Mendoza is our destination prior to our Aconcagua attempt, and will be our respite after time on the mountain, prior to our return to the winter of Washington. Mendoza is the capital city of Mendoza Province, and with a population of approximately 110,000 (about 800,000 in greater Mendoza) it is the 4th largest metropolitan area in Argentina. The city is at a latitude of 32 deg south (about the same latitude south as Dallas, TX and Birmingham, AL are north) at an elevation of about 2,500 ft (760m). Summers are hot and dry with temperatures not uncommonly in the 90's (30's+ C) during the days.
The two main industries of the Mendoza area are wine making and olive oil production. About two-thirds of Argentina's wine production is from Mendoza Province with Malbec being the most produced varietal. Other major varietals produced in the area are Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Chardonnay. Argentina boasts the world's highest per capita consumption of beef with over 140 lbs (65 kg) of beef consumed annually by every Argentinian man, woman and child!
We hope and plan to have several days at the end of our trip to do our duty as responsible tourists and guests, supporting the local agriculture and economy!
Little time until takeoff, and at least in THIS climbers home the energy level seems pretty high. We all feel it. Great adventures to you all!
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