Photos from BC to Camp 1

Ali and Joe celebrate their arrival at Plaza de Mulas with a Coke and some smiles.

Paca (La Macarena), our Base Camp manager. One of the many helpful and efficient employees of our old friend Fernando Grajales, who organized our mules and BC services.

The Argentines are not shy about launching their helicopter for rescues. We saw many climbers get flown out for altitude issues. More than you might think...

Tom Ceglia and Todd at the base of the large penitente field leading up to Camp 1 at 16,300'.

Joe in the middle of the penitente field. Penitentes are formed by wind, blown dust and sun.

Tom Henson, sizing up some of the larger penitentes on the way to Camp 1.

Tom C, taking a break in the sun at over 15,000', en route to Camp 1.

Setting up our Camp at 16,300'. Camp 1 is a pretty busy place and at night sounded somewhat like the fabled city of Babel, with numerous languages being spoken by our neighbors.

Looking down over the evening clouds from Camp 1.

Thanks to Ali and Tom H for some of the photos in this post!!