalgene bottle, one thing that I insist from Lito of having every night. He was hesitant of giving one at first but after I explained to him why I needed it every night, he give me one every single night since then. And this night also starts of my adventure on being able to pee  on my pee bottle at the middle of the night.  I wake up twice, I need to pee. And since it's dark and freezing cold outside and the latrine is an uphill walk, I decided to use the vestibule of our tent that served as our luggage storage area.  Getting the right comfortable position is difficult but I have to.  At first I feel shy doing it while I know my tent mate Ramon hears it. It feels weird hearing my pee or his pee going to the bottle, hearing the bottle almost full, but I got used to it as we continue with the expedition.

Facts for the day:

Drink 3 liters of water

17 kilometer trek in 6 hours

88 oxygen saturation, 111 heart rate

Pictures To Casa de Piedra

Dec. 5  Day 4 To Plaza Argentina (4,200M)

River Crossing

Wake up 5:00am, needs to pee then fix my things that will go to Plaza Argentina that will be carried by the mule. Breakfast by 6:30am, rice is served again, but since there is no viand, I made an instant soup and mix my rice with it, there it goes just like arroz caldo. Start the trek 7:30am with riding the mule as we cross the freezing cold small river. It's not even a knee deep and not so wide river but having to cross it by foot on a freezing cold temperature at this time of  the day is not a very good idea. I thank Carlitos, our arero, he patiently bring each one  of us to the other side to the river. Each of us give him a tip of 10.00AR. It's freezing cold on this campsite, the water that flows from the water source becomes ice, the dew on the tent had frozen. After crossing the river, it's a long uphill trek for us. We now leave the Vacas River and start the ascend to Relinchos Valley, this also starts the challenge of a steep ascend. But I am happy I cope up with the pace of the guys.

Relinchos Valley

The towering figure of Mt Aconcagua is right in front of us now as we go on with our trek. We rest for lunch, the food, same as the other day's lunch,  then take a rest, enjoying the beautiful view and the heat of the sun. As we start the ascend again, I already join with Ramon and Cesar, I myself already feel the thinning air as we move higher. The group reach  Plaza Argentina around 2:20pm, I am  really tired and hungry.  I just hope my body will adopt to the altitude as we stay longer on this camp. Plaza Argentina  is the base camp for all those taking the traverse route and this will be our home for the next 3 days. It's a huge campsite full of tents  from several outfitters. The place is beautiful surrounded  with  tall mountain ranges including Mt. Aconcagua. I thank God that I reach this far and see this beautiful place.

on the approach to Plaza Argentina

Aconcagua Trek used the place of Daniel Lopez and his place becomes our home for the next three days. He has his own mess hall with  the luxury of phone for 4.00USD per minute,  internet for 10.00USD per 15 minutes  and a hot shower for 25.00USD. We only use the internet to update our loved ones. The welcome hot tea and biscuits served by Valerie is refreshing. The guys with the help of Turco pitch our tent, so when I go out from the mess hall after eating,  I am glad our tent is already  pitched and standing and my duffel is already beside our tent. As we rest on our tents, the snow starts to fall at first slow until it covers the entire place into white. What used to be rocks when we arrive is now all covered with snow. So now it becomes a challenge to even go to the latrine.

Facts for the day:

Drink 5 liters of water

6 hours and 25 minute trek on a distance of 14 kilometer

85 Oxygen Saturation, 118 heart rate

Picture: To Plaza Argentina

Dec. 6 Day 5 Rest at Plaza Argentina

Base Camp

It's rest and relax day for us today, wake up a bit late feeling great but has to deal with  the cold temperature even on going to the toilet, there is still snow. Breakfast is served at around 9:00am, it's crepe with not so cooked rice. I am really grateful and thankful that Valerie take time to cook rice for me, but eating it alone is also a challenge. I really wish I brought my supply of pork and beans and  sachet of corned beef, it could have been a good partner to the rice that Val prepared. Just before lunch, we need to visit the Camp Doctor, this is a practice and protocol on this mountain, each climber should go through and pass the medical check up before all can be cleared to ascend on the higher camps. With Lito and Cesar assisting us while being examined by the doctor, Tito go first followed by Ramon. Both of them are asked to take a walk few meters from the clinic and then proceed back before finally cleared and can leave.

time for medical check up

My turn, check my blood pressure, lungs, oxygen saturation and heart rate, all fine. She also asked me to walk the same direction as the two. When I returned Zenon is just resting. I asked, going for a walk? he replied not because bp is high. The Doctor cleared me but not Zean. He needs to take a medication and visit her again. As we get back to our camp it started to snow again, and the wind pick up, now its getting cold again. As we wait for our lunch we answer a Spanish written questionnaire which Cesar patiently interpret for us in English, crazy questions, just what he said. Lunch is great, soup still with not so cooked rice, lasagna and dessert. I am advised to take 5 liters of fluid again.  It is also today that a climber from South Africa who descend from higher camp is evacuated by chopper. Scary.

Facts:

Drink 5 liters of fluid

130/80 BP

86 oxygen saturation, 120 heart rate

Picture: At Plaza Argentina

Dec 7 Day 6 First Carry to Camp 1 (4,960MASL)

Beautiful penitentes

Wake up 6:00 am, 8:00 am breakfast and 9:00am start our trek to carry food supply to Camp 1. This day starts the using of my 7 pound Scarpa Inverno  double plastic boots, a super good luck to me.  Doing the carry is part of our acclimatization process and practice the timing of our breathing and to be familiar of using the double plastic boots (in my case). Even  having only food supply and water in my pack, it weighs more than 10 kilos already.  Above Plaza Argentina is an uphill scree and since it snowed the past days, some parts of the trail is not so loose though there are some areas that I just can't help but use my two hands  to make sure that I won't fall on the ravine.  With double plastic boots on, I just really cannot get a sure footholds. As we go higher the trail becomes more secure still an open scree but not steep.

Me infront of Zea using two  hands going up on this terrain

 On the rocky part it makes more challenging for me having my double plastic boots on. As we go higher, some penitentes are now visible on the side. On the rest stop, as I look where we come from, it's a mountain range all covered with snow....the penitentes are beautiful. With tearful eyes I watched this beautiful place,   I just thank God He allowed me to reach this far and make me see the beauty of nature, it's really beautiful. But we are far to our destination yet. After the scree is a long uphill slope all covered with snow. Surprisingly, as we enter the area all covered with snow, I just love the sound  as Cesar chop the snow with his plastic boots.  As we go higher I am beginning to love the sound of our boots. When  the wind stop blowing it gets so hot in the snow part but once the wind starts blowing again, it gets really very cold. It's  still a long trek up and I know I get slower in my pace. When we reach the flat part I am already tired, the guys already went ahead of me. I just push myself up until we finally reach the campsite where we are going to leave the food that we carry for the day. After I pull out my load from my pack, I just sit on the ground, while bringing out my food and water. I really have to force myself to eat, I need whatever energy that I will regain for I will still go down that  same slope. After Cesar and Lito fixed the food that we leave by  hiding it on rocks, we leave.

Finally reach Camp 1, me just sitting on the ground

Going down without a load is much easier but  with my double plastic boots on, on an 85 degree slope of scree is really scary, promise,  finding my balance on this loose soil and rocks is just a real challenge, I get scared. Then after the scree is a snow of the same slope. I am left on the last of the group with Lito while the rest run like lightning. They are far ahead of me. I can't go any faster, I just have to deal with my boots. I arrive last at Plaza Argentina feeling tired and having headache. I want to hydrate but I was just too tired. I went to my tent and take a nap for a while until I hear Lito calling my name, I need to hydrate.  Today is really a long and tiring day for me. As I always said to myself from the very first day of this expedition, I will take things one day at a time. But thinking of what we've been through today, I really do not know how to carry my full pack the following day. Having to go through that slope again made me think. I thank God tomorrow is the team's rest day, I will have the time to rest and recover, and I just hope my body will recover and adjust to the altitude in the coming days.

Facts for the day:

7 hour carry and back to PA

76 -OS, 105 HR

Picture: Carry To Camp 1

Dec 8 - Day 7 Practice Day at Plaza Argentina

my daily routine

Wake up 7:00am feeling great. It's Immaculate Conception,  I started the day praying the rosary and thanking  God for another good sleep despite the freezing temperature even inside the tent and another good sunny day ahead. I already get used to the hassle of waking up in the middle of the night and having to pee in the vestibule of our tent using my pee bottle and emptying it on the morning.  And today, is the start of my monthly period as well, a very good luck to me while on this big expedition. All the more things becomes really challenging and complicated.  Today is also our last rest  day in Plaza Argentina. It snowed again but not as thick as the first day we arrive here.We need to decide and segregate which of our gears we will bring to the high camps and which we are going to leave and be carried by the mules back the Penitentes. And today is also our practice day of using crampons and ice axe on the snow. Just before lunch, Cesar called us.

practice

We need to put on our double plastic boots, carry our crampons and ice axe, he lead us to the trail going to the area before reaching the campsite but all the snow has melted, we transferred to the other slope of the valley on the spot that has penitentes, big enough for us to practice on. I am really glad there is practice session, having to use this technical gear is really complicated. Two hours after, it's time for lunch, I am already hungry. I love the beef, yummy lunch, happy. After lunch, Tito discuss to us about the team hiring a personal porter. Lito personally suggests of getting one for the entire team, but before I leave for this expedition, getting a personal porter to carry our things was not an option.

computing

If the four of us will avail, having 5 kilos each to be carried, we will only pay 187.50AR each. Mondy and Zean don't want to, it's too much for them. So that leave  for me and Tito to avail of the porter, that will cost me 372.00AR. Shoot, it's too much but as I think of it I have almost 3,000.00AR left just for this climb. I can use it. My thoughts, I am here for the climb, every single penny that I bring on this climb is really a hard earned money, but if getting a porter will at least ease what ever difficulty that I will encounter going to the higher camps, I will do it. At least what ever happens I can say I tried and did all the possibilities that will bring success to this climb.

