August 12, 2011
Just got the sat phone call from Greg Vernovage and crew on the current Bolivia expedition. The guys are already spoiled – weather probably couldn’t be better. Everyone’s healthy and acclimating well. That “prep†process continues tomorrow with a day of training and then it’s time to take a shot at summiting Piqueno Alpamayo.
We’ll take it.
Phil
August 11, 2011
The Team
Not really tough at all for our Bolivia team — we are acclimatizing great at Lake Titicaca and our climb of Sun Island could not have been a sweeter day. Â A nice ferry ride and great acclimatization hike filled with views and laughter. Â On top, we looked to the south and saw our next destinations of Pequeno Alpamayo, Huayna Potosi.
The mountains are reported to be in excellent climbing conditions. Like I say on Everest, when the team starts to look at me with the stare of NEEDING to climb now, well, that is when I know they are feeling healthy, acclimatized and ready to go.
Off we go tomorrow, for two mountains in seven days (then back to La Paz before going to Illimani).
Greg Vernovage
August 10, 2011
Early in the morning, our group reached the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu and watched the sun burn off the morning clouds revealing the end point of our trek. After a terrific tour of the ancient site, we were more than ready to head down to the small town of Aguas Calientes for much needed showers, delicious food, and a comfortable sleep in BEDS.
On Sunday we returned to Machu Picchu and climbed Huayna Picchu, the monolith of granite next to the ruins. It was a tough and steep hike, but the bird’s eye perspective of Machu Picchu was awe inspiring. One more night of celebration in Cusco wrapped up the trip as we all headed our separate ways for home. More than the impressive sights and a great trek, I appreciate the group we had. I cannot imagine a more fun and genuine group to spend time with on an adventure. Even before we departed ways there was talk about a reunion trek or climb in the near future. I am already looking forward to it.
Peter Anderson
August 10, 2011
There are not many places where you can acclimatize for high altitude climbing by going to the beach! Lake Titicaca (12,506 feet / 3,812 meters) is that place. Yesterday the team travelled to the resort town of Copacabana on the shore of the Lake, and today they took the ferry to the Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun). In the Inca religion, the god of the sun was born on this island, and there are many Inca ruins in the area.
Tomorrow, the team head for Huayna Potosi, and the climbing begins!
Eric Simonson
August 9, 2011
IMG Operations Manager, Tye Chapman, works hard all summer keeping our Rainier Programs running smoothly. But after a long summer in Washington, he needs to stretch his legs. So, this winter we’re sending him to Patagonia to lead our first ever trek in Torres del Paine National Park.
Tye loves to travel. Egypt, Australia, Germany, Spain, France, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Morocco and Thailand, to name a few, with Namibia and South Africa soon to follow. And somehow he’s found time to climb Rainier, as well as climb in Ecuador and Argentina as well as trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. If you’ve climbed with IMG before, you’ve likely spoken with Tye and can sense his enthusiasm.
This should be a spectacular trek, hitting all the classic hot spots along the trail, as well as a few of the hidden gems off the beaten path. The group will spend one night camping at the base of Las Torres and spend the next 6 nights in refugios (huts) along the way. From your house to the tip of South America and back in 2 weeks! It sounded so good that I’m going down with Susan and some friends later this year to check it out. We want to see it, too!
Phil Ershler
August 9, 2011
(Note this was received late on August 8th)
After breakfast today,  it was time to stretch the legs with a tour of La Paz.  Flying in to this elevation can make some a little hesitant to get after it.  Not here, this team is on top of it.  We had a great walk today, not a cloud in the sky, all the time looking up at Illimani, towering above the city. After a great lunch in the Witches Market we got some lessons on what symbols give you wealth and health and longevity, so we are getting up to speed on Bolivian culture.
This afternoon we wrapped up last minute details, finished packing, and got all ready to head out in the morning to the beach and Lake Titicaca.  I have a little surprise for the team on the way – I hope we can meet again the last remaining builder of the Ra II, who is a little over 80 now and he likes visitors.
How is the team doing? I think we were asked nicely to stop laughing so hard last night!  We are looking forward to a couple of ferry and boat rides tomorrow with an evening overlook of the town of Copacabana. SORRY everyone, this is NOT the Copacabana which Barry Manilow is talking about, but what the hell, sing it anyhow!
Greg Vernovage
August 8, 2011
The entire team and their luggage have now arrived in La Paz, which is a great start! Today we took care of a lot of chores.
El Alto, where we land, is over 13,000 feet and then we drop into La Paz at about 12,500. Â The keys to success today are to not move to fast, stay hydrated and get familiar with our teammates. Â This team is taking care of these things very well. Â We walked to the local grocery store and stocked up on a few more snacks and water.
