March 21, 2013
George isn't known for his photography. (Photo by George Dunn)
Another beautiful day on Mt. Whitney, George Dunn reports. The team has just pulled into their first camp near Lower Boy Scout Lake. They’ll set up camp and just relax and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings – and some pasta primavera for dinner of course.
Tye Chapman
March 20, 2013
Mt. Whitney (Trent Carey)
George checked in from Lone Pine, CA today as he gears up for his next Whitney climb. So far so good this year – 2 teams on the mountain and both teams tagged the top!
He’ll meet his next group in the morning for some bacon and eggs then they’ll hit the trailhead for the hike to Camp 1 near Lower Boy Scout Lake.
Tye Chapman
March 18, 2013
Mt. Whitney
George Dunn, descending with the first Whitney trip after summiting on March 16, passed trip #2 led by Kurt Wedberg yesterday. The team all looked very fit and were heading up to their high camp at about 11,800’ on a beautiful day.
Kurt’s team is summiting today, and will report down to George after they descend back to high camp this evening. They should summit around noon today, weather permitting and will be back at high camp by 5pm to spend their final night on the mountain.
George Dunn
March 16, 2013
Whitney Sunrise. (Mayur Raghuveer)
Geo called in, after returning from High Camp, this afternoon to report another successful climb on Mt. Whitney. It was a cold and windy morning for sure – but it beats the heck out of a day in the office!
They’re all safe and sound at High Camp enjoying a nap and some dinner. Tomorrow they’ll head down to Lone Pine for their celebratory pizza and beer!
That’s it for now.
Tye Chapman
March 15, 2012
Heading to high camp.
IMG Partner George Dunn checked in last night around 7pm (PST) from Camp 1 (10,000ft.) near Lower Boy Scout Lake on Mt. Whitney. The guys put in a good hard day. post-holing at times up the steep terrain, and were rewarded with a nice ‘balmy’ evening in camp.
Today they’ll pack up and head to their High Camp (12,200ft.).
All is well on Mt. Whitney.
Tye Chapman
March 12, 2013
Pheriche with Ama Dablam (Ang Nuru Sherpa)
Ang Nuru Sherpa, owner of the Himalayan Hotel in Pheriche, sent a photo of his lodge this morning after a snowstorm yesterday (the pointy peak in the background is Ama Dabam). Our lead team of 14 Pangboche-based sherpas, headed up by Karma Rita, are packing loads today and will be heading up to Base Camp tomorrow to start building the camp.
The sherpas report that Everest and the local mountains have received a good amount of snowfall this winter. That is good news for climbers, potentially making the route is less icy and rocky (especially on the Lhotse Face). Of course, lots can change in the next couple months, but we are glad to hear that at least the winter so far has had some good snowfall!
Eric Simonson
**Follow all of the Everest 2013 Coverage here!
March 6, 2013
Greg checked in this morning from Camp Muir:Â the team is in the middle of a great week on Mt. Rainier – despite the weather conditions! The opposite in fact is true; the rough conditions are providing some perfect training opportunities for the crew, most of who have their eyes on Denali this year or next.
40-50mph winds and some fresh snow yesterday, resulted in 1-2 feet of new/drifted snow this morning. Conditions today are a little better with lighter winds… “We’re going to do our best to be outside all day today!”, said Greg.
More snow, but lighter winds are in the forecast for tomorrow with some nice weather theoretically coming in on Friday – we’ll see.
The photos below were taken by IMG Guide Dustin Balderach a couple weeks ago on our last seminar – enjoy!
Tye Chapman
March 1, 2013
Winter conditions on Mt. Rainier. (Photo Ty Gimenez)
We’ve got another Denali Prep Seminar coming in this weekend, out in front will be Greg Vernovage. Assisting Greg will be Josh McDowell and Peter Adams.
Weekend To Do List:
Tye Chapman
February 26, 2013
Bragging about family’s OK once in a while, right? A couple of years ago, my cousin, Lew (Hook) Ershler, went with me to climb Kilimanjaro. As usual, we had a great trip. And, as usual, the entire team was extraordinarily impressed by the work done and friendship shown by our entire Chagga crew. How could he help? IMG has supported the Porter Assistance Program on Kili for years and Lew wanted to see what more could be done when he got home. Lew is on the Pro Patrol at Alta, Utah and has been for years. When he got home, he started making some phone calls. He was asking for used uniforms to be donated to the cause of equipping porters while climbing Kilimanjaro. Utah areas who contributed included : Alta, Brighton, The Canyons, Deer Valley and Park City. And contribute they did. Don’t know the total weight but it probably had the word ‘ton’ attached. The Porter Assistance Program honored Lew’s efforts with a plaque at the Rongai gate.
Thanks to all the ski areas who contributed and thanks, Lew, for all your efforts on behalf of the PAP and the great Chagga porters and guides who are working with us every time a group is on the mountain!
Phil Ershler
February 21, 2013
All is well with the Winter Seminar team – Austin checked in from Camp Muir reporting gusts around 30 mph, but no new snow. After a pancake breakfast, the team will work on crevasse rescue skills and fixed lines followed by snow shelters this afternoon.
The group will descend to Paradise on Friday and should be down at IMG headquarters in mid-afternoon.
George Dunn
