Friday, July 15, 2005

July 13th.

More ruins at the top.

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The peak

July 13th.

5916 meters after 1500m rise. Not very technical, though lots of loose rock. This was our guide Marcelo's 348th trip to the top. Here is Andrew, Marcelo, myself and Chris.

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4am

July 13th.

Started very early after a nutritious 5 minute breakfast of a tortilla and a cliff bar. Marcelo keeps us at steady slow pace through the dark with the occasional pause. The day before I was easily winded at a normal hiking pace.

The sun started to come up over Argentina about 2 hours into the ascent. Both lakes are finally visible together. The top is reached after about 5-5.5 hours.

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Thursday, July 14, 2005

Base of volcan

July 12th

A last shot from the base, and salt on the green lake. Tommorow up and out before dawn.

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Laguna Verde

July 12th

At the base of volcan not far from laguna verde (4400 m). Said to be green from the Incas tossing copper away as the were fleeing the conquistadors. Inca ruins right here as well. Three of us will tent here, but our guide Marcadio "macarena" only sleeps outside (30° F).

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Refugio a laguna

July 11th

We are at a rufugio at laguna blanca (4500 m). The plan is to acclimatize for an extra day. Besides us a group of four drove in from Argentina border. They have been riding for 2 days and now all have altitude sickness symptoms. Strong headache and the enough nausea to be sick.

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Laguna blanca

July 11th

The lake is pretty cool. Half frozen half crystallized salt and other minerals. You can walk on it near the shore. Up and around the lake are shades of red, green, brown stone - volcanic and minerals I’m guessing. Only bits of plant life.

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