January 31, 2012

Aconcagua Team Loading Up (Photo by Greg Vernovage)

The crew packed up early this morning and began the drive to Penitentes.  If things go according to plan, they should meet Josh Tapp’s group in Penitentes when they complete their hike out from Plaza Mulas.  The meeting will be short as Josh’s group will have their blinders on focused on getting to Mendoza for a hot shower, a cold beer and dinner if they can keep their eyes open that long.

For Greg and team, the hike in to Plaza Argentina begins tomorrow morning.

Phil Ershler

January 31, 2012

IMG Senior Guide, Greg Vernovage, sent the following update yesterday evening. Ty Gimenez, Martin Lucero and Greg are leading our 4^th team of the season.  The last of the team arrived the evening of the 30^th and are off early on the 31^st for Penitentes and the mountain.

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We couldn’t help but stop at one of our favorite local restaurants for our pre-trip meal. In Argentina, beef is what’s for dinner! With that in mind, I’d like to introduce one of our climbers, Jed, to everyone.  Jed stands about 6’8″ and is a biscuit or two under 300lbs so we thought it best for him to give the ‘Baby Beef” a shot. The Baby Beef is not a baby at all, it is 600 grams (21oz) of some of the best tasting steak you can find.  Jed agreed 100%.

After dinner, we had to take a little walk to digest and we just had to stop for Gelato.  This place is great, if you have climbed Aconcagua with IMG then you know the place I’m talking about.  Some of the best!

As always, we spoke about all of the friends and family at home wishing us their best and watching the blog.  From all of us to all of you: Thank You! 

Greg

January 30, 2012

Hike down valley to the trailhead (Photo: Tye Chapman)

Josh Tapp and team called in from Plaza Mulas this morning.  They’re completely off the upper mountain.  One long day of hiking remains and they’re looking forward to a sit down dinner tomorrow night in Mendoza.

They’ll all be heading home very soon.

Phil Ershler

January 29, 2012

The Summit of Aconcagua from the summit ridge.

We knew IMG Senior Guide, Josh Tapp, and Argentine guide, Leandro Villegas, had a super strong team this trip.  The high winds began yesterday and are forecasted to continue into the middle of this coming week.  We also knew that a well-prepared, strong team might be able to find a little seam and push through some wind if they were careful.  It took the guys 7.5 hours to do exactly that this morning.  Up and down with everyone on top.  And, all fingers, toes and noses intact.  Shredded one tent at high camp but they can deal with that.

Congratulations, team.  This was a pretty impressive effort.  Jo – anniversary greeting from Doug.  He summited today for you.

Phil Ershler

January 27, 2012

High Camp. (Photo by Warren Wilhide)

IMG Senior Guide, Josh Tapp, called in today at 10:30 am Seattle time to report his team with Argentine guide, Leandro Villegas, was a high camp.  Weather was nice, somewhat warm actually.  Some winds are forecasted for tomorrow but the team plans on getting up and taking a look.  With a couple of contingent days remaining in their schedule, they are in perfect position to be patient and take their best shot.  Tents are up and water is boiling.

The team remains exceptionally healthy and exceptionally strong.  Game day is fast approaching.

Phil Ershler

January 26, 2012

In case you missed it, Eben’s Aconcagua team had a couple mishaps with some produce and their byproducts.  This IMG Blog Exclusive Follow-up illustrates what went wrong with some incredible photographic evidence. Below you’ll find a photo of the green pepper that, unfortunately, didn’t make it to base camp. You’ll also find a photo of the bottle of hot sauce that, despite the team’s discount-double-check on the security of its lid, spilled its contents into Eben’s Pack.

Even with their run-ins with these important issues, they managed to find the summit, and have a great time along the way.

Everybody is either back in Mendoza enjoying a couple R & R days or on their way home.

Tye Chapman

January 26, 2012

Maybe a nap after their carry to High Camp.

Got a very happy phone call this morning from C2 on Aconcagua. The crew had a great carry day to high camp. Up and down in under 3 hours. This is an exceptionally strong team and they seem to be having just a super time.

Weather is clear and sunny with about a 10 mph breeze from the north. High camp tomorrow is the plan with a summit attempt the day after.

Stay tuned.

Phil Ershler

January 25, 2012

Camp 2

Josh Tapp called in from Camp 2 on Aconcagua. Couldn’t have been a better day. Sunny, warm and not a breath of wind.  He and his team made short work of the climb today. They plan on carrying to High Camp tomorrow.

Phil Ershler