October 2, 2016

View of Everest and Lhotse from Cho Oyu Summit (Greg Vernovage)

We received a quick phone call from Mike as he passed through Camp 3 on the way down after a gorgeous climb to the summit of Cho Oyu!  19 summits for IMG this season.  We will get more photos from them as they get back into range.

Some members returned all the way to ABC while a few others are spending the night at Camp 1.  Tomorrow, the Team will all be together at ABC to celebrate.  The following day will be spent on packing camp and waiting for the Yaks to come up.

Way to go Team!

Greg Vernovage

October 1, 2016

Cho Oyu with the moon coming up. (Mike Guthrie)

Mike called on a gorgeous day from Camp 2 on Cho Oyu.  “There is not a breath of wind and only a couple puffy clouds around us.  The Team is doing great and we are ready to head up to Camp 3 today.”

The weather forecast continues to look good and the plan is to take off from Camp 3 at 2:30 am.  Heading up from Camp 2 is a slow and steady climb.  It is steep and what is most important is finding your rhythm.  You need to take one step after another and breathe.

Go get it everyone!

Greg Vernovage

September 30, 2016

Our Cho Oyu Team has moved to Camp 2 today.  The weather is looking great and our Team climbed well to Camp 2.  The plan is to move up to Camp 3 in the morning and be in position to summit on October 2^nd.

The report from up high is that the route is now in and in great shape.  A few other Teams went for the summit and got it!  It must be our turn!

Greg Vernovage

September 29, 2016

Cho Oyu from ABC (Mike Guthrie)

The Cho Oyu Team is “pumping the brakes” at Camp 1.  Mike called to check in and let us know that with the precipitation slowing down, they have been able to look higher on the mountain.  We are getting a few reports about some snow on the slopes between Camp 2 and Camp 3.  Teams are at Camp 2 waiting for the snow to consolidate.  Dallas is going to head to Camp 2 with a few of the Sherpa and get “eyes on the snow.”

What does that mean for us?  The weather is trending even better, the Team is feeling great and we have plenty of food at Camp 1.  These are all good things and Mike is one of the best there is at waiting for the right time to move.  The plan will be to work their way to Camp 2 tomorrow and re-evaluate conditions.

Greg Vernovage

September 27, 2016

The Team is prepared and ready to make their summit push on Cho Oyu.  During the rest days at ABC, the Team did the oxygen clinic and then practiced and practiced and practiced!  With the rest days came some snow and Mike decided to hang tight for an additional day at ABC.

Now the weather has cleared up and the Team is feeling strong.  The last little piece to the puzzle is the fixing team.  With no movement high on the mountain, Mike wants to make sure the fixing team has enough time to do the job right.  With good weather and word from up high that the route is fixed, our climbers will head up hill in in the morning!

Have a great climb everyone!

Greg Vernovage

September 21, 2016

Mike checked in from Camp 1 today.  “All is well up here at Camp 1.  The team was strong today and will hike to the base of the ice cliff in the morning to stretch their legs.  The following day, the plan is to head for Camp 2 if weather permits.”  The weather forecast has a little precipitation for the team to keep their eyes on over the next few days.  We are watching the monsoon retreat right now and will likely see a little spike in wind to help move it out of the region.

The Tibet Trek woke up to overcast skies and light snow at Rongbuk.  After stretching their legs and touring the Monastery, the team jumped in the 4 X 4 and headed to Shigatse.  They will be up early to head back to Lhasa!

Greg Vernovage