Mom showing the youngster how it’s done
Calls from Kilimanjaro teams out on safari are always about the same. “Wow. Seeing everything. Glad we got to fly out to the Serengeti. Camps are cool. Glad we did the climb firstâ€. Word from Charlotte and her last team is no different. Some members are even signing up for a sunrise balloon ride over the Serengeti. What can we say.
All’s good in Tanzania
Phil Ershler
July 29, 2016
IMG Lead Guide Matt Farmer reports from Wengen, Switzerland on July 29:
Today we woke at 3 only to find strong winds from the north (30-40 km, gusting to 50) contra-indicating an ascent of the Jungfrau. After getting back up for the 6 am breakfast spirits are high while we are currently touring the Jungfraujoch. Most of the group is keen to go do the Rothorn via ferrata/traverse (a rock climb with fixed anchors and ladders, GD) to check out the (Eiger) Nordwand ambiance up close, and then meet back up with the hiking group.â€
Tomorrow the group travels on to Chamonix, France for a tour of the town, a climb of Mont Blanc and the hiking group will explore the countryside.
George Dunn
July 29, 2016
Elbrus team at Cheget ski area eating shashlik (Mike Hamill)
Contingency days have been used up over in Russia. Hiking, saunas, sightseeing and just plain enjoying the valley. Moscow HO!
Mike sent this shot from up at the Cheget ski area, eating shashlik. Life is tough.
Phil Ershler
July 28, 2016
Climbing Huayna Potosi (Greg Vernovage)
Just like that! No wind on top and a great view from the summit. No real surprises other than the decision making that goes into climbing a big mountain. “It was icy in places and we had to work around and over a few ‘interesting’ crevasses.â€Â Andy said, “When in doubt, we put a few more ice screws in to make us feel more comfortable.â€
That climb is sweet, we leave High Camp at night and can see the lights of El Alto and by sunrise, the jungle is beneath us to the east. The Team is back at Base Camp and enjoying their success. A good dinner tonight and an early bus ride back to La Paz in the morning. We will get a summit photo from the Team when they get back to La Paz.
All is well in Bolivia!
Greg Vernovage
July 27, 2016
These Bolivian mountains are impressive from all angles. We start out at nearly 12,000’ at the beginning of the trip and the altitude does not let off the gas pedal at any point of the trip. It is a great challenge.
For Andy and the Team, the next challenge was trekking from Huayna Potosi BC to High Camp at 14,700’. It is not a technical climb to HC and the chance to see a Condor is higher on this day. All is well at High Camp and Andy and the Team are going to have an early dinner and get some rest before climbing up one of the most exposed and beautiful summit ridges that I have seen.
Greg Vernovage
July 27, 2016
Always nice to see our climbers helping to bring attention to a good cause. JDRF — Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Way to go, Keith.
Over in Africa, the team has said good-bye to all the Chagga crew who helped them reach the top and is heading for Arusha and their flight to the Serengeti. They will be sitting by the campfire, beer or gin and tonic in hand and listening to the night sounds of the Serengeti before long.
Phil Ershler
July 26, 2016
Andy checked in from Base Camp on Huayna Potosi at the Refugio. The Team broke camp early and took off for Huayna Potosi this morning. After a quick stop in El Alto for a fresh food resupply, they continued up road for Huayna Base Camp. This Refugio is one of the nicest I have stayed in. Yolanda is the owner and she welcomes everyone with a smile and a clean place to crash.
A good dinner and casual breakfast, the Team will repack and head to High Camp tomorrow. Weather continues to be consistent, consistently beautiful. They are feeling great and getting closer to that 6000-meter mark!
Greg Vernovage
July 26, 2016
IMG Guide Austin Shannon reported in today from the Picket Range, one of the more remote locations in the North Cascades.
So far they have made ascents of Mt. Degenhardt and McMillan Spire. Blisters put the kibosh on a third ascent, so instead, the team has decided to hike out and opt for some rock climbing at Goat Wall near Mazama in the Methow Valley. Sounds like a great trip with lots of adventure!
George Dunn
July 26, 2016
Say Cheese!
IMG guide Peter Anderson called in yesterday to report their safe arrival at Machu Picchu. They had an early pre-dawn wakeup so they could hike to the Sun Gate and then descend down to Machu Picchu in the early morning light. The group toured Machu Picchu and then took the bus down to their hotel in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes. Showers and a good meal for all!
Today, the team headed back up early again for half the team to hike up Machu Picchu Peak and the other half to continue their tour of the fabulous site at Machu Picchu. Later today the group catches the train back to Cusco trades off for a private bus partway their and then back to the hotel in Cusco.
Another great trip is winding down in Peru, the group as usual, will bring home memories to last a lifetime.
Congrats to all,
George Dunn
July 26, 2016
Happy Birthday Jo!
Mike reports that all’s good in Terskol. Happiness is Elbrus is the review mirror. Team has another day in Terskol before heading to Moscow.
And, reports have it that Jo celebrated her birthday. Happy Birthday, Jo! Hope it’s a memorable one!
Phil Ershler
