Nothing But Good News from the Southern Hemisphere

January 15th, 2018

IMG has some news from each of our teams south of the equator.  First and foremost, Greg Vernovage, Luke Reilly and their team summited Vinson today and have begun their descent.  I spoke with Greg 15 minutes ago.  He said it was a little breezy but folks did well and that they’re beginning their descent.  He’ll check back in tonight once the team has returned to high camp.  Remember, the time everyone uses on Vinson is Chilean time, meaning it’s 5 hours later there than in Seattle.  Also keep in mind that even though they won’t get back to high camp much before midnight, the sun will still be shining and that camp is already established.  They’re doing fine.

Nickel called me just before Greg and said the entire team did a good job today on their move to C1.  C1’s around 16,000’ so that’s a big accomplishment.  They’ll have at least 2 nights, maybe even 3, at that altitude before making the move to C2 and occupying that camp.  Staying healthy and continuing the acclimatization process are the big concerns.  Obviously, there’s work to do but one step at a time is the key right now.

Emily, Romulo and team are just having too much fun in Ecuador.  Some of the crew heads home today and 3 members stay to attempt Chimborazo.  Ecuador is so much more than ‘just’ a climbing trip.  Between spending time with Romulo’s family and meeting some new friends, they also squeezed in a hike today.  Everyone’s hoping the conditions/weather on Chimborazo are favorable.

Nothing but good news right now from the Southern Hemisphere.

Phil Ershler