December 7, 2016

Time To Head Home

Very exciting news from the Ice.  Mike called me late Tuesday to let me know the weather broke and the team was able to put in the ‘first tracks’ for the 2016-17 season to the summit of Vinson Massif.  Good weather and ‘relatively’ warm on the summit.  The team returned to C2, high camp, and then continued their descent this evening down to C1, low camp, approx. 10,000’.  It’s a short move on Wednesday to Vinson base camp and then we’ll see what’s possible regarding flights home.  Everyone’s tired, safe and happy.

A big congratulations is in order to Mike and all our team members.

Phil Ershler

December 5, 2016

Looking up towards the summit of Vinson

It’s been seriously windy at all camps on Vinson.  That was especially true of the last 6-8 hours.  Mike called at 4 pm, Seattle time, and relayed that it’s calming now and clearing and that tomorrow looks like a possible summit shot.  Signs say – yes.   The team is ready and in position so now we just need mother nature to do her part.

We’ll let you know.

Phil Ershler

Phil Ershler guiding on upper Vinson (photo: Jason Tanguay)

December 4, 2016

Guess that’s why they call them ‘forecasts’.  Weather didn’t want to cooperate yesterday.  Mike and team headed up, but it soon became obvious that discretion was the better part of valor.  They made a 180 degree turn and got back to get tucked in at high camp and wait.

‘Forecast’ calls for a break soon, so now it’s a matter of being patient and ready to go when the break comes.

Mike called in at 12 noon, Seattle time on Sunday.  No one is moving anywhere today.  Winds are high and snow is blowing.  The team is fine and dug in at high camp with plenty of food and fuel.  Forecasts still call for clearing soon.  Tomorrow would be just fine.

We’ll let you know when we know.

Phil Ershler

December 3, 2016

Mt. Shinn, Antarctica

Received an exciting call last evening from Mike Hamill and team from HIGH CAMP on Vinson.  Mike said the team performed well on this big move day.  That’s a big deal.  Weather was very good and the forecast now appears good for today.  If that holds true, the team should be making their summit attempt right now.  IMG’s team was and is the only group to make it to high camp yesterday.   There are a couple of ALE staff with them currently at high camp.  They are the first guided team to be making a summit attempt this season.

Wish them luck.  It’s game time.

Phil Ershler

December 1, 2016

That’s Ice – As Far As The Eye Can See

Spoke with Mike Hamill Wednesday afternoon.  Another positive day.  The team made a carry up just short of high camped and cached there.  Positioning the extra supplies there allows them to move right to high camp when they’re ready for their summit push.  Weather was again quite good.  Mike relayed that they may see some deterioration in the weather today but it’s forecasted to be short lived.  If that forecast holds true, the team’s in exactly the right position.

Today’s a rest day down at C1.  We’ll see if the weather looks ‘right’ tomorrow for a move up to high camp.  All’s well down on the Ice.

Phil Ershler

November 30, 2016

Warm Weather at C1 on a Previous Trip

The ‘good start’ on Vinson continues.  Mike called yesterday afternoon and confirmed not only had the team done well on their first carry to C1 the day before but that, yesterday, they made the move and were putting finishing touches on that camp. He said it was the nicest day he could remember at that camp at this time of year.  Remember, it’s still earlier in the season and they’re camped around 10,000 ft.  Clear skies and no wind allows for lots of radiant heating.  You got to love it.

The plan is to ‘bite the bullet’ today and make a carry at least to the top of the fixed ropes above C1 and maybe higher.  Mike wants to get everything ready for the move to C2 (high camp) during this good weather.  Then, take a break back at C1 and when ‘signs say yes’, move quickly to high camp and summit.  That’s the plan.

Phil Ershler