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
February 13, 2012
A lot going on in Latin America this week – here’s the latest news from our IMG teams abroad…
Nice day for a dip (Photo: Tye Chapman)
Patagonia Trek
The first IMG trek in Patagonia, led by Operations Manager Tye Chapman, is off and running. All trekkers, with all their luggage, arrived this evening in Punta Arenas, Chile. Breezy and cool in Punta with a bit of sun. Sounds about right for this time of year. Tomorrow morning, they head to Puerto Natales with a stop en route to say “Hi” to the penguins. Tye and Doug initiated the first annual Patagonia Polar Plunge by jumping into the Straights of Magellan.
Aconcagua
High camp, Aconcagua (Photo: Dale Funk)
We heard from both Mike and Greg today. Teams are doing well. Mike and crew carried to C1 today and plan on moving there Monday. Elevation – about 16,000 ft. Greg called from C3 – high camp. The team arrived in good form. We talked about forecasted weather and strategy. Weather is forecasted to remain clear but with increasing winds as the week progresses. The crew is planning on a 5 AM departure for the summit Monday morning. Keeping our fingers crossed.
Josh's Angels (Photo: Jim McGill)
Mexico
I was very ably joined on the Mexico trip by IMG guide, Josh McDowell. I’m not sure if the ladies on our climb took Josh under their wing or the other way around. That said, we finished off a great week with a great day/evening in Puebla before flying home to family, friends and commitments. We’ll be back in November 2012.
Phil Ershler
February 12, 2012
Cruising the market in Moshi
Another IMG Kili team has safely arrived in Moshi to begin our third climb of the season. Once again Craig John is leading the way. If you haven’t been following our climbs on Kili this year, this will be Craig’s 21st summit. Today the team toured the local market, visited with our friends at the Kilimanjaro Porter’s Assistance Project, and packed their duffles for the climb. Tomorrow they’ll head up to the Machame gate to start the journey to the top.
After months of preparation it always feels good to start putting one foot in front of the other on the trail. Stay tuned to the blog for updates!
Adam Angel
