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

November 30th, 2017

Climbers from a prior trip working their way to C1

Late afternoon update from the Ice.  Flying remained a ‘no go’ today but forecast now shows weather should turn for the better overnight.  The IMG team is first in the que to fly to Vinson base camp so all remain hopeful that tomorrow will be the day.  That’s a big hurdle.  Then it’s time to start walking.  We’re all keeping our fingers crossed for the IMG team.

Phil Ershler

November 29th, 2017

Team’s next airplane, when weather clears.

News just in from Justin on the Ice is that the team is still on standby.  Weather has not yet said yes.  There is still a possibility that they can get to Vinson base camp today but, if not, the forecast is looking more positive tomorrow.

Flight delays are not uncommon on Vinson trips.  Patience, for now, is the name of the game.

Phil Ershler

November 28, 2017

The ‘IL’ on the Ice

Good news is that our team flew in exactly on schedule on Sunday.  The flight from Punta Arenas to Union Glacier is on a Russian IL76.  That’s a big, 1970’s era cargo jet.  From there, it’s about another hour on a Twin Otter to reach Vinson base camp.  All flight legs require good weather and visibility.  The team is first in line for the flight to Vinson base camp but needs just a little more clearing to make it happen.  A good motto when it comes to flights is —– “when in doubt, don’t”.  ALE, the flight service, has an impeccable safety record and we want them to keep it that way.

Life at Union Glacier is CUSH beyond belief.  Believe me, the team is not suffering.  I just hope they’re not getting too comfortable!

As soon as possible, our team will be on their way over to VBC, putting the boots on and working their way up the mountain.  All is just fine in Antarctica.

Phil Ershler

November 27, 2017

It’s always summer somewhere in the world.  That even includes Antarctica.  The Austral summer has started and that means the sun is now above the horizon 24 hours a day in Antarctica.  IMG’s first Vinson expedition for the 2017/18 season is being led by IMG Senior Guide, Justin Merle, and assisted by IMG Senior Guide, Emily Johnston, MD.  If that isn’t a super guide combination, I don’t know what is.  They met their climbing team in Punta Arenas, Chile the day after Thanksgiving.  Food shopping, packing, gear checks, getting over jet lag, orientation meetings, getting all the gear to the airplane and just an amazing amount of excitement kept everyone busy for the next couple of days.  I received news from Justin that they were headed for the airport the morning of the 26^th and we’ll next hear from them from the Ice.  Isn’t it amazing when you can fly to Antarctica exactly on schedule?

Justin, Emily and team will touch base via sat phone when they can.  This is the first expedition of the season to Vinson.  Since IMG’s first trip to Vinson in 1988, we’ve always found this first trip to be extra exciting.  It’s cold but it’s Antarctica and to be expected.

Phil Ershler