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On behalf of the 2009 Cops on Top Aconcagua memorial expedition team, it is our great honor to be able to partake in this expedition dedicated to the life, memory, and sacrifice of Sergeant Stephen Liczbinski of the Philadelphia Police Department who was killed in the line of duty on May 3, 2008. It is our hope, by carrying out this expedition that Sergeant Liczbinski's sacrifice to the City of Philadelphia and all mankind will never be forgotten!
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On January 12th 2009, the Cops on Top team will depart from our respective cities and meet in Dallas, Texas, where we will board a flight and arrive in Mendoza, Argentina on January 13th. After spending the night in Mendoza, we will travel to Los Penitentes where after making final preparation checks of gear and make final arrangements with our muleteers will spend the night at Hotel Aylene.
After waking on January 15th, we will travel to the trail head located at Punta de Vacas and begin our journey towards the summit.
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The Route:
The team will take a lesser traveled route known as the Vacas Valley Route. The route will follow the Rio de las Vacas which will require several river crossings and take three days before we reach our base camp located at Plaza Argentina. From base camp we will make a slow and steady ascent towards higher camps in an attempt to avoid altitude sickness.
On summit day, we will ascend the mountain via the False Polish Route which will meet up with the Normal Route as it nears the summit. Several contingency dates have been built into the climbing itinerary in case of bad weather or an extra rest day is needed to further acclimatization.
The team will make every reasonable effort to post weblogs during the trip to keep everyone up-to-date as to our progress. Audio report updates can be found at this link.
Check out our weather! You can view the teams current weather conditions (here).
Below is the expedition team itinerary:
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12-Jan |
Flight to Mendoza, Argentina |
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13-Jan |
Arrive in Mendoza. Check equipment and have team meeting at hotel. |
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14-Jan |
Obtain permits and supplies. Travel to Penitentes and stay at Hotel Ayelen |
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15-Jan |
Begin hike at Punta de Vacas, hike 7 miles to La Lena shelter. |
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16-Jan |
Hike 8.2 miles to Casa de Piedra. |
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17-Jan |
Hike 6 miles to Plaza Argentina (Base Camp). |
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18-Jan |
Rest day and acclimatization. |
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19-Jan |
Carry cache to Camp 1 (16,400 feet) and return to Base Camp. |
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20-Jan |
Move to Camp 1 |
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21-Jan |
Rest day and acclimatization |
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22-Jan |
Carry to Camp 2 (19,355 feet) and return to Camp 1 |
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23-Jan |
Move to Camp 2 |
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24-Jan |
Rest day and acclimatization |
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25-Jan |
Optional move to Piedra Bandara (High Camp) at 20,997 feet or summit attempt |
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26-Jan |
Summit Attempt |
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27-Jan |
Summit Attempt |
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28-Jan |
Summit Attempt |
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29-Jan |
Descend to Plaza Argentina |
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30-Jan |
Return to Punta Vacas and Mendoza |
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31-Jan |
Return to Punta Vacas and Mendoza |
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2-Feb |
Return Flight to the United States |
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The Expedition team has reached the summit of Aconcagua!
On January 25, 2009, the Cops on Top expedition team reached the summit of Cerro Aconcagua despite deplorable weather conditions in honor of Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski. Team member Steve Janke was able to fight bitter cold and exhaustion to set foot on the summit at approximately 5:30 pm.
Cops on Top is deeply honored to have climbed on behalf of Sergeant Stephen Liczbinski and wished to thank the Liczbinski family as well as his collective family of the Philadelphia Police Department. The cowardly acts that ended Sergeant Liczbinski's service to the citizens of Philadelphia epitomizes the unknown daily risks facing officers who keep our streets safe and our communities and homes secure.
A trip report filed by team leader Troy Bacon can be read (here).
WE WILL NEVER FORGET!
About the Aconcagua Team:
The team making the trip to Aconcagua is dedicated to the mission of Cops on Top and plans to carry a memorial plaque commemorating the life and service of Sergeant Liczbinski to the summit.
Troy Bacon- Lieutenant, Frankfort IN Police Department
Carmen Kinch- Officer, US Forest Service, Shasta Trinity National Forest (CA)
Steve Janke- Firefighter, US Forest Service, Ashley National Forest (UT)
Adam Noether- Officer, Frankfort IN Police Department