February 18, 2015

Our Patagonia crew down in Torres del Paine National Park enjoyed another day on the trail.  Though a little rainy and sometimes a lot windy, they managed to get some great views of the French Valley. First stop was Italian Camp to cache their packs making the side trip up into the valley a little easier. From there the team split into a couple groups – one group went with Chris up to the lookout, the other group went with Tadeo down to the waterfall. Everybody wins! Regardless of where you went the striking views of the hanging glaciers at the head of the valley are impressive to say the least. These glaciers calve off huge chunks of ice causing some big avalanches. The sounds can be thunderous!

The team reunited back at their packs at Italian Camp and finished up lakeside at Refugio Paine Grande. They’ve already wrapped up dinner and have retired to the bar. Yes there’s a bar at this refugio. Let’s not feel too sorry for these guys!

Tomorrow they’ll head up to Refugio Grey where they’ll spend two nights giving them plenty of time to explore the area.

Tye Chapman

February 17, 2015

Looking down at C1 from the trail to C2

Luke, Sara, Martin and team will be arriving late this evening into Mendoza.  The walking part’s over.  The team will start sorting flights home tomorrow.  A big congratulations to them all.

Mike Hamill, Ian, Leandro and team checked in today and let us know they made a carry to C2 and are now back at C1 for the night.  Their plan is to move up to C2 tomorrow.  So far, so good.  Forecast is still pretty good, with some new snow forecasted for Friday.  Trick for Mike and team is to get into position to take advantage of the next good summit day.  My guess is that they’re going to do just fine.

Phil Ershler

February 16, 2015

Los Cuernos at sunrise. (Tye Chapman)

More good news from Torres del Paine down in Chilean Patagonia – IMG Chris Meder called in today from Refugio Los Cuernos to report that the team had a nice day trekking along Lake Nordenskjold. They pulled into the refugio early this afternoon and have been enjoying the views ever since. The deck at Los Cuernos is a great place to hang out and soak it all in.

Tomorrow they’ll head up in to the Bader Valley. If the weatehr is right, condors come out in force in the Bader Valley. 16 condors is the record so far for IMG groups!

Tye Chapman

February 14, 2015

One of many postcard moments in Torres del Paine National Park. (Photo by Tye Chapman)

Chris called in this afternoon from Refugio Chileno reporting that the team had a great day on the trail. They made their way up to Los Torres for some great views. Early rain subsided late in the day make the views all the better!

Their evening was highlighted by a huge cake that the refugio staff whipped up. To top it off the new guy on staff dressed up like cupid and shot a couple arrows. Not what they were expecting but fun nonetheless!

Tomorrow they’ll head up into the Silence Valley.

Tye Chapman