December 28, 2015
Now that the Christmas holiday is over, let’s get everyone updated on IMG trips currently ‘south of the border’. In this case, way south. Mike Hamill checked in this morning to let us know his Aconcagua crew had moved up to C1, at just over 16,000’. Weather’s reasonable and the team is moving well. Josh McDowell also checked in with news of his team, currently in Mendoza. They are wrapping up their preparations, securing permits this afternoon, and heading for Penitentes in the morning. That means they’ll begin their approach on the morning of 30 Dec. All’s good there, just chomping at the bit and anxious to start walking.
Union Glacier, Antarctica
Further south is Greg Vernovage and his Vinson team. They’re in Punta Arenas, gathering last members and bags and getting ready to fly as soon as weather permits to the Union Glacier, around 80 degrees S. latitude. Weather in certain locations in the States made getting to Punta tough for some of our members but it all got done and this team, too, is ready to get to it.
So, 2 Aconcagua teams will be on the mountain New Year’s Eve and 1 will be on Vinson in Antarctica. You have to admit, pretty cool way to start the new year.
Phil Ershler