January 29, 2014
The lowlands surrounding Ixta. (Dustin Balderach)
Austin called in this afternoon to report that the team summitted Ixta this morning and have made their way back down. Sounds like they had a little weather and some low visibility but all are back down safely. Tonight they’ll make their way to Puebla for a late dinner then it’s off to Orizaba tomorrow.
Tye Chapman
January 28, 2014
Dawn on summit of Ixta (Elizah McLaughlin)
Another sat phone call came in this afternoon… this time from Austin Shannon who is with his team at High Camp on Ixta. They’ve enjoyed the afternoon soaking in the sun on the rocks around camp. Right now they’re cooking up a little pasta with a nice red sauce and some chorizo. They’ll be heading to bed shortly thereafter.
They’ll wake up around midnight and if all goes well they’ll be on the summit 6 or 7 hours later.
That’s all for now.
Tye Chapman
January 28, 2014
High Camp (C3) on Aconcagua.
IMG Guide Peter Anderson called in from High Camp after summitting with his group earlier today in great conditions.
They’ll hang out at High Camp tonight and then head down to Plaza de Mulas tomorrow. Right now it’s chow time followed immediately by bedtime!
On the other side of the mountain is Josh Tapp and his team who are busy sorting gear in Penitentes. They’ll start their 3 day trek into base camp (Plaza Argentina) tomorrow.
Tye Chapman
January 28, 2014
Phil, who is leading our first Patagonia Trek of the season, called in from Puerto Natales, Chile this morning with the ‘all’s well’ report.
After a few errands (money exchange and grocery store) in Punta Arenas, the team hopped in the van for the 4hr drive to Natales (5hrs if you stop and say hello to the penguins). They’ll enjoy the rest of the day exploring Natales before heading into the park tomorrow to start their trek in Torres del Paine National Park. First stop tomorrow will be Los Torres (The Towers).
On a side note, he may just bump into IMG Guide Dustin Balderach, and his girlfriend Caroline, who are down there on a trek of their own – small world.
Tye Chapman
January 27, 2014
The hut camp on Ixta (photo: Matthew Cave)
Lead guide Austin Shannon called in Monday at 4pm PST. The team had a good day carrying to high camp on Ixta. They are back at the first hut now and move up to high camp tomorrow. Weather is good and all is well with the team.
George Dunn
January 27, 2014
Aconcagua (Phil Ershler)
Mike Hamill called at 12:30pm PST (5:30 pm Aconcagua time). He was able to summit today and is back resting at High Camp with his private group of two persons.
Peter Anderson called shortly after. His group moved up to High Camp today and is resting in anticipation of a summit attempt tomorrow. He says there are light snow flurries at present but a forecast for good weather tomorrow so we’ll hope his team has good success in the morning.
George Dunn
January 27, 2014
Aconcagua, Mexico and Patagonia program director Phil Ershler checked in on Sunday. Phil departed to lead a private program in Patagonia over the next two weeks. Phil will be checking in on the other teams while down south and the IMG office will be monitoring all of the operations in the field. All is well and going according to schedule down south.
On Aconcagua: Josh Tapp’s Jan. 26-February 16 program has arrived and is all set to get started on their expedition. Mike Hamill’s team is scheduled to summit today, weather permitting. Peter Anderson’s team is planning on a Tuesday summit day. The weather is currently excellent up high on the mountain.
Popo and Ixta as viewed from the air
In Mexico:Â Austin Shannon departed Mexico City with his team on Sunday, heading for their first peak, Ixtaccihuatl.
We’ll keep you posted as the guides check in.
George Dunn
January 26, 2014
The slopes of Aconcagua.
Winds are slowing decreasing high on Aconcagua and both IMG teams are moving up. Mike Hamill and team move today to C3, high camp. Reported great weather and the route is in supposedly good condition. Peter Anderson and crew made their carry to high camp and will move to high camp tomorrow. Forecasts we follow show winds at the lowest ebb on Tuesday and Wednesday. The guys have done their homework. Now they need to stay healthy for a few more days and get lucky with the weather. Mike will try to summit Monday morning, with Peter following on Tuesday. Hoping that luck and preparedness are on a collision path for both teams. We’ll know soon.
Phil Ershler
January 24, 2014
Aconcagua
Mike and team got up to C2 on the Horcones side of Aconcagua today. Winds seem less than on the Vacas side of the mountain. A carry to high camp is likely in order tomorrow.
Peter and team concluded moving up today to C2 didn’t make sense for them on the Vacas side. Forecast call for the winds to keep decreasing through Wednesday so they’re trying to be patient. Reports of tents being damaged at C2 validate their decision. It’s not easy to wait when you want to move higher but their plan makes sense. They have time. Hopefully, they move to C2 tomorrow.
Phil Ershler
January 24, 2014
This Vinson Expedition was a total blast! I want to thank all of the climbers for making our “New Years on the Ice†a success. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many teams while guiding for IMG and I have to say that this team was a good as you can find. This team represented IMG and themselves proudly. We made our carries, worked hard to build our camps, and each time we did it as a team.
The teamwork that each member showed, and the support that each member gave each other day in and day out, was observed by every climber on the mountain. After arriving at High Camp and working together to build camp and do chores, another climber gave applause while stating that “Now, you will have a rest day.â€Â We replied proudly by saying: “Nah, if the weather is good we are going to the summit tomorrow.â€Â  And as you can see form the great video Paul Pottinger put together, we had a great summit day!
It is easy to work hard for a team that has a great attitude and helps each other. Aaron Mainer and I are honored to have been part of this great team.
Congratulations to all members of the Team!
Greg Vernovage
*Join Greg for New Years On The Ice 2015