I met with a one of our Bolivian guides and went over logistics for the climb. Â Last week, the mountain received a new layer of snow and the report is that all of our peaks are in great condition for climbing.
This afternoon was gear check time, it always goes a bit easier when all of the gear shows up. Â Everyone is checked out and making two duffels, much like Everest, a trekking duffel and a Base Camp duffel. Â It is pretty amazing how much Bolivia reminds me of the Himalaya. Â The landing is much like if you fly into Lhasa. Â The announcement comes on reminding you of your elevation and to not move to quickly. Â Acclimatization is like anywhere, patience and taking care of yourself.
We will take a walking tour around the city of La Paz tomorrow, visiting the San Francisco Cathedral, the Witches Market, Old Town La Paz and end up on a sweet little overlook higher in the city with great views of Illimani. Â La Paz is decorated with the brightest colors you can find. Â Friday was the celebration of their independence; 186 years I am told. Â Probably a good thing this team missed that party.
We ended the day with a great dinner a nice restaurant. Â Trout is one of the great foods of Bolivia, it did not let us down. Â Great dinner at La Comedie!
Greg Venovage
August 5, 2011
Machu Picchu. (Photo by Kelly Ryan)
Peter Anderson checked-in after a long day on the trail. The group is doing well and are getting ready to have dinner before they bed down for the night, so they get some rest before they try for a 4 am wakeup in the morning. Peter said that today was mystical on the trail as the team experienced better weather with clouds floating up and down the valley as they trekked along. The team also enjoyed meeting up with the “true Inca Trail.â€Â As they walked over the path of cobbled ancient stones, they ascended two passes, in addition to descending the large rock steps. They look forward to their shorter hike tomorrow, and should reach Machu Picchu early in the day.
Clarissa Morford
August 5, 2011
IMG client Katie Kaluza chimes in with her recent Mt. Baker experience with IMG…
“When I signed up to climb Mt Rainer with IMG this past spring, I had no expectations. The whole idea started and ended over beers in Mexico.  Without much research my friend Trish and I decided it was something we just had to do and sent in our forms once back in the states! Once we realized what we actually committed ourselves to, we were scared! With training, the right gear, great weather and a super fun group we had a ball, one of the best times ever. We failed to summit but either way, I was hooked. While the guides did an excellent job of giving us tips, pointers, and showing us the proper technique for “blue baggingâ€, the most important thing I learned on Rainier is that I didn’t know anything at all. Which brings me to Mt Baker.
I decided for my next climb I needed some serious training so I would not be the “Dope on a rope†as teammate Joe named us. One afternoon, while hard at work surfing the IMG website I saw they had a new climb! A three day Baker trip that included crevasse rescue, rope skills, all while getting the chance to summit. I was in! SOLD! Sent in my form and showed up on a beautiful Friday morning in late July.
We met at the ranger stating in Sedro Woolley. After a quick gear check, assignment of group food/gear, several coats of sunscreen we were off.  Again, I was blessed with a wonderful, kind and fun team, including one of the same guides from Rainer, Dustin! Our route was to be the Easton glacier. We made our way across a stream, over rocks, through the trees and came out at Schreiber’s Meadow, looking up at the summit, breathtaking. We continued up the railroad grade and came to rest at 6500ft, set up camp and started dinner (Which was delicious)! Who knew mac and cheese with sausage and peas would be such a great combo, a mountain delight. Maybe we were just hungry.  Ty and Dustin decided that due to weather, we would summit the following day. Before bed we went over rope travel, walking with crampons, and various other glacier travel skills.
We woke up at 4:45, when an “independent†team decided to go over rope training right outside our tents. Not happy. We saw them again on the mountain and were thankful for the expertise and knowledge of our guides.  After a quick breakfast we were off. The views were incredible. After 5 hours we made the summit! We celebrated with high-fives, water and a snack, all while taking in the views. We scurried down back to camp, unloaded our packs and got ready for training. We went over gear, and how to use it. Again, I was reminded of how much I didn’t know and how much I need to learn, which is why I was there. With the assistance of our guides Dustin and Ty, we set up a pulley system and learned how to pull someone out of a crevasse, should someone go in. After another delicious dinner we packed up our gear and retired to our tents, ready for our Sunday decent.
This trip was different than my Rainer climb. Smaller group, more training and less pressure. It was a perfect way to spend weekend in the pacific NW and something I’d highly recommend.”
-Katie Kaluza
August 5, 2011
Summit at daybreak (Photo by Jason Edwards)
Good weather on Mt. Rainier this week! This photo was taken by IMG guide Jason Edwards at high break on summit day just before 6:00 a.m.
It is always cold on top, but the skies are clear and the views magnificent.
George Dunn
