February 22, 2012

Machame Camp

Phil called in from a starlit camp on Kilimanjaro where he and the team are now getting ready to call it a night.  It was a great start to the trek today after the team enjoyed a nice drive to the Machame Gate with pretty views along the way.  Once on the trail, the team made it to camp in good time or about five hours.  Everyone is doing great and feeling good.  After resting tonight, the team looks forward to hitting the trail again in the morning.  We’ll keep you posted!

IMG Office

February 21, 2012

Phil and the Team (Photo: Susan Ershler)

Phil Ershler called in early this morning to report that all team members and luggage have arrived safely.  Today they’ll enjoy a nice day at the hotel, recover from jet lag, and work on getting all packed up for tomorrow.  They’ll head out for Day 1 of their climb bright and early tomorrow morning.  All’s well!

Becky Kjorvestad

February 20, 2012

Fresh off the summit of Kilimanjaro, the team began safari today.  They flew out to Serengeti where the Landcruisers and drivers were waiting.  The flight is a really cool experience and saves a ton of driving.  From there they will travel overland through Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and all the way back to Arusha.  The game viewing has been great!

Adam Angel

Lion Cub on Serengeti. (Photo by Adam Angel)

February 18, 2012

IMG climbers at Uhuru Point, the Roof of Africa! (Photo by Adam Angel)

Craig John called in from the summit of Kilimanjaro.  100% to the top.  Nice work team!  They will descend to their forest camp at 10,000′ and spend one more night on the mountain before wrapping this thing up.  Tonight, we can almost guarantee one of the best night’s sleep they’ll ever have! Congratulations to the whole team.

February 17, 2012

Craig John just called in from our high camp at Barafu on Kilimanjaro.  They had a little snow this afternoon, but are moving into clearing weather.  Everyone is doing well and settling in for a few hours of sleep before heading to the summit.  Wake at 11, walk at 12, step onto the crater rim as the sun rises.  Perfect.

Adam Angel

IMG climbers heading to our high camp at Barafu, Kilimanjaro. (Photo by Adam Angel)

February 16, 2012

Craig John called in this morning from Karanga to report that the team is doing great, and that the rain continues to hold off.  So far so good.  Tomorrow will be a short day to high camp at Barafu, and then it’s “game” time.

Adam Angel

Karanga Camp, Kilimanjaro. (Photo by Adam Angel)

February 15, 2012

Barranco Camp on Kilimanjaro (Photo: Adam Angel)

All is well at Barranco Camp on Kilimanjaro.  Craig John reports that they’ve finally climbed above the rain, and the weather is shaping up nicely.  Tomorrow they’ll ascend the “sporty” and fun Barranco wall before traversing underneath the spectacular southern glaciers.  For now it’s time to get a good sleep in one of the prettiest camps on the planet!

Adam Angel

February 14, 2012

The path to Shira Camp gains altitude quickly.  Today the team ascended in light rain, but into clearing skies.  Tomorrow they’ll tackle one of the longer days up around Lava Tower and back down to Baranco Camp.  Looking good…

Adam Angel

IMG Climbers ascend the steep trail to Shira Camp, Kilimanjaro. (Photo by Adam Angel)

IMG Climbers on the rainforest approach to Machame Camp, Kilimanajaro. (Photo by Adam Angel)

February 13, 2012

Craig John called in today from Machame Camp on Kilimanjaro.  After two dry and cold climbs Craig reports that the rains have returned.  The entire team is doing great and is happy to have day one in the history books.  There is a good chance they will climb above the rain tomorrow, which is always nice.  The change in weather might also signal warmer temperatures for summit day.  That’s a long way off though; one day at a time.

Adam Angel

February 12, 2012

Cruising the market in Moshi

Another IMG Kili team has safely arrived in Moshi to begin our third climb of the season.  Once again Craig John is leading the way.  If you haven’t been following our climbs on Kili this year, this will be Craig’s 21st summit.  Today the team toured the local market, visited with our friends at the Kilimanjaro Porter’s Assistance Project, and packed their duffles for the climb.  Tomorrow they’ll head up to the Machame gate to start the journey to the top.

After months of preparation it always feels good to start putting one foot in front of the other on the trail.  Stay tuned to the blog for updates!

Adam Angel