July 29, 2011
IMG friend and climber Jim Davidson (Cho Oyu 2009)Â has a new book which is the story of his 1992 climb of Liberty Ridge on Rainier.
Jim and his friend Mike made the summit, but their subsequent descent of the Emmons Glacier ended in a terrible accident. It’s quite a story, and for those of you who have been on Lib Ridge or the Emmons, you will recognize the terrain. Check it out!
Eric Simonson
July 28, 2011
White Neck Raven (Photo by Gary Lindbergh)
Eric Remza called in this morning, evening in Tanzania. Another stretch completed. The team is spending the night on the Shira Plateau, around 12,500’. Eric reports clear skies. The views of the mountain from Shira are pretty much unobstructed. Should be some serious star gazing going on.
Tomorrow’s a longer day. They’ll head pretty much straight up until they hit about 14,500’ at the Lava Tower. Then, it’s pretty much straight down to the Baranco Valley at about 13,000’. Let’s hope they have good weather for the 6-7 hour hike. ‘Climb high, sleep low’, perfect for acclimatization.
Phil Ershler
July 28, 2011
"Keep your eye on the prize" (Photo by Gary Lindberg)
On July 27, guide Eric Remza phoned in to say that all members had reached Machame Camp. 5.5 hours is good time. Elevation gain is close to 4,000’ so that’s a good effort.
First day is always exciting. After arriving at the Park Entrance, all the members need to register with the Park and it’s fun to watch porter loads being made up, weighed and distributed. Regulations are in place to keep porter loads to a reasonable amount. That’s a good thing and one we strongly support.
Easier day today with camp on the Shira Plateau being the goal. Pole, pole – one step at a time.
Phil Ershler
Ruins of Machu Picchu
July 26, 2011
IMG Guide, Kelly Ryan, called in today to let us know that the crew is heading for their campsite in Santa Teresa. Another great day with simply splendid weather. Being good is important, being lucky is better. This means the crew will be in Aguas Calientes and a beautiful hotel tomorrow evening. Even better is that day after tomorrow, they’ll be up early and heading for the ruins of Machu Picchu. They’re in for an incredible surprise. Here’s hoping the good weather continues to hold.
Phil Ershler
July 26, 2011
IMG Senior Guide, Eric Remza, reported in from Tanzania today that the July 24 Kilimanjaro team had arrived and with all their gear. Boy that’s a nice feeling. Now they begin to focus on the climb. Tomorrow’s a day to pack, rest and get over a bit of the jet lag. Excitement levels are building quickly. That’s good. Let the games begin.
Phil Ershler
View from the balcony of the Keys Hotel (photo by Gary Lindbergh)
July 25, 2011
Peruvian Sunrise
Kelly Ryan called in from the trail yesterday afternoon to report that all continues to go smoothly. The team is all smiles as they enjoy the trail and the spectacular views along the way.
Today, they will climb up to the beautiful, turquoise colored Suyrococha Lake at 13,900. After the lake they’ll continue up to the top of Salkantay Pass (15,180 feet), then they’ll enjoy spectacular views of the glacier and the surrounding peaks of the sacred mountain, Salkantay.
The day ends at their campsite at Collcapampa hot springs, located at around 14,000 feet. A big day but worth the effort!
Tye Chapman
July 24, 2011
The adventure begins.
IMG Guide Kelly Ryan checked in from Peru and reports that the team had a great day touring the local Inca sites and some open air markets in Cuzco. They took particular interest in the layers of history that are literally built on top of each other. Inca stone walls with Spanish mortared walls as the second story and the modern addition of electricity.
The local cuisine they dined on featured several of the thousands of different types of potatoes that grow in Peru. Carb. loading at it’s finest!
They’ll hit the trail today and make their way to their first tent camp at 11,800ft.
All is well.
Tye Chapman
July 22, 2011
IMG Guide Kelly Ryan checked in from Peru this morning and reported that everybody (and their luggage) made it to Cuzco in one piece. They battled long lines in Lima but once on the airplane they were awarded views of the Andes and Salkantay which had just been dusted with a fresh coat of new snow.
They’re all checked into their hotel and are off for lunch and a tour of the town.
All is well in Peru.
Tye Chapman
July 20, 2011
Jason was pretty excited last night when he called to say that the team had all reached Pinapa, safe and sound. The title of Heinrich Harrer’s famous story of the first ascent of Carstensz seems appropriate for this final dispatch for the Carstensz team.
The Dani village of Pinapa (Photo by Jim Walkley)
Mark, Jeff, Chris, Ted, Colin, Andrew, IMG guide Jason, and our Indonesian guides Steven and Joshua  have had a heck of an adventure. This afternoon they will have a final farewell meeting with their porters and then share a big dinner with them in the village. Then, early tomorrow they do the short hike to Ilaga, and hopefully catch the first of a string of flights that will take them back to friends and family, jobs, the internet, and all the things they have missed for the last couple weeks.
It has been a challenging trip for everyone, but they all pulled together and were a strong and competent team (everyone lost quite a bit of weight with 15 consecutive days of hard work, with little rest). Now they can all sit back, relax, and do some power eating.
Well done, team!!
Eric Simonson
July 20, 2011
Despite the rainy forecasts our Rainier teams have been having some success.
Little Tahoma. (Photo by IMG Guide Josh Tapp)
Emmons
These guys summited yesterday in good form. They’re en route to the trailhead now. Strong bunch of guys, well done!
DC
IMG Guide Emily Johnston reported in with good news; they summited yesterday evening after getting a jump on a little weather system that was scheduled to roll in on their summit day.
Kautz
Mike Haft reports good conditions on Day 2 of our Kautz Program. They’re moving up to High Camp today, and weather permitting, they’ll go for the summit tonight/tomorrow.
Fuhrer Finger
Our FF team departed today and will make their way to their first camp. More on these guys later.
Little Tahoma
The Little T team made their way off the mountain yesterday after a great trip. They summited on Monday; IMG’s first Little Tahoma summits. Pretty cool stuff!
The summer is flying by already!
Tye Chapman
