January 1, 2011
The New Year has begun for IMG with great news from three continents.
The last Kilimanjaro expedition for 2010 is on their way home after another great climb and safari. IMG Senior Guide, Ang Jangbu Sherpa, reports that the safari finished in fine fashion. Seeing the ‘big five’ was easy. They even saw a cheetah take down a wildebeest on their second day. Most members are flying straight home with a few heading to Zanzibar for a few more days in Africa.
We also heard from Eben Reckord and our current Aconcagua expedition yesterday. News there is that the team carried to high camp yesterday, about 19,500 ft., and hopes to occupy high camp today. Weather is holding and the group is trying to squeeze in a summit bid before things change.
And, we received a phone call from Greg Vernovage just as 2010 was coming to an end. His team of 6 climbers, with IMG Senior Guide, Aaron Mainer, had carried to low camp on Vinson yesterday in perfect weather and conditions. Their plan is to kick off the first day of 2011 with a move to low camp. Altitude there is just under 10,000 ft. They’re right on schedule and need to be as we’ll be sending off our final expedition of the season later this week under the leadership of IMG Senior Guide and 3 time Seven Summiter, Mike Hamill. There was something at the end of his transmission about ‘bubbly’ which also made it down to the Ice.
Happy 2011 to all our current, past and future summit teams and to all friends and family following the IMG blog.
Phil Ershler