February 1, 2012
Greg called in from Pampa de Llenas, the first camp on the approach to Aconcagua Base Camp. So far so good, just as expected.
Phil Ershler
February 1, 2012
Greg called in from Pampa de Llenas, the first camp on the approach to Aconcagua Base Camp. So far so good, just as expected.
Phil Ershler
February 1, 2012
The 3 day trek to base camp, Plaza Argentina, begins today. Mules carry the group gear and most of each individual’s personal kit. Makes for enjoyable walking. Important, too, as taking the time to acclimatize well is critical to success further along.
Phil Ershler
February 1, 2012
Craig John just called in from Barranco Camp at 13,000′ on Kilimanjaro. Another spectacular clear and cold day. They covered a lot of ground today and gave the lungs and legs a good workout. They will sleep well tonight! Tomorrow is one of the most enjoyable days of the climb when they will ascend the scrambling terrain of the Barranco wall on the way to Karanga. Keep up the good work team!
Adam Angel
January 31, 2012
The crew packed up early this morning and began the drive to Penitentes. If things go according to plan, they should meet Josh Tapp’s group in Penitentes when they complete their hike out from Plaza Mulas. The meeting will be short as Josh’s group will have their blinders on focused on getting to Mendoza for a hot shower, a cold beer and dinner if they can keep their eyes open that long.
For Greg and team, the hike in to Plaza Argentina begins tomorrow morning.
Phil Ershler
January 31, 2012
IMG Senior Guide, Greg Vernovage, sent the following update yesterday evening. Ty Gimenez, Martin Lucero and Greg are leading our 4th team of the season. The last of the team arrived the evening of the 30th and are off early on the 31st for Penitentes and the mountain.
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We couldn’t help but stop at one of our favorite local restaurants for our pre-trip meal. In Argentina, beef is what’s for dinner! With that in mind, I’d like to introduce one of our climbers, Jed, to everyone. Jed stands about 6’8″ and is a biscuit or two under 300lbs so we thought it best for him to give the ‘Baby Beef” a shot. The Baby Beef is not a baby at all, it is 600 grams (21oz) of some of the best tasting steak you can find. Jed agreed 100%.
After dinner, we had to take a little walk to digest and we just had to stop for Gelato.  This place is great, if you have climbed Aconcagua with IMG then you know the place I’m talking about. Some of the best!
As always, we spoke about all of the friends and family at home wishing us their best and watching the blog. Â From all of us to all of you: Thank You!Â
Greg
January 31, 2012
We just heard from Craig John and the team at Shira Camp on Kilimanjaro. The group is doing well, and enjoying a good spell of clear weather. Craig reports that like the climb he just completed, it is very cold. Much colder than usual. If you are on the next climb make sure to bring a good down parka with a hood! The team feels strong and everyone is excited for tomorrow when they will ascend up and around Lava Tower on the way to Baranco Camp. They’ll touch 15,000′ and see how their legs and lungs like it! Looking good.
Adam Angel
January 30, 2012
Josh Tapp and team called in from Plaza Mulas this morning. They’re completely off the upper mountain. One long day of hiking remains and they’re looking forward to a sit down dinner tomorrow night in Mendoza.
They’ll all be heading home very soon.
Phil Ershler
January 29, 2012
We knew IMG Senior Guide, Josh Tapp, and Argentine guide, Leandro Villegas, had a super strong team this trip. The high winds began yesterday and are forecasted to continue into the middle of this coming week. We also knew that a well-prepared, strong team might be able to find a little seam and push through some wind if they were careful. It took the guys 7.5 hours to do exactly that this morning. Up and down with everyone on top. And, all fingers, toes and noses intact. Shredded one tent at high camp but they can deal with that.
Congratulations, team. This was a pretty impressive effort. Jo – anniversary greeting from Doug. He summited today for you.
Phil Ershler
January 28, 2012
The second Kili Team (and all their bags) are “present and accounted for” in Moshi. We always breathe a huge sigh of relief once we’ve got the whole group together half way around the world. After a quick foot tour of town and a visit to the Kilimanjaro Porter’s Assistance Project, they’ll spend the rest of the day preparing for the climb. Tomorrow they’ll get an early start and drive to the park gate where the climbing begins.
Adam Angel
January 27, 2012
IMG Senior Guide, Josh Tapp, called in today at 10:30 am Seattle time to report his team with Argentine guide, Leandro Villegas, was a high camp. Weather was nice, somewhat warm actually. Some winds are forecasted for tomorrow but the team plans on getting up and taking a look. With a couple of contingent days remaining in their schedule, they are in perfect position to be patient and take their best shot. Tents are up and water is boiling.
The team remains exceptionally healthy and exceptionally strong. Game day is fast approaching.
Phil Ershler