By 2pm we had reached
our goal of our Camp I at 5400 meters (17,500
feet). For most of the team, this altitude was
the highest we had been. For myself, that afternoon
on the slopes of the Licancabur volcano, I was
the highest US educator! We all could not believe
that we had climbed higher than any US mountain,
or most European mountains! It was truly amazing.
We all felt very ready and wanting to begin our
climb in the coming days.
One of our main concerns for Camp I (which none
of us had seen) was how comfortable the site would
be. These concerns were erased as we reached the
site. It was the only flat spot at that elevation,
and would comfortably sleep the ascent team. There
were already a few rocks placed as walls to shield
us from the wind, and we were satisfied at the
location. The summit was only 600 meters away.
As much as we wanted to continue up, we knew that
would come soon.
As we looked around at the view, we all agreed
that we had never camped at a location such as
this. We could see at least 150 miles to the east
into Argentina. It was breathtaking.
As we descended down the summit, we realized
that going down would have its own hazards compared
to going up. We were thoughtful and methodical
as we descended, and reached the vehicles at 5pm.
Looking back on our climb, our team shared their
personal feelings about what it meant to them:
Andy Hock: It
was exciting to climb on Licancabur finally and
just to be here. After we started, it was more
than just a climb. To be higher than I had ever
before and to see Edmond climb as he did. Seeing
the Lagunas in their entirety, and the Licancabur
lava flows, began to put the whole picture into
perspective for me. The view reminded me of taking
aerial photos of the site.
David Fike: It
was rewarding to finally come in contact with
Licancabur and finally set foot on it after all
these months. I was able to achieve an elevation
that I never did before. Being able to see the
whole history of the Lagunas and working as a
team helped to bring us all together.
Lorena Escudero:
This was an incredible experience. Seeing the
strength of Edmond and the joining of the group
was amazing. The scenery where you can see the
Laguna Blanca in its entirety was a beautiful
site. It was a tiring by rewarding experience.
Christian Tambley:
Looking from the eyes of a mountain climber, and
seeing how closely the team worked together was
amazing. For us to come together and be one unit
so quickly was unbelievable.
Nathalie Cabrol:
I have been writing and thinking about this mountain
for the past year, and today it became a reality.
I found the mountain more human than I thought
it could be. People watching after each other
was rewarding. Being able to climb to our goal
of our 1st camp was rewarding. As a team, for
the past 3 days, we have climbed 5200 meters and
5400 meters successfully and reflects upon the
harmony of the team.
Edmond Grin: It
was difficult, but not a technical climb like
using ropes and such. It was a long way to get
to the camp and I was very surprised to have done
this. It was very nice to have done this today.
Marc Murbach:
It was thrilling to be on this mountain again.
We have a great approach as a team to the task
of climbing the mountain. Our porters worked out
very well for us and I am very pleased with the
strategy for climbing.
Brian Grigsby:
Today was amazing for me. As I approached the
camp, and looked around, I began to realize all
the things that made it possible for me to be
here. I never thought I could have climbed as
high as I did. Higher than any mountain in the
United States! This blew me away, and I am ready
to go higher in the coming days. As I stood there,
I realized that my family stood there with me.
This was a truly amazing feat for me.
After our climb, and as the sun began to fade
behind Licancabur, off toward Argentina, we could
see electrical storms, like flash bulbs inside
of the clouds. With the stars in the background,
this was a great end to a wonderful day.
In a few days we will climb to Camp I, in preparation
for our ascent on the summit of Licancabur. This
is what we have all been preparing for, and we
are all ready for this.
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