January 4, 2012
Vinson Ridge. (Photo by Phil Ershler)
Another good day on the Ice. Weather improved and Greg and team moved up to high camp. Winds about 10 mph kept the walk into camp plenty cool. Team is preparing dinner and gear for a probable summit attempt in the morning. Forecast is encouraging and they’re exactly where they should be to take advantage of a break in the weather. Hoping we hear great news by this time tomorrow evening.
Phil Ershler
January 4, 2012
Park Ranger Margaret Anderson, 34, was fatally shot on Sunday, January 1 at Mount Rainier National Park. After a driver failed to pull over during a routine traffic stop, Ranger Anderson set up a road block to intercept the driver. The assailant got out of his vehicle and shot Ranger Anderson and then fled on foot. It took 90 minutes for back-up to reach Ranger Anderson because the assailant continued shooting at law enforcement as they arrived. Visitors at the Paradise area were in lock-down at the Jackson Visitor Center along with park staff through the day.
The shooter remained at large through the night. Park staff were assisted in the search for the shooter by Pierce County Sherriff’s Department, Washington State Patrol, and the FBI.
On Monday the 2nd, an aircraft spotted a body lying face down in the vicinity of Narada Falls. Searchers on the ground traversed challenging terrain to reach the subject and confirmed his identity as Benjamin Colton Barnes, the suspect in the shooting. Officials confirm that Barnes was found dead. He apparently died of exposure during the night.
Margaret is survived by her husband Eric, also a National Park employee and two small children.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Source: NPS
January 3, 2012
The view up valley from C1. (Photo by Phil Ershler)
Just spoke with Greg. They made the right call, even yesterday, with taking a rest day at C1 today. Weather was iffy and no reason to move higher into bad weather. They’re in a great position to hang tight and take their shot when the weather says now.
If winds die and weather improves tomorrow, they’ll head for high camp.
Phil Ershler
January 3, 2012
One of the many excellent views. (Photo by Mike Crowley)
Got word from Greg late last night. They had a great day carrying to high camp. Weather was pretty much flawless. Tomorrow looks like a good day for a rest at C1 and some additional acclimatization. They need 2 good days of weather to move up to high camp and take a shot at the summit. All’s good, so far.
Phil Ershler
January 2, 2012
Early on New Year’s day, the first IMG team of the season stood on top of Aconcagua. Weather was exceptionally good from high camp to the summit and then a nasty snowstorm on the way down. All are tired, but safe and happy.
Today they’re descending to Plaza Mulas on the Horcones Valley side. Doing a ‘traverse’ allows the crew to get down and out quicker. Plus, it’s just more fun and gives the team an opportunity to see this other side of the mountain.
Good way to start the New Year.
Phil Ershler
Aconcagua (Photo: Phil Ershler)
January 1, 2012
Mike Hamill made a final check-in today from Arusha. Â The gang had a great safari and saw lots of big game. Â Everyone’s headed home today with great memories, stories and pictures. Â A couple of long flights home and it’s a wrap. Â Once again everybody, nice job.
Now it’s time to kick off another successful year on Kilimanjaro! Â Craig John will be heading over in a couple of weeks to lead our next climbs. Â There is still one spot left for a male climber on our February 10 departure, don’t wait until 2013!
Happy New Year,
Adam Angel
December 31, 2011
One last blog post this year – straight from Phil to the IMG staff. I thought it would be a nice way to end the year on the IMG Blog. Enjoy!
The sun setting on High Camp on Aconcagua. (Photo by Tye Chapman)
Hey, spoke with Eben and Greg late this afternoon. All is well to end the year. Greg is at C1 with his crew on Vinson and Eben at high camp on Aconcagua. Weather excellent in both locations. Eben should head for the summit in the morning and Greg is taking a rest at C1 on Vinson. A good way to end the year.
Phil
—
Tye Chapman
December 29, 2011
Flight deck of an IL 76 (Photo: Phil Ershler)
Greg emailed to let us know that the team got the call early this morning that flight conditions looked good and that they were heading for the airport. That puts them right on schedule. With luck, they may even get to Vinson base this evening.
So, all’s good on the Ice.
Phil Ershler
December 29, 2011
Mike Hamill just checked in from Arusha. Last night the whole team celebrated their achievements on the mountain with a huge dinner and toasts all around. Today they are flying to Serengeti to begin safari. Time for some well deserved R&R. They’ll ring in the New Year from the Rim of Ngorongoro Crater, 11 hours before we do the same here on the West Coast.
Adam Angel
IMG Team arriving at the airstrip near the Seronera River, Serengeti. (Photo by Nichole Linhardt)
December 28, 2011
Ameghino Saddle (Photo: Phil Ershler)
Another great call just 5 minutes ago from the team at C2.
The move went well. Weather remains good and the team has been performing well. Forecast for the next few days is also positive. The chess game begins. Trick is to put themselves in the right place at the right time to take advantage of any openings mother nature provides.
So far, they are doing just that.
Phil Ershler
