Catching Up with Our Teams Down South

January 17th, 2018

OK, catch up time with all the IMG teams ‘down south’.  Greg, Luke and the Vinson team got down to Vinson base camp yesterday.  No word today so their either still at Vinson base or have moved over to the Union Glacier camp.  Possible flight off the Ice tomorrow.  Has not yet been confirmed but a good possibility.  A second opportunity to fly back to Punta Arenas is on the 20^th.  They are in a SUPER position.

Nickel, Rikki, Martin and crew called in after their successful carry to C2 today.  Went well.  Weather was reasonable and the team was strong after their rest day at C1.  Plan is to make the big move tomorrow to C2.  That’s a big milestone as they’ll then be within striking distance of the summit with just one more move.  They’re all performing well.

Emily, Romulo and team have had the best of times together and the worst of climbing conditions.  We’re typically hoping for more snow when heading to Ecuador to climb.  Be careful what you wish for.  Too much snow, at the wrong time, was the issue this year.  The crew really didn’t have a chance on Chimborazo.  Had been snowing hard and was snowing hard when they took off.  You just can’t risk climbing in the avalanche conditions they encountered.  Obvious to all but still disappointing.  Regardless, this trip is coming to an end.  The Team will be catching flights home on Thursday.  Lots of good memories, good new friendships and here’s hoping there will be a ‘rematch’ back in Ecuador for the guys soon.

Phil Ershler