January 10, 2016
Ready to fly
Greg’s Vinson team members are on their way home. This trip is over. Greg sent me this final report on Saturday:
From: Greg Vernovage
Sent: Saturday, January 09, 2016 7:50 PM
Subject: Pretty sweet climb!
Phil,
Sitting on the IL-76 back to Punta Arenas. It’s getting warm and the team is beginning to shed s couple layers as usual. I wanted to shoot a quick note to you and all of our followers about the great climb of Vinson we just had.
The team came together great and worked their butts off to get in position for the warmest summit day I have ever had on Vinson! From the first day I arrived in Punta Arenas and then Union Glacier, I had been warned of the crazy weather patterns the mountain had been experiencing this year. For the first time, I was in danger of spending New Years at Union Glacier. Instead, this team spent New Years counting down on the twin otter! Pilots included, this was a treat!
The team set up camp at Base Camp and Camp 1 to give you an idea of how they were ready to work.
We singled to Camp 1 and after a rest day, carry day and reports of two good weather days in a row, there was no holding us back. We powered up the fixed lines and made High Camp.
Zero hesitation and no doubt, the summit to ourselves!
Like I always say, New Years on the Ice is pretty special. Congratulations to the 2015 Vinson Team and especially to our to Teammates that completed the 7 Summits on this trip.
– Greg Vernovage
Back on the Ice, Austin and team are already at Camp 1. All’s good.
Phil Ershler