January 11, 2019

Here’s a quick update for IMG teams down South, farther South, and really far South.

Early morning on Cayambe (Romulo Cardenas)

Jay, Romulo and their successful Ecuador team are now getting prepped for an attempt on Cotopaxi. The mountain was ‘off limits’ for a while because of eruptive activity but things have settled down and are back to normal. The team has been using Hacienda Porvenir as base for the climb. It’s a beautiful spot right at the base of the mountain. Acclimatization and a bit more training today with a summit attempt this weekend. Everyone’s doing well.

Back at the hut (Romulo Cardenas)

Nickel, Martin and their crew should reach Plaza Argentina, base camp, on the Polish Side of Aconcagua today. Simply means that will be the end of the approach and the start of the climb. Mules have been carrying all group gear to this point. Above base, standard expedition style climbing, with making a carry and the next day a move to successively higher camps. Three camps above base on the Polish side. A ‘for sure’ rest day tomorrow at base and then the next phase of the trip begins. Our Argentine outfitters will be taking good care of the team at base, preparing all their meals and giving them a nice dining tent to eat/relax. They just can’t get too comfortable.

And down in the 79 degrees S range, Luke and his team are prepping to move to Camp 1 tomorrow. Vinson only requires two camps and the work of establishing and moving to Camp 1 is great preparation for the big move to Camp 2 (high camp). They got in right on schedule so aren’t in a time crunch and are enjoying an ‘unrushed’ itinerary. Let’s hope weather continues to cooperate and makes the move to Camp 2 relatively easy, too.

That’s it.  Everyone’s doing well, everyone’s reasonably healthy, and all teams are making progress towards their objectives. That’s a good thing.

We’ve included a couple of shots of our Ecuador team’s summit morning on Cayambe. It was a good climb!

Phil Ershler