Alright folks, I made it. I have been in Patriot Hills now for almost a
week, but this is my first chance to write. Things have been very busy. We
left from Punta Arenas last Monday. The flight across was solid and went by
quickly. The landing was not as smooth. We dropped the wheels and just as
the rubber was about to hit the ice the pilot pulled up for unknown reasons.
After a quick turn-around we approached once more. This time contact was
made, however the plane began to fish tale back and forth. We all looked at
each other fearing that the plane would slide off the ice runway and crash.
The pilot turned the slide into a graceful full turn and brought us back
into position. It was a bit scary, but I can't say I am honestly surprised.
When we arrived and some tents had been put up by individuals sent in via
twin otters a week earlier. A few field tents, guide tent, and a toilet
tent were standing. Over the next week we have put up an additional 28
field tents, another guides tent, another toilet tent, a mechanic tent, and
a large dinning tent. We have almost gotten the Patriot Hills staff fully
set up. This all happened rather quickly and yesterday we had free time to
climb and ski. Namgia Sherpa, Tim Hewet, Pachi, and myself all climbed the
Patriot Hill and traversed the ridge west toward windy corner where another
group and set off to ski. The snow cat driven by Exum guide Mike Ruth
groomed a large swath of corduroy for folks to slide down, it was brilliant.
Could you only imagine how much that lift ticket would cost? It was great
fun. Last night the winds rose violently, and this morning we all awoke to
a dramatic scene. The winds had rose from 50 knots to almost 85 knots.
Seven tents were completely destroyed. Mine was damaged, but is still
standing. We spent the better part of the morning trying to salvage things
as the winds raged on. It was very difficult work and just as we saved one
thing, something else would go. One of the guides tents had been split in
half and the main dining tent was threatened as well as the med tent and one
of the toilet tents. We all worked hard and with Mike's help in the Cat
building snow walls we were able to keep things under control. This
afternoon the winds are finally beginning to calm and people are starting to
settle down a bit. Tomorrow the winds are intended to decrease to 10 knots
and we will hopefully be able to fly out to Vinson.
Once at Vinson we have much work to do. Basically everything we have done
here at Patriot Hills all over again on a smaller scale. Andy Tyson has
worked out a better solar power system which will need to be installed, as
well as our new repeater above high camp. We also have much work to do on
the fixed line we installed last year. Clients were meant to fly to us on
the 20th of this month, whether or not that will happen is yet to be seen.
Regardless we have our work cut out for us when we arrive at Vinson. The
biggest project will be building a better weather haven floor and to add
onto our existing weather haven. Then the laps up and down the mountain
will begin, putting in the route, adding wands, fixing rope, and hopefully
climbing new routes?
All is well on this end and I am happy to know that Dave and Brooke are
engaged, thanks Mikey and Mom for that nice bit of news. Well, that is all
for now, hope all is well and everyone is having a nice fall. I will drop a
line from Vinson base camp as soon as I arrive. Thanks again for the love
and support. Miss you guys.
Chris
Vinson Base Camp
Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions
vinson.base@antarctic-logistics.com
Please include the recipient's name in the subject heading.
All emails must be plain text only, less than 100kb and contain no
attachments.
Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.
Checked by AVG.
Version: 7.5.549 / Virus Database: 270.9.0/1778 - Release Date: 11/9/2008
2:14 PM
No comments:
Post a Comment