September 22, 2014

Good-bye Africa

Andy put everyone on airplanes headed home over the weekend and he’s off to Italy.  It’s a wrap.  All team members are heading back to their ‘normal’ schedules of family and work.

On any IMG trip, the priorities remain the same – safety, success and enjoyment.  Andy said this team did it all.  He asked us to extend his personal thanks to all the team members for their cooperation, hard work and enthusiasm.  His only question was – “what’s next?”

Phil Ershler

September 18, 2014

Giraffes munching on Acacia trees

Andy and his team called in EARLY (my time) this morning from the Serengeti.  Andy has led a lot of Kilimanjaro climbs and he’s been on the same number of safaris but he sounded extra excited this morning.  Apparently, the short rains of the normal fall season have come a bit early this year.  Result is the ‘greening’ of the Serengeti and animals everywhere.  Two large giraffes had just walked through their camp and they were settling down for a nap after a day of game viewing which Andy said was simply incredible.  Twice he said, “I can’t believe the number of animals we’re seeing”.  And, sounds like the camps are a huge hit with this team.  “Way nicer than staying only in lodges” was the comment.  I got the feeling that this group is seriously into their safari experience.  Plenty of Motel 6’s in the rest of the world.  This is EAST AFRICA!

Phil Ershler

September 14, 2014

The view in about 10 hours.

Team’s at Barafu, high camp.  Midnight start tonight for the summit.  All members are acclimatizing well, walking well, healthy and ready to summit Kilimanjaro.  Weather remains quite good.  Knock on wood – the trip’s been going about as smooth as possible.

Phil Ershler

September 13, 2014

Andy Politz left us a voice mail at our office early this morning.  Keep in mind that it’s 10 hours later on Kilimanjaro than out here at Mt. Rainier.  News was that everyone’s in good form and spirit and that they were sitting on top of the Baranco Wall.  In a couple more hours, they’ll be at their next camp-Karanga, at 13,500′.  The view of Kili from the top of the Wall is pretty sweet.  Most of the glacier terrain left on Kili is right above their heads, at that point.  Well done, gang!

Phil Ershler

September 10, 2014

All smiles before they hit the trail.

And they’re off!! The team is already at the Machame Camp as we make this blog post. Bridget, one of our climbers, sent us this group photo. A couple of flight delays on the way over, and a couple of delayed bags, but all arrived in time (both people and luggage) to get the team prepped and off on schedule. Thanks for Pirjo at CTT Destinations and Edita at the Keys Hotel for rolling with the punches and making things happen for our delayed climbers. That’s what we call team work.

First day on the trail is always super exciting. IMG Senior Guide, Andy Politz, is at the helm so the team’s in good hands. We’ll keep you updated on their progress.

Phil Ershler