November 28, 2017
The ‘IL’ on the Ice
Good news is that our team flew in exactly on schedule on Sunday. The flight from Punta Arenas to Union Glacier is on a Russian IL76. That’s a big, 1970’s era cargo jet. From there, it’s about another hour on a Twin Otter to reach Vinson base camp. All flight legs require good weather and visibility. The team is first in line for the flight to Vinson base camp but needs just a little more clearing to make it happen. A good motto when it comes to flights is —– “when in doubt, don’tâ€. ALE, the flight service, has an impeccable safety record and we want them to keep it that way.
Life at Union Glacier is CUSH beyond belief. Believe me, the team is not suffering. I just hope they’re not getting too comfortable!
As soon as possible, our team will be on their way over to VBC, putting the boots on and working their way up the mountain. All is just fine in Antarctica.
Phil Ershler