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

November 24, 2012

Vinson Base Camp

Phil Ershler