Progress, Climbs on Aconcagua and Vinson Move Forward

December 29, 2016

Let’s do a few updates on team progress in Argentina and Antarctica.

Josh McDowell and team have a reasonably straightforward day with the second day of their approach to Base Camp on Aconcagua.  Casa Piedra is where they’re headed for the night.  Mules are still carrying the group gear which means light packs for the team.  No steep sections today, just a gradual elevation gain to camp.  They cross the Vacas River early in the morning via a nice bridge and then follow the right side of the river right to camp.  Couldn’t get lost if you tried.

Higher up, Jonathan Schrock and crew have worked out the plan for their summit attempt.  They’re going to employ a couple of porters and move into high camp tomorrow.  Forecasts show winds increasing a good bit on Sunday so the team wants to get into position to take a shot at the top on Saturday.  The crew’s doing well and the additional porter assistance will make the move day much more reasonable.  Let’s see how it goes.

Lastly, I think Greg Vernovage and his Vinson team were able to fly onto the Ice this morning.  No news from Greg means he’s likely sitting on the IL 76 and headed south.  Always nice when we can fly in exactly on schedule, if that is indeed the case.

Bottom line, both Aconcagua teams and our Vinson are doing well and making progress.

Phil Ershler