August 21, 2015
Classic Kili shadow.
Dustin checked in a little earlier today from Barafu Camp. The team is doing great and are planning to head to bed early.
Summit day tomorrow! The weather is looking great and Dustin reports that the temperatures are warmer than the last couple climbs. That sunrise is worth getting up early for. We aim for being at the crater rim as the sun comes up.
It is an exciting night on Kilimanjaro!
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
August 20, 2015
Hey Greg.
I’m not really sure what else I can say beyond super strong team and great weather on Kili. Really can’t ask for much more.  The group cruised up the Barranco Wall today under beautiful clear skies this morning. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and agreed it’s not nearly as bad as it looks. Super fun scrambling with good hand holds and no exposure! We had a nice break at the top of the Wall at 14,000 feet where the views were simply stunning. On our descent to Karanga Camp the clouds moved in to keep things cool.
I can’t tell you what a strong fun team this is. Everyone chats all day and is very supportive of each other.
Shortly after pulling into Karanga camp (13,300′) we had guilt free fried chicken and french fries for lunch! Then we had our summit talk in anticipation of the climb starting tomorrow night!! Everyone is very excited and now well prepared.
After a warm, filling dinner in a couple hours we have our final long restful evening in the tents. Then a short 3 hour hike tomorrow morning to our high camp – Barafu, 15,200′ - where we will eat, drink, rest and pack for the summit push. Alarms will be going off at 10:30pm tomorrow night!!
The crew keeps wanting to know more about the safari but first things first….
Dustin Balderach
August 19, 2015
Huayna Potosi glacier from high camp (Luke Reilly)
The weather has cleared up completely for Andy and the team in Bolivia. They had a great hike to High Camp today and are set for a summit bid tonight on Huayna Potosi.
They had an early dinner at the High Camp Refugio and are getting ready to take a nap before their 2:00 am wake up. It is all tolerable with the new Refugio at High Camp!
Up early and walking, it will be cool for the first few hours with El Alto lights keeping the team company over their left shoulder. By the time the sun comes up, the team will be above the bergschrund and looking east to the jungle.
The morning will be topped off by a gorgeous summit ridge with Lake Titicaca in the distance. Have a great climb tonight!
Greg Vernovage
August 19, 2015
Dustin checked in from Barranco Camp at 13,000’. He has a very fit team and they are all trekking very well.
This is a longer day but one of the more scenic days of the climb. The day starts with a gradual climb up to the Lava Tower. Pole Pole (slowly slowly)  is the name of the game as you head up hill. After the Lava Tower you cruise downhill into camp.
The team pulled into camp and had some tea and caramel popcorn. Nice treat after 6 hours on the trail.
Tomorrow, the Barranco Wall!
Greg Vernovage
August 18, 2015
Huayna Potosi (Greg Vernovage)
Andy checked in from Huayna Potosi Base Camp. They are tucked into the Refugio for the night and all is well. Everything is looking great on the mountain and they are looking forward to getting a good night sleep. The Refugio on Huayna Potosi is one of the nicest I have stayed in all of South America.
The owner of the Refugio is Yolanda and she is very sweet, happy to have everyone come and go and a hug after the summit. Thank you Yolanda for your hospitality!
Greg Vernovage
August 18, 2015
Shira Plateau (Greg Vernovage)
Another beautiful day on Kilimanjaro for the IMG team today. They made great time pulling into Shira Plateau at 12,000 feet with Kilimanjaro in front of them the entire trek.
An afternoon of hydrating and kicking back. Dustin said there was a card game brewing in the dining tent before dinner.
Tomorrow is a good test for everyone. The up and down day with the Lava Tower visit in the middle of the hike.
Greg Vernovage
August 17, 2015
Pequeno Alpamayo (Turner Britton)
A gorgeous day for climbing in Bolivia! The gang weathered a storm and had a great climb of Pequeno Alpamayo today.
There was a little more snow on the route than normal but nothing the team couldn’t handle. This evening, the team will dine on fresh fish caught in the lake right next to camp.
Tomorrow they are out the door to Huayna Potosi. Nice job team!
Greg Vernovage
August 17, 2015
Kilimanjaro over the clouds from the hotel in Moshi. (Dustin Balderach)
Dustin checked in from Machame Camp. Perfect weather on day one. This is the third trip up Kilimanjaro for Dustin this year. The team is doing great.
Kilimanjaro was out all day and it is always nice to pull into camp dry and feeling good.\
Tomorrow, the team will pull out of the jungle and head to Shira Plateau!
Greg Vernovage
August 16, 2015
Andy and the team had a good training day on Pequeno Alpamayo. They are gearing up for their summit bid tomorrow. There is a little snow in the forecast so the team will be on their toes.
These peaks are beautiful with a litte fresh snow on the ground. They will plan on walking at 4 am which will leave them plenty of daylight to make the climb.
We are pulling for them!
Greg Vernovage
