Los Penitentes
February 15, 2012
Greg Vernovage and Team called from Penitentes. Long walk out from Mulas but it’s done.
Guys are now chomping at the bit to get to Mendoza. It’ll be a late arrival, but they’ll be happy.
Phil Ershler
February 15, 2012
Barranco Camp on Kilimanjaro (Photo: Adam Angel)
All is well at Barranco Camp on Kilimanjaro. Craig John reports that they’ve finally climbed above the rain, and the weather is shaping up nicely. Tomorrow they’ll ascend the “sporty” and fun Barranco wall before traversing underneath the spectacular southern glaciers. For now it’s time to get a good sleep in one of the prettiest camps on the planet!
Adam Angel
February 15, 2012
Tye just called in from the Patagonia and Torres del Paine trek. The crew headed up the Silent Valley on a climber’s trail this morning to try to sneak a peek at the ‘Torres’ from the backside and are now at the Refugio Chileno for the evening.
All’s well.
Phil Ershler
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
