February 15, 2012
The guys put in another solid day today. They set up camp at C2 and already thinking about their carry tomorrow to C3. Typically, a rest day follows that carry to high camp prior to moving up.
All remains good.
Phil Ershler
C2 (Photo: Nick Hayward)
A view of Torres del Paine
February 14, 2012
Just heard from Patagonia trek leader, Tye Chapman. 7 hours of hiking brings the first day on the trail to an end. A little wind and a little rain in the morning and the afternoon ended in beautiful sunshine. View of the Torres were great.
Group’s happy and healthy.
Phil Ershler
February 14, 2012
Snack time at Plaza de Mulas (Photo: Dale Funk)
We’re about ready to wrap this one up. Greg called to report they were dining on pizza in Plaza Mulas. The hard work is over. Mules carry out the group gear and most of the personal gear tomorrow. The guys will be in Mendoza later tomorrow evening.
It’s all over now except for the shouting.
Phil Ershler
February 14, 2012
The path to Shira Camp gains altitude quickly. Today the team ascended in light rain, but into clearing skies. Tomorrow they’ll tackle one of the longer days up around Lava Tower and back down to Baranco Camp. Looking good…
Adam Angel
IMG Climbers ascend the steep trail to Shira Camp, Kilimanjaro. (Photo by Adam Angel)
The approach to C2 (Photo by Tye Chapman)
February 14, 2012
The carry to Camp 2, just above the Ameghino Saddle, went well for Mike Hamill’s team today. They’re already back at C1.
More than anything, the entire team wanted to send Valentine’s Day greetings to all their loved ones.
Another good day is in the books.
Phil Ershler
February 13, 2012
Just received the afternoon call from Mike Hamill and his Aconcagua crew. All up at C1 today and all’s good. Plan is a carry tomorrow to C2.
Phil Ershler
C1 (photo: Nick Hayward)
February 13, 2012
The penguin colony (photo: Tye Chapman)
A picture perfect day today!
We had a nice little breakfast, quick stroll around town, exchanged some money, and rubbed Magellan’s foot (it’s a good luck thing).
We loaded up the van at 10am and off we went to the Penguinera (penquinera colony). Most of the penguins were dressed better than our “mountain casual” attire, but they tolerated us just the same. It is molting season so all the little ones are growing up and getting their big penguin feathers. Perfect time to visit.
After chatting with the penguins we loaded up and made our was to Puerto Natales. Natales is a wonderful little tourist friendly jumping off point for all things Patagonia.
Last minute gear check tonight, dinner, then we’re off to officially start trekking tomorrow.
We’re all smiles between the jaw dropping views thus far. Tomorrow we put on the packs.
Tye
February 13, 2012
The view from up high (photo: Dale Funk)
Team 4 summited Aconcagua this morning. 5 a.m. was the departure time and the team was back at high camp exactly 12 hours later.  Weather was good going up and on top. Winds were calm on the summit, allowing the crew to take photos for 35 minutes prior to heading down. Time now for these horses to head for the barn. A huge congratulations to all.
Phil Ershler
February 13, 2012
John Race reviewing rope skills (Photo: George Dunn)
In late January IMG guides met in Ouray, Colorado to review ice guiding skills and to share the latest techniques and technologies. With over 200 routes in the ice-park and dozens of backcountry climbs a short drive from town there is never a shortage of ice real estate to play on in Ouray. The town of Ouray is nestled in a cul-de-sac of the San Juan Mountain range and boasts a multitude of hot-springs and good beer: two very good things to follow up a day on the ice with.
Our first day of guide training was spent on ice and top-rope anchors, various rappelling and lowering techniques, and instructional methods. Who better to learn from than the people that are out there using these skills every day. IMG lead guides Justin Merle and John Race led our training with the same expertise and humor that they bring to the “office†every day.
The Guides at play (Photo: Nick Laws)
The second day of training was used to review multi-pitch ice guiding methods. This training covered much of the skills that we use on longer alpine ice routes, like the Kautz Route or Liberty Ridge on Mt. Rainier. One of the more difficult skills to get dialed is managing hundreds of feet of multiple ropes while hanging from the side of a ice fall.
It was another great winter IMG guide training. There’s no better place than Ouray, in my opinion, to work on your ice climbing skills. Hopefully you can join us there for one of our ice climbing seminars.
Nick Laws, IMG guide
IMG Climbers on the rainforest approach to Machame Camp, Kilimanajaro. (Photo by Adam Angel)
February 13, 2012
Craig John called in today from Machame Camp on Kilimanjaro. After two dry and cold climbs Craig reports that the rains have returned. The entire team is doing great and is happy to have day one in the history books. There is a good chance they will climb above the rain tomorrow, which is always nice. The change in weather might also signal warmer temperatures for summit day. That’s a long way off though; one day at a time.
Adam Angel