Facts for the day:

drink 5 liters of water

90-OS, 100-HR

Picture: Practice Day

Dec 9 Day 8 Move to Camp 1 (4,960MASL)

with Daniel Lopez

We said our goodbye to Valerie and Daniel for  accommodating us in Plaza Argentina. All of them had been very kind and helpful. We will now move to Camp 1. We've done this two days ago, the only difference now  is I am carrying a 16 kilo pack despite the 5 kilo load that has to be carried by Turko (our porter). Carrying such load on my back on such kind of terrain is not a  joke at all.....it is difficult. I just really thank my teammates who patiently follow my pace. I am slow, really slow. But they said it's okey. So many things run through my mind while trekking. I just hope I'd be able to carry on until the last steep slope of this trail until the flat area despite my load. The campsite is so near yet it's so far. I have difficulty with my boots. I just really take it so slow. What make things more complicated I have my monthly period as expected.

amazingly strong

Upon our arrival in the campsite Lito prepared our usual lunch on our supposedly campsite. We are not done with our lunch yet when it starts to snow and not just that, the wind starts blowing as well. With the snow starting to fall and windy without our tent being pitched yet, it  is really cold, our things that are just on the rocks are now slowly covered with snow. Thanks to the help of Cesar and Lito, they help us pitch the tent fast and I throw our things inside. After that rush, feeling cold Zean and myself settle inside our tent. I need to change, and not just change some layers of clothes but also my sanitary napkin and doing that on the vestibule of the tent with so many layers on is also a challenge. It is beginning today I have to say goodbye to my tent mate for 7 nights Ramon and welcome Zean. Tito requests to change tent mate, it's either I will transfer to the tent of Tito or Ramon, we decided it will be Ramon, I will be with Zean. How is that? Because Tito cannot sleep with Zean's snore.

Facts for the day:

4 hours and 30 minutes of trek

16 kilos of load

Pictures: Move to Camp 1

Dec 10 - Day 9 It's Bizzy's Bday, Carry to Camp 2 (Guanacos - 5,415M) 

a long way to go

As I said climbing this mountain is not really for a faint of heart. I wake up cold, I need to pee, I need to change sanitary napkin and I need to poo (kaka). I cannot pee anymore on my bottle, it's more than 3/4's full already from my several times of waking up on the freezing night. I need to do the three  in just one time. The trip to the uphill rock where the designated toilet while it's freezing cold with the wind blowing is not a good thing to do on this early part of the day. But I have no choice but to go, upon reaching the spot, I need to think of a strategy. Sit on the small flat rock, open the plastic bag for the poo, prepare my sanitary napkin and the tissue and wet ones. With the wind blowing while my butt is exposed is a not so good thing as well, it's just really cold. Doing all this thing at this time take me a while to finish. I just enjoy the view despite my condition, that's the best that I can do. Then upon return to my tent, all the while I thought we will rest but not, we will carry things to camp 2, the usual thing, our food supply.

freezingly cold

Today is just really very cold and windy, I already put on my outer shell and gloves but it's still very cold. I trek right next to Lito, but I am really having difficulty going faster, I can feel the air less of oxygen now, I am dragging the entire team. Until Lito decided to stop and carry some of my load. We need to go faster for all of the other climbers in front of us are already up and we are already far behind. I feel this carry is forever, the trek just to reach the rock on the end of the slope is just taking so long. Upon reaching the rock, the wind blow so hard, that we cannot even open our packs, the right gloves of Zean and Ramon both  are blown away because of strong wind.  Few minutes after we decided to go. The trail up is already rolling but long until it goes up again....it's a  never ending going up. At the back of my mind I thought, what's so ironic about this is that back home with this kind of load I can always trek fast, on the lead, right next to the guide or even the first on the trail with so much ease and speed.

wasted

But here, I just cannot make it. I cannot trek the uphill trail fast. It's frustrating but I just have to be patient with myself as well. Until we reach the last bend of the mountain and see tents, finally we reach the campsite. It's 2:00pm. We reach the campsite in 4 hours and 30 minutes, the towering summit of Aconcagua is just right above us. It's very cold, it's full of snow anywhere. We have to unload our packs and leave the food and even our ice axe and crampons. Then eat  trail food. I need to replenish energy again, we will be going back where we come from. And as usual, all the guys are ahead, I just follow behind them. Until the last slope where the campsite is already visible Zean and and Mondy wait for me.

Facts for the day:

84 - OS, 105 - HR

Pictures: Carry to Camp 2

Dec 11, Day 10 Move to Camp 2 (Guanacos - 5,415M) 

windy and cloudy

The team decided to move up to Camp 2 today. I do not know if I will be happy or not. Thinking what I went through yesterday is already a big ordeal. But as I said, I will take things one day at a time. I decided to take a 10 kilo porter service compare to 5 kilos that I had on our move to Camp 1. I know it will be a great help having to carry a lesser load on that same terrain. But despite my lesser load I am still slow especially on the first part of the uphill slope. I just take it one slow step at a time. The rest stops are of great help, it gives me the chance to recover a bit. It's a never ending turn on the mountain, I just wish I will reach that last turn and see the tents. I am really slow. But truly I am feeling better, I did not feel any headache though I am really tired.

my dinner....can't understand the taste

On Food: Having to eat a food that I do not understand at high altitude is really a challenge. I am not complaining, Lito and especially Cesar really tried their best to give us the best that they can. The altitude is just really hitting me. I just have to swallow whatever is there, I need the food to give me energy on the coming days. Food Expedition

On Camp 2 (Guanacos): Camp 2 is beautiful, the peak of Aconcagua is just looking down at us. But as close as it seems, we still have 1 campsite to go before the summit push. The campsite is full of snow that we need to shovel and dig, clear the area from deep snow before pitching the tent. And having to do that on high altitude on an extreme cold temperature is a real challenge.

Thanks to the help of Lito and Cesar, they efficiently help us shovel the snow and set up our home for the next two days. This place is really cold, super cold. I don't even enjoy the place for it is extremely cold. I just hope that every thing will turn out fine on the coming days. Mondy is not feeling too well today, his oxygen saturation drops to 57 which is really very low. He decided to take diamox.

at Camp 2 as the sun sets...beautiful

My thoughts while on this camp: I salute so much PS Sim (my Singaporean friend) and other female who did this  mountain in the past. Doing this is not an easy ordeal. I said the same line when I did Kilimanjaro summit before and I still hold that same thoughts in my heart and in my mind. Aconcagua is a different ordeal as well. It's a very very physical demanding  thing while dealing with the extreme altitude, the intense cold and the gusty wind. On this batch of climbers that comes from the traverse route, majority of them are big strong men, including our men in the group. We are only three female, one from New Zealand, Heidi from New York State and me, the smallest among the 3.

Facts for the day:

537.50AR - porter fee

81-OS, 97- HR

Pictures: Move to Camp 2

Dec 12, Day 11 - It's my sister's birthday, Rest Day at Camp 2

breakfast at camp 2 

I am out of communication now, I am at high camp of Aconcagua, Camp 2 to be exact. This place is extremely cold. The wind is blowing the entire night. I can imagine if we are not inside the tent probably it has already blown far away on the mountain slopes. And it's cold, -11 degrees inside the tent. I wish the wind will stop blowing and the vestibule of our tent will not be to noisy. But I just have to deal with it, that's what Lito told me the following day.  We have our usual breakfast at around 10:00am, tea, biscuits, dulce de leche, nuts. All I can wish while having breakfast on the campsite full of snow is BEEF TAPA. How come this beef producing country  doesn't have beef tapa especially on long expeditions like this. After breakfast, we had a short pictorial around. The view of Mercidario and Amihigos with the Andes Mountain range is just beautiful. The group agreed to go on acclimatization walk after lunch.

Acclimatization day

But when Lito went out of his tent  bringing his trekking pole and said he will take a short walk, I said I will follow him. Mondy did the same and Zean until Tito follow us as well. Now the 5 of us on the higher slopes of camp 2 on the way to Camp 3, Colera. It's all an uphill trek so as usual I am catching up with the guys again. What we thought will just be a short walk becomes a 173 meters elevation gain. On our way down we are already hungry. I wonder what could be for lunch and it turn out it's the same food: salami, ham, biscuits, nuts, tea and instant soup. Now I am imagining beef tapa again. And the rest of the afternoon becomes our rest day. But my thermoflasc spilled on my tent and my precious thick socks are wet. I wonder how I will dry this now on the high altitude, the sun is bright and sunny but cold. The team is about to have dinner, if I am hoping for beef tapa on breakfast and lunch, now I am hoping I brought dried fish, instant noodles, sardines. These are simple food that we brought up in the mountain on a simple climb back home. After 11 days of eating the food that is being prepared, I just can't help but crave those familiar food. Just a wish. I only brought two packs of pork and beans which I thought of reserving it for the summit day. My packs of corned beef are left in Los Puquitos. Now how I wish I brought beef or squid jerky.

Pictures: Rest Day at Camp 2

move to camp 3

Dec 13 - Day 12, Move to Camp 3 Colera 

The group move to high camp 3, Colera. I  decided to get a share of 10 kilo porterage today, just to lessen my load going up. But because I still have to carry  my share of the group food load aside from what is left on my personal things,  my pack seemed light but really heavy when on the high altitude. I am really catching up with the group again going up. Though Lito doesn't want me to put on the last of the group,  towards the last stretch of the uphill slope I was left behind. I am really too slow that all of them  are already going ahead of me while Cesar  is left sweeping me. Lito signaled that we are already at the campsite, what a relief seeing the tents of the other climbers. Colera campsite is almost 6,000M now, it's cold, its windy and high above the slopes  of the Andes Mountain range. The group will bid for the summit tomorrow, but  with the wasted condition of my body from the move today I just really do not know how I will be able to cope with the physical ordeal of the climb. I am still weak from today's move. The 3 of us now wish to have other food aside from what we have been eating for more than 10 days now. Mondy tried to negotiate for a more substantial food but it turned out the same. This has been a cold campsite, my down sleeping bag is wet again from the condensation of our body heat inside the tent. Before we go for bed, I tried to prepare all those that I need for the early summit assault the following day.

