Here is our mule driver, Rafael Sosa, on the trail to basecamp.  These people are colorful characters, and do a good job of delivering our equipment and supplies to basecamp.  Aconcagua is visible in the background.  (Photo:  Daniel Mazur)

Camp 1 at 5000 meters.  Mark Pearson is on the left and Paul Jensen on the right.   You can see the trail to Camp 2 on the gravel slope behind camp.  (Photo:   Daniel Mazur)

Here is evening light from Camp 1 (5000 meters).  Those are the Platas Mountains in the distance.  The obvious notch in the lower right center of the photo shows base camp around 4000 meters.  Look on the right hand side of the photo, at the horizon line.  It is a shadow of Aconcagua, reflected onto the clouds by the setting sun.  (Photo:  Daniel Mazur)

Camp 2 at 5900 meters.  It is sheltered by a huge boulder.  Here is where we climb to the summit from.  We can go to the Polish Glacier from here, or traverse over to the Normal Route.   (Photo:  Daniel Mazur)

On the Polish Glacier, at 6300 meters.  This is Paul Jensen climbing with one ice axe and a rope.  It is not very steep, and there are no crevasses, but we take precautions.  (Photo:  Daniel Mazur)

The crux on the Polish Glacier at 6500 meters.  Paul is climbing the last little step onto the east ridge.  Its firm snow, tilted at 50 degrees.  Not difficult, but a good place to set up a belay.  (Photo:  Daniel Mazur)

Standing on the East Ridge, at 6550 meters.  It is airy up here, but flat, and the views are stupendous!  (Photo:  Daniel Mazur)

Walking over one of the false summits at 6700 meters.  This photo shows Paul Jensen.   There are a lot of these false summits, and the ridge seems long.  It is easy walking, but at this altitude, everyone is moving slowly.  This is where you are glad to have plenty of warm clothing, for the wind can gust a bit.  (Photo:  Daniel Mazur)

Dan on the summit at 6962 meters.  After climbing the Polish Glacier Route and along the East Ridge, over the false summits, the true summit with it's marker-cross, was a very welcome sight.  After a few photos, we descended the Normal Route, and made the traverse back to our high camp.  A fabulous day out!  (Photo:  Paul Jensen)