January 5, 2015

The holiday season is over so let’s catch up with all the comings and goings for IMG teams around the world.

The boat ride home

Tye Chapman called in yesterday to say the group had a super day kayaking amongst the icebergs in Lago Grey and that everyone’s excited about their boat ride down the lake this morning and back to ‘civilization’.  That said, two nights at Refugio Grey can hardly be called roughing it.  One final night in Puerto Natales and they’ll be on their way home.  All’s good in Patagonia.

Greg Vernovage called in yesterday, too – from the SUMMIT of Vinson Massif.  All members were standing on top of the bottom of the world. They’ve got a big move today to get all the way down to base camp.  Nice part is that it’s all downhill.  They’ll then fly to the Union Glacier as soon as possible and will be waiting there for the IL76 flight back to Chile.  That flight is scheduled for the 9th, weather permitting.  Our fourth and final trip for the season, under the leadership of IMG Senior Guide, Aaron Mainer, will be flying in on that same flight.  They’ll have time to shake hands as they pass each other on the way to/fr the airplane.  All’s good on the Ice.

News is also good on Aconcagua.  Peter Adams called yesterday to let us know they had a relatively warm day to SUMMIT Aconcagua.  Aconcagua is a very physically demanding climb, more than most people realize, and anyone who summits can be justly proud of the effort and persistence shown to reach the summit.  Well done, team.  They move today down to Plaza Mulas.  That’s base camp on the Horcones Valley side of the mountain.  One long, final hike on Tuesday and they’ll likely push straight to Mendoza that same evening.  Steak and wine for all.

Josh McDowell’s team on Aconcagua reported in with a strong carry to C1.  Plan is for them to move up to C1 today.  Forecast remains for clear skies, right into the weekend.

It’s been a safe and successful holiday season for IMG teams abroad.

Phil Ershler