December 10, 2012

Not entirely featureless on the terrain (Pat McCran)

Mike Hamill called in Sunday, somewhere south of 89 degrees.  They were able to fly to the 89 degree S point on Saturday and even got in a couple of km. that day.  Sunday was a full ski day.  So far, so good.  Mike said the winds weren’t unreasonable.  When going towards the Pole, any wind is going to be in your face normally.  The katabatic winds sink and head north from the Pole.  You just hope they’re not too strong.  The scenery – well, that’s not going to change much for the entire 100 km.  The terrain is relatively ‘featureless’ once you get that far south.

But Vanessa and Mike are off and running.  All’s good.

Phil Ershler

December 7, 2012

The edge of the continent.

The IL 76 is in the air.  Tim and John will be in Punta in time for a late supper.  Mike and Vanessa will be staying, joining the ALE group to do the Last Degree.  They’ll fly out to 89 degrees South and then ski the last 100 km to the Pole.  Takes about a week and the plane will pick them up at the Pole.  Pretty cool way to cap off a successful Vinson expedition.

We’ll post any new from Mike and Vanessa during their ski to the Pole so don’t go too far away.

Read what Mike has to say about the Vinson climb in his new book – “Climbing the Seven Summits”.  Published by Mountaineers Books, it’s a great read and a great resource.

Greg Vernovage will be flying on Christmas day, meeting the next crew in Punta on December 27^th.

Phil Ershler

December 6, 2012

Union Glacier (Photo by Greg Vernovage)

Hamill called in this afternoon to report that he and the team are already back at Union Glacier awaiting the IL-76 from the Chile. Today they enjoyed some gorgeous views of Mt. Shinn on their flight back to Union Glacier from Vinson Base Camp.

It’s possible the IL-76 will head their way tomorrow, but as is always the case in Antarctica, time and weather will tell. Until then they are standing by.

Tye Chapman

December 5, 2012

The last steps.

Talked to Mike Hamill at 2:20 pm.  Mike and team had just returned to high camp from the summit of Vinson.  10 hours, round trip.  Everyone shook hands on the summit and the weather was quite good.  Mike played this one just right.  After their carry to high camp, the team waited at C1 instead of trying to battle the winds up high.  When the weather broke, they were in perfect position to head to high camp and summit the following day.  Great job, gang.  They’ll return all the way to Vinson base tomorrow.  Then, it’s simply a matter of waiting until it’s time to fly.  Great Vinson trip with a great team.

We’ll let everyone know when they get down and also when it looks like they’ll be able to fly off the Ice.  No hurry – they’re enjoying their time on the Ice.

Phil Ershler

December 4 , 2012

View from above.

Mike called at 4:30 pm, Seattle time.  The entire team is at high camp.  Weather is perfect.  Winds are predicted to increase somewhat tomorrow but they may well have a shot in the morning.  If you’re at high camp and the weather is favorable, that’s no time to be taking a rest day.  They’ll definitely take a shot tomorrow if the weather gives them the green light.

Check in tomorrow.

Phil Ershler

Just swaying in the breeze... (Phil Ershler)

December 3, 2012

Just spoke with Mike at C1.  It’s stayed windy up high but it’s ‘relatively’ pleasant at C1.  Good news is that the forecast is improving and the prediction is for the winds to begin to lessen.  But remember, it’s just a forecast.  The team is well-positioned and ready.  Just need a little cooperation from the weather.  Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Phil Ershler

December 2, 2012

What a windy day on the fixed lines looks like (Eric Remza)

Mike called over the weekend.  No relief from the winds at high camp.  Mike and team are just happy they made the right decision to wait this one out at C1.

Tim and Mike took several hours and hoofed it down to Vinson base camp to pick up more food and fuel.  Vanessa and John stayed at C1 and reinforced walls.  Forecast still calls for a few more windy days.  With a good camp and plenty of supplies, the team is right where they should be.  They’ll be chomping at the bit to head high when their opportunity comes.

All good on the Ice.

Phil Ershler