Pictures: Move to Camp 3 Colera

Dec 14 - Day 13, Summit Assault (It's Auntie Arlyn and Rose's Bday)

summit bid

 I was awaken  from the cold temperature inside my tent even before our supposedly wake up call. It's very cold. I just hope the layering that I put on would be enough to keep me warm especially with the gusty wind blowing. The horizon is beautiful but I cannot appreciate its beauty that much. I had to concentrate on myself. It took me a while to go out of my tent. It's just really very  very cold. Lito give us food on the vestibule, the usual morning food and while I am eating at one end of the vestibule of our tent, Zean is doing his morning routine of poo on the other vestibule of the other end of  the tent. Unthinkable but true. After putting on my double plastic boots, I bring out my pack, getting ready when Cesar announce, put on your crampons. Oh my, a super good luck to me. On this cold high altitude condition, I cannot think of ways how to put on my crampons. After few minutes, Cesar come to the rescue of helping me put on my other crampon. And off we start the trek. The Koreans and other climbers started walking already on the upper slope ahead of us. God, without the sun yet with the wind blowing, it's just really freezing cold. Traversing the slope going up on a snow is really a challenge for me. I am trying to get my rhythm of my breathing while consciously making one step forward fighting the freezing temperature and grasping my breath until the horizon brightens up but still the sun is not out, it's still cold.

beautiful but very cold

I come to the point that I get scared that my hands and toes might get frostbite from the cold temperature. I tried to keep moving to fight the freezing cold that I feel on both my thumbs, but it just don't go away. I wish for a short water break but I do understand on this slope it's not possible. Lito repeatedly emphasize I cannot go on with my pace, otherwise I will be dragging the team. I know I drag the team slower as well. I push myself up to the end of the first slope where other climbers are resting including my team. Just before I even finish eating 1 bar of trail mix and making a first zip of water from my thermoflasc, Lito come and talk to me. This is a point where I have to decide,  either to go on but on a faster pace or go down. I  know it's quite impossible for me to go on a faster pace. I negotiated to be put last on the line but Lito will  not allow me, it will all the more drag the team slower and the tendency of the group to be divided into two, which they cannot afford it. Or I cannot go down alone on the event that along the way I will decide to stop, there is a big chance to be lost or a danger of  accident. That I have to consider, I don't have  much time to think on my situation at that moment,  I decided to try, I appreciate Mondy's encouragement to me, he thinks I still can push further. Few seconds after,  we started to resume the trek to the next uphill slope,  seeing Lito, Tito and  Zean already few meters away from us, there and then I decided okey I will go back to Camp 3.

me wasted

Mondy gave me a hug. I know to myself I haven't pushed  myself to the limit yet but with my physical condition and the fact that I will drag my team slower, I decided to turn back, I know deep inside me I wanted to reach the summit but having been able to reach that far on my condition  I think that has been my summit. I tried everything that I can and that's the best that I can give at that moment for that mountain. I thought I still want to tell my tale especially on this adventure to my loved ones and friends who are waiting for my safe return from this expedition.  Going down with Cesar breaks my heart, I have to concentrate on my steps going down, one wrong move will lead me to a fatal situation. But while doing that so many things run in my mind as well, did I made the right decision, what if I push it further, but I am now on my way down. Halfway the trail when the tents are already visible below, I am already left alone while Cesar has to trek back up and catch up with the rest of my team.

Camp colera on summit day

I arrive at Colera campsite with less climbers around, I am so tired and weak. I unload my pack almost near to the opening of the vestibule of my tent, struggling to take off my gaiters, crampons  and double plastic boots while dealing with the cold temperature at the campsite, it's already sunny but the wind is blowing. Leaving all my things scattered outside my tent I crawl inside, it's cold, so I keep the upper part of the vestibule and the tent door halfway open so that the  heat from the bright sun will penetrate inside. I lie down on a fetus position right next to the tent door. Without eating or drinking anything,  to my exhaustion I doze to sleep. After almost 2 hours of sleeping I wake up perspiring, it's so hot despite the wind blowing outside. I realized I haven't been eating anything yet. After that ordeal I need to hydrate and eat in order for my body to recover. But all my water and food are in my pack outside. It's a struggle going out, I am still weak. I have to crawl out of my tent and pull my pack inside. I need to eat. I just sit down inside my tent  while watching and hearing climbers coming from the lower camps every now and then. Most of them are big men with huge packs. Now that I have recovered,  while waiting for my  5 teammates, I cannot help but think again, did I made the right decision. I hope my teammates are all okey. Despite the wind, inside the tent is just really scorching  hot like sauna due to the sunny bright sun.   I keep on watching the climbers who pass by our tent others keep on trekking while others pitch their tents. Until one familiar face is coming, to my surprise it's Zean. My tent mate has come down as well. He reach as far as Plaza Independencia. Just in time when he arrive, I have some cake, biscuits and juice ready, I am still munching some. I offered him the food. He is more wasted that I thought. He just put off his crampons, boots, gaiters, backpack and went straight inside our tent. Despite the scorching heat from the  sun we manage to sleep inside. It's really hot, just like sauna inside  but we do not have other shelter. After more than 3 hours of sleeping, at around 6:00pm I cannot sleep anymore. I've been sleeping the entire day already. I eat again while waiting for our 4 teammates from the summit. We begin to worry about how Mondy will be after more than 12 hours expose on the open without proper food. The summit assault is suppose to be an 11 hour bid, but it's past more than that now and no one from our team has come back  yet to the camp. All the more I get worried when the Koreans are already back and resting on their tents. To ease my worries away when I saw one of them bringing a cook set, now I am imagining kimchi, I've been thinking of going out and ask some from them. At Camp Colera

the blue tent is the koreans' tent

And I wonder, what could they have  for their meal: maki, sushi, sashimi, then Zean joined my imagination of food, he said Korean beef stew. Now we are craving familiar food again, only in our dreams. We cannot even open our stove, one thing that Cesar reminded me on our way down, I can look for food inside their tent but never ever open the stove, it will be dangerous. I know how to operate an MSR stove  back home but with only an on and off control, I will never brave myself to do it. Until it's more than 14 hours has passed, the sun is almost down and our team mates are still not around. In less than an hour it will start to get dark. All the more we become worried hoping that nothing happens to them. Two climbers arrive with backpack opening the tent of our guides. I wonder, could they  be opening a wrong tent? I asked Zean to talk to them, making them aware that we know that the tent that they are opening is from our guides. It turn out they are park rangers helping our team mates up there. They said Ramon meet an accident on his way down from the summit falling 7 meters but he was being rescued and now safely going down. They are just really very slow. All the more we become worried. It is already 8:00 in the evening. The sun is still up but it's already very cold. Few minutes later we already see Tito coming, to my surprise a six footer as Tito in his down jacket a rope is tied on his waist then the other end tied to the wrist of Lito. He is wasted, disoriented and cannot even go straight to his tent. Oh my, there and then I said to myself, deep inside me I thank God I decided to go down, I cannot imagine how worst I will be if I proceed with the climb more than 11 hours ago. Because as tall and as stocky as Tito even reach this physical state. We asked about Ramon. Lito said they are still up there making their descend slow to make sure of their safety. After almost 30 minutes it starting to get dark, Cesar arrive, Mondy is still not behind him. He said Mondy is fine just taking his time to go down slow.

summit as taken by Mondy

Few minutes later we see Mondy coming, God as he approach to his tent he is already blow-ted, wasted, a bit dis-oriented and coughing.  He did make it to the summit but with the price he has to endure now. We are so proud of him making it through that difficult ordeal. He showed us the most surprise of all, the summit picture that all of us has been waiting for. I am so proud of Mondy and Tito for making it to the summit but most of all I am so proud and I salute to Lito and Cesar for doing a great job. Their dedication to their job is incomparable, bringing us up to this mountain safe, setting aside their personal needs and making sure that all our needs will be attended for. They are two fantastic people who love the outdoor so much, and we are lucky to have them as our guides.

Pictures: Summit Day

our way down to Plaza de Mulas

Dec. 15 - Day 14, Going Down to Plaza de Mulas (4,200MASL)

The team will now go down to Plaza de Mulas. I feel more energetic today, having been able to recover from that ordeal yesterday after sleeping for more than 10 hours.  I take a 10 kilo porterage which costs me AR258.75. We leave Camp Colera 11:00am, it was a very long trek going down with almost 20 kilos of load. The first few meters from the camp site is really sketchy, with a slope a combination of boulder, snow and scree with my double plastic boots on, it's just really scary. Thanks to the help of Cesar, on each slope that is really dangerous he guides me where to step. After that it was already a combination of scree and snow, I already get the technique of stepping on a fresh snow so that it wont be slippery. I begin to love the trek going down but of course still with super extra care. One wrong step could be a few meters of fall. It's switch back trail of the mountain. As we move downward the peak of Aconcagua is now behind us. It's a beautiful sunny day but still very cold. As we descend further, the group made 2 stops, and I started to think of food, real one again. Despite the time that Plaza de Mulas is already visible from where we are, it's still more than 2 hour trek down up to the place. The going down seem to go forever, Plaza  De Mulas  seem to be near yet it is still very far. Until we finally cross small portion of penitentes before finally reaching Plaza de Mulas, our very last camp site and last night on the big mountain. We settle on the tent that is owned by Aconcagua Trek. We all made it to the last campsite safe.

hungry

We are called for late lunch prepared by Veronica. It's pizza and a choice of either soda or beer. I get the beer and give it to the guys and settle for juice. After many days of same food, the pizza is just really great. We are joined by big group of climbers from US and Europe. Until Veronica bring out sandia/watermelon. I am so surprised and glad they have such kind of food on this high elevation. It's my favorite. With salt, I can finish one whole of it in one sitting. Everyone are surprise seeing me eating watermelon with salt, but I don't care I just eat it with so much gusto. What a great way to end our late lunch.  This place is still cold even if it's already more than a thousand meters lower from our last camp. We have to choose where we will stay for the night, between the bed banks or a tent with 3 mattress which can accommodate the 3 of us. We decided to take the tent though we need to bring out again our gears for sleeping. I hate the feeling of being inside the sleeping bag, the feeling of being so warm inside but so cold on the outside of it but I have to deal with it even on the last night of our stay in the mountain. That is part of the adventure.

