March 2009

Crossing the Andes Mountains, Thanks to a Leatherman

January 19 of 2009, I’m part of an expedition in the middle of the Andes Mountains, following the steps of General Jose de San Martin when he began the campaign to liberate South America 192 years ago. We were 22 people starting the climb to the very, very hard "Paso de La Honda", at 4400 meters over sea level. Suddenly one of the members of the expedition felt his boot break (we were riding horses, but after the top we had to walk all the way down to complete the crossing of La Honda). What happened? Both boots were loosing the soles. I could not believe that this guy started this adventure with borrowed boots, as he is telling now, but it was true. The animals were too tired from the climb and there's no other option except to continue walking and not without boots. But he is very lucky: I’m there with my Leatherman Wave, and using a piece of wire we fix those boots and he as all members of the expedition continue, we crossed the Andes and finally this guy returned home thanks to a Leatherman Wave.

I’ll never forget this trip; this guy will never forget the lesson of his borrowed boots... and this, another proof that we should never start an adventure without a Leatherman on our belt.

Thank you Leatherman!!!
Full story at Leathermanforum.com

Leandro C.
Bernal, Argentina