December 19, 2013
Casa de Piedra
Heard from Luke at 4:30 pm, our time, Wednesday afternoon. Weather pretty much perfect and that made for a nice day hiking in to Casa Piedra. The crew’s crossed the 10,000 ft level and all is well. They’ll reach base camp, Plaza Argentina, tomorrow. So far, so good.
Phil Ershler
December 19, 2013
Dinner in Penitentes a couple days ago. (Austin Shannon)
Heard from IMG Senior Guide, Luke Reilly, Wednesday afternoon. The first day of the approach is done. Pampas Lenas is the first camp and asado is the first dinner. All’s good. 9 climbers plus guides Luke Reilly, Austin Shannon and Martin Lucero. Weather’s good and they’re off to a good start.
Phil Ershler
December 18, 2013
One of many beautiful Kilimanjaro sunsets.
Our December Kilimanjaro team takes to the skies today as they head to Tanzania to celebrate the holidays. IMG guide Max Bunce will check-in periodically and we’ll post updates of the team as we get them. Wishing the crew a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Clarissa Hughes
P.S. Time is running out on our $500 early decision discount for all 2014 Kilimanjaro climbs. Be sure to sign-up by Christmas (December 25) to take advantage of this great offer!
December 17, 2013
From: Michael Hamill
Date: December 17, 2013, 2:19:20 PM PST
To: Phil Ershler
Subject: Antisana
Antisana
We’re back in Quito after giving Antisana a go this morning and coming up empty handed. We made it to about 18,000ft after navigating several tricky crevasse sections but were eventually turned above the col by a crevasse in white out conditions. A storm rolled in as we descended and is supposed to dump a lot of snow on the mountain tomorrow. The team really enjoyed the experience of getting off the beaten path on a remote, rugged peak with stunning views and amazing wildlife to conclude the three climbs. We’re off to get a beer and some food to celebrate the trip. I’ve attached a photo of the climb.
Mike
December 17, 2013
From: Luke Reilly
Date: December 17, 2013, 12:31:37 PM PST
To: Phil Ershler
Team 1 is ready.
December 17, 2013
2011 Mark Allen leading “Abridgment†WI4+ in the Ouray Ice Park. (Photo Tyler Jones)
IMG Guide Mark Allen reports on the status of the Ouray climbing scene:
The 2014 Ouray Colorado Ice climbing has started and is in full season. IMG customers have already enjoyed the early start with a multitude of back country ice climbs available that are in above average seasonal condition.
The first weekend of December, my guest Brian and I took advantage of the early winter and climbed some local area classics. We took on multi-pitch waterfalls as well as mixed sport climbing. The conditions really are some of the best we’ve seen in a decade.
Brian had only two-days to get his fill of ice climbing this Dec. His timing was perfect. He arrived ready and capable after participating in last year’s 5-day intermediate ice seminar in 2013. With the weather scheduled to arrive the next evening we decided to go for our first big prize right off. Brain was back on the horse and nailed it. All told we climbed 12 pitches of technical ice and mixed terrain in the San Juan mountains. The final day was spent ticking off one and two pitch classics on Camp Bird Road as we were entertained by a fast approaching Colorado storm.
Shortly after, on Dec 14th, the Ouray Ice park opened to the public and IMG is now in full swing. With the combination of the Ice park and the available ice to climb in the back country, the options are wide open for all abilities. Come on down and enjoy the comfort of the Ouray Ice park and the adventure of Ouray’s back country Ice. If you have always wanted to try ice climbing, this is the season to do it.
Mark Allen
December 15, 2013
From: Mike Hamill
Date: Sun, 15 Dec 2013 3:28 PM
To:Â Phil Ershler
Mike & team on top of Cayambe
Phil – Just a quick note to let you know we made it to Papallacta and the whole team got up Cayambe in good time. We’re driving to Antisana bc tomorrow to make an attempt the following day. It was windy but clear on Cayambe and the route was in great shape. The team’s grabbing a soak in the hot springs now. I’ll send a few photos from the climb after dinner.
– Mike
December 12, 2013
Team descending Cotopaxi
From: Michael Hamill
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2013 4:02 PM
To: Phil Ershler
Subject: Down from Cotopaxi
Phil-
Great day on Cotopaxi. We had 100% success with excellent weather and route conditions. Only 6 people summited today including our 4 so we had the mountain almost to ourselves. We’re down safely to La Cienega, planning to make the drive to Cayembe hut tomorrow.
I attached a photo of the team descending.
– Mike
December 11, 2013
Jose Ribas refugio
Received the email below from Mike yesterday. Tonight they sleep at the Jose Ribas refugio at a bit over 15,500’. Shortly before midnight, they’ll be up and walking. Two guides and two customers on a completely custom trip – should be fun. Hope Mike’s weather prediction holds.
Phil Ershler
From: Michael Hamill
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 6:53 PM
To: Phil Ershler
Phil- Great training day today and the weather is improving. They both did great with the technical aspects and were fine with the altitude. Heading up to the hut tomorrow for a summit day on the 12th- I’ll send some photos when we’re back down. – Mike
December 9, 2013
Mike & the crew
Word in from Mike & the gang:
From: Michael Hamill
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2013 7:33 PM
To: Phil Ershler
Phil – We had a great hike on Pasachoa today and a relaxing afternoon at Tierra del Volcon. We made great time up Pasachoa. Rainy towards the end of the day and the next day or two is supposed to be rainy but then getting better for our Cotopaxi summit attempt. Training on Cotopaxi tomorrow. All is well here.
Mike
