Dear Climber:
Another year is about over and I can't get over how much fun we
had in 2004. Mountain Link had an incredible year of adventure.
We made the summit of Mount Everest, our Sherpa Team climbed
Shisha Pangma and we had numerous summits all around the world.
Most importantly, we led safe adventures in every corner of the
globe. If you didn't have a chance to join Mountain Link (heh,
even if you did) we hope you come along on an adventure with
some of the World's Premier Mountain Guides. - Robert Link
Cho Oyu Fall 2005 (26,906'):
Do Not Miss Cho Oyu this Fall If you have worked your way up to
a Himalayan climb you don't want to miss your opportunity on
Cho Oyu this fall. We already have our team coming together for
a climb on the 6th highest mountain in the world, Cho Oyu
(26,906'). This expedition is led by the Leaders of the
Himalaya at Mountain Link along with Lhawang Dhondup, our
coordinator and leader of our Himalayan Crew.
Trip dates are August 22 - October 10.
Contact Mountain Link for details and qualifications to take
part in our most popular Himalayan Expedition.
800-408-8949.
Tech Tip: With the climbing season starting in
the cold environments of the Himalaya, Alaska and Bolivia,
there is a simple trick to prevent getting cold hands and even
worse, frostbite! Cut a five inch long by three inch wide piece
of foam pad (you can use the bottom of your ridgerest). Place
the cut piece of pad over the head of your ice axe and secure
it with duct tape. Now when you grab your ice axe, you will not
be grabbing cold metal. This simple trick will allow your hands
to stay warmer.
In the news
What is Your New Year's Resolution?:
Yes! It is that time of year again, the start of a fresh, brand
new year. And of course with that toast into the new year it is
also time for a little reflection. Most individuals reflect on
what they'd like to change or something they would like to do
differently in life. Through extensive research, I have found
Ten Popular New Year's Resolutions that people commonly make.
1. Get a better job (Hard for a Mountain Guide to
understand)
2. Get into shape (Again, hard for a Mountain Guide to
understand)
3. Spend less or pay down debt (Very understandable for a
Mountain Guide)
4. Give up a habit (smoking, drinking, dreaming about Salma
Hayek)
5. Get a better education
6. Find a mate (but which country, Argentina, Ecuador,
Russia?)
7. Take a trip
8. Be more organized (Whatever)
9. Find a hobby
10. Buy a house or move (didn't you read number
3!)
Well, this is a common list to make some positive changes in your life. But heh, why not achieve most of these resolutions all at once. How? Go on a Mountain Link adventure in 2005. Think about it! By going on a M-L adventure you automatically achieve number 7. Obviously you will have a goal (climbing a mountain) to accomplish, so you will have to train to achieve this goal, which means you will accomplish number 2. Climbing with some of the world's premier guides like Robert Link, Tap Richards, Heidi Eichner, etc. you'll learn more mountain skills thus accomplishing number 5. Heck! You might even accomplish number 6, you never know! One thing is for sure, don't let another year pass without getting out and living a little.
Settling The Controversy:
After our Fall Newsletter we had a flood of phone calls and
E-mails stating that Robert Link's Bolivia "fish story" was
false. One guy who will go nameless even called Robert a "big
fat liar"! "Easy fella" I told him, "there's no need for name
calling". So feast your eyes on the photos above. Robert has
already vowed to return to that mountain lake this April and
May to find the relatives of that massive Mountain Trout. If
you'd like to be a witness to this event and climb and learn
mountaineering skills in Bolivia, check out our up-coming
Bolivia programs.
Aconcagua
What a year it was down in Argentina! All three Mountain Link
Expeditions to Aconcagua were successful! And we are proud to
announce that we helped the first Costa Rican woman, Gina
Baturi, appropriately nicknamed "La Tigre de Montagne" reach
the summit of the highest peak in South America and the Western
Hemisphere of the World. Gina has now set her sights on
reaching the top of the seven summits so we will definitely
keep you all updated on her progress. We have already begun
organizing our 2005/2006 Expeditions to Aconcagua. Mountain
Link plans on three more expeditions to "The Stone Sentinel"
and we most likely will have up to five expeditions. To sweeten
the deal if you sign up before July 1, 2005 you will receive a
gift from our sponsor Mountain Hardwear. For more info contact
us at 800-408-8949. See you in Argentina.
Mountain Link Summits Chimborazo for the First
Time
On January 2, 2005 Mountain Link Guide Jeff Justman and a
Private Team of Lisa Fiore and Don Harbart made the summit of
the highest peak in Ecuador. Chimborazo, 20,703 feet is the
highest peak in Ecuador. It is an incredible climb and one that
holds many challenges including tricky route conditions and
weather. Within recent years Mountain Link decided to commit to
a climb of Chimborazo only in order to spend enough time to
allow a better window of success. And this year it paid off!
The only problem with this year's trip Jeff Justman mentioned
was the summit was socked in with weather. So JJ did not get a
good summit, which means he has to return next year to get a
better photo.
Expedition Update: Where to go in 2005
Mountain Link is still raging in South America with climbs to
Mexico, Ecuador and Bolivia. We are also gearing up for a busy
summer season on Mount Elbrus in Russia, Kilimanjaro in Africa
and our favorite domestic program in the beautiful Olympic
National Park, Mount Olympus. In addition, we have had a huge
amount of interest in our upcoming fall Himalayan Expeditions.
One, an expedition on Cho Oyu (26,906'; 6th highest in the
world) and the second on Shisha Pangma (26,291'; 14th highest
in the world). Here are some dates to think about:
• February 27 - March 5 Orizaba Express: Mexico
• March 7 - 16 Ixta & Orizaba: Mexico
• April 6 - 10 Snowbird Seminar: Utah
• May 2 - 12 Huayna Potosi Seminar: Bolivia
• May 3 - 23 Mount McKinley: Alaska
• June 16 - 29 Mount Elbrus North Side: Russia
• June 22 - 3 Illiniza & Cotopaxi Seminar: Ecuador
• July 2 - 13 Mount Elbrus South Side: Russia
• July 14 - 28 Kilimanjaro & Safari: Africa
Mountain Link continues to offer great climbing and trekking
adventures around the world. If you are wondering where to go
next feel free to give us a call. One thing you can count on is
speaking with one of Mountain Link's Senior Guides. They are
more than happy to discuss your adventure goals and where to go
next. Give one of our guides a call toll free at
800-408-8949
High Altitude Climber Andy Mondry on Mount Vinson, Antarctica
Need the Right Gear?
Over the years we have noticed people asking us the same
question, "what jacket should I buy"? or "what is the best
sleeping bag"? What Mountain Link has done to make your
decisions on what to buy easier and thus your next adventure
more comfortable is open an on-line gear store. The whole
purpose is to give you Professional advice from Professional
Mountain Guides who know what the best gear is. After all,
Mountain Link Guides live, survive and count on the best
clothing and gear in the business. So check out our on-line
store for the best gear and the best deals. And remember, if
you ever have any questions on anything related to adventure,
give Mountain Link a call at 800-408-8949.
1-800-408-8949; TIE INTO ADVENTURE
