October 3, 2009

Another morning here in Seattle and another update from John Colver, leading the IMG team currently on Kilimanjaro.  Karanga Camp is the current location. 

They’ll spend a nice evening at 13,500 ft and wake up ready to head for high camp at Barafu.  It’s a short day to Barafu, 3 hours going slow.  That allows the team to have an easy day going to high camp and arrive early, around noon.  Then it’s time to pack, eat, drink and prep for the summit climb.  The climb’s going to start before their day even ends.  Wake up around 11 pm, quick breakfast with hot drinks and then it’s time to start walking.  Up, up, up.  That then it’s only down, down, down. 

Team is well, strong and ready for the big push.  A little luck with the weather and they’ll knock it off.

Phil Ershler

October 2, 2009

IMG Senior Guide, John Colver, reported in from Baranco Camp at approx. 13000 ft.  The camp sits directly under the Breach Wall of Kilimanjaro and is probably the most scenic of camps on the mountain.  All team members are now in camp and ready to tackle the Baranco Wall tomorrow morning.  One team member has decided his high point has been reached.  Always a tough decision but a smart one.  He’ll descend with several staff members in the morning down the Umbwe route and will be able to reconnect with the team for safari.

Tomorrow’s camp is Karanga at approx. 13500 ft.  Then it’s a short day to high camp and a shot at the summit.  A little snowfall was encountered today but temperatures haven’t been particularly cold.  All’s still on track for a summit in 3 days. 

Phil Ershler

October 1, 2009

John Colver called in today from the Shira Plateau.  The camp here is at about 12,500 ft.  Huge expansive area with unobstructed views of the mountain. 

All continues to go well.  Tomorrow is a bigger day.  The trail takes the team up to over 14,500 ft and then back down to about 13,000 ft at the Baranco Camp.  Perfect for acclimatization but you always feel bad about losing altitude.  Just part of the game on a big mountain like Kilimanjaro.

Phil Ershler