Mountain Climbs

Exploring & Revealing Unknown Options

South America, Argentina

Cajon de Arenales - Feb 2007

Mission Accomplished! The goal of this climbing expedition was to shed light on the value of stepping into unexplored territory, a fitting tribute to the scientists and medical professionals who have made profound changes by venturing into the unknown in search of better treatments. To demonstrate this, we set out to explore, identify and make a first ascent on a route and peak that had never been climbed. This time the setting was high up in the Andes in South America, to the Cajon de Arenales Region of Argentina. On February 10th, the team climbed a previously un-named peak that is now officially dubbed Montaña de la Reflexión (Reflection Mountain), with a first ascent up a new route now called Corazón Encantado, Charmed Heart.

In addition to this the conquest, our 3 person team also set a new route on what will surely be an Argentine Classic, named and proclaimed by lead team member Ramiro Calvo as "Kelly Clásico".

Returning with Craig and Kelly was their good friend and filmmaker Michael Brown, who captured this event as part of a more comprehensive project on the post transplant life and story of the Perkins'. The team also included Dörte Pietron, a seasoned mountaineer and technical climber from Germany, and Pere Vilarasau, a certified member of the well respected UIAGM and IFMGA and European member of The North Face team. Unfortunately, Pere sustained a broken foot as a result of a rock fall while carrying loads to our base camp during some pre-climbing activities. Based in Argentina, Pere remained an integral part of the team as he was able to coordinate the logistics for this unique challenge, along with support from his vast climbing contacts in and around South America. Our team was subsequently joined by Ramiro Cavlo, AAGM (Association Argentina de Guías de Montaña) who flawlessly executed his leadership duties to the ultimate success and safety of the overall expedition. The expedition team was rounded out by the amazing talents of climber Dante Alegria, along Juan Manuel Gonzalez (aka: Lechuga) and Alejandro Aleuy, who turned out to be some of the most supportive cooks/climbers/porters we have had the pleasure of befriending. According to Lechuga, the secret ingredient to our success was a "Dash of Love".

Everyone's commitment and enthusiasm resulted in one of our most successful climbs to date, which we will share in the hopes of benefiting organ and blood donation around the world.

Click Here for a comprehensive article by the Associated Press.

Click here for an article on a previous climb - El Capitan - Yosemite 2005