July 20, 2013
High and cold (photo: Phil Ershler)
Mike called in from our high hut today. They’re there! Reasonable weather for the trip up, which consists of a couple of tram rides, a ride up an old, single chair lift and then about an hour and a half hike.   Forecast is clear, cold and breezy. Plan, as of now, is that take the shot early tomorrow. Having good clothing and taking care of oneself will be the order of the day. Let’s see what happens.
Phil Ershler
July 19, 2013
Ski lift to the base of Elbrus (Viki Tracey)
Mike touched base this morning from the village of Terskol. Good day training yesterday on the slopes of Elbrus. The plan had been to move up to our high hut today and get in position for a summit attempt in a couple of days. Rain put the ‘damper’ on that plan today. Mike has a couple of contingent days and decided to burn one today. The team stayed down low, in Terskol, and hope to head up in the morning. Just didn’t seem wise to move up in bad weather when they really didn’t need to do so.
Hope to be able to report that the team headed up this weekend.
Phil Ershler
July 19, 2013
IMG guide Matt Farmer send along a couple of shots from the past few days of climbing in Switzerland…. The group has traversed the Dri Hornli, summited the Weissmeis and other ascents. During one rainy day they “made lemonade out of lemons†and did a fun “via ferrata†or “iron way†, a contrived route through one of the canyons near Zermatt. Friday and Saturday the guides will be up at the hut at the base of the Matterhorn and will take two climbers on Saturday and Sunday to the top of the Matterhorn, conditions permitting. Good luck, team!
George Dunn
July 19, 2013
The End
Safari finished yesterday afternoon. A couple of our climbers followed Sheldon and her mom to Amsterdam as they headed home. Others are moving forward with travel plans as they more slowly work their way back to the States. A great time had by all with 100% on the summit. Just great.
We’ll take a break from Kili for a bit now but check back when IMG Senior Guide, Chris Meder, heads over in September to lead 2 groups on the mountain.
Thanks, Sheldon, for a great lead and thanks to the team for making her job so enjoyable.
Phil Ershler
July 18, 2013
Salkantay Pass
IMG guide Peter Anderson called in to report on the progress of the Salkantay trek. It was a big day today, trekking up and over Salkantay Pass at over 15,000 feet in elevation.  It was overcast but still good views of Salkantay Mountain. The group put in a full day, 10 ½ hours on the trail. The team could feel the altitude, some more than others, but on this trek horses are available to any ailing hikers and some members took advantage of a respite from hiking and rode for a bit. The team is now down at 10,000 feet in camp and the lower altitude should help all to feel better again soon. Tomorrow the team will hike to Santa Teresa with an optional side trip to the hot springs there, which all decided to take advantage of. It is all downhill from here for the trek and the team still has Machu Picchu to look forward to!
George Dunn
July 18, 2013
Waterfall on the way to the observatory (photo: Viki Tracey)
Mike called in to say that the gang all made it to Terskol, safe and sound. They had a good, sunny hike to an observatory and now are taking a day for a bit of refresher training on the lower slopes of Elbrus. Both these days also serve as great acclimatization.  Elbrus is, after all, around 18500 ft high and the air is appreciably thinner up there. Several days of acclimatization only make sense prior to any summer attempt. Mike reports that the weather is a bit wet right now but they’re hopeful that by the time a summit shot comes around that they’ll get the break they need. Everyone arrived fit and with all their gear so that’s a big plus.
We’ll hear more when the gang has time to report in.
Phil Ershler
July 17, 2013
A pleasant view along the trek
IMG guide Peter Anderson called in this evening (5:30 pm PDT) to report that all is well with the Salkantay team. Today was the first day of their trek, and Peter reports it was a beautiful day with light clouds and a breeze to keep it cool. The group had no problems on the trail and are adjusting well to the altitude. They are camped at Soraypampa tonight at an elevation of approximately 13,000 feet. During hot drinks before dinner, local guide  Juan de la Cruz entertained the group with flute music. Tomorrow they climb up over Salkantay Pass at an elevation of 15,180 feet, the highpoint of the trip.
George Dunn
July 17, 2013
Traffic.
Fun hearing from Sheldon. Messages are short and sweet. Today’s voice said – “All fine. Logistics are great and the food is amazing. Watch a group of hyenas take down a baby wildebeest today. Group doing great.â€Â Nothing else to add.
Phil Ershler
July 17, 2013
Lightning and thunder rattled Mt. Rainier last night…but not before all of our climbs were treated with some pretty awesome rainbows!
Tye Chapman
July 15, 2013
Our Matterhorn climbing group led by guides Matt Farmer and Mark Allen checked in yesterday, here is what Mark had to say about the first day of training on the Riffelhorn:
“Everyone had a blast today and climbed well. A few gear tweaks and dinner at my favorite dinner joint Pizza Roma where you are lovingly insulted by the Italian Mamma who serves you the best authentic food this side of the Monte Rose Massif. Tomorrow we taxi to Saas Fee and hike to the hut. The weather looks amazing and everyone is excited.â€
The group is varying from the regular schedule and heading to Saas Fee for better weather and climbing conditions over the next few days. They’ll be staying in climbing huts and training on the Dri Hornli, the Weismeiss and the Jagihorn until their return to Zermatt on the evening of the  17th.
From the 18th to the 21st they’ll be focusing on their Matterhorn summit attempts with possible day climbs in between.
George Dunn