Dinner was great, onion salad and a flowing supply of asado and chorizo and ofcourse bread. I just love the juicy asado so much that I get 3 servings of it. Quite concern my cholesterol level might shoot up. Ended the cold night thinking about my gone pee bottle. I should hold my pee for the night for the 'character building latrine' is just quite a long walk from our tent.

Picture: To Plaza de Mulas 

Hercones Valley

Dec. 16 - Day 15, to Laguna de Hercones, Last Day of Trek

We have to leave Plaza de Mulas, to the exit of this trail, Laguna de Hercones. We are told the night before that it's going to be an eight hour trek. To my mind I have done a longer trek and run than that in the past, so I guess it wouldn't be a problem. As we are still going to arrange all our things from our pack to the plast0ic sack, I am set to wake up early, which I did 6:00am, arrange my things inside the tent which I used for the night to keep me warm until around 7:00am I finally get out of my tent. I am hesitant of going to the mess hall where our things are stocked for the night, some of the guys might still be sleeping yet. Until I see Cesar coming out bringing mate, I thought most likely the others are already awake. I enter, though they are already awake, I can see on their eyes they don't expect a female will come to the mess hall that early. I just ignore it and proceed with my mission for the morning, arranging my things. As I started with the challenge of putting all my things in one pastic sack, we are called for breakfast, earlier than we expected. We need to eat first before the food gets cold. It was a good breakfast, after eating we continue with our packing. The place is cold, really cold. We finally said our goodbye to Veronica and Major, drop by the clinic for clearance and finally leave Plaza de Mulas at around 9:50am. It was a trail of a barren valley between two mountains following the Hercones River. I trek right next to Lito. He is fast.  I feel so much energetic today.

still at Hercones Valley, pic fr Zea's album

So after several minutes of following him I thought of entertaining myself. I put some distance between him and myself, after several meters, I will start to do trail running, not on a fast pace though but faster than walking on a trail that has less gravel and rocks. That at least give me some fun on going through the beautiful landscape. Until almost two hours of trekking, Lito decided to take a short cut, passing through the dry river bed of Hercones rather than passing through the ups and downs of the the slope of the mountain. It's almost noontime, the sun just shining like no other on a dry river bed with a trail of a combination of sand, gravel and stones. Things at first is fun, until I have to  entertain myself again on this long boring valley. Who ever climber that will pass by me, I will try to catch up to that person. I sometimes jog, sometimes walk or just a relax pace. It is truly a never ending trek for us. Until we leave the dry river bed, and goes to the slope of the mountain. We trek for almost 8 hours on the same landscape. It only varies as  we goes higher on the slope of the mountain.

meet gianni, a climber who visited Philippines before

We only have 2 rest stops, one is before 12:00noon when we take our early lunch, then after crossing the river on the way to Confluencia campsite. This trail used to be a 3 day trek on the approach to Plaza de Mulas, but on the exit, all climbers has to finish it in one day and in our case we need to finish it in 8 hours, have to be in the Laguna de Hercones by 5:00pm.  With a consistent pace of only 2 rest stops for an almost 8 hour of trek which I thought at first will be an easy one, but it turned out it's not. We arrive at the gate of Laguna de Hercones less then 30 minutes before 5:00pm. It's even a long walk without even breaks. Emmanuel of Los Puquitos is already waiting for us. We drive to the park entrance to check out before heading to Los Puquitos office. Get our things at the storage room then finally travel back to Mendoza. Having been trekking for almost 8 hours all I wanted is food and drinks. I made use of what I have on my pack, mix nuts and fruits and the soda that Tito offered to us. After a long tiring day I settled on one seat of the van on my own quiet  time while watching the places that we pass by. Despite my tiring day, I never sleep the entire 3 hour trip.  I just enjoy every moment that is left with us in this place, watching the barren arid mountainous place of Mendoza.  I just simply love its beauty. Until we finally arrive in Hotel Balbi at around 8:00pm. Been dying to take a bath, our most awaited thing to do. I already feel so stinking, yucky, dusty, and burned. After two hours now clean is a celebration dinner ,  again at the best Italian restaurant in town with our dear guides Lito and Cesar. Our climb certificates are handed to us and we dine until 1:00am with good food and good Mendoza wine. What a good way to end our memorable adventure on the big mountain.
My Total Porter Fee: AR 1,711.00  (PhP17, 110.00) 
Pictures:To Laguna de Hercones 
Actual Expedition Itinerary 
 My Expedition Gear List 

If  others will ask me how was it, I will say, it was REALLY difficult, I have to dig deep, dig into my core to face all the challenges encountered day by day on the mountain. But if you are going to ask me if I will recommend to others especially to women like me to do it? I would say, if it's really something that you want to do, if it's your passion to do the outdoors, DO IT. Prepare for it, do all the possible trainings that you can, build your physically endurance and mental toughness. It's not going to be easy but it's going to be worth all the effort.

As for me, it was worth an adventure. Great company, great experience, great mountain, all of it will forever leave  a mark in my heart and be cherished for the rest my life. That has been a tough ordeal , a very very difficult climb. I thank all the people who supported me on this adventure, my teammates who patiently encourage me, my friends , family and  loved ones who constantly pray for my safety. And most of all to God for giving me the courage,  the strength, determination, perseverance, patience,  attitude and the will  to endure and finish the expedition despite all the difficulties, and I also thank Him for giving me the opportunity to be on that beautiful mountain and still giving the attitude to appreciate and see its beauty despite what I went through, I am so lucky.  And my adventure continues......

A Long Hour Drive to Enjoying the Streets of Mendoza

From Buenos Aires, the team traveled by bus to Mendoza. This is one way of acclimatizing to the place and  besides  the fare is cheaper. What was originally a 14 hour bus drive becomes a 15 hour one. We decided to get a semi cama seat, for a reason that it is cheaper than a full cama without stops. Though not a fully reclined seat but we thought we are used to this when we do long travels back in the Philippines. So we thought that would be good enough. True enough it is, it's just that the trip becomes longer.

We leave Buenos Aires passed 7:00 in the evening, the bus is on time. The first hour we enjoy the view of the city until it goes further to the less buildings and more wider plains. The sun sets late at around 8:30 in the evening so we have clear view of the places we pass by. I was hoping for the food to be served earlier as well but it was served almost 11:00 in the evening. After eating, we settled on our individual seats and just sleep.

I wake up with a good view of the place,  already far from Buenos Aires and near Mendoza. It's a wide flat plain of land, all flat as far as my eyes can see. There are trees but it is mostly a plantation of several crops. Establishments and houses are mostly near the road. I am beginning to see mountains on the left side of the road until I am seeing mountains with snow. I am sure this is now the Andes mountain range. I get excited. I am sure what we will be climbing will be much  more higher than what we are seeing now. We arrive Mendoza Omnibus Terminal without our pick up transpo, Rodrigo of Acon Trek give us instruction to just get a taxi and proceed to our hotel, Hotel Balbi. I am now seeing the beauty of Mendoza as we go to our hotel, I heard so much good story about the place, true enough the place is beautiful. Among the many things to see, I first notice the big trees beside the streets, every turn on every street are trees, most of it big tall ones. We are already at the main street of the city yet there are big trees before the tall and not so tall establishments. And beside the streets are ditches, some are open so are closed. Cesar passionately explained to us why they need the ditches, it is to water the trees. Menodza being a desert place build an extensive irrigation system that water their plants not just on their vineyards  and plants but up to the trees in the middle of the city. And each family that owns a house or establishment is required to plant a tree. I wonder how come we do not adopt such system.

On our arrival at Hotel Balbi, we are meet with a warm welcome by our lead guide Lito with Cesar and another climber Tito. We are six in the team, with me the only female, the team is now complete. After settling to our individual rooms with Ramon as my roommate, we have to go to Secretariat de Torismo, the tourist office of Mendoza to get and secure our climb permit. We need to do this personally. We just walk form the hotel passing by Plaza Independencia. It's just a short walk, passing by the stores, restaurants and establishments.  I am enjoying every minute of our walk.

Getting the climb permit is not a long process, each climber just need to fill up a climb application form and a waiver. After which we are going to pay it in a nearby establishment outside the tourist building, then go back to the tourist office. Together with the application form, payment receipt and passport, this will be processed by the tourism officer. Upon release of the receipt, they will ask each climber to read the rules and regulations of the park with fines and punishments if violated. Claro, intiende, that's all I said before the officer hand me my climb permit, permiso de asenso.

After getting our permit we proceed back to our hotel passing by the other side of Plaza Independencia while asking them of where we could possibly eat lunch. It's already late and we need to eat, I am already hungry. Mercado Central is their suggestion, so we check it out. It's seista time (until today, Mendoza still practice seista), so only the restaurant portion is open. We check on the food and cost, we find it pricey compare to the cost of food in our place. After checking form other restaurants and even Mc Donalds, we decided to go back to Mercado Central and order food. I got spaghetti for AR250.00 (PhP250.00). When my order arrive, its a lot but because I am hungry, I finish all of it.  I am happy with my food so as Zean and Mondy.

