Updates From Around The World

July 20, 2015

Elbrus (Russia)
Always exciting to have the team together and begin another adventure.  IMG Senior Guide, Mike Hamill, is back in Russia with a super nice crew.  Everyone got in on either the 18^th or 19^th , in good shape and with all their luggage.  Everyone got together on the 19^th for their first dinner as a team and then played tourist on the 20^th, spending the entire day with their tour guide and seeing the sights of St. Petersburg.  Crazy to go to Russia and not see as much of the country as we possibly can.  One more evening in town tonight and then early flights to Mineralnye Vody tomorrow morning.  A few hours driving will take them to the village of Terskol, in the Baksan Valley, and right below Elbrus.  The adventure has begun.  – Phil Ershler

Cordillera Blanca (Peru)
Jason Edwards continues to check in daily during the Cordillera Blanca trek. All is well and they  are progressing exactly according to schedule. On 7/19 the group camped at the Alpamayo base camp. Jason marveled at the number of really spectacular peaks they saw during the trek this day. He affirmed that this is one of the most beautiful treks he has led in his lengthy career. On 7/20 the team hiked for 6 ½ hours today, with a high point going over a pass of 15,800’. They are camped at 13,800 and all is well. – George Dunn

Matterhorn (Switzerland)
IMG Guide Matt Farmer reports they are just back to Zermatt after a successful three day tour including a summit/traverse of the Dri Hornli, Weissmies, & Jegihorn. Tomorrow, Farmer, guide Aaron Mainer and two of the team will go to the Hornlihutte for a summit attempt Wednesday. The other two members of the team will join the guides at the hut for their attempt on Thursday. Farmer reports that route conditions and the weather forecast are favorable for the ascents. Good luck team! – George Dunn

Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
I just got a text message from Dustin at the Keys Hotel in Moshi: “All is well at the Keys!  Everyone is accounted for and baggage arrived as well.  No problems.” This is music to our ears!  The team is all together in Moshi now and will hit the ground running tomorrow with gear checks and a walk around town to stretch their legs.  Long flight over to Tanzania. – Greg Vernovage

Huayna Potosi (Bolivia)
Just off the phone with Luke and Andy in La Paz.  Everyone arrived with their luggage! Gear checks are done and the team had a great walk around the City of La Paz today.  Not a cloud in the sky and up at the park when I asked if they could see Illimani?  Luke just laughed and said how can you miss it! The welcome dinner tonight and out the door early tomorrow morning to acclimatize on the shores of Lake Titicaca! – Greg Vernovage