February 26, 2013

Bragging about family’s OK once in a while, right?  A couple of years ago, my cousin, Lew (Hook) Ershler, went with me to climb Kilimanjaro.  As usual, we had a great trip.  And, as usual, the entire team was extraordinarily impressed by the work done and friendship shown by our entire Chagga crew.  How could he help?  IMG has supported the Porter Assistance Program on Kili for years and Lew wanted to see what more could be done when he got home. Lew is on the Pro Patrol at Alta, Utah and has been for years.  When he got home, he started making some phone calls.  He was asking for used uniforms to be donated to the cause of equipping porters while climbing Kilimanjaro.  Utah areas who contributed included : Alta, Brighton, The Canyons, Deer Valley and Park City.  And contribute they did.  Don’t know the total weight but it probably had the word ‘ton’ attached.  The Porter Assistance Program honored Lew’s efforts with a plaque at the Rongai gate.

Thanks to all the ski areas who contributed and thanks, Lew, for all your efforts on behalf of the PAP and the great Chagga porters and guides who are working with us every time a group is on the mountain!

Phil Ershler

Massai village (Clarissa Morford)

February 20, 2013

The latest (and last) report from Tanzania includes a busy but rewarding day for Team Kili yesterday.  Jenni Fogle says that the team enjoyed some great wildlife viewing in Ngorongoro Crater after visiting Olduvai Gorge and one of the local Massai villages.  It was a full day but the team rolled into our private camp on the Crater Rim for their last night in the bush.

They’re already back in Arusha where they’ll refresh and repack before their departure flight home.

Congratulations to all on a great summit and great trip.  Next IMG Kilimanjaro departure is June 24, led by Sheldon Kerr.  Trips will run throughout the summer, ending in early October.  See you there.

February 19, 2013

Sunset on the Serengeti (Clarissa Morford)

Jenni called from the Serengeti where she was experiencing a fantastic sunset from the vantage of the private IMG safari “glamping” camp.  The team enjoyed a gourmet meal prepared by the camp staff and will shortly be bedding down for the evening in their cozy cots for some peaceful sleep under the stars.  The team had some fantastic game viewing during the day.  The plan for tomorrow is to head to the Ngorongoro Crater for more game viewing.  Looking forward to more updates!

Can you imagine yourself having a drink at the campfire, as the sun is setting over the Serengeti, waiting for your private cook staff to service dinner?  Now, imagine that after just having stood on the summit of Kilimanjaro.  Priceless.

February 17, 2013

The happy crew (Mike Marker)

Kilimanjaro team will enjoy showers and a big dinner tonight.  Flying to the Serengeti tomorrow.

Phil Ershler

February 16, 2013

The February Kili team on the summit (Mike Marker)

IMG guide Jenni Fogle called on the sat phone to report that 11 of 12 of her team were able to reach Uhuru Peak, the top of Africa!  She said it was quite cold and windy today, and that they were very glad they had their warm parkas with them.  After the long descent they were back to the thick air at Mweka Camp (11,000 ft) from where they were able to send us a summit photo.  Great job, team!

Eric Simonson

The Kili Team (Photo: Jenni Fogle)

February 15, 2013

Weather’s good, team’s good, high camp is good and it’s game day.  Nice thing about spending 6 nights/7 days on the mountain is that the team has a fairly short day going to high camp at Barafu and they arrive just after noon.  Gives them plenty of time to pack, eat and drink and rest prior to a VERY early wake up/start.  Maybe that’s another one of the reasons why IMG has never had a team not summit.  And that’s since our first trip in 1989.  Jenni’s ready for number 3 and everyone in the group is ready for number 1.  We’ll post the summit update when available.

Phil Ershler

February 14, 2013

Which way to the summit? (photo: Mike Marker)

February 13, 2013

Lead IMG guide Jenni Fogle called in from Barranco Camp after the team enjoyed some better weather today.  Jenni reports that everyone is very strong and doing well with the altitude so far.  Plus she says that they’re just a fun crew to hang out with.  This bodes well for the team as the challenge of the day was to climb to over 14,500′, before they dropped back down to camp at about 13,000′.  Not an easy day for most people, but certainly rewarding.  Dinner was about to be served when Jenni called.

They’ll get some rest overnight and will begin the scramble over the Breach Wall tomorrow, with the end goal of the day being Karanga camp.  Keep up the good work team!

Clarissa Morford

February 12, 2013

Kilimanjaro revealing itself from behind the clouds

Jenni Fogle checked in at 5:50am PST (4:50pm Kili time) to report that the team had reached Shira Camp and all are doing great.  They had good weather for the hike today, just missing the light rain that has just started to fall.  All are snug in their tents for now and are getting ready for dinner together shortly.  Tomorrow they head to Baranco Camp.  All is well!

George Dunn

February 11, 2013

Route times posted by Kilimanjaro National Park at Machame Gate (Eric Simonson)

IMG guide Jenni Fogle reports that the team had a great first day on the trail.  Starting from Moshi, they rode up in jeeps to the Machame Gate (about 6000 feet).  Then, they had a nice 4000 foot climb up through the forest to the first camp, arriving a little after 4pm, just in time for some tea, snacks and some well-deserved rest.  So far so good!

Eric Simonson