With stomach already full, we go back to our hotel. Lito and Cesar will be back around by 5:30pm to check on our gear. Mondy prepared his stuff, while I just take my sweet time enjoying my bed. When Lito arrive, he check on Mondy's gear first. Actually, it's a show all your gears to them thing. This is to make sure that each one of us bring the right gear as stated on the gear list forwarded to us few months earlier. And this is to check too if what gear do we need to rent. We already have that in mind and infact already confirm with the them early on. When done with us, Lito and Cesar transfer to the next door to check on Zea and Tito's gear. Leaving all our gears in mess on our room, we went to the next door to see how they are doing.

When done, we go down and walk to the office of Aconcagua Trek, this is to give the balance of our payment and ofcourse meet them personally. Heber was there, Rodrigo and the other one (I forgot his name). We meet other climbers as well, and they have huge packs. After which we trek to the gear rental store. It's a further walk but in this city it seems like everything can be reached by just walking. It's summer and hot but not humid making it friendly to just walk. I meet Miriam at the gear rental store, I have been in constant communication with her prior to the trip. The store is full of mountaineering stuffs both for rental and for sale. After waiting for all our gears to be arranged and paid, we walk ahead of Tito and the others. They will just meet us again in the hotel for dinner.

I started arranging and packing my things the time I come back to my room. The things I packed several nights prior to this trip needs to be packed before I will rest for the night in preparation for our travel to Penitentes tomorrow. Before we know, it's already time for us to go down and meet the guides for a welcome dinner by Aconcagua Trek. We are going to eat at La Marchigiana, one of the finest and oldest Italian Restaurant in town. I am excited, I am already hungry. The place is nice, it's for fine dining, the ambiance is superb, the waiters are friendly. The entree is good but my main course of mixed sea foods has been so salty. There was no rice so I make use of eating the bread together with my mix sea foods. We end our meal with a good dessert then proceed to our rooms. Lito and Cesar will meet us 10:00am tomorrow to pick us up for our trip to the mountain.

I still have tones of gears to pack before signing off for the night. I have to separate all my mountaineering things in my XL TNF duffel bag, putting inside my full pack. On my approach pack will be the gear that I will be needing for the bus rise including water and food. On a separate smaller duffel is all my side trip clothes with my laptop and other electronic wires. We will be bringing this to Penitentes as well and leave it at Los Puquitos office (Aconcagua Trek office in Penitentes) in care with Emmanuel. This I have to carefully pack and make sure I did leave anything behind.

Expenses for the day:
Taxi from Omnibus Terminal to Hotel Balbi - AR14.00
Though this is paid by AconTrek, I'd like to take note that it's easy to get taxi around the city. Just prepare small bill because the em barker (the one that calls for next taxi in line and will help fix your things in the compartment area) will ask for tip.
Lunch at Mercado Central - AR25.00
Gear Rental (Sleeping Bag and Ice Axe) - AR
It turn out one of my best investment in this trip is the sleeping bag, the rental is so expensive but it was a wise decision to get a good down sleeping bag, it is a much needed one in the high camps. The ice axe, I only use it in the High Camp 2 when clearing our campsite form tons of ice before pitching our tents. But ofcourse I dont wish to see and use my ice axe on ice arrest, I cannot imagine how to use it even if we practice it on actual snow and on my mind.
Water -  AR16.00
Climb Fee Balance - USD2,800.00
Postal Fee and other documentation fee - AR86.00

What A Day In Buenos Aires

Great adventure awaits us on November 30 on the streets of Buenos Aires. The night before we already discuss what we need to do for the day,  start our day with the free breakfast in the hostel, go to the bus terminal to check the ticket for Mendoza, change US dollar to Argentinian peso, go to the Central Argentine Embassy, have lunch with Ambassador Rey Carandang, the Philippine Ambassador to almost all South American countries.

It was a great plan and it ended  almost all happened plus sight seeing on the side. We eat breakfast, eat as many croissant as we can, take advantage of it being free and free flowing coffee. Had a minor chat with Mauro, my room mate who has been traveling for several months now, Ramon and Zenon discuss with him few  things about South American travel tips after which with all our things already packed, we leave all of it at the storage of the hostel then leave for the bus terminal to buy ticket. Walking on the streets of Buenos Aires from our hostel, I am with so much  awe  and amazement. The buildings are tall, architecture is fabulous and great, the streets are wide, there are vehicles yet its not crowded.  There are also tourists like us walking on the streets. And as always, we are very mindful of our personal belongings, Buenos Aires is also known for not so good people who will take advantage of tourist looking people like us. But on my mind I feel more scared walking on the busy streets of Quiapo than here. The sun is up but it's not hot and not humid.

Our main objective is to reach Retiro Bus Terminal, with city map at hand we walk the long stretch of streets, follow directions. We reach first the main building with  the central train terminal of the city. All the people who travel to and from the city who uses train as transportation alight on this station. We notice people walking from this building every several minutes. The station is huge and the station guards allow us to enter to take some photos inside. After taking few pictures, we left to Retiro Omnibus Terminal, just few meters away from the train station. Retiro bus terminal is the central bus terminal to all provincial trips from Buenos Aires. It's a huge place with so many people both tourists and locals. We inquire the cost of ticket going to Mendoza and time of travel, but because we do not have enough Argentinian Peso yet we decided to go out and look for the nearest money changer, the bank. The nearest is the bank right inside the Sheraton Hotel. I changed USD1,300.00 enough amount for me to spend up to the end of climb. But because the bank went off line, we decided to use my peso while Zea and Mondy will have their money changed yet. We pass by the tourist desk of the hotel  for the two to inquire about visa before we head back to Retiro Bus Terminal.

After getting our tickets we proceed to Marriot BA at Florida to meet Ambassador  Rey Carandang for the lunch meeting. He is with his cousin Tita Chitas. Both of them are cool persons. They brought us to one of the local restaurant in town, and order soooo many food. Tita Chitas is bubbly and so full of life. She ordered so many food especially for us, milanesa, its a breaded beef and so many bread. Luis arrive in a while and join us. There are six of us eating the so much food. We tried to finish as much as we can over so many stories by Tito Rey and Tita Chitas. I admire them both, and I am glad I met Tito Rey, he is a man with so much wisdom, he has been to so many places in the world but I salute him for he loves so much being a Filipino. His views in life made me think and re-assess my views in life as well. I am really grateful and thankful that I got a chance to meet and have a real talk with them.

After our lunch, just when I  thought we will just be left to go on our own, Tita Chitas tour us around Buenos Aires. We first finish the long stretch of Florida street which we drop by the electronic shop to by a local sim card. After which we walk again heading towards the Tango House, Tita Chitas love tango so much and she wants to show the place to us. Then we went to Obelisco, then she decided to bring us to La Boca. This is a place where first Italian migrants who enter Buenos Aires by boat settled. They are poor but made their house really beautiful by painting it with different colors. Now this place has been transformed into a tourist attraction retaining it's original color and style.

We head back to Tita Chitas place by bus for Mondy needs to change his dollar, the super mercado owner will give a better exchange rate. But because it was getting into the rush hour, what was suppose to be a less than an hour bus ride becomes longer, we need to hurry for we do not want to miss our bus trip to Mendoza. We decided to get a cab on our suppose to be bus transfer then had another cab going back to Hostel Colonial, get our heavy bags then rush to the omnibus terminal. We are still on time and we manage to catch up our bus trip.

Facts and Tips:
Andesmar Bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza - $378.00AR (PhP3,780.00)
Semi Cama with food
15 hour bus ride with stops
If you have big luggage that needs to be put on the storage compartment, prepare some small bills for the tip. The bagger man will ask for tip up front and will not accept smaller bills. We gave $10.00 (Php100.00)
It's best to choose a seat in the upper deck if possible the front seats. You will get a better view of the places that the bus passes by.
Bring other food even if the bus will serve food, sometimes food is served late making me too hungry.
Bring drinks like water and juice as well.
The bus gets cold so bring out your jackets.

And It's Time to Travel to Argentina

On November 28, after several months of planning, the time has come for me to finally leave the Philippines and make a 36 hour travel to Argentina for our expedition to Mt. Aconcagua. I pass by Narita Japan via Nippon Airways, a lay over of 2 hours then travel for 11 hours to Houston, a lay over of more than 7 hours then a 10 hour plane ride via Continental Airlines to Buenos Aires. Traveling alone on such a long flight is a no joke, I wish I have a buddy around whom I can share the adventure and misadventures but I just really cannot be on the same flight with my climbing buddies on this adventure. Because I have a US visa and Continental Airways is much cheaper than Qatar Airlines, our first airline of choice, I just really cannot be with  them and they cannot fly through Continental as well due to visa issues, so I travel alone.

But one good about traveling alone I got to meet new friends. From Manila to Houston I met Jenny who travel for the first time to the US to finally reunite with her fiance. We had a long trip together, Manila Narita, Narita Houston.  And while on my way to Buenos Aires I met Nely  while at the pre-boarding area,  she lives in Buenos Aires who travel from China She was kind enough to help me with the transportation when my supposedly hotel taxi airport pick up did not show up. She wants to invite me to her place when I drop by Buenos Aires after the climb but of course I was not able to do that anymore.

Having to sit on the plane for several hours is a no joke, I just make use of what ever the plane can offer, eat the food that is served, watch movie when ever I want to, take enough sleep for as long as I can. And having to wait at the airport is a no joke either, I just explore several corners of the airport after finding out that a wifi is not available and my phone's international roaming is not activated, only to find out later my other phone will not work on a develop country like US and Argentina.  And because I am really saving what ever amount of money I have on this trip, I decided to bring food from the Philippines, unfortunately most of it is on my supposedly carry on luggage that I check in after the counter told me I am allowed one more luggage for check in (making it 2 check in luggage). I made sure my 4 bread talk corned beef bun will keep me nourished until I board the plane going to Buenos Aires.

Boarding the last leg of my flight shows that I am now going to a different continent or rather even before boarding the plane. While waiting at the pre-boarding area, Latino looking and speaking passengers are already everywhere, I very much look different to them, and I think I am the only Asian looking person on that flight.

