January 13, 2014

With so many groups on the move during the last couple of days, let’s get everyone up to date regarding movements.

Greg, Aaron and their Vinson crew are done and home.  Wasn’t easy to get everyone rebooked with flights home but Pirjo and CTT Destinations did a super job.  There is still great value derived from working with an experienced travel agent on complicated international flights and we saw it this weekend.  Glad to have everyone home and everyone successful and everyone with 10 fingers and toes.  Nice!

Luke, Romulo and the Ecuador team did some acclimatizing and taking in some of the sights.  Crossed the equator a couple of times, too.  At the base of Cotopaxi now, getting in some more acclimatizing and training prior to taking a shot at their first, big objective.

Luke and team on Pasochoa

News from Aconcagua:  Josh McD and team are now back in the States after their very successful summit.  Well done.  I’ll be debriefing with Josh today.  Josh Tapp and team has decided to take a rest day at Plaza Argentina after a big carry to C1 yesterday.  If in doubt, a rest day is always in order.  Just got off the phone with Peter Anderson.  He’s working away with Peter Adams and Leandro Villegas, getting their final packing done.  Team members continue to arrive.  Weather on the East Coast hasn’t made it easy but hopeful that we’ll see everyone today.  Gear checks, registration and permits need to get completed prior to heading up to the mountain.  Lastly, Mike Hamill and his custom group are winging their way south today.  Who knows – Mike and Peter could potentially end up seeing each other on the summit, coming up from two entirely different routes.

Phil Ershler

January 10, 2014

Heading for the barn.

Lots of movement regarding IMG teams and the Southern Hemisphere.  Greg, Aaron and team returned from their 100% successful Vinson expedition.  The IL 76 actually came in last night and was able to return the crew to Punta Arenas, Chile early this morning.  They need some sleep.  We’re all working on getting flights changed so the gang can get home.  Good weather on the east coast would sure help.  Congratulations, team.  And, good luck on Everest this spring, Ellen, Paul & Jim.

All calm on the Aconcagua front.  Josh Tapp and crew are pulling into base camp, Plaza Argentina, even as we speak.  Hasn’t been much precip on Aconcagua this season and that trend continues.  Breezy but that’s not hard to deal with down low.  Peter Anderson and Peter Adams, working with Leandro Villegas, are about ready for the season’s 4^th departure.  Peter and Peter fly tomorrow morning to Mendoza after last minute prep today.  And, Mike Hamill will be heading down this weekend with a strong, custom crew going up the Horcones Valley side.  Josh McDowell and his 100% successful crew return to the States today after their great summit of Aconcagua.

Last, but not least, heard from Luke Reilly and his Ecuador team late last night.  All have arrived in Quito and are getting in some quick sightseeing in Old Town this morning prior to heading for Otavalo and the famous Saturday market there.

Great to see so many folks getting out and enjoying a new adventure in 2014.

Phil Ershler