December 29th, 2017
Summit Cross
IMG Guides, Robert Jantzen and Leandro Villegas, called in to report their summit of Aconcagua yesterday in pretty much great conditions. Descent was slow, making for a very long and trying day but, at the end, everyone’s safe and on their way off the mountain. All guides and members will be back in Mendoza by late evening tomorrow. Congrats to the team for hanging in and working together during their long descent. Well done to all.
Jonathan, Nickel and Martin texted just now to let me know they’ve made their move to high camp. Time to pack, eat, hydrate and rest. Summit day on Aconcagua is TOUGH. There is nothing easy about this climb. Priorities are always the same – safety, success and enjoyment – and in that order. This team has done quite well so far and we’re hoping everyone stays healthy and can handle that long summit day with the extremes of the altitude. Team has positioned themselves to take a summit shot tomorrow before the forecasted increase in winds occurs. Forecasts are only ‘forecasts’ but worth taking a shot now.
Phil Ershler