April 5, 2010

George called in from the ski slopes of Mammoth Lakes this morning where he’s taking a small family vacation after a couple winter climbs of Whitney.

He said his last climb summitted in some epic (but safe) conditions! They had 9 of 12 on top – unfortunately one team member had to head downhill due to some health concerns.  So one of the guides along with climber Chuck Norman, who is a trained U.S. Coast Guard Nurse, descended with the climber – all turned out to be just fine.  A big ‘thank you’ to Chuck for giving up his chance at the summit to assist in getting one of his fellow teammates downhill. We’ll see you next year Chuck – it’s on us of course!

We have one more climb on the mountain who is currently camped at Lower Boy Scout Lake. They’ll make the most of their time on the mountain by training as the conditions on the upper mountain are not conducive to climbing.  That’s life in the mountains!

Tye Chapman

March 30, 2010

IMG Partner Geo Dunn called in today to report that Whitney Team #2 made the top yesterday. 12 for 12 on top! Way to go team!

George is heading back up for his second go around on Whitney tomorrow. Go get em guys.

Tye Chapman

March 29, 2010

We had a great summit day! The route was in excellent condition and the weather was very good – a bit windy and cold, but mostly good.

The team departed high camp at 12,000 feet about an hour before sunrise. Unfortunately, one member elected to remain back in camp due to a knee injury. The rest of the team climbed well and we made good time up to Iceberg Lake just before dawn. We climbed up into the Mountaineers’ Gulley finding good firm conditions up to 35 degrees in angle. At the “Notch”, the top of the gulley at 14,000 feet, the team rested while the guides fixed the climbing ropes for the final thee rope lengths of steeper terrain. The first section included some rock scrambling, the second pitch was moderate snow and the third pitch was up to 55 degrees in steepness, but good step kicking in soft snow. The team all topped out by approximately 11:30 a.m. We all enjoyed the view up on top, rested and ate lunch, then were lowered by the guides back down to the notch. This was perhaps the busiest I have ever seen the route, it seems to be growing in popularity this time of year. As usual, the different climbing parties were friendly and worked together to minimize congestion. We did our part by assisting two individuals descend to the notch.

We had an easy descent of the main gulley and reached camp by about 4:30pm for a well deserved dinner and good nights sleep.

Conditions were as good as I have seen them on the route this year, snow conditions were generally excellent and the weather was perfect.

We passed climb IMG #2 during our descent. They are resting at high camp (Sunday March28) and will summit today.

I head back up again on our climb starting April 1 and can’t wait.

George Dunn

March 28, 2010

George Dunn called in from Lone Pine this afternoon to report that they had 11 of 12 on the summit yesterday morning!

Weather was great! Pizza and beers for everybody!

Tye Chapman

March 26, 2010

IMG Partner and Whitney Program Director George Dunn called in from High Camp on Whitney – all is well! The weather is good and the team is looking forward to a short break this afternoon before heading for the summit early tomorrow morning. Should have another report on Sunday when they get back down to Lone Pine.

Tye Chapman