December 28, 2018

Reaching high camp is always exciting, regardless of the expedition.  You know that it’s now ‘Game Time’!  The months of training, the work of putting your kit of personal equipment together, the travel to East Africa and meeting the Chagga, not to mention the thrill of having one of the most active and successful IMG Sherpa guides (too many 8000 m summits to remember) at the helm when you arrive.  Phunuru flew from Kathmandu at Christmas to climb with this team, as he does often.  Christmas on the mountain, New Year’s on safari…..it’s almost too much.

And now you’re at high camp.  The grunt work is done and you’re anxious to get started for the summit.  Our 7 day climb itinerary allows us to get to high camp early and with only a short hiking day.  Lots of time to prep, pack, eat and rest (as much as is possible).  The weather is good and start time will come early.  Butterflies in your stomach? A bunch!  “Put me in, coach”.  It’s game day and you’re ready.

We won’t wish them luck,  don’t think they’ll need it.  We know they’ll finish strong, make good decisions and look after one another.  That goes for the Chagga, Phunuru and all team members.  We’ll be checking messages early for news of a safe, successful and enjoyable summit.  I’m excited for them!

Phil Ershler

December 27, 2018

December Kilimanjaro Team at Karanga Camp (Phunuru Sherpa)

Phunuru got a few photos out from Karanga Camp after a great day of trekking. The team is doing great and the weather was very nice for the climb from Barranco to Karanga Camp (13,066 ft). It was a short day of climbing up the Barranco Wall and onto Karanga. This is a fun day of trekking that starts with a short hike to the wall. Once at the wall, the guide team spreads out, helping everyone through the moderate rock section. Once through this section, everything opens up and the team can see above and below for miles. The plan for tomorrow is to trek by 8am to Barafu Camp (15,000 ft) and put themselves in position to summit the following night.

All is well on Kilimanjaro!

Greg Vernovage

December 26, 2018

Looking at Kilimanjaro from Barranco Camp (Eric Simonson)

IMG Guide, Phunuru Sherpa checked in from Barranco Camp (13,000 ft) on Kilimanjaro overnight. The team had a great day of trekking and are now ready to climb the Barranco Wall in the morning.  The team trekked up to the Lava Towers (15,000 ft) before dropping down to camp. This is a great day for acclimatization for the team.

Greg Vernovage