July 15, 2010
The rugged lower slopes of Kili on the way to Shira Plateau, via Machame Route
IMG guide Eric Remza reports from Shira (12,000+ feet) that the July Kili climb is going smoothly. So far the team have had pretty good weather for their climb. Yesterday they went to Machame Camp and today they moved up through the cloud forest to Shira Camp. The team members are doing well and tomorrow they are looking forward to moving to Barranco Camp.
Eric Simonson
July 14, 2010
We heard from Mike Hamill this morning via email. He reports that they’ve had two full days of touring and will get in a boat tour on the canals tomorrow before hoping on the flight. Sounds like the team is enjoying the experience thus far.
Then, the work begins. Some acclimatization is in order as is a day spent on the Koshkatosh Glacier reviewing crampon technique and learning a few new tricks from their veteran Elbrus, Seven Summits, & Everest guide – Mike Hamill. The attempt on Elbrus is still a few days off.
Phil Ershler
July 12, 2010
The last few days have been pretty special for quite a few folks who summitted Mt. Rainier, but for 4 of them it’ll be remembered for another reason… On July 9th after summitting Mt. Rainier via the Emmons Route we had our first proposal & engagement of the season then just two days later we had our second, below is a peek into the proposals.
Congratulations Christina & Joel!
Joel & Christina
Joel and I had a great time! Summitting was the highlight, that is until the proposal of course. Joel actually proposed on the last day of the trip, just before reaching Glacier Basin Campground. Joel and I were hiking alone at the bottom of the inter glacier, we were chatting about how training for Rainier and the entire trip itself really proved how strong our relationship is. Next thing I knew Joel is on one knee holding a ring, I was very excited! We have had many reasons to celebrate (summitting, Joel’s 30th b-day and the proposal), this trip is going to be in our hearts and memories forever. We’re thinking our next adventure, besides marriage, could possibly be Kilimanjaro for my 30th B-day.
-Christina
Congratulations Ian & Rodica!
Ian & Rodica
It was Rodica’s dream since she was a little girl in Romania to stand on top of Mount Rainier. IMG’s guides were absolutely phenomenal in helping reach that goal. Not only that, they helped shoot our engagement photos when we reached the summit at sunrise and I proposed.
-Ian
July 11, 2010
George Dunn
IMG Partner George Dunn came down yesterday afternoon after grabbing his 498th summit of Mt. Rainier. He took up several Boy Scouts and their parents on a 3-day climb, and after a couple nights at Camp Muir he and his team summitted in some great weather.
George will head up for 499 on July 21.
500 awaits…
Tye Chapman
July 9, 2010
IMG Guide and professional photographer Adam Angel snapped this photo on his latest Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari.
Don't mess with Texas...or this lion! (Photo: Adam Angel).
July 8, 2010
We heard from several of our Rainier teams this morning:
Andy called in from the summit with his Kautz team! We’d been shut down our previous two trips on the Kautz so this is excellent news! Andy also informed us that our Emmons team summitted this morning as well – he relayed a radio message from Anne who was descending down the Emmons by 8:30am.
Over at Camp Muir our DC team is training today before they head up to The Flats this afternoon. If all goes as planned they’ll be climbing late tonight and into tomorrow morning.
All is well on Mt. Rainier!
Tye Chapman
July 6, 2010
After several days at High Camp, IMG Partner Phil Ershler called in to let us know that he and his team summitted! They were at 14,000ft on their way down when he called. IMG Guide Greg Vernovage’s team tagged the top alongside Phil’s team.
Phil said there was rough weather on summit day but it all worked out.
They are all heading to the NE Fork tonight hoping to get flown out tomorrow in a small window of forecasted high pressure.
Nice work everybody – the few extra days at High Camp were worth it!
George Dunn
July 4, 2010
The base of Breithorn, IMG guide Jeff Ward on the right. (photo: Tracy Purcell)
We get this question quite frequently… The answer depends on your goals and objectives. For additional experience on glaciated peaks that get you a few thousand feet higher than Rainier, consider the Mexican Volcanoes, the Ecuador Volcanoes, Mt Elbrus (Russia), Classic Climbs in the Alps, and our Alaskan Ascents in Wrangell/St. Elias National Park. For additional skill training, consider our Expedition Seminars on Rainier or our popular climbs in the North Cascades.
If you prefer to just walk up to higher altitude without dealing with crampons and ice axes, then any of our treks like: Kilimanjaro, Bhutan, Machu Picchu or Everest Base Camp would be a great fit as all of these treks combine lots of walking with high mountains and great cultural opportunities.
July 1, 2010
Denali West Buttress Route
Phil just called in from Camp 3 (14,000ft.) on Denali … The team carried to High Camp yesterday and is enjoying rest day today. They plan on moving up to High Camp (17,000ft.) in the morning.
The weather is ok with some winds up high on the mountain – “nothing too bad though”.
Fellow IMG Guide Greg Vernovage and his Czech Republic team have found themselves on the same schedule as Phil and will head up to High Camp tomorrow as well.
IMG Guide Eben Reckord and his team summitted yesterday.
Nice work everybody!
Tye Chapman
June 30, 2010
International Mountain Guides Buff in detail.
You asked for it… so here it is!
The Buff is one of the most functional pieces of clothing on any gear list. If you’re facing some windy conditions on “The Top of the Cleaver”, some harsh sun at the South Col or some dusty conditions on Aconcagua the Buff sure comes in handy.
Not required in the mountains, but darn close!
