July 24, 2016
Pequeno Alpamayo from first summit (Greg Vernovage)
Just off the phone with Andy from Pequeno Alpamayo Base Camp. The Team went out to the tongue of the glacier to train for their climb of Pequeno Alpamayo. Conditions on the mountain are a little dryer this year but Andy reported that it was going to be a good climb.
The plan is to walk at 4:30 am. The team is looking good and they are ready to climb Pequeno Alpamayo!
Greg Vernovage
July 24, 2016
To the true summit.
100% on top and all back at the hut. That was the word from Mike Hamill today. Elbrus was a big success. Not perfect weather but good enough. The team did well.
One final night at the hut and then back to Terskol in the morning. This is great news.
Phil Ershler
July 23, 2016
It was a nice day in Bolivia and the Team took advantage of it and got a nice acclimatization hike in. They climbed to just over 17,000’ and got a few great views. It is endless in the Cordillera Real.
Back at Base Camp after the hike, the Team rigged harnesses and prepped for tomorrows training day at the base of the Glacier. This Glacier is about a 45-minute trek from BC and the tongue of the Glacier offers some steep climbing immediately. They will spend a few hours training and then get ready for the climb of their first objective, Pequeno Alpamayo (17,482’).
Greg Vernovage
July 23, 2016
Typical Summit Morning
Talked to Mike Hamill this morning at high camp on Elbrus. Acclimatization is done and team is ready to take a shot at the summit. Big day coming up tomorrow. They’re facing a few thousand vertical feet of continuous cramponing. Forecast is suggesting they’ll have a chance tomorrow. “When the fish are running, it’s time to go fishingâ€. Everyone’s feeling well and is ready to make the attempt. Wish them luck.
July 23, 2016
Karanga Camp
All’s good at Karanga Camp. Charlotte called this morning to say that everyone made it to camp without issue, had a nice, long rest this afternoon and is ready to head to high camp in the morning. Karanga’s at around 13,500’ and the team will have a fairly short day tomorrow. That’s nice – plenty of time to rest, hydrate, eat and pack for the summit shot. Cool and a bit overcast today but no precip. That sure beats too hot or getting rained on.
Phil Ershler
July 22, 2016
Base Camp at Pequeno Alpamayo is tucked in a little valley with mountains all around. As the Team comes over the last of the rolls, about 20 minutes from camp, there is a lake as blue as you can find. Around the lake, they will set up Base Camp for Pequeno Alpamayo (15,100’)
The Team is doing well and will take another hike up Pico Austria tomorrow followed by some training and rigging of the harnesses.
All is well in Bolivia!
Greg Vernovage
July 22, 2016
Time to catch up with Mike Hamill and crew over in Russia. When Mike’s on the trip, things usually go smoothly and this is again the case. No hiccups with the flight down to Mineralnye Vody and the transfer up to the Baksan Valley. With any big mountain you need some time to acclimate and a little technique refresher is never a bad idea, either. Both are now a wrap. A hike to the local observatory on the slopes of Elbrus and another day spent getting some skills review filled their first two days in the Valley. Now, it’s time to head onto the mountain and get into position to take a shot at Elbrus. Team wants 2 nights at the high hut to further their acclimatization before taking the shot. Goals now are to continue to stay healthy and hope they’ve been living right and that good weather will greet them the morning of their summit attempt.
Phil Ershler
July 22, 2016
Baranco Camp
“A belly full of fried chicken and pasta†was Charlotte’s description of dinner at Baranco Hut, approx. 13,000 ft. Other comments during the sat phone conversation included – “I’ve got 8 super strong climbers with me†and “clear night with tons of stars and cold as …..â€.  It all translates to – everything’s going well. We’ll take it.
Phil Ershler
July 22, 2016
The group touring the ruins of Ollantalltambo. (Peter Anderson)
IMG guide Peter Anderson called in at 7pm his time on Thursday the 21st . The team is at their hotel for the night in the Sacred Valley after a great day of touring and sightseeing. They arise at 6am this morning to start their trek to Machu Picchu. The group is well and happy and ready to begin a great adventure.
George Dunn
July 21, 2016
The team has left the shores of Lake Titicaca and is tucked into Tambo Condoriri for the night. No cell phone or email for a few days while they go climbing. We stop off just before the road ends on this leg of the trip in order to continue to acclimatize. Tambo Condoriri is right at 14,000 feet and offers a nice area for acclimatization hiking and a view of Huayna Potosi at night that is amazing.
Tomorrow, the Team will hike for about 4 hours up to Base Camp (15,100’) where they can settle in for the next few nights and get ready for the first mountain, Pequeno Alpamayo.
Greg Vernovage
