Patagonia Trek Winding Down

February 21, 2012

Guanaco in front of the Torres in the background (Photo: Tye Chapman)

Just heard from Tye and the Patagonia Team.Â The trekkers put in a long day hiking along the Grey Glacier yesterday, where they were rewarded with “spectacular, incredible, awesome views”.Â Hung out with some icebergs this morning while waiting for the boat to take them across Lago Grey, then after another short hike to a lookout point at Mount Ferrier, hopped a ride back to Natales.Â An absolutely perfect day, one of many they enjoyed all week.

And now the trekking is done, all that’s left is some showers, shopping and a nice dinner in Natales tonight.Â The gang takes a drive to Punta tomorrow, and from there will prepare to catch flights back home.

Becky Kjorvestad

Another Kili Team Gears Up

February 21, 2012

Phil and the Team (Photo: Susan Ershler)

Phil Ershler called in early this morning to report that all team members and luggage have arrived safely.Â Today they’ll enjoy a nice day at the hotel, recover from jet lag, and work on getting all packed up for tomorrow.Â They’ll head out for Day 1 of their climb bright and early tomorrow morning.Â All’s well!

Becky Kjorvestad

Short Rest, Long Hike

Plaza de Mulas (Photo: Tye Chapman)

February 20, 2012

Mike Hamill and team called in from Plaza Mulas to let us know they made it safe & sound to base camp.Â They’ll make the long hike out to Mendoza tomorrow, and enjoy a nice dinner later that evening.

Home soon!

Becky Kjorvestad

It’s Safari Time.

February 20, 2012

Fresh off the summit of Kilimanjaro, the team began safari today.Â They flew out to Serengeti where the Landcruisers and drivers were waiting.Â The flight is a really cool experience and saves a ton of driving.Â From there they will travel overland through Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and all the way back to Arusha.Â The game viewing has been great!

Adam Angel

Lion Cub on Serengeti. (Photo by Adam Angel)

Summit Success On Aconcagua

February 19, 2012

Aconcagua (Photo: Phil Ershler)

Mike called today saying they made the top and are almost back to high camp. Time for these horses to head for the barn.Â Congratulations.Â That means all IMG teams have reached the summit this season.

Phil Ershler

Wish You Were There?

February 19, 2012

Tye sent some photos early this morning of some of those spectacular views he’s been talking about on the Patagonia Trek.Â No exaggeration there – take a look!

: The team, with Los Torres in the background (Photo: Tye Chapman)

: Lenticular cloud formation over Lake Nordenskold (Photo: Tye Chapman)

: French Valley (Photo: Tye Chapman)

Becky Kjorvestad

Weekend Update From South America

February 18, 2012

Phil heard from the teams today, here’s whats happening...

Aconcagua

Mike, Luke, Leandro and crew are all at C3, high camp.Â The gang is feeling the altitude but all are there and hoping Sunday provides the weather needed to take a shot at the summit.Â It was a little snowy and blustery when the crew arrive at C3 on Saturday afternoon but Mike reported he could see blue sky above.Â Theyâ€™re where they should be and will take a shot as soon as the mountain says go.

Patagonia

We heard from Tye and team on Saturday afternoon.Â I think these guys are just having way too much fun.Â About 5 hours hiking from the Refugio Cuernos brought them to Lake Pehoe and a catamaran ride across the lake.Â A short drive, passing the waterfall Salto Grande, en route and theyâ€™re now enjoying the luxuries of the Hotel Tyndall.Â Tye couldnâ€™t quit talking about the views.Â Simply spectacular came out of his mouth on several occasions.Â Logo Grey is their next destination.

Phil Ershler

Kili Team Summits!

February 18, 2012

IMG climbers at Uhuru Point, the Roof of Africa! (Photo by Adam Angel)

Craig John called in from the summit of Kilimanjaro. Â 100% to the top. Â Nice work team! Â They will descend to their forest camp at 10,000′ and spend one more night on the mountain before wrapping this thing up. Â Tonight, we can almost guarantee one of the best night’s sleep they’ll ever have! Congratulations to the whole team.

Adam Angel

It Just Keeps Getting Better

February 17, 2012

Torres del Paine amanece

Incredible! â€“ was the one word trip update from Tye Chapman and our Patagonia trek this afternoon.Â Views were out of this world.Â Up the French Valley today, maybe 15 km and about 9 hours round trip.Â Back at the Cuernos Refugio for a second night.Â Showers have been taken and the dinner call will come soon.Â I may have to go on this trek personally, and soon.

Phil Ershler

Kili Team at High Camp

February 17, 2012

Craig John just called in from our high camp at Barafu on Kilimanjaro.Â They had a little snow this afternoon, but are moving into clearing weather.Â Everyone is doing well and settling in for a few hours of sleep before heading to the summit.Â Wake at 11, walk at 12, step onto the crater rim as the sun rises.Â Perfect.

Adam Angel

IMG climbers heading to our high camp at Barafu, Kilimanjaro. (Photo by Adam Angel)