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
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
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
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
February 1, 2012
Craig John just called in from Barranco Camp at 13,000′ on Kilimanjaro. Another spectacular clear and cold day. They covered a lot of ground today and gave the lungs and legs a good workout. They will sleep well tonight! Tomorrow is one of the most enjoyable days of the climb when they will ascend the scrambling terrain of the Barranco wall on the way to Karanga. Keep up the good work team!
Adam Angel
Heading towards the mountain on Day 3 of the climb, Kilimanjaro. (Photo by Shanna Angel)
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 4th team of the season. The last of the team arrived the evening of the 30th and are off early on the 31st 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. Â From all of us to all of you: Thank You!Â
Greg
January 31, 2012
We just heard from Craig John and the team at Shira Camp on Kilimanjaro. The group is doing well, and enjoying a good spell of clear weather. Craig reports that like the climb he just completed, it is very cold. Much colder than usual. If you are on the next climb make sure to bring a good down parka with a hood! The team feels strong and everyone is excited for tomorrow when they will ascend up and around Lava Tower on the way to Baranco Camp. They’ll touch 15,000′ and see how their legs and lungs like it! Looking good.
Adam Angel
IMG climbers enjoying the sunset and Mt. Meru from Shira Camp on Kilimanjaro (Photo by Shanna Angel)
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
