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All Is Well In South America

January 13, 2012

Ecuador Team on the Equator

Ecuador
Phil called in from Otavalo. The team enjoyed some urban acclimatization with a tour of Old Town Quito. Remember Quito sits at roughly 10,000ft so just getting around town is an adjustment. After their tour they loaded up and made their way to Otavalo, but not without a quick stop at the Equator (see photo). This evening they’ll check out some local weavers in a small town called Peguche. Tomorrow they’ll visit the Otavalo Indian Market.

Argentina
Eben dropped us a line from Aconcagua Base Camp (Plaza Argentina). All is well, though the precipitation theme continues. About an hour of snow fell this afternoon followed by some lightning and thunder; the sun also made an appearance. Their job now is to rest up and prepare for the climb. Burritos tonight and rest day tomorrow.

Chile
Greg’s route from Antarctica to Mt. Rainier continues. He’s made it to Santiago and if all goes to plan he’ll be in Seattle tomorrow afternoon, Ashford tomorrow evening and on Mt. Rainier Sunday morning.

Tye Chapman

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Vinson Climbers In Punta Arenas

January 12, 2012

IL-76

We received a voice mail from Greg late last night (3am in Antarctica) as they were boarding the IL-76 bound for Punta Arenas, Chile – “We’re coming home”.  Schedules are hard to keep given the nature of the terrain, but this time it all went according to plan.

After a quick siesta Greg Skyped in from his hotel room to say that all went smoothly – just a long flight.  They’ll clean up and head out for one last dinner to celebrate, then it’s time to jump on another long flight.

No rest for the weary… we’ve got Greg booked on our next Winter Seminar here on Mt. Rainier which starts Sunday.  We figure 18 hours is plenty time for Greg to get things in order before he heads back into the field.

Tye Chapman

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Updates From The Southern Hemisphere

January 11, 2012

First trekking camp on the way to Plaza Argentina

Greg called in from Antarctica this morning to report that they’re likely to get off the ice as scheduled. Let’s hope the next phone call we get from Greg and the Vinson team is from South America! All is well otherwise – they’re just killing time. Note: killing time after having summitted is much more fun than the alternative!

Eben called in from their first trekking camp on Aconcagua (Pampa de Llenas), where they’ll enjoy one of the best meals they’re likely to see for some time. It’s IMG tradition to have some asado (grilled beef)  the first night on trail.  Tomorrow they’ll head up to Casa de Piedra. All is well, though they did report that one of their green peppers didn’t make it.

Tye Chapman

Posted in Aconcagua, Vinson (Antarctica) | Comments Off

A Little R & R On The Ice

January 7, 2012

Antarctica from above (Photo: Phil Ershler)

Just a quick note to let everyone following Greg Vernovage and team that they were able to get down to Vinson base camp the day following their summit.  And, as luck would have it, they were on a Twin Otter that same afternoon and on their way to the Union Glacier.  Union Glacier is where the IL 76 lands to bring folks to and take people off the Ice.  This is a huge step.  Now, it’s simply a matter of relaxing, eating and drinking until the IL arrives.  That probably happens about the 12th.  No sweat – Union Glacier camp is about as good as it’s going to get at 80 degrees south latitude.

Another great season on the Ice is complete.  100% period.  All climbers and all guides on the summit and not a scratch.  We’ll take it.  Congratulations, team.

Phil Ershler

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Vinson Team Moved To High Camp

January 4, 2012

Vinson Ridge. (Photo by Phil Ershler)

Another good day on the Ice.  Weather improved and Greg and team moved up to high camp.  Winds about 10 mph kept the walk into camp plenty cool.  Team is preparing dinner and gear for a probable summit attempt in the morning.  Forecast is encouraging and they’re exactly where they should be to take advantage of a break in the weather.  Hoping we hear great news by this time tomorrow evening.

Phil Ershler

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Bad Weather, Good Decision

January 3, 2012

The view up valley from C1. (Photo by Phil Ershler)

Just spoke with Greg.  They made the right call, even yesterday, with taking a rest day at C1 today.  Weather was iffy and no reason to move higher into bad weather.  They’re in a great position to hang tight and take their shot when the weather says now.

If winds die and weather improves tomorrow, they’ll head for high camp.

Phil Ershler

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Time To Take A Break

January 3, 2012

One of the many excellent views. (Photo by Mike Crowley)

Got word from Greg late last night. They had a great day carrying to high camp.  Weather was pretty much flawless.  Tomorrow looks like a good day for a rest at C1 and some additional acclimatization.  They need 2 good days of weather to move up to high camp and take a shot at the summit.  All’s good, so far.

Phil Ershler

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Happy New Year

December 31, 2011

One last blog post this year – straight from Phil to the IMG staff. I thought it would be a nice way to end the year on the IMG Blog. Enjoy!

The sun setting on High Camp on Aconcagua. (Photo by Tye Chapman)

Hey, spoke with Eben and Greg late this afternoon.  All is well to end the year.  Greg is at C1 with his crew on Vinson and Eben at high camp on Aconcagua.  Weather excellent in both locations.  Eben should head for the summit in the morning and Greg is taking a rest at C1 on Vinson.  A good way to end the year.

Phil

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Tye Chapman

Posted in Aconcagua, Vinson (Antarctica) | Comments Off

Flight To The Ice Is A “Go”

December 29, 2011

Flight deck of an IL 76 (Photo: Phil Ershler)

Greg emailed to let us know that the team got the call early this morning that flight conditions looked good and that they were heading for the airport.  That puts them right on schedule.  With luck, they may even get to Vinson base this evening.

So, all’s good on the Ice.

Phil Ershler

 

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Vinson Team Standing By, Ready To Fly

December 28, 2011

IL 76 (Photo: Phil Ershler)

The second Vinson trip for the season has officially begun.

IMG guide, Greg Vernovage, and crew are in Punta getting ready to head to the Ice.  ALE, the flight service, conducted a briefing this morning for all climbers flying to Vinson.  Final prep/packing followed and the team will have their gear picked up shortly at the hotel and taken to the airport to be loaded on the plane.  Then, the team stays on ready alert until flight conditions are a go and they head to the airport.  Could be tonight but more likely sometime tomorrow.  Weather has to be right for this close to 2000 mile flight.

Stay tuned.  We’ll keep everyone updated.

Phil Ershler

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