In February, professor Kleber Pirota, from the “Gleb Wataghin” Institute of Physics, decided to put an old challenge into practice and take the opportunity to place a Unicamp flag on one of the highest peaks in the Americas, in the Aconcagua region, in Argentina. For almost two years, Kleber matured the idea and prepared for the journey, which lasted 13 days and took him to the top of Mount El Plata, at an altitude of approximately 6.000 meters.
Current logistics coordinator of the Permanent Commission for Unicamp Entrance Exams (Comvest), Kleber compared the climb to the challenge of facing an entrance exam. “They both need a lot of preparation, organization and great emotional control”, she commented in a relaxed manner. Just like in an entrance exam, what helps a lot in this type of journey, according to the coordinator, is being convinced of your objectives. Still, changing course is not a sign of weakness. “At various points along the journey, we have the opportunity to give up on a path and that’s not a bad thing. In some cases, it is even what saves us.”
Kleber commented on a section, right on the first big climb, at 4.500 meters of altitude, in which he chose to give up, after trying for several hours to find the correct path. “I was frustrated, but it was important, as the physical strain was already enormous and it could be risky not to stop. We resumed the following day. It was the best decision in this case,” he said.
The natural physical exhaustion of hiking of this type, associated with the altitude and cold, makes the trails in the El Plata region very difficult, with cases of accidents even occurring. “Nature imposes itself at all times and it is necessary, in addition to preparation, to respect the moments when this happens. There were stormy days, with freezing rain, very strong wind and a lot of electrical discharge, the tent tore. At this time, you need to be well prepared, with the appropriate equipment”, explained Kleber.
On trails where altitude has a significant impact on the physical aspect, having a well-defined strategy is essential, according to Kleber. “Strategies tend to be very personal. I found it important not to focus on the end goal, the top, but on taking one step at a time. This is because, especially after five thousand meters, breathing becomes very complicated and harmony is needed between each step and breathing. The emotional aspect is decisive,” she said.
In addition to the feeling of personal overcoming, Comvest's logistics coordinator says that the challenge was also worth it, as it left Unicamp's flag at the top of the Americas, and remembers that the university occupies first place in the ranking from the British publication Times Higher Education. “After all, we are the best university in Latin America!”
