January 10, 2017

The Crew

Josh, Nickel, Leandro and team are DONE.  It’s a wrap.  10 fingers and toes, the summit and new friendships – that works for us.  The crew is in Mendoza – cleaning up, packing up, eating a lot and changing flights for home.  IMG wants to say thanks to each member for their contributions to the team and wish them a safe journey home.  They done good.

Phil Ershler

January 7, 2017

High Camp on Aconcagua.

Good news from Aconcagua.  I spoke with Josh from the summit and again when the team was back safe at high camp.  Pretty much a perfect day for a summit attempt on Aconcagua.  “Relatively” warm with minimal wind on the summit.  Looks like the chess game was well played. Some water and food now, but mostly sleep.  They can drop straight down to Plaza Mulas tomorrow, their last day with full packs.

A big congratulations is in order to Josh, Nickel, Leo and all our climbing team members.  A huge effort is necessary to summit Aconcagua and not just for one day.  The team worked hard from the start, kept a great attitude and did what was required.  Everyone should be very proud.

Phil Ershler

January 6, 2017

Cold Mountain

Josh McDowell called in to let us know that the team did well today in getting up to high camp, C3.  They’re settled in, packing, eating, drinking and generally getting ready for a big summit day.  They’re in the right position to take advantage of the last of the forecasted “calmer” days for the next several.  Let’s hope the forecast holds true and that everyone stays healthy and can put it all together for their summit attempt.  Nothing is easy about Aconcagua.  It is, perhaps, one of the more underestimated of the Seven Summits.  Not technical but quite physically demanding.

Good luck to all.

Phil Ershler