December 10, 2017
Justin checked in first thing Sunday morning to let us know the team was up, had broken camp and already was working their way down the 1200 m of fixed rope between high camp and C1. By the time you read this post, they should already be down the ropes. From the bottom of the ropes, it’s a short walk to C1. Nice break there. They’ll dig out their cache, repack everything into the sleds and then move down to Vinson base camp later today. If weather permits, the team may even fly back to Union Glacier this evening.
Vinson summit ridge (photo: Eric Simonson)
Within the next couple of days, the IL 76 will come back into Union Glacier and pick all the climbers up and get them back to Punta. We’ll let you know when we have a better idea of timing for that all-important flight.
Bottom line — huge success yesterday on Vinson. Patience and persistence paid off and IMG had another safe, successful and enjoyable climb. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.
Phil Ershler