The first news is that we shall definitely be going in November 2010. Final dates have yet to be determined but we normally leave mid-November and return end of first week in December. Clients are welcome to join us for either a 2 or 3 week trip during the period.
Ascending to the Marconi Pass
This is the chance of a lifetime to sample Antarctic like terrain and visit the magnificent granite spires Mount Chalten (Fitzroy) and Cerro Torre. In my opinion Fitzroy is the finest looking peak I have ever seen!
The objective is to establish a basecamp on the Patagonian icefield. From there we shall make “alpine style” attempts on some of the remarkeable summits surrounding the icecap. Clients should be well prepared for glacier travel and living in a harsh environment many days from human habitation!
Proposed Itinerary:
Day 1 – arrival in El Calefate by air. Transfer to Hotel.
Day 2 – Day in El Calafate buying food and provisions. Hotel.
Day 3 – Transfer by bus to El Chalten at the foot of Mt Fitzroy. Hotel.
Day 4 – Walk in to the campsite by the Lago Electrico know as “La Playita”. Level, sheltered and good, clean water available. (6hrs walk)
Day 5 – To the Paso Marconi via the Marconi Glacier. 7hrs glacier walking with only 1 section of badly crevassed ground. Establish basecamp.
Day 6 – Climb Corra Blanca (White Cap, 2860m) alpine F/PD+ grade.
Day 7 – Traverse southwards on the icecap to the Cirque de los Altares
Day 8 – Southwards again coming off the ice below the Paso del Viento. Camp near to the Lago Ferrari.
Day 9 – Up to the Paso del Viento and down eastwards into the Tunel valley.
Day 10 – Walk out to El Chalten.
Days 11 and 12 – rest days.
Days 13 to 19 inclusive – Alpine style trips exploring the glaciers at the foot of Fitzroy and Cerro Torre.
Day 20 – Return to El Calefate for plane home.
Days 13-19 will be used in the event (likely) of bad weather on the icecap itself.
Further details at http://www.spanishhighs.co.uk/patagonia-icefield-expedition.html
