July 13, 2018
Kili from Barranco Camp (Dustin Balderach)
We got word from Phunuru that the team had another heckuva a day on the trail today. They enjoyed the hike and the challenge of getting up to the Lava Tower (14,500ft.) for lunch. After lunch it was pretty much all downhill to Barranco Camp which sits at about 13,000ft., right in front of the Barranco Wall, tomorrows objective.
The team is acclimatizing well and ready to tackle the Barranco Wall tomorrow morning!
Tye Chapman
July 13, 2018
The Huayhuash team has continued to move along through the trek, ascending and descending many passes. Yesterday afternoon, IMG Lead Guide Besty Dain-Owen checked in to let us know the team has crossed over Tapush Punta and Llaucha Punta, at 15,645′ and 15,908′. Mountain views have been somewhat obscured by clouds, and it’s been more chilly this past couple of days–which is actually nice trekking weather. Spectacular peaks still rise above the mist, though, to treat the team to Himalayan like grandeur.
The team made it to camp at Jahuacocha in a little over 4 hours, and then took a relaxing walk up the valley to a higher spot on a moraine, overlooking Nevado Rondoy and Nevado Yeupaja, which the team saw from the other side a few days ago. Today the team will reach civilization which I could tell was met with mixed feelings since it’s been such a great trek!
All is going well, and the team will check in this afternoon when they arrive at the hotel in Huaraz.
Jason Edwards
July 12, 2018
Phunuru checked in this morning with some good news… despite the less than ideal weather yesterday, the team enjoyed great views and much better weather today on their trek up to 12,000ft at Shira Camp. Once in camp, they settled into their tents, had some tea, and explored a bit.
Tomorrow they’ve got a bit of a bigger day. They’ll climb up to the Lava Tower (14,500ft.) for lunch, then drop down to Barranco Camp which sits at about 13,000ft. They’ll be huffing and puffing a bit as they near the Lava Tower, but it’s a great acclimatization day for the team.
All is well at 12,000ft on Kilimanjaro!
Tye Chapman
July 11, 2018
IMG Lead Guide Betsy Dain-Owen reported in via sat phone from a camp below San Antonio Pass, that they awoke to a beautiful dusting of fresh snow. The weather cleared for most of they day, making for perfect trekking conditions, and the team experienced more wonderful views as they moved further into the Huayhuash range. They traversed several passes, which have provided for the spectacular peaks of Nevado Siula Grande and Trapecio.
After a long 8+ hour trek yesterday, the team pulled into Huatiaq, at 14,432′, which is about the height of our Mt. Rainier! The team rested and enjoyed the views, and then settled down for dinner in our dining tent, complete with tables and chairs…and of course, a well earned hearty ​​meal!
Several soccer fans on the trip​…they want to know World Cup scores each night! Go France & Croatia!
All is going well, and the team will continue to check in as they move through the trek.
Jason Edwards
July 11, 2018
Things got off to a bit of a chilly & wet start on Kilimanjaro today, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of Phunuru and his team! Despite the weather they enjoyed the hike through the jungle and made it to Machame Camp (10,000ft.) where they warmed up with some hot soup and a nice pasta dinner.
After a good night of sleep they’ll hit the trail tomorrow morning at 8am. Destination: Shira Camp (12,000ft.).
All is well at Machame Camp on Kilimanjaro!
Tye Chapman
July 10, 2018
IMG Senior Guide Peter Anderson checked in this afternoon reporting that he and his team had a heck of a day touring the Sacred Valley. They took an alternate route this time to avoid some of the crowds. Tricks of the trade come in handy!
Tomorrow will be an early start for the team because they’ve got about a 4 hour drive to the trailhead at Mollepata. Getting hiking is the hardest part! Once on the trail they’re looking at about 6 hours and 1500ft of elevation gain to get to their first camp. Note the treks starts out at about 11,500ft.
All is well in the Salkantay region of Peru!
Tye Chapman
July 10, 2018
Phunuru checked in this morning (his evening) reporting that all went well with the team’s gear check and that they all enjoyed the afternoon exploring Moshi. With all the ‘to dos’ done, they were able to relax and enjoy their official welcome dinner.
Tomorrow the fun begins! They’ll drive to the trailhead and get checked in then start their climb from the Machame Gate up to Machame Camp (10,00ft.)!
All is well in Moshi!
Tye Chapman
July 9, 2018
Headed towards Siula Pass (John Hodder)
IMG Lead Guide Betsy Dain-Owen checked in last night to report her team has been making steady progress over the past couple of days. From Lagoon Mitucocha, they had a shorter day on July 7, after crossing Carhuac Pass, at 15,252′. At camp, they took the opportunity to do some wash, rest, and enjoy the spectacular weather that’s exposing all the alpine beauty of the range.
Yesterday, trekkers were treated to more impressive views as they walked under Nevado Yerupaja, 21,703′, one of the more challenging peaks to climb in Peru. Once over Siula Pass at 15,700′, they reached a beautiful alpine valley with a camp in an area that’s known as Huayhuash (the namesake of the trek).
All is going well, and the team will continue to check-in as they make progress.
Jason Edwards
July 9, 2018
Cusco at night (Jason Edwards)
IMG lead guide Peter Anderson called in this morning to report that everyone has safely arrived (with baggage!) at the hotel in Cusco. The group met up at noon today for a chat, and then ventured out for lunch and a short tour of the city. All is well with the team.
George Dunn
July 9, 2018
View of Kilimanjaro from our hotel in Moshi (Dustin Balderach)
Phunuru called this morning with some more good news… our next Kilimanjaro team has all arrived with all of their luggage. Music to our collective ears!
From the Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) it’s about an hour to the hotel. Once at the hotel they had just enough time to grab a couple bottles of water then head to their rooms for the night. Their biggest objectives over the next 24 hours are:Â 1.) rest & adjust to the time zone and 2.) gear checks.
All is well in Moshi!
Tye Chapman
