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

November 30, 2012

Resting with the boots off (Phil Ershler)

Spoke with Mike Hamill late yesterday afternoon.  Weather was reasonable where they were (C1) but he had the crew out reinforcing snow walls.  Winds were unreasonably high for a move to C2 and the forecast is for wind to continue for at least a couple more days.

The comfort level at C1 is much nicer than at C2 when weather is bad.  You can easily see the winds blowing snow up high when outside the tent at C1.  As long as you see those plumes, why bother going up?  The team has made their carry up high and they’re right where they should be.  48 hours of reasonable weather and they’re on the summit.  Mike and team are playing this just right.  As soon as the winds die, they’re off.

Phil Ershler

November 29, 2012

Camp 1 (photo by Ted Fairhurst)

Quick update from Antarctica… Mike Hamill reports the team is sitting at C1 waiting out some high winds. They’ve got everything they need and will just hang tight for a day (or three).

Phil Ershler

Location of Camp 1 (Phil Ershler)

November 26, 2012

Mike’s call today reported that they rallied and made the move to C1.  Everyone firing strong.  He said they got a good, secure camp built and will look at making a carry to high camp on the 27^th.  Weather remains good and forecast remains good.  Once they’ve carried to high camp, they’ll be in perfect position to either head for the top right away or, if weather says no, wait it out at C1 and then head straight up when the weather breaks.

So far, this is about as good as it gets.

Phil Ershler

November 26, 2012

Near Camp 1 on Vinson Massif (Phil Ershler)

We had good news from Antarctica throughout the holiday weekend.  IMG Senior Guide, Mike Hamill, and team were able to fly onto the Ice (Union Glacier) right on schedule, November 23. They spent that evening at the Union Glacier camp.  This is where the big IL76 lands.  ALE (the flight service) has the bulk of their infrastructure located here.  Lots of personnel, vehicles and supplies.

Early the following morning, the team flew the last 45 minutes over to Vinson base camp, about 7000 ft.  It was early, the weather was good and the team felt strong.  A quick sort, a quick pack and they took off to carry a load to C1, about 10,000 ft.  Food, fuel, some equipment were cached there and the crew returned to Vinson base.

Last call from Mike reported weather remaining good and I may hear today that they are moving to C1 or might even be carrying to C2.  I’ll let you know when Mike has a minute to call.

Phil Ershler