February 5, 2012
Phil called in early this morning from Mexico City, where the gang was ready to leave the hotel and move on to Tlachichuca. A good crew, favorable weather – the stage is set.
Becky Kjorvestad
Kili Team on Safari
February 6, 2012
We just heard from Craig John and the team on safari. They are enjoying some well deserved R&R! They flew to Serengeti and are basing out of our private camp for two nights. From there, they’ll move to another private camp in Ngorongoro. The wildlife viewing and weather has been very good. No doubt they’re going to bring some great pictures home!
Adam Angel
Cheetah getting ready to move in on its lunch, Serengeti. (Photo by Adam Angel)
Aconcagua Team Makes A Giant Carry To C1
February 5, 2012
Carry to C1 went off without a hitch.
They couldn’t watch the game, and I couldn’t tell who they were rooting for, but they were happy to get the score nonetheless.
Tomorrow they’ll move into C1…with a smile if they’re Giants fans.
Tye Chapman
Aconcagua Team Doing ‘Super’
February 5, 2012
Looking down on C1.
Greg checked in yesterday to report that the team is doing great. They enjoyed a nice rest day yesterday and plan on carrying to C1 today. He did ask me to keep my phone on and nearby so they could keep tabs on the big game today.
Tye Chapman
Another Kili Summit!
February 4, 2012
Craig John called in last night from the summit of Kilimanjaro. They had great weather and a fantastic climb. It was a long hard day, but the team is doing great. They should soon be walking into camp in the lowland forest. Lowland being 10,000 feet ! I’m sure it will be early to bed tonight. Tomorrow they’ll make the short easy hike to the park gate to finish off the climb. Nice work team!
Adam Angel
IMG Climbers approach the summit as twilight breaks, Kilimanjaro. (Photo by Adam Angel)
It’s A Small World
February 3, 2012
Sign on Koh Phi Phi Island in Thailand. (Photo by Tye Chapman)
Phil gave a quick call from LAX this morning as he makes his way south to Mexico to climb Orizaba next week. On his flight was IMG Guide Mike Hamill who is making his way to Argentina for another ascent of Aconcagua. The international terminals can be quite the social hub. Last fall I bumped in to IMG Guide Justin Merle in Korea after, without knowing, having been on the same flight from Bangkok 12 hours earlier.
Small world.
Tye Chapman
Next Stop Plaza Argentina
February 2, 2012
Casa Piedra. (Photo by Nick Hayward)
Another day and another good call from Greg, Ty and Martin. The team had a smooth day hiking up to Casa Piedra at about 10,000 ft, right alongside the Vacas River. Weather remains perfectly reasonable. Forecast, in fact, is favorable right through the weekend.
Next stop – Plaza Argentina – base camp on the Polish side of Aconcagua.
Phil Ershler
Kili Team at Karanga Camp
IMG Team under the southern glaciers on Kilimanjaro. (Photo by Adam Angel)
February 2, 2012
We just received a sat phone call from Craig John and the team at Karanga Camp on Kili. The clear and cold weather is persisting and the wind is picking up. It’s looking like a repeat of the last climb. With clear weather comes starry skies and great views of the lights of Moshi where the whole trip began. Tomorrow they’ll have a short day to their high camp at Barafu. Then it’s show time!
Adam Angel
So Far So Good
February 1, 2012
One of the many views along the way. (Photo by Tye Chapman)
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
Aconcagua Team Out The Door
February 1, 2012
Out the door. (Photo by Greg Vernonvage)
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