Swiss Alps Team Checks In

August 8, 2013

IMG guide Matt Farmer just reported in from a private climb in the Swiss Alps. This 8-day program started on August 5 with a plan to train and climb in the Chamonix area followed by an attempt on the classic Mittellegi Ridge of the Eiger. Â Hereâ€™s what he had to say:

â€œHowdy George-

The (Eiger program) is going great. Â In order to beat the weather arriving Wed/Thursday we started strong throwing them into the deep end day 1 & 2. Â We traversed the Aiguille d’Entreves Monday and stayed at the Torino hut. Â An early start Tuesday allowed us to tackle the Dent du Geant unacclimatized before the arrival of stormy weather Tuesday afternoon. Â They both rallied and we had great summits on both those peaks.

We had a rest/rain day Wed to avoid drowning and then had a super fun day today climbing the Arete des Cosmiques in full stormy winter conditions. Â We had the route all to ourselves, imagine that!

Tomorrow we will climb some classic alpine rock in the Aiguilles Rouges before heading to Grindelwald Saturday morning.

I’ll keep you updated on how the Eiger logistics progress but we are looking good. The guys are climbing well and we have a viable window coming up.â€

Matt Farmer

Bolivia Climbers Ready For The Mountains!

August 8, 2013

The Bolivia team on Sun Island (photo: Greg Vernovage)

Another great acclimatization day in Bolivia. We got an early start and caught a boat ride to Sun Island.Â It was a beautiful morning for a hike. We hiked up to the look out point and were able to see Illiampu as well as Illimani off in the distance.Â After a great traditional lunch on the lake shore we had a good ride back to Copacabana.Â Then, an afternoon hike, souvenir shopping and a great dinner, and we are acclimatized and ready to head out to the mountains.Â One piece of information that might be interesting to everyone is with the festival going on here in Copacabana, one of our team members got blessed by an armadillo, so we have that going for us!

Greg Vernovage

The Training Continues

August 8, 2013

Loading the van to head to our training area.

Another check-in from Phil early this morning.Â Everything is on track!

“Another day of training and acclimatization is in the books.Â Weather continues to hold.Â Up to the high hut in the morning.Â Everyone will be moving up.”

Phil Ershler

Going For A Hike In Russia

August 7, 2013

Going for a hike in Russia.

First day in the valley start with a 3000′ hike up to the observatory. Great way to get a little acclimatization in. Weather was pretty much perfect. Training tomorrow on the glacier. It’ll be great to put on the spikes.

Phil Ershler

Blessed By Coca-Cola And Beer

August 7, 2013

From: Greg Vernovage
Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2013 6:55 PM
To: Eric Simonson; Tye Chapman
Subject: Bolivia Update

Eric,

The team had quite an adventurous day here in Bolivia joining in the celebration of Bolivia’s birthday. We weaved through traffic and a number of parades on our way to Copacabana and Lake Titicaca. Â When we arrived in Copacabana, the festivities had already begun. You see, here in Copacabana, during this time of year people gather to have their new or purchased vehicles blessed. The cars get decorated and Shaman move up and down the shore blessing the new vehicles with beer and Coca-Cola. The team found this very interesting.

After we visited the cathedral and took in some sites in town, we went for a hike up through an ancient Incan observatory. On top, we were rewarded with beautiful views of the city and lake. We had the top of this overlook all to ourselves.

The team is doing well, drinking water, taking it slow and enjoying the company. Up next, a boat ride to acclimatize and lunch on Sun Island.

Greg Vernovage
International Mountain Guides

The Witches Market For Lunch

August 5, 2013

From the lookout in La Paz with Illimani in the background.

We have the whole team together here in La Paz. Â It was great to have everyone arrive with ALL of there luggage. Â Always a big first step.

The team got to know each other this morning and we set out for our city tour. Â We had to stop by a favorite spot of mine, the lookout. Â We were rewarded once again with a view of Illimani. Â That is a big mountain!

A walk through the Witches Market was as fun as ever and a nice lunch. Â The afternoon is left for drinking water, picking up any odds and ends and packing the trekking and climbing duffles for our next step.

Tonight, we will get together and have our official welcome dinner. Â This is a nice group of people who I look forward to showing Lake Titicaca and the mountains surrounding it!

Elbrus Team Checks In

August 5, 2013

Phil's team kicking back & enjoying dinner (photo: Phil Ershler)

Word just in from Phil…

“All here. All healthy. Full day of sightseeing. Knocking back a steak dinner right now. Early flight to the Caucasus in the morning.

Life is good.” Â – Phil Ershler

Trekkers Taking It All In

August 1, 2013

: View from trail looking toward Salkantay route (photo: Peter Anderson)

: Inca ruin along the hike (photo: Peter Anderson)

IMG lead guide Peter Anderson called in at mid-day today from the top of the third pass.Â It is another beautiful day and all are doing well. They have great views of Salkantay Mountain and the surrounding peaks.

They have about three hours left to reach their camp this afternoon, and will head to bed early today. Tomorrow they get an early start so they can be at the Sun Gate at first light to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu.

Peter says they will check in tomorrow after their tour of Machu Picchu and after they check into their hotel in Aguas Calientes.

All is well with the team and they are having a great time!

George Dunn

Success (& Amazing View) On Fuhrer’s Finger

August 1, 2013

Eagles Nest (photo: Luke Reilly)

Fuhrerâ€™s Finger never ceases to amaze meâ€¦

Sometimes everything just seems to line up; the weather, the route (which initially seemed positively impassable) and good company.Â Our ascent of Mt. Rainier via the Fuhrerâ€™s Finger was a gem last week.Â The crew packed a lot in over four days including threading the needle through the Finger, bedding down for a night at the Eagleâ€™s Nest (see photo), camping on the summit and exploring the steam caves in the crater.Â We couldnâ€™t really ask for more.

Our team went into the climb knowing there was a possible dead end at the top of the Finger to access the upper mountain.Â After â€œpoking aroundâ€ at different options to gain the upper mountain, Mt. Rainier smiled on us again, showing passage up and around the glooming serac out onto the Wapowety cleaver.Â Once we gained the cleaver it was pretty much smooth sailing to the top.Â After a chilly night on top, we headed downhill for a well deserved beer and shower.Â Â Thanks Josh, Mark and Jeff for the great climb.

Luke Reilly

Machu Picchu Trekkers On The Move

July 30, 2013

: Hitting the trail with the Andes as a spectacular backdrop.

: The Peruvian flag flying high on a house near our tent camp at Llullchapampa.

IMG guide Peter Anderson called in from the Machu Picchu trek this evening.

Today was their first day on the trek itself and the team did a super job. They hiked slow and steady today, and made camp at 5pm their time at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The day was beautiful and warm.

Tomorrow theyâ€™ll get an early startÂ (up at 5am) to hike up and over Abra de Huarmihuanusca pass. Another great day ahead of them!

George Dunn