August 25, 2015

Zebras (Greg Vernovage)

Dustin checked in from the Serengeti this evening to let us know that the team is doing fantastic and decided to go out for a balloon ride this morning.

This trend seems to be catching on in the Serengeti with Dustin.  We are working on getting a few photos of this event.

Another great day on safari with the only hiccup coming when it was time for Dustin to get to his tent to grab the phone for his nightly check in.  Dinner under the stars and the Ngorongoro Crater tomorrow.

“Sorry I called a little late, I had to wait for a few Zebras to move out of the way.”

Makes sense to us Dustin!

Greg Vernovage

August 24, 2015

Hey there.

“I could do this every day.”  Dustin’s phone call check in for me this morning.

Well, Dustin has had some good successes in Tanzania.  Solid climbing and superb wildlife viewing as a reward for his hard work on the climb.

We like it when guides check-in with good reports about where they are and how the team is doing.  When I get a call from one of our gang and they give me the “All is well,”  That is good news!  When I ask them what they need from the IMG Team back home and Dustin tells me that he doesn’t need anything, that is music to our ears!

Dustin is on Safari after three trips in a row up Kilimanjaro.  Celebrate with the team and enjoy the safari everyone!

Greg Vernovage

August 23, 2015

Summit of Kili (Dustin Balderach)

100% on top!  Great reason to have a celebration dinner in Moshi.

Gear has been sorted and the team is ready to head out on safari tomorrow morning. They have had some great weather in Africa and it looks like it will continue for the Safari.

Nice job everyone!

Greg Vernovage

August 22, 2015

What else do we need to say?  Perfect weather, great team, strong and climbed to the summit together.

 All I will add is that this is Dustin’s third Kili climb in a row and he is 100% on all three trips!

Greg Vernovage

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

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