November 26, 2012
Near Camp 1 on Vinson Massif (Phil Ershler)
We had good news from Antarctica throughout the holiday weekend. IMG Senior Guide, Mike Hamill, and team were able to fly onto the Ice (Union Glacier) right on schedule, November 23. They spent that evening at the Union Glacier camp. This is where the big IL76 lands. ALE (the flight service) has the bulk of their infrastructure located here. Lots of personnel, vehicles and supplies.
Early the following morning, the team flew the last 45 minutes over to Vinson base camp, about 7000 ft. It was early, the weather was good and the team felt strong. A quick sort, a quick pack and they took off to carry a load to C1, about 10,000 ft. Food, fuel, some equipment were cached there and the crew returned to Vinson base.
Last call from Mike reported weather remaining good and I may hear today that they are moving to C1 or might even be carrying to C2. I’ll let you know when Mike has a minute to call.
Phil Ershler