February 9, 2012

Life in the clouds can be a bit fuzzy.

Phil called in from the hut on Orizaba after “given’ it one heck of a go” this morning. Despite the teams effort they were forced to turn around 500ft short of the summit. 500ft doesn’t sound like much, but if you’ve climbed at all you realize that 500ft can be an eternity in the mountains.

With close to a foot of new snow on the upper mountain, blowing ice and snow in their faces and just generally being surrounded by a ‘black cloud’ Phil, made the tough decision to turn around.

The group is all smiles and anxious to get downhill to ‘wash the stink off’, grab a bite to eat and relax before making the journey home later this week.

Tye Chapman

February 8, 2012

Orizaba from a distance.

Phil called this afternoon to report that they had a little more snow overnight at the hut, but the team still had a good acclimatization hike today.

They’re calling for some more snow later this week so they’ll head up tonight and see if they can sneak in a climb before this front moves in.  Everybody is doing great and plans on climbing tonight.

Tye Chapman

February 7, 2012

Orizaba (Photo by Phil Ershler)

Phil Ershler called to check-in this afternoon. They have had nice hiking up through the forest the past two days and have climbed above treeline to reach the Piedra Grande Hut where they will spend the next two nights.

The team is strong and healthy and Phil is looking forward to leading them all to the summit in two days. Tomorrow they will take an acclimatization hike up from the hut and then an early departure for the summit the following day if all goes according to schedule. There is a new covering of snow on the mountain which brightens everything up and Phil says conditions look good.

George Dunn

February 6, 2012

Orizaba in the distance - (Photo: Phil Ershler)

6:00 a.m. check-in call from Phil Ershler this morning.  After a scenic drive to Tlachichuca yesterday, the crew had some time to sort gear & pack up, followed by dinner.  A few hours’ hike today will bring them to their camp in the forest at about 12000 ft.

where they’ll spend the night acclimatizing, then hike the remaining distance to the Piedra Grande hut on Pico de Orizaba tomorrow morning.  Weather continues to cooperate, good news for the team.  All’s well.

Becky Kjorvestad

February 5, 2012

Phil called in early this morning from Mexico City, where the gang was ready to leave the hotel and move on to Tlachichuca.  A good crew, favorable weather – the stage is set.

Becky Kjorvestad

December 9, 2011

Pico de Orizaba (Photo by Phil Ershler)

We just heard from our Mexico climbers.  “Another perfect day.  Not a breath of wind on the summit” was their quote.  They’re now in the town of Tlachichuca with our service provider and hosts, the Reyes family.  IMG has worked with Sr. Reyes and his sons since my first trip there in 1976.

This trip is done.  The crew spends the night in Tlachichuca and heads back to Mexico City in the morning.  Flights home are Sunday morning.

Stay tuned for more dispatches from our next Mexico expedition beginning February 4.  Congratulations to Vicki, Bill, Deborah, Fernando and Greg.

Phil Ershler

December 8, 2011

Ixta Summit (Photo by Greg Vernovage)

Off to Orizaba.  Another good looking day in front of us.  Should have a full moon tonight.

Greg

December 7, 2011

Dawn on summit of Ixta (Photo by Elizah McLaughlin)

IMG Senior Guide, Greg Vernovage, just called in from La Joya in Mexico to report another 100% successful climb of Ixta.  Greg’s working with a custom, private group of 3 of our past climbers and they put in a great performance today.  A bit breezy to start but things only got better and all were treated to great views from the summit.  The descent was quick and some tired but very happy climbers are now heading for a shower, pizza and clean sheets in Puebla.  And, in that order.

Next stop – Tlachichuca and Pico de Orizaba.

Phil Ershler

December 5, 2011

A wild & crazy team (Photo: Greg Vernovage)

Greg checked in this morning from Mexico.  He’s with a small, private group looking to climb both Ixta and Orizaba before Christmas.  Group arrived late Saturday but with all luggage in hand.  Private transportation took them out towards Ixta and Cortez Pass for an acclimatization hike.  Night was spent in the town of Amecameca.

A carry is planned for today up towards high camp on Ixta.  They’ll carry some water, food and part of the group gear and drop it up higher.  Night spent back at the Pass.  Weather’s good as is common this time of year.  They’re off to a good start.

Phil Ershler