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

Guanaco in front of the Torres in the background (Photo: Tye Chapman)

Just heard from Tye and the Patagonia Team.  The trekkers put in a long day hiking along the Grey Glacier yesterday, where they were rewarded with “spectacular, incredible, awesome views”.  Hung out with some icebergs this morning while waiting for the boat to take them across Lago Grey, then after another short hike to a lookout point at Mount Ferrier, hopped a ride back to Natales.  An absolutely perfect day, one of many they enjoyed all week.

And now the trekking is done, all that’s left is some showers, shopping and a nice dinner in Natales tonight.  The gang takes a drive to Punta tomorrow, and from there will prepare to catch flights back home.

Becky Kjorvestad

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

Plaza de Mulas (Photo: Tye Chapman)

February 20, 2012

Mike Hamill and team called in from Plaza Mulas to let us know they made it safe & sound to base camp.  They’ll make the long hike out to Mendoza tomorrow, and enjoy a nice dinner later that evening.

Home soon!

Becky Kjorvestad

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)

Aconcagua (Photo: Phil Ershler)

Mike called today saying they made the top and are almost back to high camp. Time for these horses to head for the barn.  Congratulations.  That means all IMG teams have reached the summit this season.

Phil Ershler

Tye sent some photos early this morning of some of those spectacular views he’s been talking about on the Patagonia Trek.  No exaggeration there – take a look!

Becky Kjorvestad

Phil heard from the teams today, here’s whats happening...

Aconcagua

Mike, Luke, Leandro and crew are all at C3, high camp.  The gang is feeling the altitude but all are there and hoping Sunday provides the weather needed to take a shot at the summit.  It was a little snowy and blustery when the crew arrive at C3 on Saturday afternoon but Mike reported he could see blue sky above.  They’re where they should be and will take a shot as soon as the mountain says go.

Patagonia

We heard from Tye and team on Saturday afternoon.  I think these guys are just having way too much fun.  About 5 hours hiking from the Refugio Cuernos brought them to Lake Pehoe and a catamaran ride across the lake.  A short drive, passing the waterfall Salto Grande, en route and they’re now enjoying the luxuries of the Hotel Tyndall.  Tye couldn’t quit talking about the views.  Simply spectacular came out of his mouth on several occasions.  Logo Grey is their next destination.

Phil Ershler

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.

Torres del Paine amanece

Incredible! – was the one word trip update from Tye Chapman and our Patagonia trek this afternoon.  Views were out of this world.  Up the French Valley today, maybe 15 km and about 9 hours round trip.  Back at the Cuernos Refugio for a second night.  Showers have been taken and the dinner call will come soon.  I may have to go on this trek personally, and soon.

Phil Ershler