Arriving Buenos Aires on November 29 is a mixed feeling of relief that my long flight is finally over, excitement because so much adventure is in-store for me  on this big country and at the same time a bit scared, I really do not know what will happen to me on my almost a month stay here. It took me more than an hour to pass through immigration, the line is just really too long and so many tourists passengers  like me.  I thank Nely for waiting for me at the baggage area. After passing through customs, Ezeiza airport will be more an hour drive to the city where my hostel is located. It's still 10:30 in the morning.

As we leave the airport, my eyes are all around the place, looking at the places we pass by while talking to Nely who happens to speak very little English and I happen to speak nor understand very little Spanish. But we managed to converse. I drop her off first before I proceed to my hostel, Hostel Colonial. And to my surprise, our hostel is at the second floor of a commercial establishment, what makes it more surprising is that the door of the hostel leads to a long stairway to the second floor. It is where the hostel reception is located without elevator. A super good luck to me, how will I be able to carry my 24 kilos XL duffel in order for me to reach the reception area, if only this is a backpack, I  know I will be able to manage to carry it. After several minutes of thinking I thank one guy from the second floor offer a help, he is one of the guest in the hostel.

I check in, settle on my bed on a room packed with 4 double decks without aircon  unit. The lady opened the door from the terrace for a cooler ventilation. Ok, probably this is how things are here, the room does not have windows but big doors. The room is really crowded but I think this will just be for the night, this is going to be ok. After eating a late lunch from the food that I bring from the Philippines (canned tuna paella, sachet of swift corned beef and red ribbon  ensaymada bread) I decided to take a nap. I am just too tired to even take a bath. I noticed it gets dark late so I take a light dinner from my food again that I bring from PH, I am just so scared to explore the place alone on the evening. My climb buddies Zenon and Ramon arrive 11:00pm. And finally we are complete.

Tips on what to bring on a more than 36 hour trip:
1. Toothbrush and toothpaste. It feels good after a meal in the plane to at least brush my teeth before going back to sleep.
2. Comb and other toiletries. I totally forget to bring mine on the carry on luggage, not even a comb. So I just hide my hair on a baseball cap that I wear.
3. Panty Liner. After several times of going to the lavatory, it just feels great to feel fresh by changing the liner.
4. First Aid Kit with Meds. My allergic rhinitis got triggered by the cold temperature, and I am just glad I brought meds with me.
5. Food, many of it and substantial one. While on long lay over on several airports and while on tipid (save) mode, it's best to bring food, not just candies and cookies but substantial one like bread or even rice and viand.
6. Enough warm clothes. It gets so cold on the plane and on the airport.

Facts about the trip:
Stayed at Hostel Colonial in Buenos Aires for $48.00AR (PhP480.00)
Taxi from the airport $150.00AR   (PhP1,500.00)
Upon arrival at Ezeiza airport, change at least USD$100.00 at the bank right after you exit the airport after passing through customs. The exchange rate is not so good but you will need AR to pay for the ride to the city and upon check-in in the hotel. At least enough money even before  one can find a money changer or bank with a good exchange rate.

WHAT WEATHER SHOULD WE EXPECT ON MT. ACONCAGUA

A newsletter forwareded to my email by Aymara Adventures and Expeditions a day before I leave for Argentina. I just want to have a copy of it as my reference.

Mendoza City
Our expedition programs start in Mendoza City. Since these trips take place during the summer, and since our province is in a semi desert weather region, it is very usual that during midday and in the afternoon, temperature ascends to 35ºC or 40ºC. During the night, temperature descends and you may need a coat, since it is not strange for it to be 15ºC.

Weather during the approximation to Base Camp
As we get closer to the base camps at Mt. Aconcagua, we might find a difference in temperature between day and night. With good weather conditions, on a sunny day the temperature might be very nice; approximately 25ºC. Normally, during midday the wind starts, turning the weather unstable during the afternoon. By the end of the day the wind calms down and the nights go on quietly. During the nights the temperature reduces considerably, and it is possible to experience temperatures of 0ºC or even colder. For this reason, you must be prepared for these changes and carry adequate equipment and clothing. During the trekking in this first stage of approximation, it is important to bring a coat, preferably a rainproof coat that protects you from the wind or occasional snow that might surprise us on our way. It is also necessary to put a pair of gloves in your backpack and a pair of sandals is also important to have, since in the afternoon, it is very common to cross rivers. All these cautions are necessary, because it is better to be prepared - taking into account the varying weather conditions above 3.000 m.

Weather during the ascent, up above 4.300 m

Aconcagua climbing season takes place during the summer (December, January and February). During these months the mountain generally has good and stable weather conditions, but it may change very quickly. Weather forecast is not very precise in this region.

Atmospheric pressure and the sky, are some of the signs that our guides and other people use in the mountains in order to forecast weather.

A particular detail that is very possible to observe in this part of the Andes, is the formation of a lenticular cloud, very high up, known as the "HONGO". This sits at the top of the mountain, very still. It is formed by powerful air streams coming from the west (from where most of the storms come) and it moves over 5.500 m. Being in the presence of the "Hongo" during your expedition on Mt. Aconcagua is, undoubtedly, a sign of alert to take into account when planning our ascent, even if we have good weather conditions in the valleys and base camps.

It is also very common, to be in the presence of electrical storms. As we get higher, weather conditions turn more rigorous with regards to temperature. During the day, temperature will not rise more than 0ºC and sometimes, we might be walking with -15ºC. In the higher Camps, like in Berlin or in Camp 2 at the base of the glacier, we will experience temperatures of -25ºC to -35ºC during the night. Icy and persistent wind is constant on Mt. Aconcagua, making the temperature lower than the thermal sensation; it can make you freeze in a few minutes. These low temperatures along with the strong wind can result in a terrible white wind storm. This phenomenon is produced by the wind separating us from the floor and everything turning completely white (Blizzard).

In moments such as these, goggles are essential. We will, however, feel the harshness of the wind even on a sunny day and with good weather conditions, especially very early in the morning, when we have left the warmness and comfort of our tents, in search of the summit.

Weather during the summit day

Undoubtedly this section of the mountain has the hardest weather conditions. The day we start the ascent to reach the summit, we leave one of the highest camps very early. This is a very demanding experience, in which the wind can produce temperatures of -25ºC or -30ºC. Eventually, it may be harder during the first hours in the morning, than staying in the summit by midday when the sun warms us, and it is possible to have temperatures of 0ºC.

Teacher Cesar A. Mochi

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Our Argentina Visa is Finally Out

Getting an Argetina Visa has been a challenge for the team. At first we just comply  and prepare the documents required and decided to file early part of November. We still have more than 15 days to do it anyway. But when the Argentine Embassy in the Philippines required additional documents that needs to be notarized in Argentina and original papers should be submitted to their office it was where the three of us got concerned. It's a big hassle requesting the documents notarized in Mendoza by our outfitter, Aconcagua Trek. Good thing their Director was kind enough to do all the hassle just for us to get a visa. So, this is it....

Aconcagua expedition - dispatch 02: team pre-climb meeting & send-off party

Keeping a copy of what we've been doing for this adventure. Thanks Zean for the video, and not just that, for documenting this adventure.

TNF's Women's Free Thinker Jacket

You will only be on my dreams for now. I encountered you today as I  browse on my favorite website. This jacket will be a big help up in the freezing temperature in the mountain. The original price is extremely expensive, and even when it's on sale it is still expensive. 

I love the color but unfortunately  my size on this color is not available on line. I hope our path will meet someday and I will have that fund to purchase you on exactly the same color that I want. 

Meet My Climb Buddy Today

I have to meet Pedro today for two things, I haven't been seeing him lately, he is busy with his business while I am busy with my weekend adventures and I need to get the trekking pole that I borrowed from him for my Aconcagua trip. I am leaving Monday so I am now pressed of time.

I decided to get it first thing in the morning before I went to the office. I was hoping that I will only get it, see him, get the poles and then leave. But that did not happen. As I saw his white van, I thought he will only hand  me the poles but he asked me to get into his car, drive a little while I updated him ofnthe final leg of our preparation before we leave for Aconcagua Expedition. Though he drives just super slow, we went further until he asked if I have the time to spare, ofcourse how can I say no to Pedro,  we have  lots of updates to make.

We ended at Figaro for more two hours over a cup of tea and cofee. We really had so much to talk about. He is just as amazed and excited about our upcoming major expedition just like the first time we did the very first summit of the seven summits, Mt. Kilimanjaro. He was with us then. And I am just as amzed and excited to try listen his inputs about how to keep hydrated and insulated up in the mountains. What possible good food one should take up there and how to possible prepare it in a best way. I did not notice the time at all, it was already almost lunch time. Before I head back to the office he accompany me of buying coconut oil, one thing that I should have up in the mountain to keep me warm. We part ways with a promise that when I get back we should get together more often, so that he can try is recipes he thought would be best up in the mountain while I thought I should see him more often so that I can start learning to ride the bike and keep him physically fit as well. It was really nice talking to you Pedro.

The North Face®: The Denali Experiment

Great video of the few great athletes of TNF on the slopes of Denali. It's just inspiring to watch them, seeing their gear especially their outer shell jackets gives me a thought, I have some of that...hehehe...but I can never have their skills that qualifies them to become a TNF athlete. 

A long road for an Argentine Visa

Finally we had our interview at the Argentina Embassy yesterday, 10am in the morning. Our most awaited letter from Aconcagua Trek in Mendoza, Argentina got delayed and it did not arrive yet. But still we proceed with the interview. Unlike other embassy that I've been to, this is different. We (as a group - of three) were asked to get inside a conference room with the Argentinian Consul and the lady that we've been talking the past months. 

It was a casual interview, asking each one of us what we do for a living, what on earth come to our minds of traveling that far and climbing such mountain. He is even amazed to see one female member of the team, that's me. What come to my mind engaging on such risky hobby. And after hearing each of us, the conversation leads to where to buy those TNF Jackets, and other gears, help them build  their website in the case of Zean.

