For me, carrying a backpack is the ultimate freedom. All the essentials I need compressed into one portable unit. I love not having to depend on anyone else, just myself and my gear.
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Carrying everything you need on your back makes you feel the weight of every single item you add to your pack, and that could be a valuable lesson in today's consumer society: How much do we really need? It makes you think twice about what you define as a "necessity".
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The second picture is how my backpack looked when I walked the 42 km out from Plaza Argentina and through the Vacas Valley. It weighed 36 kg, and it was a pretty miserable trek out. However, the pain was soon forgotten as I eventually reached the city comforts of Mendoza, and went all out on a McDonald's burger frenzy. I had earned it 🍔😁
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#life #in #a #backpack
After a month in Argentina, I'm flying back to Norway for a few weeks of rest.
[I'm announcing my next expedition next week - stay tuned! 🎿⛸️].
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I've learned many lessons on the mountain, valuable experiences I'll take with me for new adventures. Aconcagua was quite different from all the mountains I summited last year around the equator. I've gotten used to being completely alone on the mountain, which definitely wasn't the case here!
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Aconcagua taught me about pacing down, reading the weather, and also when to retreat - if only temporary. Dealing with high mountains and extreme weather requires humility. All things considered, it's Mother Nature who's the boss of this place ⛰️
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#aconcagua #mothernature #boss
I made it!!! The summit of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the western hemisphere - 6962 m.
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I managed a solo ascent, which means 18 days alone in my small @helsport tent. On the summit night, I started walking from Guanacos (5470 m) at 3:15 am and I reached the summit at 10.45 am. What a feeling to stand alone on the top of South America!
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This is the toughest mountain I've ascended so far. The logistics are challenging, especially alone. Lots of equipment, food and fuel has to be carried up and down the mountain. Acclimatizing to the high altitude takes a while, and the weather can be really severe. Pitching your tent alone in 90-100 kph winds is no easy task. The physical nature of walking all those vertical meters shouldn't be underestimated either! But hey, where's the fun without a challenge? :) __________________________
#aconcagua #mountain #southamerica
