January 11th, 2018

Twin Otter at Union Glacier (Greg Vernovage)

Let’s get caught up with the team on Vinson.  Everyone understands that flying to the interior of Antarctica can be problematic, at best.  2000 miles (more or less), land on hard ice in an IL 76, then fly another hour in a ski-equipped Twin Otter to Vinson base camp.  What could possibly go wrong?  In the case of our current team —— NOTHING.  Took off exactly on schedule from Punta Arenas, Chile and 6 HOURS LATER were putting up their tents at Vinson base camp.  No way we can do better than that!

Team carried to C1, near 10,000 ft yesterday.  Weather is still good, so they made their move up to C1 today.  Forecast remains favorable.  Doesn’t get much better, currently, than this.

Phil Ershler

January 9th, 2018

IL76 at the Airport in Punta Arenas, Chile (Greg Vernovage)

Greg got off one last email before heading to the airport in Punta Arenas this morning.  It’s a GO!  On their way and right on time.

“We got the call that it is time to go!  One last shower to wake up and down to the lobby to catch a ride to the airport for our flight to Union Glacier.  This is great news, we are still on schedule and will be looking forward to getting to the ice and checking the possibility of hoping the next flight on the twin otter over to Vinson Base Camp.

This Team is great!  Packing, weighing and loading has been a team effort and everyone is pitching in.  Once we are on the mountain, it is important that everyone look after each other and pitch in when the it’s comes to work around camp.  When everyone works as a team, the climb is fun and easier for everyone.”   Greg Vernovage

Phil Ershler

January 8, 2017

Time to report on Vinson Massif again.  Team 2 is in Punta and about ready to fly.  Here’s today’s report from Greg Vernovage, Expedition Leader.  Greg will be assisted by IMG Senior Guide, Luke Reilly.

“Phil,

The Vinson Team has now arrived with all of their gear to Punta Arenas.  We finished our gear checks and re-packed for the flight to Union Glacier.  This morning we sent the gear to the IL76 for loading and took a walk around town.  The weather has been great!  No wind and beautiful sunsets. 

After lunch, the Team walked over to the center of the city and rubbed the famous toe at the Magellan Statue.  This evening we will head over for the flight briefing and get our call time for flying in the morning.

There is a lot of hurry up, wait, pack and re-pack at the beginning of this trip.  It is all worth it once we land on the Ice, the door opens and we start climbing in Antarctica!  -Greg”

Phil Ershler