Training Day on Pequeno Alpamayo

August 16, 2015

: Pequeno Alpamayo Base Camp (Greg Vernovage)

: Training site (Greg Vernovage)

Andy and the team had a good training day on Pequeno Alpamayo.Â They are gearing up for their summit bid tomorrow.Â 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.Â 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

All Is Well In Bolivia

August 15, 2015

Alpamayo Base Camp (Greg Vernovage)

Andy checked in this afternoonÂ from the base camp ofÂ Pequeno Alpamayo. Â He made sure to let us know that “all is well!” Â They are doing some basicÂ training today, and will continue with more technical training in the morning.

As you can tell from the picture, it is not a bad place to train!

Josh McDowell

Tambo Condoriri Take 2

August 14, 2015

Panorama of Alta Planeau with Illimani, Huayna Potosi and Condoriri (Greg Vernovage)

Andy checked in from Tambo Condoriri just now letting us know that the team had a great day hiking today.

Overnight, they got a total of 9 inches of snow! With that amount of snow, the llama drivers decided that it would be best to hang tight for another day.

So, the plan now with improving weather is to move up to Base Camp and train for a couple days which will give the snow some time to settle in.

So goes life in the mountains. Patience and flexibility!

Greg Vernovage

Bolivia Team Acclimatizing On Tambo Condoriri

August 13, 2015

Acclimatizing at Tambo Condoriri (Greg Vernovage)

Andy checked in from Tambo Condoriri to let us know that all is well.Â They had a very nice acclimatization hike to 15,000 feet this afternoon with a little snow falling.Â â€œThere is about three inches of snow on the ground right now which make everything look really great.â€

There is a little more snow in the forecast for tonight and we will have to see how it looks tomorrow.Â It is a short trekking day into Base Camp for the team so a little snow wonâ€™t bother them.Â Acclimatizing in Bolivia is moving along nicely!

Greg Vernovage

Bolivia Team Roughing It On Sun Island

August 12, 2015

Lake Titicaca from Copacabana (Photo Viki Tracey)

Andy checked in from Sun Island.Â This is a great opportunity to take in local culture and see some history. Â The acclimatization hike takes the team to nearly 14,000 feet and on their return we have a picnic including local food including trout and different kinds of potatoes.Â It is a great experience on Lake Titicaca, boat rides, islands and great history.

Tomorrow, the team will load up and head to the first camp at Tambo Condoriri.

Great day in Bolivia!

Greg Vernovage

Kili Team Wraps Up Their Safari In Good Form

August 12, 2015

Rhino in Ngorongoro Crater (Eben Reckord)

The final day of safari brought the team to the Ngorongoro Crater.Â Another big day for the wildlife viewing in front of the team and the big question for the day.Â Will this be a complete trip?

100% on top with good weather, smooth safari with 4 out of the big 5 and many lions.Â Will the gang see a Rhino on their last day? Yup! They sure did!

Nice job everyone.

Greg Vernovage

The Altiplano And Copacabana

August 11, 2015

: Copacabana (Greg Vernovage)

: Altiplano & Huayna Potosi (Greg Vernovage)

Andy called in from the shores of Lake Titicaca after a scenic drive through the Altiplano.Â The team had the chance to see a lot of the Cordillera Real Range during the drive.Â After arriving at the Lake, they will tour the town of Copacabana (not the one from the song but equally as exciting).

Tonight a little hike up to a view point and early dinner.Â Tomorrow is Sun Island!

Greg Vernovage

Kings Of The Jungle Prove Their Point

August 11, 2015

Lion without a care in the world.

Dustin called in pretty excited today.Â The team is camped in the Serengeti and having a great time!Â How do we top 100% on top and then 4 of the Big 5 on the first day of safari? Well, Dustin mentioned that the team was in camp last night when a pride of 16 lions walked right through the middle of camp.Â I think that is a pretty good way to chase the summit and 4 out of 5.

Oh yeah, the team decided to go for an early morning hot air balloon ride.

I canâ€™t wait to hear what they have up their sleeve for tomorrow!

Greg Vernovage

Witches Market Today; Lake Titicaca Tomorrow

August 10, 2015

The team on the tour of the city.

Andy checked in today from La Paz after a great city tour.

Clear skies and a happy group already.Â All duffle bags arrived with the climbers!Â Gear checks complete and the city tour to acclimatize.Â The city tour is as important in La Paz as it is in any other city we visit.Â Landing at 13,500 feet and dropping into La Paz at 12,000 feet is a pretty good jump when you are coming from the United States.

After walking through the Witches Market and grabbing lunch, the team will finish packing for Lake Titicaca and the first couple climbs.

Weather is looking great for the next few days!

Greg Vernovage

Happy Hour Awaits The Kili Team

August 10, 2015

: Dustin’s Kili Team on the summit.

: A look at the sign before the overhaul. Taken in 2006.

Dustin managed to get a few pictures sent off in between the celebration dinner and the flight into the Serengeti.

The team had a great climb and Dustin snapped a great summit photo. You just have to love the â€œNewâ€ Summit sign on the roof of Africa. For those of you who climbed it in the past, this summit sign looks pretty similar. Where are all the stickers?

These guys look like they had a great time and it is continuing on the safari. Dustin said that they have already seen 4 of the big 5 and the quote of the day was, â€œI had no idea that we would get so close to the animals!â€

It was a quick phone call by Dustin, he said that he couldnâ€™t be late to happy hour!

An early day tomorrow because there is so much to see!

Greg Vernovage