Kili Team Summits; Aconcagua Teams On The Move

February 13, 2016

Mawenzi at sunrise

Breaking news from Tanzania â€“ Dustin and his entire team stood on the summit of Kilimanjaro today!Â Congratulations to one and all.Â Weather hasnâ€™t been the easiest this trip but it certainly was â€˜good enoughâ€™.Â One final night on the trail at Mweka Camp and theyâ€™ll be back to the world of showers and beds tomorrow.Â Then, itâ€™s play time.Â Three nights on safari await.

On Aconcagua, both our groups are making progress.Â Luke, Nickel, Leandro and crew are making a carry today to C3 (high camp).Â They are trying to get into position to take a summit shot on Monday morning.Â Winds are forecasted to be at their lowest ebb at that time.Â No precipitation is in the forecast, just trying now to manage the winds.

Mike Hamill, Sara, Martin and crew arrived yesterday at base camp yesterday and are taking a well-deserved rest today.Â Everyone completed this 3-day approach march without issues.Â So far, so good.

Phil Ershler

Poised For The Top

February 12, 2016

Barafu High Camp (Eric Simonson)

The best weather so far for our Team on Kilimanjaro.Â Dustin checked in from Barafu High Camp (15,000â€™) with the Team.Â They had a great day trekking and are excited to get to the top of Kilimanjaro.

It will be a short night for everyone.Â The plan is to wake up at 10:45 pm, climbing at midnight!Â The energy level is high for the team as they talked and laughed at dinner with the anticipation of the night.Â Just getting off their feet will be enough, it can be tough getting a lot of sleep on any summit night!

Go get it!

Greg Vernovage

Clear Skies In Kilimanjaro

February 11, 2016

: Working through the Barranco Wall (Dustin Balderach)

: The view from Barranco Camp (Eric Simonson)

Dustin called from Karanga Camp (13,000â€™) to let us know that the Team is doing great.Â They hit the trail early in order to have plenty of time negotiating the Barranco Wall.Â Wise decision, after cresting the Wall, a little moisture came in and accompanied the Team.

Clear skies had prevailed by the time they were done with a great dinner!Â It is a short day tomorrow and this team has been working pretty hard to put themselves in position to get a shot at standing on top of Kilimanjaro!

Greg Vernovage

Back In Natales

February 10, 2016

Hell of a day….

The water was too rough for kayaking so we commissioned the Zodiac again for another glacier tour. Captain Cesar took us to a great view point then right up next to the glacier.

After our boat tour we grabbed a bite to eat then hopped aboard the Grey III which brought us to our awaiting van, driven by Hugo, the best van driver in all of Patagonia!

We rocked out to a little John Fogerty, CCR, and Michael Jackson on the way to the hotel… showers now, then dinner at La Guanaca.

Things are wrapping up nicely!

Tye

Kilimanjaro Is Playing Hide And Seek

February 10, 2016

: Lava Tower – Greg Vernovage

: Barranco Camp – Greg Vernovage

Dustin reports from Barranco Camp (13,000 ft) that all is well.Â The Team continues to climb well.Â This can be a challenging day for everyone as they have to go over 14,500 ft before dropping back down to camp.Â One of the highlights for today is passing the Lava Tower.

There were a few clouds around them today which kept things nice and cool.Â The challenge with the clouds is knowing when to look up so you can get a good look at the mountain.Â Dustin said that they got a number of good looks and are excited for the Barranco Wall tomorrow!

Greg Vernovage

Time For Hiking In Aconcagua

February 10, 2016

Mike, Sara, Martin and Crew

Luke and crew made their move yesterday to C1 (16,200â€™).Â Nice.Â A carry is planned today to C2.Â Weatherâ€™s clear but a tad breezy as they get higher.Â So far, so good.

Mike Hamill and team are going to start walking today.Â They drove to Penitentes yesterday and got mule loads sorted.Â Time to put the hiking shoes on and get this party started.

Phil Ershler

It’s A Wrap in Patagonia

February 10, 2016

: Grey Glacier

: Lago Grey

Tye and team spent some time yesterday exploring a bit of Lago Grey and the Grey Glacier.Â Now itâ€™s time to get back down to the lake and make their way to Puerto Natales, in time for their final evening and dinner in South America.Â All good things must come to an end but this team is likely reliving memories and planning their next adventure.Â Itâ€™s a wrap.

Phil Ershler

Climbing Kilimanjaro

February 9, 2016

Kilimanjaro from Shira Plateau – Dustin Balderach

Dustin checked in from Shira Plateau (12,000ft) on Kilimanjaro.Â The Team continues to climb well!Â The day began with a light breeze and mist but cleared up in the afternoon, making everything warm and providing great views of the mountain.

They are heading to bed early tonight because tomorrow is the up and down day.Â The team will pass the Lava Tower (14,500ft) and head down to Barranco Camp (13,500ft).

All is well on Kili!

Greg Vernovage

All Good In Aconcagua

February 8, 2016

A view towards the summit

Mike Hamill, Sara Cohen and Martin Lucero are heading up our last Aconcagua climb of the season.Â Team (and luggage) has arrived in Mendoza, permits are in hand, gear checks done and itâ€™s time to go. They drive to Penitentes on 9 February and will begin their 3 day trek to base camp on the 10^th.Â Itâ€™s show time.

Up on the hill currently, Luke, Nickel and Leandro report that all continues to go well.Â Their carry to Camp 1 was completed on the 8^th and theyâ€™re anticipating a move to C1 on the 9^th.Â Clear but a little â€˜breezyâ€™.Â So far, so good.

Phil Ershler

Patagonia Update

February 8, 2016

: Icebergs on Lago Grey

: The Crew

Tye and crew are doing so well that itâ€™s hard to keep up.Â Paine Grande hut on Sunday and a super trek up the French Valley.Â Then, it was off to Refugio Grey and Lago Grey with views of the terminus of the Grey Glacier and the icebergs.Â Theyâ€™re hoping weather allows a kayak trip Tuesday morning before their boat ride back to civilization.Â Things have been going pretty darn well!!

Phil Ershler