December 10, 2017

Justin checked in first thing Sunday morning to let us know the team was up, had broken camp and already was working their way down the 1200 m of fixed rope between high camp and C1. By the time you read this post, they should already be down the ropes. From the bottom of the ropes, it’s a short walk to C1. Nice break there. They’ll dig out their cache, repack everything into the sleds and then move down to Vinson base camp later today. If weather permits, the team may even fly back to Union Glacier this evening.

Vinson summit ridge (photo: Eric Simonson)

Within the next couple of days, the IL 76 will come back into Union Glacier and pick all the climbers up and get them back to Punta. We’ll let you know when we have a better idea of timing for that all-important flight.

Bottom line — huge success yesterday on Vinson. Patience and persistence paid off and IMG had another safe, successful and enjoyable climb. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

Phil Ershler

December 9, 2017 (4pm PST)

Goods news from the summit of Vinson. IMG members on top now. Basically no wind. Descending shortly. Big congratulations to Justin, Emily and the entire team for a super job. “Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” Great quote.

Three old guides on a previous expedition

Hope to have the team off the Ice on December 12th.

Phil Ershler

December 9, 2017

Headed toward summit (photo: Jason Tanguay)

The IMG Vinson team in Antarctica is on their way to the summit. The weather is quite good and wind low. They departed HC at 6 am, Seattle time. 5 hrs later on Vinson time.

Phil Ershler

December 8th, 2017

Approaching high camp with Shinn in the background (from previous expedition)

Forecast is reasonably good and the winds have decreased down on the Ice.  Justin reported this morning that the team was packing up at C1 and going to attempt their move to high camp today.  No news is typically good news so we’re hoping the team is continuing with that plan and will be able to reach high camp today.

We likely won’t have that news until late today.  As always, fingers are crossed and weather will continue to play a large role in the team’s climbing plans.

A successful trip to high camp today could mean a shot at the summit tomorrow.  Entirely speculation but we’re hopeful.

Check back tomorrow and we’ll get updates on the site as soon as we can.

Phil Ershler

December 7th, 2017

Good day for drying liners and socks.

Skies are clear but winds still too high to justify making the move to high camp.  Infinitely more pleasant to wait out weather concerns at C1 rather than at high camp.  First day they wake up and don’t see plumes of snow coming off the ridge at high camp, they’ll be packing and moving up.

Phil Ershler

December 6th, 2017

“Another hot drink, please.” (from a previous expedition)

At least windier than we really want right now.  That’s the word from the Justin, Emily and team down on the Ice.  C1 is super comfortable (relatively speaking) and reasonably protected.  When you see snow plumes coming off the ridge near high camp, you think — maybe it’s not the right day to move up higher.  Team made that decision today.  Better to wait out the wind at C1 rather than sit at high camp where it’s only going to be colder and windier, still.  Seems like a smart to decision to us!

Phil Ershler

December 5, 2017

“Sue’s Pyramid” from Above C1

Team has made a carry and a move to C1 and then made a carry up close to high camp yesterday.  Time for a break.  Plan normally is to get gear at or near high camp, return to C1 and then get in a rest day.  That’s exactly what’s happening today.  Forecast is reasonably promising and regardless, you can only push so hard.  Rest today and prep gear, eat, drink and be as ready as you can be for that final push.  Weather permitting, push to high camp tomorrow and then try to summit the next morning.  High camp is not the place to rest in good weather.

Phil Ershler

December 4, 2017

Satellite call from C1

Progress continues on the Ice.  Justin called in late on the 2^nd to let us know that the team had moved up to C1.  That’s a good thing.  Justin and crew will keep an eye on the weather and see what makes sense tomorrow – whether to make a carry to high camp or perhaps take a rest day.  Trick is to find that balance between taking advantage of every day of good weather but trying not to burn any team members, too.  That makes guiding as much an art as a science.

Phil Ershler

December 2, 2017

Good news this morning from Antarctica. Weather improved and our team was part of the first wave to fly from Union Glacier over to Vinson base camp. Justin called via sat phone to let me know they were digging out our cache at Vinson base, getting tents up, sorting gear and preparing to get a carry in this afternoon. That’s all very good news. He reported that weather was quite good at VBC, and they were anxious to begin their climb. All members are healthy and anxious to get the crampons on and start walking. We’ll take it.

The route to C1 on Vinson

The team needs at least 6 climbing days with reasonable weather to get up and down from
VBC. Fingers, as always, are crossed.

Phil Ershler