May 25,2013
Mt. Bona from the plane. (Sheldon Kerr)
IMG Guide Austin Shannon called in from the summit of Mt. Bona today. The entire team enjoyed a “perfect summit day with warm temps and no wind”.
They’re en route back to high camp for dinner and a toast!
Tye Chapman
May 22, 2013
IMG guide Austin Shannon called in tonight from the Mt. Bona expedition. The weather continues to be perfect, Austin reports there is not a breath of wind and it is “super warmâ€. By that, of course he means in the mid to high 20’s Farenheit. The team continues to feel super strong, no headaches or ailments of any kind. They moved up to Camp 1 at 12,000 feet today and are finishing getting camp set up. Austin says it is absolutely gorgeous out tonight, and they can see Mt. Logan across the border in Canada. They are melting lots of water, will have a good dinner soon, then off to bed. They will likely take a rest day tomorrow, but will decide in the morning.
George Dunn
May 22, 2013
Views all around.
Guide Sheldon Kerr called in from Mt. Bona basecamp yesterday evening via sat phone. The connection was a bit spotty, but she was able to communicate that all was well and the team was doing a super job.
They made a light carry to Camp 1 at 12,000 feet. It was cold in the morning but the day proved to be beautiful weather. Today the team will either take a rest day or move to 12,000 feet, depending on how everyone feels. Sheldon says everyone wanted to pass on hello’s to their families.
George Dunn
May 21, 2013
Step 1 is getting there.
After being flown onto the glacier yesterday morning, Sheldon reports they worked hard to get base camp set up and secured. They’ll use today as a team training and acclimatization day. They need to review roped glacier travel safety and practice crevasse rescue techniques before heading up the mountain.
They’ll likely make a carry up to the next camp (12,000’), weather permitting, on Wednesday, the 22nd. This process of making a carry to the next camp one day, then moving up to the new camp the next will go on for two more camps before they are in place to summit from a high camp at around 14,000 feet. With a few weather days thrown in for good measure, they’ll be well acclimated before they try for the 16,400 foot summit.
George Dunn
May 20, 2013
I’m getting excited about the upcoming trek this fall from Upper Dolpo to Mustang, Nepal. This includes the Crystal Mountain Kora and the Great Himalaya Trail. Â It’s a dream trip and we’ve got a fine, well vetted crew on board, which makes it even better. We depart in 4 short months and there are still a few spots left, so now is the time to join the team, don’t delay!
As with everything on the IMG website, there is a ton of information there, but don’t hesitate to contact us if there is anything you want to discuss about one of the coolest treks imaginable!
Adam Angel
May 20, 2013
Hurry up and wait.
The Mt. Bona team met in Anchorage this Saturday afternoon for the start of their program. All the team members’ baggage finally arrived in time for them to depart early Sunday morning on the 4 ½ hour drive to Chitina for pickup by bush pilot Paul Claus.
Unfortunately, cloudy weather prohibited them from being flown onto the Klutlan Glacier at the base of Mt. Bona. Instead, they were delivered to the Claus family facility at an inholding in Wrangell/St Elias National Park on the Chitina River. They spent the night as guests there and hopefully were flown onto the mountain early this morning. Guide Sheldon Kerr will call in by satellite phone tonight with an update. We wish them good success!
George Dunn
May 15, 2013
Today George Dunn is getting his Mt. Bona guides Austin Shannon and Sheldon Kerr dialed for their upcoming Mt. Bona trip.
Looks like they’re off to a good start!
Tye Chapman
May 12, 2013
From: Chris Meder
Sent: Saturday, May 11, 2013 7:09 PM
To: George Dunn
Subject: Happy Mothers Day from Machu Picchu team
Hi George,
We just arrived back in Cusco after another full day. The group elected to head back up to Machu Picchu this morning and hike the challenging Wayna Picchu peak. Steep trail and rocky stairs led to an incredible top-down view of Machu Picchu. And, while on top we had a Happy Mothers Day message to send home!
Happy Mother's Day
Chris
From: Chris Meder
Sent: Friday, May 10, 2013 2:31 PM
To: George Dunn
Subject: Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes
Hi George,
The team went four for four today with stellar weather for our completion of the Inca Trail and tour of Machu Picchu. Just a perfect day. We arrived at the Sun Gate as the sun was just casting its first rays on the site, enjoyed the view for a while, and then took a full tour of the ruins with our local guide Juan explaining all the details. Here’s a photo of the group.
We’re now in Aguas Calientes, showered and had a late lunch. The group is now checking out the town and doing a little shopping. Tomorrow it’s up early again for a return to Machu Picchu and a challenging hike up Wayna Picchu for another great view of the area.
Chris
May 9, 2013
Chris Meder called in from the Inca Trail. The team is continuing to do a terrific job on the trail, and the weather is great. They  are camping at at Wiñay Wayna tonight, very close to Machu Picchu and will hike down through the gate early in the morning to catch the sunrise. Chris says it was a spectacular day of scenery today and the group couldn’t have done better. Tomorrow…. Machu Picchu!
George Dunn
