January 4, 2017

Three old guides on the summit of Vinson (prior expedition)

IMG’s first expedition to Vinson was in 1989.  That expedition to Vinson was successful, as has been every IMG expedition there since.  Today’s trip was no exception ——- Greg called shortly after noon to let me know the team and he were standing on the summit!!  Great weather and a super team.  Couldn’t have gone much better.  We couldn’t be more excited for them or prouder of their accomplishment.  Heather, Jacy, Sam AND Greg – congratulations!  They’ll spend tonight at high camp and be back at Vinson base by tomorrow evening.  After that – their fate is in the hands of the weather gods and airplanes.  It’s easy to be patiently waiting for a flight when you have a safe summit climb under your belt.

Josh, too, called in from Aconcagua.  As expected, winds were strong today at C1 and certainly much stronger at C2.  The team stayed put.  Tomorrow is the planned move day now to C2.  Winds are forecast to begin lessening.  Let’s hope the forecast is accurate.  Everyone’s fine and certainly benefited from another day at C1.  The chess game continues.

Phil Ershler

January 4, 2017

All’s going according to plan in Argentina and Antarctica.  Greg called in Tue afternoon to say the team made the move to high camp.  Weather’s good with only light winds.  Everyone’s ready to take their shot on Wed.  We have high hopes.

On Aconcagua, Josh and crew made a tough carry to C2, approx. 18,500’.  Windy day made for a hard push.  The chess game begins.  How hard to push, when to push, and when to wait.  Forecasts are just forecasts and not guarantees, but they help.  Team is planning on just staying at C1 tomorrow and let the mountain ‘blow’ for another day.  It’ll be good for their strength and acclimatization and just make them stronger for the days ahead.

Phil Ershler