Monday, November 11, 2013

Well... And so we meet again (insert big smile). This post has been incubating for nearly two years, as this post come to you from nearly the end of the world. Literally in the middle of nowhere Argentina, or as the locals prefer: General San La Madrid. This morning my climbing partners and I landed in Buenos Aires- the capitol city of Argentina... after an all too familiar process of actually finding what we were looking for: Rental Car, Mondey "exchange", directions to leave, and some overcast skies. Alas, us gringos planned a day by U.S. timeline expectations.... what a rookie move! One thing is for sure - if you come to this country, seeking adventure or not, this country will shatter your expectations, show you what really matters in life, force you to see the opportunity in the now and in hard, dedicated work - and you will find that something you are seeking. What a metaphor! We fully plan to apply this ethos to the mountain, as in 4 days, we will be on Cerro San Lorenzo´s terms... Allow me to introduce you to our friend San Lorenzo and her three summits, at least two of which we aim to experience/summit, if permitted. Ringing in at 3,000+ Meters (13,000 some feet), Cerro San Lorenzo at first listen may not sound like much. But when one considers 65+ knot winds on the summit, a mix of inter-mountain accumulation with maritime precip.... and a near vertical eastern head wall.... one quickyl realizes it is anyone (or anything) but you that determines the conditions for a summit possibility. Only the mountain, and her sister - the wind, and her brothers rain and freezing temperature can offer us the fortune to commune. At 5:30 a.m. we depart tomorrow for my beloved San Carlos de Bariloche to stage for our Patagonian ascent - food purchasing, final gear sort, packing, and final beta gathering will happen here. I have many close, esteemed, and loved friends who live in the town of Bariiloche, and I so look forward to seeing them after many years in the States. Rumor has it Josh Wharton and company are hanging onthe east side of the Lorenzo as well, so perhaps gringos unite in an attempt to get to know this beautiful mountain a little better. May we be better for it. May we have the gift of life continued so as to share the moments - these moments of advenutre together as a brothehood on the rope, and with our friends and family upon our safe return.... Mucha suerte a todos, y que pouden disfrutar la historia nuestra de este aventura tn beuna y tan durissimo. Abrazote, Kev...