February 19, 2020
You heard it here first – the 2020 IMG Everest Blog is live! Follow along as our crew in Nepal receives gear and food shipments from Washington State and transports it all from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp in preparation for expedition members to arrive. We’ll continue to post updates on the Everest blog as IMG trekkers and climbers make their way through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, enjoying Nepalese culture as they acclimate.
Heather Garland
February 19, 2020
Always nice to report a wrap to another safe and successful Aconcagua season. Robert, Leo, Nate and team was in Mendoza last night. Flights home follow in the next day or two. It’s a wrap. All four teams this season were able to reach the summit. That means if you had the lungs and the legs, you had the opportunity to summit on each of our expeditions this season. That’s how we see our job – to provide a safe ‘shot’ at the summit. And in that order. Always nice when folks can have a fun time and learn a little bit, too.
So – this is our final congratulations to this last team and our last opportunity to say thanks to all the climbers who joined us this season and an invitation to everyone considering a climb of Aconcagua with IMG. We’ll work hard to provide that same ‘safe shot’ at the summit for everyone next season.
Until then, keep training!
Phil Ershler
February 19, 2020
The Kilimanjaro summit is just barely visible from Machame Camp
(Phunuru Sherpa)
Phunuru reported that the Kili team had perfectly clear day for their hike up through the forest to Machame Camp at about 9500 ft. This camp is situated right at the treeline, at the top of the forest, with the moorland zone above. If there are no clouds, the team will get a “peekaboo” view of the summit of Kilimanjaro from Machame camp. While it is not a big deal in the forest zone to get a few sprinkles, even during the “dry” season, this team is enjoying the great weather so far. Everyone is doing well, and they are looking forward to continuing their ascent up to Shira Camp tomorrow.
Eric Simonson
February 19, 2020
Learning how to rappell with Andy on a 3 day beginner ice climbing course in Ouray (Jay Lyons)
Andy Polloczek and our Ouray guides have been busy this season with group and private courses like this past weekend’s 3 Day Beginner Course in the”Ice Climbing Capital of North America.”, Ouray, Colorado. The climbing is excellent, as always, in the Ice Park and in the backcountry. If you’ve been thinking about giving ice climbing a try or want to prepare for technically challenging routes like the Kautz on Rainier or Mt. Baker‘s North Ridge, now is the time to sign up!
Email office@mountainguides.com or call 360-569-2609 for availability.
Heather Garland
February 18, 2020
As we wrap up the IMG season of international programs, we also need to say congrats and good-bye to our Patagonia team. The last of the members are heading to the airport for flights home today. Great views and enjoyable trekking, good companionship and just plane fun – it’s a pretty sweet trip.
Christmas or February – come join us and see what our 2020 team just saw and experienced. Hope you’ll be with us!
Phil Ershler
February 18, 2020
It’s hard not to smile when you’re headed to climb Kilimanjaro! (Phunuru Sherpa)
Phunuru Sherpa reports from Moshi that our February Kilimanjaro climbers have all arrived to Moshi, with all their luggage. That’s the way to start a trip. Today they had a good day preparing for their climb. In the morning they did the gear checks, before heading into Moshi to visit the market. Then, after lunch, they packed and weighed their porter duffel bags. The schedule for tomorrow has them departing the hotel at 8am for the beautiful drive up to the Machame Gate (about 5700 ft). The ride up the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro is very interesting, as the team will travel through coffee and banana farms, and several small Chagga villages. Upon reaching the trailhead, they’ll get checked in with the National Park, meet their Chagga crew, and then hit the trail!
Eric Simonson
February 17, 2020
CHECK OUT these photos from Jonathan and team as they explored the Fitz Roy area in Patagonia! How can you pass something like this up? Bucket list? You bet.
Exploring the Fitz Roy area (Jonathan Schrock)
Here’s the email from Jonathan, exactly as he wrote it:
“A little typical Patagonia weather but some beautiful weather for some beautiful views when it really counted. End of the trip is in sight.”
Phil Ershler
February 16, 2020
The team’s planning paid off. I just received a text from Robert at the summit. A windy, but not too cold morning, turned into a reasonable summit day. Weather cooperated, and the gang got the job done. As Robert said, “it turned into a pretty OK summit dayâ€.
Congratulations to all.
Phil Ershler
February 14, 2020
Hiking in Patagonia (Jonathan)
Jonathan said goodbye to three members who were participating in just the first part of our Patagonia program, and is now in Argentina with the three remaining members who are staying on to see the Fitz Roy region. Things are just cruising along!
The Trail is Up (Rikki)
Robert, Leo, Nate and team are doing OK on Aconcagua, too. After a rest, they moved on up to C2. The trick now is to start thinking about the timing of the summit push–checking forecasts, keeping an eye on everyone’s performance, and plain cold keeping fingers crossed. Bottom line–everyone’s hanging in there and getting it done!
Phil Ershler
February 12, 2020
Hiking Above Lago Grey and the Grey Glacier (Jonathan Schrock)
Jonathan checked in this morning from the Refugio Grey, the Grey Glacier and Lago Grey. They’ve been enjoying Regufio Grey, kayaking on Lago Grey, hiking up to grab great views of the Lago Glacier, and are ready to take the boat down Lago Grey this morning and get back to Natales. That boat ride is spectacular in itself!
Trip’s second half begins soon for some members!
Phil Ershler
