July 12, 2012
Sunset (Mike Stack)
So, I’m beginning to wonder if these guys are having too much fun.  Talked to Eben today and he said weather continues to be about perfect and everyone is just doing well.  They’re at the Karanga Camp for tonight, maybe 13,500’.  He said sunsets have been awesome.
Phil Ershler
July 12, 2012
Carstensz Base Camp
IMG senior guide Dan Zokaites reports on the sat phone that the Carstensz team is getting loaded up right now to start hiking from Base Camp, on their homeward journey. Â They are shooting for a 4 day trek, but if necessary they can take a 5th day. Â Their porters all want to be back to Sugapa village in time to vote in the local elections coming up in a few days, so they are motivated to make it happen! Â Everyone is doing well and is looking forward to heading out. Â The weather has been great and the team are hoping it continues!
July 12, 2012
Guide Igor Tsaruk in front of the Kashkotash Glacier
We received an email from Elbrus team leader, Mike Hamill, yesterday. Weather was nice as the team did an acclimatization hike up to an observatory located on the side of Elbrus. Today, the team heads to the Kashkotash Glacier to get in a day of training on the ice. The Kashkotash is a dry glacier that provides an excellent place to work on cramponing and ice climbing skills. It takes a special permit to get into this area, but it’s worth it. They’ll be heading up to Elbrus itself soon. All’s good!
Phil Ershler
July 12, 2012
The gang at the lava tower
They’ve been up from Shira Camp, past the Lava Tower and got to Baranco Camp yesterday. Weather is great, team is great. Today’s morning is fun with a climb of the Baranco Wall and then a quick jaunt over to Karanga Camp. Sleeping altitude will be about the same – 13,000’. Trip couldn’t be going smoother, reports IMG guide Eben Reckord. Let’s hope nothing changes. Everyone’s happy and healthy. The photos Eben’s been able to get out sort of reflect that.
Phil Ershler
July 12, 2012
The Traverse (Jason Edwards)
Success! Summit! Dan Zokaites called in yesterday evening to let us know that the team was on top. Weather was super. Even better, he called back in the evening (Seattle time), to let us know they were off the climb, back on the ground and about a half hour from high camp. The trek out begins today. Getting out is about as hard as getting in so there’s still work to be done. However, my guess is that there’s going to be a little extra energy in everyone’s step as they now have the summit in their pocket. Well done, Dan and team.
A little extra piece is associated with this climb – climber Carol, who’s been with us many times before, is now not only the oldest female to have made the Seven Summits (Kosciuszko list) she is also now the oldest female to have completed the Seven including Carstensz. Well done, Carol. More than a little impressive. You’re not supposed to discuss a woman’s age but, in this case, I don’t think Carol will mind. Think 65.
Phil Ershler
July 10, 2012
Heading towards New Zealand Pass (Jason Edwards)
IMG Senior Guide, Dan Zokaites, called in a bit ago. He’s ready to finish the approach to BC today with the team. Leaving in about a half hour. There’s nothing easy about the approach to Carstensz but the team is hanging in there. Their plan is to take a shot at the summit the following day if weather/strength allows. If either is problematic, he does have one contingent day on the schedule to possibly use. So, if comms allow, we should hear from him again tomorrow afternoon, our time. We’re wishing the crew the best of luck.
Phil Ershler
Waterfall on the hike to the observatory (Viki Tracey)
July 10, 2012
Mike Hamill called in to report that the first Elbrus crew if off to a good start. Everyone arrived, with all their gear and ready to go. We always go in through St. Petersburg and out through Moscow. The idea is to see as much of Russia as we can. After their day and a half of sightseeing in St. Petersburg, they flew down to Mineralnye Vody and did the 4 hour drive up to the village of Terskol, in the Baksan Valley.
Tomorrow’s an acclimatization hike of about 3000 vertical feet to an observatory at the base of Elbrus.
We’ll keep you posted on how they’re doing.
Phil Ershler
July 10, 2012
Kili Team at Shira Camp
I was tempted to title this blog post “fat, dumb and happy†but I’ll refrain. Regardless of what I was thinking, the team is well and now at the Shira Camp around 12,500’. A bit misty early but perfect sunshine for most of the day. Warm, too. The day to Shira is fairly short so the crew will have plenty of time to soak up the rays. They’ll have to work a bit hard tomorrow as they head up past the Lava Tower and drop into Baranco Camp. No worries – they’ll be well-rested after today.
Phil Ershler
July 10, 2012
IMG guide Dan Zokaitas reports by sat phone that the team has now crossed the Plateau and is at the foot of New Zealand Pass. Tomorrow they will climb up and over the Pass, and drop down into the Mt Carstensz Base Camp. Weather has been good and the views have been great, now that they are up out of the forest.
Eric Simonson
Weather at 14k Camp (Michael Bellamy)
July 9, 2012
Greg called this afternoon from 14000’. Not terrible but not good enough to head up. The crew continues to hang in there.
Fun fact – the NPS just flew the last of their loads out from 14K for the season. May be time for the NPS to head home but not the handful of determined teams remaining on the mountain.
Phil Ershler
