July 25, 2018
Time to enjoy the Baksan Valley. The climb is done and the pressure is off. Part of the team decided a horseback ride was in the cards. And, the weather was good and they got that view from the top of the Cheget Ski Area.
Moscow soon!!
Phil Ershler
July 25, 2018
OK, we live in the Pacific Northwest so we are used to rain. There is a reason the rain forest grows so thick down at the base of Kilimanjaro (and in WA State!). It’s because it rains sometime, even during the “dry†season. That’s why on Kili you need to be ready for any weather!
Phunuru reports the team got off to a good start today, hitting the trail at Machame Gate on schedule. We would expect them to push up through the clouds about treeline, which is their goal for today at Machame Camp (about 10,000 feet).
Looking good!
Eric Simonson
July 24, 2018
We just heard from Senior Guide Adam Clark from the shores of Lake Titicaca. The team had a great day heading to Copacabana from La Paz and took some time hiking up Cerro Kesanani and then up Cerro Calvario for the sunset. Perfect weather and great views. The team is feeling great and looking forward to the trip to Sun Island for additional acclimatization.
All is well in Bolivia!
Greg Vernovage
July 24, 2018
Our Mongolia team enjoyed some fantastic weather during their climb and it held out for their trek to White River Campground in Mongolia. Charlotte checked in to report that it was a great day, visiting a local family in their Ger (Yurt) and taking in the beautiful White River. The river is correctly named because of the glacial silt that is present in the water. It is a unique experience trekking down this valley because you are accompanied by the 2 hump camels, yaks, horses, and a ton of goats and sheep.
The team was settling in for the night and Charlotte said that there was a beautiful lightning storm in the distance giving them a final show before they head towards Bayan Olgii in the morning. The vans will have the team departing right after breakfast and will take them through desert land.
All is well in Mongolia!
Greg Vernovage
July 24, 2018
Phunuru Sherpa reports from Moshi that our next Kilimanjaro team members have arrived and are doing well, and that everyone is excited to start the climb. We’ve been having a good Kili season so far, but it has been rather unusual with significant snow up high on the mountain left over from the rainy season. For that reason, we’ve had our teams this summer bring microspikes for their boots, to give them better grip on the snowy and icy trail, and this group will do the same.
First up for the team are their gear checks and packing their backpacks and duffels, and then getting the porter loads weighed. Then, the team will be heading into Moshi to visit the town and hit the local market. Tomorrow morning they will be taking 4×4 vehicles up to Machame Gate to start the climb. So far, so good!
Eric Simonson
July 23, 2018
IMG Senior Guide, Adam Clark checked in from La Paz after a busy couple of days. The Team arrived to La Paz with all of their gear which is the first big hurdle when we are flying into El Alto (the highest International Airport in the world at 13,313 ft.) After the team arrived and got some well-deserved rest, it was time for gear checks. This team is dialed according to Adam. Everyone arrived with the right gear and ready to go climbing.
Once gear checks were done, it was time to stretch the legs and acclimatize with a city tour. Walking around La Paz is a unique experience. Our hotel is at 12,000 ft. and taking a simple city tour is not only fun, but also a great way to help our bodies acclimatize to the high elevation. It was a beautiful day and the team enjoyed visiting the old town of La Paz, the San Francisco Cathedral and the Witches Market where you can find something that cures just about any ailment. The team then jumped on the newly built tram system that has been built in La Paz. Adam said this is a great addition to the City tour because it takes the team above the city where they can really take in the views.
Tomorrow, the team will be up and out the door early, heading for the shore of Lake Titicaca and Copacabana.
They are off to a great start!
Greg Vernovage
July 23, 2018
Charlotte checked in a few times overnight. The first call was from the summit of Mount Khuiten! “It is a perfect day with a light breeze and great climbing conditionsâ€, said Charlotte during a quick sat phone call from the summit. Charlotte then checked in from High Camp to let us know that the team was going to get some food and water on board before heading down to Base Camp. Back at Base Camp, it is time to celebrate.
The team has had great weather for climbing and was rewarded with 2 summits! Congratulations to everyone!
Tomorrow, the team will head down valley towards the White River Park entrance.
All is well in Mongolia.
Greg Vernovage
July 23, 2018
Russian guide, Sasha Sak, near the summit (Jonathan Schrock)
Team is down in Terskol. Elbrus is in the rear view mirror. Again, super job and a big congratulations to all. They’ve had lunch, napped, had dinner and are ready for a good night’s sleep. Sightseeing, a little hiking, some shopping, a sauna or two – all on the agenda for the next two days. Then, it’s Moscow for one night and a day and a half. Igor will meet the team there and make sure all goes as smoothly as possible.  Hopefully, they’ll have good weather one of their last days in Terskol and get a chance to ride up the chair lifts at the Cheget ski area. Views from the top are great and the shashlik ain’t bad, either.
Phil Ershler
July 22, 2018
13,900ft. Nairandal Peak (Greg Vernovage)
Charlotte checked in after a great day climbing to the summit of Peak Nairandal. 100% on top with a perfect weather day. The climb of Peak Nairandal (13,900 ft) starts off quite mellow with glacier travel before taking a right hand turn and heading up steeper slopes. Once on the steep slopes, the team navigates around, and over the crevasses before hugging the rocks to the summit. It is a great climb, and the team’s first opportunity to see Russia, China and Mongolia, all at the same time!
The team is doing well and Charlotte said they are excited to head up Mount Khuiten in the morning. Charlotte also reported that it was a bit drier this year and the navigation of crevasses was a bit more challenging, but all within reason. From High Camp, they can see the route on Khuiten and it looks good.
The weather is continuing to hold for the team in Mongolia. We will be looking forward to hearing good news shortly from the summit of Mount Khuiten.
Greg Vernovage
July 22, 2018
News from Russia this morning was good. ALL 11 team members plus guides on the summit in VERY good weather and conditions. One of our climbers was ready to call the saddle between the East and West peaks her high point but she dug deep, really deep, persevered and stood on top, making it 100% for this IMG team under the leadership of Jonathan Schrock and Sasha Sak. Good team members, good guides and good weather combined for a GREAT outcome.
Folks got back to the hut without issue. Lunch, then a nap, then dinner and now bed time. To the valley in the morning. We couldn’t have asked for more. Sometimes great things happen when everyone does their part and the mountain gives us a break. A huge congratulations to all members and the guide staff. This was a good one.
Phil Ershler
