January 12, 2015

Time to get caught up with the comings and goings of all the IMG teams.  As we posted over the weekend, Josh McDowell and crew all stood on the top of Aconcagua.  They are heading to Plaza Argentina today.  One more day of hiking tomorrow and they’ll be having a late dinner in Mendoza. Meanwhile, Josh Tapp and his crew are wrapping up details in Mendoza today and heading to the base of the mountain in the morning.

Meanwhile, down in Ecuador, Luke Reilly and team are getting in a technique review day on the lower slopes of Cotopaxi.  Besides a great refresher, it’s a nice addition to their acclimatization.  Wednesday is their anticipated summit attempt on Cotopaxi.

Porter, the birthday boy, in Ecuador

And, WAY down in Antarctica, Aaron Mainer and team got settled into C1 yesterday.  They’ll try to get a carry in to high camp as soon as weather permits.  Once that carry’s done, they pretty much just wait at C1 until forecast is favorable, then move back to high camp and try to summit the next day.  They want to pick just the right shot!

That enough for now.

Phil Ershler

January 10, 2015

As usual at this time of year, it’s busy for IMG trips abroad. Let’s go through the list and get everyone updated before the Seahawks game later today!

Vinson teams have said hello and good-bye at 80 degrees South. Greg Vernovage, Mike Hamill and team flew off the afternoon of the 9th. The plane which came in to pick them up carried Aaron Mainer and his team. These flights were exactly on schedule which isn’t always the case in Antarctica. Our luck continues to hold. Greg’s team is flying home today and Aaron’s crew is likely making their first carry of the expedition. All is good.

Josh McDowell and his crew just called in from high camp on Aconcagua. We shared some weather forecast notes and their plan is to make a summit attempt in the morning. The crew is doing well and ready to take a shot. Big day tomorrow for them. No precipitation is forecast and the winds should stay within a reasonable range.

Josh Tapp and team are on their way to Mendoza, arriving tomorrow. IMG Argentine guide, Martin Lucero, will put his boots back on and join them for his second climb of the season.

Down in Ecuador, Luke Reilly and team are in the town of Otavalo today. It’s market day and you don’t want to miss this famous event while in Ecuador. We’re still missing a couple of bags but hope to see those back at the hotel in Quito later today.

Lots going on but all’s positive.

Phil Ershler