February 7, 2017
The infamous Kenzie enjoying a snow day circa 2015.
IMG Headquarters will be closed again today due to the recent heavy snowfall that has knocked out power/phone/internet.
In the meantime please direct all inquiries to expeditions@mountainguides.com We promise to put the shovels down long enough to get back to you!
Tye
February 7, 2017
Kili from our hotel in Moshi (Dustin Balderach)
IMG Senior Guide Emily Johnston checked in with us to let us know all clients and bags arrived in Moshi, Tanzania without any hiccups. Always great to start a trip this way! The team was quite tired after all the travel so they hit the sack as soon as they got to the hotel last night.
Today is a nice relaxing day for the team. It starts with breakfast at the hotel followed by a thorough briefing from the Emily about the climb. Then, its time to dig into those duffel bags, sort all the gear and make sure everything is in order with the gear and duffels. The important part here is making sure everyone is under the 15kg/32lb weight limit — typically not a problem. This usually takes a good portion of the morning. Then, after lunch, the team will head into the town of Moshi to change money, pick up a few last minute items, and explore the town a bit. Maybe grab a milkshake at Cafe Union and some souvenir shopping. Then, its back to the hotel to finish working off the jet lag before dinner. I always love the dinner before the start of the climb because everyone is so excited.
In short, all is well in Tanzania!
Dustin Balderach
February 6, 2017
The Grey Glacier up close and personal! (Photo by Tye Chapman)
Max checked this afternoon from Refugio Grey, the last stop on the trail for the Patagonia trekkers. Today featured a nice hike high above Lago Grey. They enjoyed big views of the lake and the many icebergs adrift therein. Once at the refugio the team enjoyed lunch and settled in. Two nights here. A few members of the team opted for an afternoon paddle out on the lake. Nothing makes you feel small like sitting in a kayak next to an iceberg 2x as big as a house!
Tomorrow they’ll head up the trail get some views of the massive Grey Glacier.
Tye Chapman
February 4, 2017
Some of the group at the viewpoint in the Bader Valley. (Richard Preston)
—–Original Message—–
From: Max Bunce
To: Tye Chapman
Sent: Saturday, February 4, 2017 11:20 AM
Subject: Bader Valley viewpoint
Hey Tye,
Another great day! Today we hiked up to a viewpoint looking straight up into the Bader valley. The day could not have been more perfect. No wind, sun and beautiful views combined to make for a fantastic out and back day. Great sunset over the lake last night – we’re hoping for another one tonight.
Tomorrow we will trek up into the French Valley – we’re already looking forward to it!
-Max
February 3, 2017
Los Cuernos are the black tipped peaks. Los Cuernos translates to The Horns. (Photo by Tye Chapman)
Max checked in from Refugio Los Cuernos in Torres del Paine National Park. The team had just a heck of a day on the trail. They enjoyed views of Lake Nordenskjold and Los Cuernos throughout the day. They pulled into the hut, settled in and enjoyed a cold beer on the deck. After that, they put on the flip flops and took a stroll down to the lake. Like I mentioned in an earlier blog, things move a little slower in Patagonia. It’s all about recognizing where you’re at in the world and taking the time to appreciate it!
Tomorrow they’ll head up into the Bader Valley and return to the same deck and the same cold beer. Let’s not feel to sorry for these guys & gals.
Tye Chapman
February 3, 2017
Base Camp
The team arrived at Plaza Argentina, base camp on Aconcagua today. Wasn’t the most pleasant weather (snowing) but they got the job done. Tomorrow they rest and then the work begins. The team will establish 3 camps above base, each about 2,000 vertical feet higher than the previous camp, before making their summit attempt. That’s still a ways off but things now start to get a bit more serious.
Congrats to the crew for putting in three good approach days. Their journey continues.
Phil Ershler
February 3, 2017
The final steps to the summit of Orizaba (Photo by Ken Curchin)
‘Just shy of t-shirt weather’ was Josh’s comment when he called this morning from the summit of Orizaba. You can easily tell how windy it is when listening on the other end of a satellite phone call. There wasn’t even a breath of wind on the summit this morning. We need to acknowledge a couple of our climbers in particular. They weren’t sure about continuing when they reached the tongue of the glacier this morning. However, a little extra encouragement and them digging deep helped them rally, stay focused on the prize and reach the summit. A hearty well-done to everyone.
Trucks will be waiting for the guys when they get back to the hut. A couple of hours of rough 4-wheel road and they’ll be back at the Reyes compound in Tlachichuca. Cold drinks and hot showers will be waiting.
Congrats to the team and thanks to Orizaba for perfect weather.
Phil Ershler
February 2, 2017
Argentina – Luke, Kevin, Martin and team are on the move. Casa Piedra today for their second day on the trail. This is just enjoyable walking with light packs. Great for the acclimatization, the legs and the lungs. And fun just getting back into the swing of being on an expedition. All’s good. Oh yeah, first super view of Aconcagua today, too.
Mexico – Josh and team called in from the Piedra Grande hut on Orizaba. Time to take a shot at #2. Up at midnight and leave the hut by 1 am. Hoping for some good news tomorrow. Wish them luck.
Chile -Â Max said it best: “Two great days to start off the trek. Yesterday we were able to see the Torres del Paine with plenty of wind but clear. With binoculars we were even able to see climbers on the central tower.
Today we went up towards the Silence Valley which was a nice walk up a beautiful river which we had all to ourselves except for a few climbing parties. As we went up the steep climb into the valley we were greeted by some typical Patagonia weather and a view of the Escudo and a partial view of the Fortaleza.
The group is having a blast and looking forward to another great day tomorrow!”
February 1, 2017
As promised, check out a couple of photos from this morning’s successful climb of Ixta, down in Mexico. The team arrived in Puebla this afternoon. Tired, for sure, but anxious for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Phil Ershler
February 1, 2017
Historic photo of Ixta (1941)
Summit this morning — was the call from Josh when the team and he arrived back at high camp. Everyone safe and ready to head to the city of Puebla for showers, clean clothes, a little relaxation and a hotel night. Very cold this morning but not super windy. That said, Josh said he had on most every bit of clothes he’d brought. That means it was a tad chilly.
Great news from Mexico. Josh is hoping to get some photos from summit day out to us either later today or tomorrow in the AM.
Phil Ershler
