February 3, 2016
Greg called to report that the helicopter flights went on schedule this morning (in Papua) and the team are all back to Timika. He also sent some photos:
Way to go, team!
Eric Simonson
Updates from Aconcagua
February 3, 2016
Luke’s crew last night in Mendoza
Two IMG Aconcagua teams: we pass each other this afternoon in Penitentes – one heading home and the other beginning their climb. Jonathan Schrock, Martin Lucero and team are finishing their hike out now and heading for Mendoza this evening. Luke Reilly, Nickel Wood, Leandro Villegas and team will begin their approach hike tomorrow. A landslide had this road closed all of yesterday but the delay was only temporary and won’t majorly impact our teams.
We congratulate Jonathan’s crew and wish Luke’s team the best of luck for a safe and successful expedition.
Phil Ershler
Carstensz Climbers Return To Base Camp
February 3, 2016
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- View of Carstensz from Sumantri (Dan Zokaites)
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- Looking down on BC from base of the Carstensz route
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- View of Sumantri and Ngga Pulu across the valley
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- Rappelling down on Carstensz
Greg called from Base Camp to report the team made a successful descent, arriving back before it got dark. They took it slow and easy on the way down, with many rappels down the fixed ropes.  Greg said everyone was safe and sound, after a long day. Weather was cloudy with a few sprinkles, but not too bad. The team has the helicopter on call for tomorrow morning, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed that the conditions will allow them to be flown out on schedule. So far, so good.
Eric Simonson
Patagonia Trekkers Heading to Los Torres
February 2, 2016
Photo opp on the bike ride this afternoon. (Tye Chapman)
All anybody is talking about around Puerto Natales is how unseasonably warm it’s been these past few days. Its normally jacket weather but it’s been in the 80’s recently without the wind, a dramatic difference form my time here these past few years!
Today was a free day for the team to explore town a bit. Â A couple folks walked around, while a few of us rented bikes and ventured out a little further. We all picked up a few souvenirs, that much is certain.
The afternoon was spent putting the final touches on getting packed up and ready for tomorrow. We met up with our local guide, Tadeo, and had a quick briefing about the the trek.
Tomorrow looks like a little rain with some sun mixed in, which truthfully is probably better than the recent heat wave! We’ll take it as it comes,
The goal over the next couple days is to see Los Torres and the Silence Valley, a personal favorite of mine.
If you’re looking for an update on Michal’s bag, it arrived to Punta Arenas late this evening. We dispatched a driver to make the 7 hour round trip drive… Hopefully we’re able to get it in time. If not, he’s borrowed and bought enough to get by. Not a perfect situation but lemonade nonetheless.
That’s all for now. We’ll check in by sat phone tomorrow.
Tye Chapman
Carstensz Summits!
February 2, 2016
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- Looking down the summit ridge on Carstensz
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- The Tyrolean Traverse on Carstensz
IMG guide Greg Vernovage called on the sat phone from the summit to report 100% on top. Congrats to John, Robert, Sean, Valari, and guides Greg and Brury. Well done, team! Greg said they had some rain and snow along the way and there were a lot of clouds around.  They are now on their way back down to the Base Camp. We’ll keep you posted.
Eric Simonson
Mt Washington Ice Climbing
January 31, 2016
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- photos by Craig John
On Sunday Joe M. and I climbed Odell’s Gully on Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. The route is close to 1200 ft. long and contains three full pitches of WI 3. After the 2 ½  hour hike to the base of the route Joe and I roped up and set the first anchor of the first pitch of WI3 (water ice of sustained 70 degrees with some steeper bulges). The second pitch was the crux with 200 feet of sustained climbing. After the third pitch of ice we entered the upper gully which provided moderate snow climbing on a mix of deep snow up to our knees alternating with firm snow that provided great cramponing. When we got to the top of the route we were hit by Mt. Washington’s famous winds which only increased as we approached Lion’s Head, our descent route. On the descent down Lion’s Head we ran into several parties that climbed the hiking route to the summit and were hesitant to down climb a 20 ft. steep section of Lion’s Head route. I pulled out the rope and set up a hand line to aid everyone as they descended this section. Joe rappelled it and I down climbed. Forty minutes later we were at the parking lot and said our good byes….but only for two weeks when he returns to the Mt. Washington Valley to take on the steep ice of Champney Falls and Mt. Willard.
Craig John
Summit of Aconcagua
February 1, 2016
Summit of Aconcagua
Just off the sat phone with Jonathan Schrock and team. 100% on the top. Great conditions this morning but snowing with minimal visibility for the descent. No matter, the entire team reached the summit and all are back safely now at high camp. A big congratulations to Jonathan, Martin, Lexi, Bruce and Rick. Nice job.
Phil Ershler
All Is Well In Puerto Natales
February 1, 2016
Patagonia Team
After two days of traveling the group finally came together for a team dinner in Punta Arenas last night. Standard protocol is dinner at La Luna, my favorite local spot. Everyone was pretty tired so we kept it pretty short, but I could tell this group was going to get along just fine.
We’re in Puerto Natales today. 3 hour van ride after a quick tour of Punta this morning. We’re still missing Michal’s bag but between American Airlines, travel insurance and his credit card we’ll be able to piece it together by tomorrow evening. Everyone else passed their gear check just fine. Dinner tonight at El Bote then a free day to explore tomorrow.
So far so good…unless your name is Michal.
Tye
Aconcagua Team In Position
January 31, 2016
A view on summit morning
Jonathan checked in today, reporting that the team and he had made their move to high camp. Weather is good and winds were light. All members made the move without issue. That was all great news. Plan is to prep summit gear, eat and drink, rest (as much is possible at that altitude) and get ready for a summit bid in the morning. Forecast is favorable. Now’s the time to see if all their patience and hard work will pay off. They’ve done all they could to put themselves in a good position. We wish them the best for tomorrow.
Phil Ershler
Carstensz Climbers Reach Base Camp
January 31, 2016
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- On the way to New Zealand Pass
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- First views of Carstensz from near New Zealand Pass
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- Carstensz Base Camp
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- Some of the local porters
IMG guide Greg Vernovage reports that the team has a good acclimatization day at Nasidome Camp, and a second night for acclimatization on the Plateau at that site. Today, with the support of their porters, they climbed up and over New Zealand Pass to get to the Carstensz Base Camp. Everyone is doing well and they will be making their summit bid in the next day or two.
Eric Simonson