Plaza de Mulas (Photo: Tye Chapman)
February 20, 2012
Mike Hamill and team called in from Plaza Mulas to let us know they made it safe & sound to base camp. They’ll make the long hike out to Mendoza tomorrow, and enjoy a nice dinner later that evening.
Home soon!
Becky Kjorvestad
February 19, 2012
Aconcagua (Photo: Phil Ershler)
Mike called today saying they made the top and are almost back to high camp. Time for these horses to head for the barn. Congratulations. That means all IMG teams have reached the summit this season.
Phil Ershler
February 18, 2012
Phil heard from the teams today, here’s whats happening...
Aconcagua
Mike, Luke, Leandro and crew are all at C3, high camp. The gang is feeling the altitude but all are there and hoping Sunday provides the weather needed to take a shot at the summit. It was a little snowy and blustery when the crew arrive at C3 on Saturday afternoon but Mike reported he could see blue sky above. They’re where they should be and will take a shot as soon as the mountain says go.
Patagonia
We heard from Tye and team on Saturday afternoon. I think these guys are just having way too much fun. About 5 hours hiking from the Refugio Cuernos brought them to Lake Pehoe and a catamaran ride across the lake. A short drive, passing the waterfall Salto Grande, en route and they’re now enjoying the luxuries of the Hotel Tyndall. Tye couldn’t quit talking about the views. Simply spectacular came out of his mouth on several occasions. Logo Grey is their next destination.
Phil Ershler
February 16, 2012
Room with a view (Photo: Nick Hayward)
Mike Hamill and I just spoke via sat phone. He reported a good carry to C3 (high camp) was completed today and that the team is already back at C2 and looking forward to a rest day tomorrow.
Mike’s tentative plan is to rest on the 17th, move to high camp on the 18th and be in position to take a shot at the summit on the morning of the 19th. We’ve been checking forecasts for this weekend. No precipitation is forecasted for the next several days and winds look like they’ll be at their lowest ebb on the 19th. These are only forecasts but they certainly are favorable forecasts. Let’s see how it all unfolds.
For now, the team is healthy, carries have been made and they need one really nice day to get the job done.
Phil Ershler
Los Penitentes
February 15, 2012
Greg Vernovage and Team called from Penitentes. Long walk out from Mulas but it’s done.
Guys are now chomping at the bit to get to Mendoza. It’ll be a late arrival, but they’ll be happy.
Phil Ershler
February 15, 2012
The guys put in another solid day today. They set up camp at C2 and already thinking about their carry tomorrow to C3. Typically, a rest day follows that carry to high camp prior to moving up.
All remains good.
Phil Ershler
C2 (Photo: Nick Hayward)
February 14, 2012
Snack time at Plaza de Mulas (Photo: Dale Funk)
We’re about ready to wrap this one up. Greg called to report they were dining on pizza in Plaza Mulas. The hard work is over. Mules carry out the group gear and most of the personal gear tomorrow. The guys will be in Mendoza later tomorrow evening.
It’s all over now except for the shouting.
Phil Ershler
The approach to C2 (Photo by Tye Chapman)
February 14, 2012
The carry to Camp 2, just above the Ameghino Saddle, went well for Mike Hamill’s team today. They’re already back at C1.
More than anything, the entire team wanted to send Valentine’s Day greetings to all their loved ones.
Another good day is in the books.
Phil Ershler
February 13, 2012
Just received the afternoon call from Mike Hamill and his Aconcagua crew. All up at C1 today and all’s good. Plan is a carry tomorrow to C2.
Phil Ershler
C1 (photo: Nick Hayward)
February 13, 2012
The view from up high (photo: Dale Funk)
Team 4 summited Aconcagua this morning. 5 a.m. was the departure time and the team was back at high camp exactly 12 hours later. Weather was good going up and on top. Winds were calm on the summit, allowing the crew to take photos for 35 minutes prior to heading down. Time now for these horses to head for the barn. A huge congratulations to all.
Phil Ershler