December 29, 2012

Greg's crew waiting to board the IL 76 (Greg Vernovage)

Second Vinson trip for the season is heading for the Ice today, the 29^th.  That’s right on schedule.  They received the call early this morning, telling them the weather was a go which made the flight a go.  About 4 hours in the air to 80 degree S. and then another hour in a smaller aircraft, heading a bit west and north and landing at Vinson base camp.  They’re off!

Phil Ershler

December 28, 2012

Sunsets last a long time in Punta Arenas (Greg Vernovage)

Heard from Greg and team in Punta Arenas.  ALE, the flight service, held a briefing for all the teams this morning.  It’s show time.  Luggage has been picked up and loaded into the IL 76.  Now, it’s a matter of weather.  The gang may even fly tonight.  If not, hopefully first thing in the morning.  Bottom line is that the crew is ready, luggage is locked and loaded and it’s show time.

Greg sent us this photo from their hotel.  Any further south on the continent and they’re swimming.  As he said, the sunsets lasts quite a while in Punta Arenas.

Phil Ershler

December 28, 2012

One Happy Crew (Greg Vernovage)

Greg Vernovage checked in from Punta Arenas on Thursday evening.  The team’s pretty much ready to go.  Here’s hoping weather is good on the 29^th so the gang can fly to the Ice.

“Good day for the team.  Gear checks done, great day in Punta Arenas, some lunch food and some repacking.  This is going to be a great team.  They are ready to go and laughing like crazy for now.  Briefing day tomorrow followed with the gear getting weighed and loaded.  The team is going to sneak in the Magellan’s foot tomorrow as well.  Have to touch the foot!  We are in for another amazing sunset if anyone stays awake for it.  Almost 11 pm and just enough clouds in the sky to show some color.  All is well.” – Greg

Phil Ershler

December 27, 2012

The IL 76 (Phil Ershler)

Greg Vernovage has the second IMG Vinson team for the season in Punta Arenas, Chile now.  All members are there with all their luggage.  Shopping is pretty much done and most of it will be packed by this afternoon.  Each member’s personal gear needs to be carefully checked this afternoon, too.

Tomorrow’s the briefing with the flight service and the crew of the IL 76, the huge Russian cargo airplane that will take the team to 80 degrees South.  If weather permits, they fly on the 29^th.  That means New Year’s Eve and Day will be on the Ice.  Amazing!

We’ll keep you posted as they work their way up the highest mountain at the bottom of the world.

Phil Ershler

December 17, 2012

IL 76 in flight

Received the call from Mike Hamill early this morning, the 17^th.  The IL 76 is in the air.  They’ll be back in Punta today and finding a nice restaurant to celebrate both their success on Vinson and with the Last Degree trip.  Pretty much a perfect trip.  In and out on schedule, everyone on the summit and no one gets hurt.  And, I think they had a good time in the process.  Pick up a copy of Mike’s new book, “Climbing the Seven Summits”, if you want to learn more about the details involved in a climb of Vinson Massif.

IMG Senior Guide, Greg Vernovage, is up next with his Vinson team hoping to fly onto the Ice on December 29.  Greg will be spending Christmas at about 35,000 ft.  Such is the life of a mountain guide.

Phil Ershler

December 15, 2012

Mike and Vanessa reached the South Pole on Saturday, December 15.  They’ve toured the South Pole Station and will be spending the night camped at the Pole.  They should be able to fly back to the Union Glacier on Sunday and an IL 76 flight is tentatively scheduled for the 17^th.  Pretty darn smooth trip.

Phil Ershler

December 13, 2012

Mike just called in from about 16 miles short of the South Pole.  Weather continues to be good and winds continue to be low.  The view hasn’t changed – lots of white.  With any luck, they hit the South Pole on Saturday.  If weather permits, they could possibly get flown back to the Union Glacier that same day.  Then it’s a matter of waiting at Union Glacier until the IL 76 is coming in so they can return to Punta Arenas, in Chile.  Should be home easily for Christmas.

Phil Ershler

December 10, 2012

Not entirely featureless on the terrain (Pat McCran)

Mike Hamill called in Sunday, somewhere south of 89 degrees.  They were able to fly to the 89 degree S point on Saturday and even got in a couple of km. that day.  Sunday was a full ski day.  So far, so good.  Mike said the winds weren’t unreasonable.  When going towards the Pole, any wind is going to be in your face normally.  The katabatic winds sink and head north from the Pole.  You just hope they’re not too strong.  The scenery – well, that’s not going to change much for the entire 100 km.  The terrain is relatively ‘featureless’ once you get that far south.

But Vanessa and Mike are off and running.  All’s good.

Phil Ershler

December 7, 2012

The edge of the continent.

The IL 76 is in the air.  Tim and John will be in Punta in time for a late supper.  Mike and Vanessa will be staying, joining the ALE group to do the Last Degree.  They’ll fly out to 89 degrees South and then ski the last 100 km to the Pole.  Takes about a week and the plane will pick them up at the Pole.  Pretty cool way to cap off a successful Vinson expedition.

We’ll post any new from Mike and Vanessa during their ski to the Pole so don’t go too far away.

Read what Mike has to say about the Vinson climb in his new book – “Climbing the Seven Summits”.  Published by Mountaineers Books, it’s a great read and a great resource.

Greg Vernovage will be flying on Christmas day, meeting the next crew in Punta on December 27^th.

Phil Ershler