Robert is still feeling weak because of the altitude and we have been told by the park rangers that camp Ibañez (our goal for the day) is closed due to lack of water. For that reason we deside to stay an extra day at Confluencia to await that everyone in the group is enough recovered to manage the march to Plaza de Mulas. We spend the day taking care of ourselves and wash the equipment and clothes. Here we have found a nice place at about 3500 masl that is situated just enough aside from Confluencia, but yet near a small creek with clear water. The personal care was short but intense because of the freezing cold water. Wet and newly washed clothes are "hanged up" on the rocks to dry in the sun, except Robert who had a washing rope with him... Very civilized.

The water filter has been tested thoroughly at home in Sweden and it is now time to test it in field. Marco measure the time to filtrate one litre, about 2 minutes, and at the same time he will experience how monotonous it is to pump. The supplier of the filter ensure that one litre will take 1 minute to filtrate... but as usual this is during optimized conditions! No other problems, but the water here looks too clear to be filtrated. We will see how it works with water that is muddy and full of sand and sediment.

We had lunch up here and took a nap in the warm sun. But all nice moments have an end, it is soon time to walk down despite the fact that Robert seems to wish that he could remain there and enjoy the view. In the background you can see a part of the nice western ridge that goes all the way up to Cerro Almacenes (5102 masl).

We are back at Confluencia and “hanging out” near the tents of Campo Base and just relaxing. We are awaiting new year that will be celebrated at least twice. The first one at Swedish time and the other one at Argentine time. Moreover it is Campo Base that we have engaged for mule transportation and it is also they who give us camping grounds here and in Plaza de Mulas. You are required to use one of these companies since the amount of litter from people visiting the region would destroy the park.

But what do you do when time goes slowly? What do you do to entertain yourself? You walk around and explore the surroundings nearby, maybe you talk to different people at the base camp and exchange information. Or you can do as Robert; explore new possibilities to cross Horcone River that at times is broad and lively. Some balancing, some help from tight ropes and some help from the plank. Olof got inspired and could not either stay away. He had to performe the same trick, but he did it more smooth according to us spectators.

Another view over Confluencia, you can see the moon under a blazing sun. Now there are less than two hours to the Swedish new year.

It is Swedish new year, or in this case we should probably say Nordic new year as both Swedes and Norwegians represent the main part of this nice group. We met a commercial Norwegian expedition from Hvitserk. The guy with blond hair and red jacket is called Rolf Bae. He is a mountaineering guide and adventurer with experiences from the North- and South Pole and several climbings over 8000 masl in Nepal. Robert got a new years present by Rolf that he took care of dearly rest of the journey...After having wished Happy New Year with everyone we probably dedicated a thought of our families back home.

The last night at Confluencia, tomorrow we are going to Plaza de Mulas. The picture shows Confluencia base camp at 21.44. The luxurious domes are for those who have booked a trekking by one of the more exclusive guiding companies. One of the employees at Campo Base asked us when we were planning to move on, obviously he thought that we had relaxed long enough at this base camp. Then that he did not know anything about our acclimatization trips is another story.