November 20, 2011
IL 76 on the Ice in Antarctica (Photo: Phil Ershler)
Bad news is that the team was delayed 3 days before they were able to fly onto the Ice. Good news is that they made it in Saturday evening and that the delay won’t affect their climb. They’re off and running!!
IMG guides, Mike Hamill and Chris Meder and our team of 7 climbers were excited to board the IL 76 and get strapped in for the 4 hour flight to the Union Glacier at close to 80 degrees south latitude. The next flight leg is about an hour hop in a Twin Otter to get to Vinson base camp on the Branscomb Glacier at about 7000 ft. Mike will call once they arrive, get camp established and are settled in.
With some expeditions, getting there is the toughest part. Not that climbing Vinson is easy but we have some control over how that goes. It’s the flying that’s always the question mark. Weather, visibility, snow conditions on the runway – all have to align to make a safe flight possible. Now, it’s up to the team. Still need a bit of help with the weather from mother nature but now it’s game time.
Phil Ershler