What everyone hopes to see soon. (Photo by Pat McCrann)

Another day has come and gone in Antarctica.  Weather just isn’t right yet for the plane to be called.  Keep in mind, it’s close to 2000 miles from Punta Arenas, Chile to the Union Glacier.  Long ways.  And, it’s definitely a VFR (Visual Flight Rules)  landing and takeoff.  So, Greg’s crew is sitting at Union Glacier waiting to fly home and Mike’s crew is sitting in Punta waiting to fly on.  That’s OK.  It’s Antarctica!

Phil Ershler

January 10, 2011

Photo: Pat McCrann

Today was the scheduled date for our final trip of the season to fly to the Ice and our group currently on the Ice to fly off.  Neither is going to happen today.  Visibility at the Union Glacier is just not good enough to permit the flight to be called in.  That’s par for the course in Antarctica.  And hey, way better to be safe than sorry.  Both groups – the one in Punta and the one on the Ice – are safe and warm.  Both teams obviously chomping at the bit, for different reasons, but both understand where they are and where they’re going.  What the heck, it’s only Antarctica!

Phil Ershler

January 7, 2011

Living in the lap of luxury in the Union Glacier Weatherport Tent. Photo by Pat McCrann.

We’re about ready to call it good for this successful IMG Vinson Expedition.  IMG Senior Guides, Greg Vernovage and Aaron Mainer and all six team members have returned to the comforts of Union Glacier camp.

They’re sitting around in a big Weather Port tent.  It’s heated and they’re being served three meals a day.  Scenery is spectacular and they’re probably playing cards, drinking coffee and sleeping most of the day.  Tentative flight to South America is on the 10^th.  But hey, it’s Antarctica.  Things change.

Regardless of which day they fly, it’s been a super smooth, super safe and super successful trip.  Antarctica provided the team a memory which will last a long time.

Phil Ershler

January 6, 2011

Returning to Vinson high camp. (Photo by Pat McCrann)

Spoke with Greg Vernovage last evening after the team had returned from a great summit day.  100% on top.  That makes 14 IMG customers with 4 IMG guides who have summited Vinson so far this season.  We couldn’t be happier for them.  And to top it off, it was pretty much a perfect weather day.  Now, that’s either good planning or a lot of luck.  Truth is that it’s probably a bit of both.  Regardless, results speak for themselves.

Today the team heads to Vinson base camp.  Flights back to the Union Glacier and then on to Punta Arenas, Chile will likely be in a couple of days.  The tentative fly day for the IL76 is January 10^th.  Who knows, maybe they get a bit more luck and get out earlier.  Regardless, not hard sitting either at VBC or the Union Glacier with the summit in hand.

Senior Guide, Mike Hamill, is now on deck with the final IMG group for the season.  Mike returns to the Ice almost annually to lead a group of IMG climbers up Vinson.  We’ll keep you posted on their progress.

Phil Ershler

January 5, 20100

Heading for the Vinson summit via the ‘variation’ ridge.’ (Photo by Pat McCrann)

We spoke with team leader, Greg Vernovage, last evening.  He was calling from high camp on Vinson Massif.  All team members reached camp today in good style and in reasonably good weather.

They were just finishing up dinner and getting ready for their summit attempt.  Best of all is the forecast.  It’s holding good.  No way the group will take a rest day now.  When the fish are running, it’s time to go fishing.  The mountain is providing the opportunity and they’ve put themselves in position to take advantage.  When the sun hits the tents, they’ll be up, getting the stoves going for a hot drink and a bite to eat, closing up the tents, getting packs on and heading for the summit.  We’ll let you know, when we know, how it all turns out.

Game day!

Phil Ershler

January 4, 2011

Heading for the start of the fixed ropes to high camp. (Photo by Pat McCrann)

The group is heading to high camp today.  All members are healthy and doing well.  One good blister but that’s manageable.  Forecast remains good for the next three days.  The team really couldn’t be in a better position.  They won’t rest at high camp after this move.  Tomorrow morning, they’ll be on their way to the top.  Sun hits high camp a little before 8 am, their time.  Figure 2 hours to get up, dressed, fed and watered and then they’ll be walking.  Around 12 hours to round trip the thing from high camp.  Sun doesn’t go behind the mountains until well after midnight so they’ll likely have a bit of warmth when they return.

Phil Ershler