July 24, 2017
Pequeño Alpamayo (Greg Vernovage)
We just got word from IMG Guide Roberto Gomez that our first Bolivia team of the summer just summited Pequeño Alpamayo (17,482ft.). Nice job team!
Next stop Huayna Potosi Base Camp!
Tye Chapman
July 24, 2017
Have you ever stood in three countries at one time? Me neither! Greg checked in this morning to report that he and his team called an audible and opted to climb nearby Nairandal Peak (13,714ft.). They were slated to climb Nairandal Peak after Mt. Khuiten, but given the forecast and the visible wind/precip on Mt. Khuiten it made a ton of sense to swap the climbs, saving the taller of the two for today. Greg reported that it was a great climb. Rolling glacier travel followed by a summit that shares the border with Russia to the north and China to the south, pretty cool stuff.
When Greg called they were safely back in Mongolia at High Camp putting together a gameplan for Mt. Khuiten. Their plan is to wake up about 3am and take a look, and if the forecast holds true, they’ll put their boots on and give it a go. We’ll know more in a few hours.
All is well in Mongolia…and China…and Russia.
Tye Chapman
July 24, 2017
Lead guide Betsy Dain-Owens reports that all is well with the Chopicalqui Expedition.
Yesterday, three members of the team were able to summit Pisco and had a great climb. The rest of the team is doing well and all are currently making their plans for their next summit!
George Dunn
July 24, 2017
Good news from Russia. Everyone summited this morning and they’re already back down to the valley and doing a little celebrating. Weather was clear and reasonably warm, albeit a tad windy. What the heck – it’s Elbrus. Mike reports every was strong and did well. We’ll take it.
Tomorrow will be a good day to spend cleaning up, drying off, and maybe taking a leisurely walk above the Cheget ski area. Could be some great views of the mountain. Regardless, nothing but good news from Russia.
Phil Ershler
July 24, 2017
Lead guide Peter Anderson reports the entire team made it safely to Machu Picchu yesterday. The team spent the morning touring the area and then descended to town for a well deserved celebration lunch followed immediately by showers at the hotel. All is well with the team and after a second optional visit to Machu Picchu today they will board the train for their return to Cusco.
George Dunn
July 23, 2017
Lead guide Peter Anderson called in today from the third and final pass on the Inca Trail today. They were stopped and having lunch as a team in usual fashion with dining tent, table and chairs. Peter reports that all is well. They will be descending down to their camp tonight and then rising early in the morning to approach the Sun Gate and the entrance to Machu Picchu. It will be a day to remember for everyone, touring Machu Picchu and not to forget their first time to take a shower when they check in to the hotel in Aguas Calientes at the end of the day.
George Dunn
July 23, 2017
Elbrus Summit
First shot at the summit was a ‘no go’. Weather was nasty, nasty enough that the team did not leave the hut early Sunday morning. Thunder, lightning, snow, wind – they got it all.
Time to hunker down, regroup and stay focused. 10 hrs later there than Pacific Coast time so team will be getting some more rest this evening and hoping the mountain decides to be nice early Monday morning.
Phil Ershler
Sunday, 23 July
Summit Morning
Yesterday was preparing for game day. Team is ready to take a shot at the top this morning. Weather has been reasonable and we hope that continues. It’s Elbrus, so we’ll see. Two contingency days are built into the itinerary so the team has more than one shot. Let’s hope one is all they need. Long day coming up but, with any luck, a highly rewarding one. Time to snag one of the Seven and stand on the top of Europe.
Wish them luck.
Phil Ershler
July 23, 2017
High Camp on Mt. Khuiten (Jethro Robinson)
Greg called in from High Camp this morning (his evening). He reports that all is well on Mt. Khuiten. He and his team enjoyed an active rest day yesterday exploring the area around Base Camp, spending a good bit of time out on the Potaniin Glacier exploring and training. Today was time to get a little more serious and rope-up for the ascent up to High Camp, which is at about 11,000ft. The climb up to High Camp was primarily on dry glacier and some rock and went without issue. The team is now tucked in for the evening, eyeing a 3am wake-up call to check the weather, and hopefully give the summit a shot! The weather today was cloudy with some wind, as is forecasted tonight, but the extended forecast is in their favor. Time will tell. Greg and Charlotte and our Mongolian team have things well under control.
Tye Chapman
July 21, 2017
Well Greg woke me up again today with a sat phone call from Mongolia… I can’t tell if he is just ignoring the time zone difference or is enjoying waking me up every morning. Either way they’re having a blast! He reports that the team enjoyed an amazing 5.5hr hike to Base Camp today. It makes it a little more enjoyable when there are camels carrying your gear!
The mountain was hidden for the better part of the day but as they crested the ridge before BC Mt. Khuiten was right there in front of them. Greg said they all just stopped and took it all in. The Team’s Base Camp is near the lateral moraine of Mongolia’s longest glacier, the Potaniin Glacier (14-20km long depending on who you ask). Greg said it best when he said, “This place is absolutely incredible. People need to see this part of the world.”
Tye Chapman