And he asked for additional documents: 

1. copy of each of our credit card (which I do not have)

2. Health Coverage
3. Travel Insurance
4. In my case a copy of my passbook

They will go with the processing but we need to submit the following day all the added documents asked and only then we can pay for the visa. Today, I personally join Mondy to the embassy, I need to show my original passbook and explain to them about my not having a credit card. I have to make sure I  will be the one tp personally explain it to them. Thank God they did not bother to ask me and just proceed with the payment. That was a big relief in my things to do. 

Now I can concentrate on my long list of things to do that I need to finish before I leave.

Nathan Ridge Run 2011

My Sunday race, it's a Nathan Ridge Run in Tagaytay High Lands. I've been to this place when I was still active on my training work, I had run several areas,  so more or less I am a bit familiar of the terrain of the place. But a 21K route is long, so I expect it to be a tough uphill race all through out the race.

(work in progress)

Kabalikat sa Kalikasan - A Treeplanting Day for SCNoys at Ipo Dam

A relaxed Saturday for me. I decided to join Jing's invitation for a tree planting activity led by Smart in partnership with their sister company PLDT. Both companies are close to my heart, I have friends from Smart whom I become close in running and climbing. I also have friends in PLDT whom I can rely on not just when  I have problems with our high speed internet connection in the office but also become close to me personally, and I also have friends in climbing from the same company. 

I've been invited to join the company's community service activities  several times but it is only at this time that I join them. I have nothing scheduled on this day anyway. This will be at Ipo Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan, one of the water reservoir that provides water including in Metro Manila. I know it will be a mix group of participants but I am confident I won't feel out of place, for sure there will be several friends who will be joining the activity. 

We are all taken cared off. I arrive in Smart Tower still dark and Pompo was still there. I thought he was joining us but he will be joining another activity of the company. Few minutes later familiar faces arrived. Our rides are already waiting for us but we ate our breakfast first before leaving. It's a two hour travel from Makati to the planting area. Upon arrival at Ipo, others were already there, mostly not familiar face to me. We gathered our things needed for planting, had a short orientation and proceed to the planting site on a 10 minute boat ride and short uphill trek. 

I become excited again, when it's being with nature it really gives me so much joy. Though it was just a short trek to the planting site, I wanted to do a short trail run, attempted several times but ofcourse I cannot do it continuously, there people ahead of me. We planted several seedlings in a readily prepared area, traversing the inclined uphill slope of the place. After several hours, we head down and go back to the entrance area for lunch and freshen up before leaving. 

I am glad I joined this event, I did not only give back to mother earth but I also gained new acquaintances who are also into climbing and running. It was fun doing a community service with them. Til the next outreach program friends.   

Sleep-Warm Tricks for Cold-Weather Camping

A very last minute useful read. Just when me and Mondy where trying to figure out how on earth did we miss the correct rating of our sleeping bag that would keep us warm up in the high camps, I come across this REI Blog about keeping warm. All the more I am convinced that I should get a sleeping bag that will be sufficient enough to keep me warm.

Sleep-Warm Tricks for Cold-Weather Camping: Sleep-Warm Tricks for Cold-Weather Camping | REI Blog: Weblog for an active community of people who love the outdoors

The North Face®: Behind The Lens Fall 2011 Tetons Commercial

As mentioned on my earlier post, I admire Jimmy and other athletes who are really good of their skills. A beautiful video that I want to keep on my blog, that will inspire me to keep on aiming for more and improve the sports that I love to do, not skiing though.

Our Visit to the Argentina Embassy

We finally went to the Embassy of Argentina located in Dela Costa Street today. We only have our documents checked, want to make sure we have the right documents before our very schedule of interview, Monday 10:00am. Due to the last minute document requirement that the Argentina Embassy asked from us that needs to be signed and notarized in Mendoza, Argentina,  the processing of our visa is delayed. With almost a week left, we just hope there will be enough time for our visa to be processed and released before our scheduled departure date for the expedition. Crossing our finger on a speedy processing of our visa.

The original list of requirements for Argentina Embassy:
1. Duly accomplished application form
2. One passport size photo, pasted on the application form
3. Valid passport and photocopy of the information page
4. Letter of request stating the reason for the visit
5. Original Certificate of Employment
6. Original Bank Statement
7. Latest ITR
8. Confirmed Hotel Bookings
9. Confirmed Air Ticket

Additional Requirement(since they find out our purpose of the trip)
10. Original Notarized Letter from the Outfitter 
11. Letter of Certification from the Mountaineering Club
12. Itinerary of the Climb Expedition

Filing Hours: 9:00am to 11:00am
Releasing Hours: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Processing Time: At least 5 working days

Argentina Embassy Address
8th Floor Liberty Center, 104 H.V. dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City
02-8453218/3219/3238
argvisas@eastern.com.ph

Just be kind and friendly to the lady in the front desk. Despite her stoic and flat sounding on the phone, she's accommodating and helpful in person.

The North Face®: The Denali Experiment Teaser

I am an avid fan of Jimmy Chin and what he has been doing on  the outdoors. I admire not just his skills in rock climbing and skiing but most of all on how he capture the outdoor adventure through the lens. He is a great climber at the same time a great photographer. His love of the sports and his passion in photography inspires me to  work hard in what I love to do. I hope to meet him someday on my travels on the wall. 

On Final Preparation for My AC Trip

Two weeks left and I still do not know how to organize my things for my major expedition. There are so many things on the list that I need to do and to organize. But aside from that I also have tons of office work to finish and personal things I need to attend to before leaving. Really, it's starting to scare me. 

But more than those things that I need to prepare and finish for the trip which I know I can finish before I leave, what adds up to my nervousness is my financial capability. I have just enough amount of money for the entire trip. But I need to leave some amount as well for my family. I cannot just leave for my expedition without leaving money for them. And just today my younger sister promised to lend me some amount to cover for that. Now I can breath and concentrate on my preparation for the expedition. Thank you so much my dear sister for being one of my sponsor on this expedition.

Run United 3 - A Race That Test My Being A Woman

My second 32K. I have done this last year, though at this time it will be on a different route, which excites me though I have done portions of the entire route on several different races before. It's a good weather, no sign of rain at all. The moon is still up while the 32K runners assemble at the starting line. I am early for the gun start so I just take my leisure time preparing myself near the assembly area. An hour later, I meet friends also joining the same distance that I will run. I visit to the rest room twice before the race starts.

It's the fifth day of my monthly period, something that I am confident it wont be so much of a bother doing a long distance race like this. I just wear a panty liner.

The gun starts at exactly 4:30AM. I am happy with my pace. I feel like it improves from my two previous races. It did not rain, I am not wet, and I make sure I will not be wet from the water on the water stations. There are many hydration stations along the way though there is only one station the gives banana. I get two which serves as my food for the entire race.

I am doing pretty ok, I love the uphill slope of the two overpass on the intersections of Buendia and EDSA. It gives me the edge to do a run on both going up and going down. My pace on the first 22K is pretty ok,  less than   2 hours and 30 minutes, I only have 10K left to finish. I did not feel any pain in my legs, I maintain a pace which is just a constant one not even dragging my foot to make one step forward. At times I even push a little faster.

But all of this changes the distance after 22K. With the effort that I am exerting and with the heat of the sun that started to rise higher at our back, my clothes are starting to get wet from my sweat. Without me realizing, my monthly period is still going on, it was when a lady runner nicely told me, 'ms. you're bleeding.' Oh shoot, I did not notice this early on, when it was still dark and the sun is still not up. I was just enjoying my run that I did not notice it anymore. She give me her last supply of tissue.

I pulled out from the road and go to the side on the sea wall. Good thing I have my buff, it serves as my towel, wiping the blood the drips on my legs. This is not good at all. But I have to get back to my composure and think. My shorts is already wet, with this condition will I stop from the race, I thought.  But I have gone so far already, I wanted to finish it. My change clothes is also at the  finish line, which means I need to be there as well.  I decided to go to the nearest available rest room. Unfortunately that is still after the US Embassy. It's still more than 500 meters from where I am. I started to do a slow pace run anyway. Upon reaching the one that I thought there is a toilet, it's closed. I have to go to the side of Luneta. But before doing that I have to look for a sanitary napkin. Good thing one kioshk sells one, then I proceed to the rest room and change. I  just hope this will work. 

I go back to the road, finish my u-turn at Luneta Park, but the position of the sanitary napkin has moved. So I need to go back to the only rest room available and fix it. After that, I went back to the road but now on a super slow pace. I need not to sweat too much so that my running shorts wont be wet and the stain won't drip on my legs. It's getting late and the sun is already up. As much as I wanted to do a faster pace, I just really cannot. 

With being so conscious that my legs will have stain of blood, I just take it slowly. My goal of doing a faster time now is all in vain, all I focus is just to cross the finish line despite my condition. Which I did, my time is just not the one that I expected it to be, 4 hours, 17 minutes and 9 seconds. I can say I survived. This is my first time to experience such condition on a race.

Lessons learned....always bring the following when running the next time with monthly period. In my case, I should have a different running attire.
1. Money
2. Sanitary Napkin
3. Wet Ones
4. Pins
5. and Lots of Prayers (that it will not rain, that you will not be wet, etc?

Kilian's Quest S3 E09 Kilian takes a break Part 2

Kilian Jornet, 2011 International Skyrunning Federation Supercup winner, Mount Kinabalu Climthon 2011 champion and Salomon athlete.  He win so many races before this race. He is young and really love running in the mountain. He grow up close to nature. I admire his discipline into the sports, the way he trains and put so much effort during the race. I am lucky I am one of those who witness his success during the last season of his quest, the race in Mt. Kinabalu. And how he push himself just to bit the one leading the race, Marco de Gasperi.

But all the more I admire him when he come out of this video, saying it's not all about the awards that you get in winning a game. But rather it's the emotions that goes with it. The people that you are with when doing the race, when you are with nature. Congrats Kilian for all you wins and good luck on your coming races.

