Aconcagua--January 26--Stalled at Camp I

Another change in plans. Helvecio decided to go down--he just wasn't getting any sleep. Very discouraging to lose two big strong (and nice) men. Makes me doubt my ability to get up this mountain. We walked about halfway down to BC with Helvecio, where we met Stuart, who had been down in BC with Daniel and would now accompany Helvecio the rest of the way down. Very sad to see him go. He will apparently hike out with Daniel.

We returned to Camp I and had a picnic lunch of tuna sandwiches under the hot sun. Amazing how good this fresh food tastes up here! Then we did a little crampon review session up by the penitentes (icy spires). Lhakpa Gelu (our 3rd guide) joined us, on his way down from the summit with Team VIII. He took a load of our extra food and gear down to BC and will join us again tomorrow afternoon.

Hard to believe we're down to a group of 6--Liz, Ritesh, Richard, Marcel, Jim K, and I. I may strangle Jim before this is all over. Then we would be 5.

I woke up several times last night and had the feeling of being one breath behind (Cheynes-Stokes respirations). It's a strange feeling, a bit like coming up from being held underwater. Diamox can help increase respiration rate, so I'll split a 250-mg pill into four doses over the course of a day. Should help my breathing at night and will also help with my headache. Still have a sore throat.

Tomorrow will be a big day--first carry to Camp II.