July 19, 2018

Charlotte checked in this morning to let us know that it was a great day on the Potaniin Glacier.  The Team rigged their gear and reviewed important techniques they will need for their climb to High Camp and climb of Mount Khuiten (14,350) and Nairandal Peak (13,714).

The weather is trending in a good direction for the team and the plan is to stay on schedule and trek up the glacier to High Camp tomorrow morning.  After training today, the team made their way back to Base Camp and while repacking the gear they need for High Camp, had the opportunity to enjoy the landscape.  Camels and yaks graze near camp and the Golden Eagles were hard at work surveying the landscape for their next meal.  If it is warm enough, you might head down to the stream to clean up your face and wash your feet.

Base Camp is a pretty nice spot!

Greg Vernovage

July 18, 2018

Charlotte checked in early this morning from base camp in Mongolia.  The trek from the park entrance to the base of the Altai Mountain Range is fun and scenic.  The trek starts out with a walk up a gentle slope before crossing a stream.  After crossing the stream, they will climb a steeper hill and find the lake where they can take lunch.  The team then heads up the hill to a stone monument that has been built by local people where it is good luck to circle the mountain clockwise, 7 times, each time circling and placing another small rock on the monument for good luck.  An easy downhill for 45 minutes, finds the team at Base Camp where they will have a full view of the Altai Mountain Range and Mount Khuiten.

The team will settle in for a few days, training tomorrow and a short hike up the hill for acclimatization.  Charlotte said the team is “healthy and stoked to be at Base Camp.”

Greg Vernovage

July 17, 2018

Charlotte checked in from Mongolia to report that the team did a great job traveling and the doing the duffle shuffle today.  After arriving to Bayan Olgii, the team loaded the vans and made their way towards the Park entrance.  The team is now settled in for the night after having a nice drive with the company of unseasonable light rain.  (Not a bad thing since it keeps the dust down during the drive.)

It is a beautiful cool night and the plan for tomorrow will be to finish the drive to the Park entrance (7,400ft) and trek to Base Camp (10,000ft).  Charlotte reports that the team is incredibly strong and having a great start to the trip!

Greg Vernovage

July 16, 2018

Charlotte checked in overnight to let us know that all members have arrived with all their gear.  The Team hit the ground running and today, they toured the city of Ulaanbaatar, visiting the city center and the giant statue of Genghis Khan.  After the city center, they took a short drive over to the monastery before heading to the National Museum.  On the way back to the hotel, the team stopped off to do a little cashmere shopping.  A few more gear checks and then off to the cultural show.  The cultural show is a must see when visiting Mongolia.  People sing and dance in traditional clothing.  The throat singing is beyond imagination!  Safe to say the team stayed busy to beat the jet lag.

Tomorrow, the team will repack their gear and head to the airport to start the journey to Mount Khuiten.

All is well in Mongolia!

Greg Vernovage