January 3, 2019
Skogar village, near the Eyjafjallajökull Glacier (Craig John)
Join IMG Senior Guide Craig John in Iceland this summer for a trek of a lifetime and great stories. CJ was in Iceland last year and was very impressed with the beautiful landscape. There are now only 3 spots left on this great trip!
Greg Vernovage
January 3, 2019
Jonathan Schrock and his Aconcagua team are doing a power walk today. Plaza Mulas to the trailhead, then the ‘duffle shuffle’ and then driving to Mendoza. The horses are definitely heading for the barn. A long day, for sure, but made infinitely easier with the knowledge that this team busted butt, endured some ridiculous Aconcagua winds, the Viento Blanco, and managed to pull off a safe, successful and enjoyable summit. That is no small task.
We congratulate them all and will get one final team photo from Jonathan and Tincho before declaring the trip a wrap. Mendoza is in their sights.
And, while Jonathan, Tincho and crew are walking, Austin and his team at high camp on Vinson are resting. A couple of big days have put them at high camp and in position to take their summit shot. No super hurry now, Austin’s just trying to pick the right day weather-wise and strength wise to go get the job done. This is where guiding becomes more art than technical skill —- finding just that right balance. Regardless, we’re looking forward to that phone call from the summit. They’re patient and determined and that’s normally a winning combination.
Phil Ershler
January 3, 2019
Final packing session, heading home after an amazing adventure (Phunuru Sherpa)
Packing, unpacking and repacking – ah, the expedition life. This time the packing is for the final time, at least for this trip.
Our Kilimanjaro team has traveled half way around the world, slept 6 nights in a tent, climbed to the summit of Kilimanjaro, seen some of the best game viewing in East Africa (including Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti) and did it all in 15 days, travel included. Pretty amazing when you think about it. Oh yeah, spent Christmas on the mountain and New Year’s on safari. Guess that’s frosting on the cake!
The end of one adventure is simply the beginning of the next. To quote Phunuru:
“All is well here. Ready to head back home.”
Guess where Phunuru will be again one month from today?
Phil Ershler
January 2, 2019
Torres del Paine (Victor Hernandez)
Patagonia trekking season has kicked off with our private/custom trip to the Torres del Paine National Park. These two definitely know how to get the year started off on the right foot. Over the next week they will be exploring many valleys in the National Park and will throw in a little kayaking and some boat rides. I’ll keep you posted on their adventures as the pictures come in.
Luke Reilly
January 2, 2019
From: Phunuru
Sent: Wednesday, January 2, 2019 10:16 AM
To: kilimanjaro@mountainguides.com;
Subject: Ngorongoro Sopa lodge
So much having fun last dinner with the group
Phunuru
January 2, 2019
Mule Train Leaving the Plaza de Mulas Basecamp (Luke Reilly)
Jonathan, Martin and Co. have escaped the winds at C3 and are now down at the Plaza de Mulas basecamp. This crew has simply done a super job. The tradition at basecamp after a successful climb like this is to put down a couple slices of pizza and wash it down with an ice-cold beer or soda. I’m guessing there will be a couple of high altitude showers this afternoon as well to begin the process of re-entry into civilization. They will begin the long walk out to the road tomorrow where another shower will be waiting for them in Mendoza.
An IMG Team Pulling into Low Camp on Vinson (Luke Reilly)
Austin was able to make the move from Vinson basecamp to low camp yesterday and has reported that the weather has been spectacular. They are taking a rest day today at low camp. It’s time to start looking closely at weather models and put together a good plan for heading up to high camp to get into position for tagging the top. The climb from low camp to high camp is a fun one and involves ascending a fixed line, similar to that on Denali.
Luke Reilly
January 2, 2019
Kilimanjaro team ready to fly to Serengeti (Phunuru Sherpa)
After all the hard work of climbing Kilimanjaro, Phunuru reports that our team are having a fun safari! Their trip back in time started with a flight to the Serengeti and spending New Years at the lodge. From there they moved on to Ndutu and now they are heading to Ngorongoro. Along the way they have seen lots of animals, had a good taste of safari life and a vision of a primal world. It’s a little harder to get to these destinations than the game parks located closer to Arusha, but their remoteness is what makes them so special. One more day of world class game viewing and the team will be heading back to civilization. What a great way to start the New Year!
Eric Simonson
January 1, 2019
Summit Ridge of Aconcagua (Luke Reilly)
Jonathan called in to say Happy New Year and let us know that they reached the summit of Aconcagua. This is a a job well done. Their patience, determination and hard work paid off. I really can’t think of a better way to start the new year than standing on the highest point in the western hemisphere. Congratulations to Jonathan and crew. They will make their way back down to Plaza de Mulas basecamp tomorrow and begin the journey to Mendoza.
Twin Otter at Vinson Basecamp (Luke Reilly)
Austin also checked in last night and informed us that they were able to take the Twin Otter flight to Vinson basecamp down in Antarctica. They were able to establish camp and his plan was to make a carry to low camp to start the progression up the mountain today.
Luke Reilly
December 31, 2018
Sunset at Camp 3 on Aconcagua (Luke Reilly)
Jonathan just checked in from C3 on Aconcagua. They made the push to high camp today and are now in position to take a shot at the summit tomorrow. The winds are pretty strong right now but the forecast shows a small drop in winds tomorrow, so they’re going to give it their best shot. The team has done all their homework, are healthy and have set themselves up for success. Let’s see if the winds cooperate tomorrow and allow the team to take a stab at the summit. C3 is a heck of a place to be to ring in the New Year. Good luck Jonathan and crew!
Luke Reilly
December 30, 2018
Phunuru reports that the Kilimanjaro team had a nice hike this morning down to the Mweka Gate trailhead, followed by a mini bus ride back to the hotel in Moshi. After lunch, showers, and some beers (not necessarily in that order) everyone was cleaned up and feeling good. They kept the party going into the evening with their local Chagga guides at a celebration dinner. Well done team!
Tomorrow morning the team will drive to the airport in Arusha, then fly by airplane about an hour to the west to the Seronera airport in the middle of the Serengeti National Park. Upon landing they will be met by their drivers and start their 3 night / 4 day wildlife safari. If you are going to go all the way to East Africa, spending a few days on safari is the perfect way to put a bow on the trip!
Eric Simonson
