August 25, 2015

Sunrise on Illimani (Greg Vernovage)

Back at Base Camp and a rewarding climb for the team on Illimani today.  They were up early and headed towards the summit of Illimani.  It took a little work today as they had to break trail through new snow and were the only team on the mountain.

There is no better feeling than climbing at night and getting to the summit ridge on Illimani as the sun comes up.  That warmth means that you are going to make it!  All is well and they got the job done.  Perfect weather with clear skies on top.  Andy just called from Base Camp to say that they were going to have a well-deserved nap before dinner.

Tomorrow is the BBQ at the trailhead and back to La Paz to celebrate!

Greg Vernovage

August 24, 2015

Andy checked in from high camp on Illimani, Nido de Condor.  This camp is up there and small!

I love this climb.  It is the icing on the cake for Bolivia.  All of the acclimatization and different techniques that get used on the other mountains come together on this long two day climb.

Out of base camp, we travel on the trail over a couple of moraines and scramble up the rocky ridge.  This scrambling is done for a couple hours and at these altitudes, demand a few pressure breathes.  Once we get into camp, we kick back and eat a good dinner.  Camp is not a wide open area, it is just big enough for about 5 tents and a small cook tent.

You can see most of the route in the afternoon and get a mental picture of what is in front of you for the following morning.

The key for success on Illimani:  Stay warm!  The team will climb at 3 am tomorrow morning.\

Good luck everyone!

Greg Vernovage

August 23, 2015

The Bolivia Team is on the road to Illimani Base Camp.  This is a great drive on the back roads to the end of the road.

When the team gets out to Illimani, they will hike for about two hours and set up Base Camp.  This is an awesome camp at the base of the mountain next to a clean river.

The weather is looking good and Andy is planning to head to high camp tomorrow.

Greg Vernovage

August 21, 2015

The Bolivia Team has a well-deserved rest day tomorrow in La Paz.  They had great climbs of Pequeno Alpamayo and Huayna Potosi.

A hot shower, good dinner, and a little laundry will put them right where they want to be for Illimani.

They have some good acclimatization after PA and Huayna so they might as well test themselves against Illimani.  This is a great climb and one of my favorite base camps in the world. \

Dinner at Le Comedie tonight!

Greg Vernovage

August 20, 2015

Andy checked in with a happy team from Huayna Potosi.  A beautiful day on Huayna Potosi with good snow conditions and clear skies.

This is an awesome climb that takes all of the skills from Pequeno Alpamayo and adds a running belay section on the summit ridge.  Exposure on either side and good footwork are the name of the game.

They will sleep well tonight at Base Camp and hit the road tomorrow morning for La Paz.

Next up, Illimani!!!

Greg Vernovage