Kilian's Quest S3 E08 Kilian takes a break

I come and join the 25th Mt. Kinabalu Climbathon 2011 race without any expectations. Ofcourse I wish to reach the cut off time and be one of the runners that finish the race, for I can say I prepared and trained for it several months before the race as well . But I am also prepared to the possibility of not being able to reach the cut-off time. 

Aside from the race itself, I never expect so much on what experience I will have on this event. I thought, this will just be like any other big races that I joined, register, train, prepare, claim the race kit and come on the race  day,  cross the finish line, get the finishers medal and certificate, eat a little, then go home.  But I was wrong, this race is a different one. The atmosphere on the two race events are very festive, runners and supporters alike are very enthusiastic and dynamic. The starting point is so much full of life despite its freezing weather on the early hour of the day. And once the gun starts and the runners are released, it's the finish line that is now full of life as well.

I come to know my co-Philippine contingent well and  meet other runners from other countries as well. And I meet Kilian. Funny, I do not know him at all before this race. Honestly, I am not a Salomon brand person, probably I do not bother to research and check who their top athletes are. I just heard of him from my team mates, the reason when I meet him on the rock face of the mountain on training, while I was freezing cold one shirtless guy pass by me, few minutes later he was back down the trail. I had a short moment of conversation with him, without really knowing  that he is already the star of the race.  

Team Salomon 5 Continents E05 - Kota Kinabalu intl. Climbathon Malaysia

When I first climb Mt. Kinabalu with the Smart Mountaineering friends in June  of 2010 doing the via ferrata route, I said to myself I will definitely come back on this mountain and will love to do a high altitude rock climbing on the rock face, my via ferata guide said they also offer such package. Never in my wildest dream will I ever come back on this mountain more than a year after to join a skyrace. I brave myself to sign up for the race, never thinking of the great ordeal that lies ahead on the race itself. It's not an easy one, I can say it's a very difficult race. But I  am always grateful I become part and a witness of an unforgettable race and is part of a fun-loving team from the Philippines.

I am lucky I meet some of the best and professional athletes of this sports. And not just that, I meet personally  some friends that I  have on facebook and gain more friends of the same passion and love of the sports as well.

Just Kilian

On (Trail/Ultra) Running and Those Who Are Good at It

On running, I must say I am not good at it, I don't have a body structure of a runner, I don't have the calves and thighs of a runner. I must say am not a fast runner. I grew up thinking I can never be a runner, it's my younger sister who has the body built of a runner, the reason she qualified to become part of a running team in school. 

It's out of a need that I am introduced to the sports, while on training I need to do a timed qualifying run. I had no choice but to do it. But that did not lead me the love of the sports. It was when I feel I need to loose weight few years after that training that I joined minor races but only on short distances. I started with just the shortest one until a bit longer several years after. I did not even think of doing a full marathon and a ultramarathon. Those are too much for me, I thought. Until I got inspired by my close friends whom I look up to in running. I thought it's about time for me to do a full marathon. 

Petzl RocTrip China 2011

No, unfortunately I did not join this trip.

But I always wanted to be at Petzl's Roc Trip in China, I saw this when our very own climber Dennis  Diaz with Karen Gudani attended the event two years ago. But unfortunately this year, I had so many other trips that I did not have the chance to join this trip anymore. Only to find out my good friend Sig Fernandez with her girlfriend Isa with Dennis again attended the event. And only to find out my idol rock climber Emely Harrington with other climbers were there too. I hope I can include this event on my list next year.

There is always something about rock climbing the entice my curiosity. I am not good at it, I always have that fear every time I am on the wall especially when  doing the lead climbing. Probably it's because I am up there and my feet are not on the ground. But there is also another part of  me that gets excited, every time I see rock formations especially big walls. And when I  am at it, I just really love the feeling that I am so close to it, I am hugging it, the nature can hear my breathe,  can  smell my sweat and can hear my  heart beat, can see my struggles into it. That's why I always admire those people who do it well. This sports is not for everybody, but the skills can be learned. And I just learn to love it along the way and in my little ways got to learn to do it. I  am still a long way of having the confident to really do it but at least I know that I love the sports no matter how difficult it will be. I can't wait to do my next outdoor wall. I haven't done much of it this year, it has been mostly running  and hiking that I do most this time. I wish to go back into it next year and prepare for two big events, in China and in California.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xm4d8v_petzl-roctrip-china-2011-first-edit_sport#rel-page-under-1

http://petzl.com/us/outdoor/news/events-1/2011/11/09/emily-harrington-roctrip-china

http://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.10150455998992160.428778.603612159&type=1

Recovery Run - Cogeo Antipolo Route

Arvin has been planning to do a long slow distance run for Jepoy and Aaron, they will be doing a 42K run at SCM-SG this coming December. And my usual self said yes without even thinking what will be my schedule days before that. This is suppose to be an overnight stay at Tanay, so that we can run a longer distance the following day but because we are just few, cost of the resort will be much higher which the group decided to just leave the city early morning but on a different route as well.

I've been thinking of not joining anymore the night before, my legs are still sore from the run but I thought I can always just do a super relax pace, just walk while the others will run. Which I did the first 30 minutes, but when one runner pass by me and encourage me to do a slow running pace which he joined me as well, I finally started to run on the uphill part of the road. As the road goes further and the jeepneys and cars become lesser the horizon becomes wider and my sight has become more of the mountains, trees and green lush bushes, I begin to enjoy the run without thinking anymore my sore and aching legs.

As the one hour turn around cut off sets, I receive a text from Arvin, I thought of just continueing to run and just turn around when I meet them. As that happens, I was already with them going down up to where we started. It was a good run after all. I want to do this route next time on a fresh legs.

We ended our adventure with a great meal at Baliwag ERod, a cool choco vanilla with banana shake sooths our thirst from the run.

New Balance Power Race

No I did not win the Chevrolette nor win any place in the race that I joined but for sure I win another mileage of running on the road.

One of the rare races that has a 25 kilometer category, but I already tried it before. The only difference now is that I run the entire race under the rain. This is one of the long race that  I am sooooo wet. Even as early as when my alarm rings, I already feel of not leaving my bed especially on this kind of weather. One thing about early races, I really have to drag myself out of the bed, the reason most of my practice runs I do it only after work, in the evening not early in the morning.

Just like last night, I decided to just bring my shoes and put it on few minutes before the race, hoping the rain will stop and that I will have a dry socks and shoes. But it did not happen, it even rain harder. At this time, I decided to use my trail running shoes, my road running shoes is still wet from last night's run. So having a wet socks and shoes even before the race started I struggle the 25 kilometer distance hoping that I won't experience cramps. I feel it on my right thigh down to the sole that it's getting tighter as I run as I am  going the 19 kilometer distance. Probably its because of the wet sock.

With tha, t my last 5 kilometer is just a slow pace for I am so afraid I might not be able to finish the race because of cramps. I finish it. My time,  3 hours 10 minutes and 21 seconds.

Energizer Night Race 2011

My second night run, and I am beginning to like it.

After last week's 15K Adobo Run After Dark, I run again tonight's Energizer Night Race, just a 10K race though. But it's all fine with me. This is just  like a daily practice run for me, but there is always something on running when you are with the crowd, it gives me the enthusiam to push further therefore I slowly gain the speed that I am trying to build since I go into running. At this time though, we are running under the rain. I love running on the rain, though I hate the feeling of running on wet socks. The rain cool the humid temperature that I feel during the race.

The course merges with the other race category making some of the route congested and sometimes I am  bumped by other runners. While running we are required to wear the energizer headlamp that is part of the race kit, which is good, some part of the route is dark and bumpy and slippery.

It's a short distance though but a good warm up to my next race few hours from now, a 25K Power Run by New Balance and Chevrolette. I hope I will win the car.

The Wildest Dream Film Showing with SMC

As I keep on mentioning to my climbing buddies in Smart about the film 'The Wildest Dream' the club decided to have a group film showing in one of their corporate board room. I lend them the cd that I bought through Amozon. 

I always have fun times with the group, despite  watching this film for the third time it never bore me. It still gives me excitement and shivering thoughts of what the reality is up there where no human can function to its fullest due to the altitude. 

The film also reminds me that we are just a minute object in this colossal place called universe especially on the highest mountain of the world. But at the same time the film also inspires me to keep on dreaming, and it gives me the chance to dream even by just being at EBC.  

'Say It In Spanish' Pocket Size Phrase Book

Just to satisfy my  little anxiety and worry if I'll be able to communicate and convey my message across when I travel to Argentina especially on those times that I will be alone, I decided to drop by Power Books and get a pocket sized Spanish phrase book, Say It In Spanish.

As I go through the different Spanish dictionaries and phrase books, to my mind I was thinking, I will get one to the hope that this booklet will help me remember my little Spanish that I learn in college decades ago. And given the remaining three weeks left for me to go through the booklet, I just hope this will give me the courage to communicate in Spanish correctly.

I can now feel butterfly in my stomach.

Baguio Yellow Trail Recovery Run

We just can't get enough.

After the 30 kilometer 10 hour trail run the day before, the group decided to do another trail run on the slopes of Camp John Hay, the Yellow Trail that most of the previous trail runs used. We call this another recovery run from the yesterday's run. Funny, it's a never ending recovery run for all of us. At this time we are with Alex, Alfred and Manong Toots. It's a relax pace of uphill down hill on a combination of trail and road, at some point we reach the top most part of the place overlooking the airport, along the ridge and down again to the trail and road.

At this time I am at the tail end, I just let them do their pace and not minding that much if I ma left behind. I don't want to push myself that much especially o nthe uphill part. I feel like I have to much running already. The group also have compression at some point making able for me to catch up with hem.

After almost two hours of running we are able to run a distance of almost 6 kilometers with an uphill elevation. We finish the run back to the Filling Station where the car is parked and proceed to a buffet lunch. We deserve a good meal after a good run.