January 10, 2014 Lots of movement regarding IMG teams and the Southern Hemisphere. Greg, Aaron and team returned from their 100% successful Vinson expedition. The IL 76 actually came in last night and was able to return the crew to Punta Arenas, Chile early this morning. They need some sleep. We’re all working on getting […]
Ecuador Volcanoes
Antisana Team Opts For A Beer
December 17, 2013 From: Michael Hamill Date: December 17, 2013, 2:19:20 PM PST To: Phil Ershler Subject: Antisana We’re back in Quito after giving Antisana a go this morning and coming up empty handed. We made it to about 18,000ft after navigating several tricky crevasse sections but were eventually turned above the col by a […]
2 Down, 1 To Go In Ecuador
December 15, 2013 From: Mike Hamill Date: Sun, 15 Dec 2013 3:28 PM To:Â Phil Ershler Phil – Just a quick note to let you know we made it to Papallacta and the whole team got up Cayambe in good time. We’re driving to Antisana bc tomorrow to make an attempt the following day. It […]
Cotopaxi In The Bag
December 12, 2013 From: Michael Hamill Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2013 4:02 PM To: Phil Ershler Subject: Down from Cotopaxi Phil- Great day on Cotopaxi. We had 100% success with excellent weather and route conditions. Only 6 people summited today including our 4 so we had the mountain almost to ourselves. We’re down safely to […]
Ecuador Team Prepares For Summit Bid
December 11, 2013 Received the email below from Mike yesterday. Tonight they sleep at the Jose Ribas refugio at a bit over 15,500’. Shortly before midnight, they’ll be up and walking. Two guides and two customers on a completely custom trip – should be fun. Hope Mike’s weather prediction holds. Phil Ershler From: Michael Hamill […]
Training & Raining
December 9, 2013 Word in from Mike & the gang: From: Michael Hamill Sent: Monday, December 09, 2013 7:33 PM To: Phil Ershler Phil – We had a great hike on Pasachoa today and a relaxing afternoon at Tierra del Volcon. We made great time up Pasachoa. Rainy towards the end of the day and […]
3 Summits Ahead For Ecuador Team
December 9, 2013 IMG Senior Guide, Mike Hamill, arrived in Ecuador Saturday evening with a custom trip of 2 climbers. Pretty nice, huh? They should have a sweet time. Both climbers are quite fit and Mike’s got them on a schedule which hopefully allows for 3 summits, enough time for acclimatization but not a lot […]
When The Mountain Says No…
November 27, 2013 Chimborazo remains problematic. The guys made the big push last night. At just shy of 19000 ft., they decided discretion was the better part of valor and pulled the plug. No summit but no one was injured, either. Tonight in Banos, at the edge of the high jungle, and Thanksgiving dinner at […]
Beer, Bath, Dinner, Repeat
November 26, 2013 Part one is done. After the entire team stood on the top of Cayambe, they headed down to Papallacta. Papallacta is a resort famous for its hot springs, right underneath the mountain Antisana. Cold beer and hot water was the perfect combination to relieve sore muscles. Then it was time for dinner […]
Ecuador Team On Top Of Cayambe
November 24, 2013 My Sunday morning started with a call from Ecuador. Luke reported 100% success on Cayambe, weather good and the team’s heading for the hot springs of Papallacta to celebrate. Works for me. Phil Ershler