December 28, 2009
Heard from George Dunn down in Punta Arenas today. The crew all made it in and with all their luggage. That’s never a small feat. They’re packed and ready to go. The flight service that all Vinson climbers use, ALE, has held an orientation for everyone flying to the Ice, the IL 76, the plane in which they’ll fly to the Ice, is loaded and now it’s a matter of the weather. Flight parameters are fairly narrow when you’re talking about flying to the middle of Antarctica and everything has to be right. With any luck, the team is out late tonight or perhaps in morning.
Regardless, they’ll get there, get over to Vinson and get the job done. Every Vinson climb involves a bit of waiting for good flying conditions. We’re just glad that the crew is ready to go.
Phil Ershler