January 7, 2020
Aconcagua team dinner (Nickel Wood)
IMG Senior Guide, Nickel Wood, checked in to inform us his Aconcagua team was headed to Penitentes this morning. All are in good spirits and ready to get things rolling.
We’ll keep you posted as they keep us posted!
Heather Garland
January 3, 2020
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January 1, 2020
The team finished off the trip in style with a game drive in Ngorongoro Crater. The one place to see the black rhino on this trip is there. And they did:
Black Rhino on Safari in Ngorongoro Crater(Phunuru)
That mission complete, they’ve already had their last dinner together and begin the trek home in the morning with a drive to Arusha, collecting all that fine, smelly, climbing gear and getting on an airplane.
Last team dinner (Phunuru)
Congrats, again, to all, and glad we could usher in the New Year vicariously through them, too. Could be you next year! Safe travels, team, and thanks for another great lead, Phunuru.
Phil Ershler
December 30, 2019
Aconcagua Summit (Jonathan Schrock)
Nice to summit but nice to know that the team’s returned to high camp. Even nicer still is to learn that they’ve done the work and made it down to their new base camp at Plaza Mulas. Up one side and down another – pretty cool. One day’s hike remains, meaning the team will be out tomorrow and back in Mendoza tomorrow evening. They (and we) are super excited.
Jonathan, Leandro, Sasha, and team deserve a big congratulations. New Year’s in Mendoza. Wow!
Phil Ershler
December 30, 2019
After the work, the reward. We are not saying that the summit of Kilimanjaro isn’t a reward but oh is it nice to be on safari in the middle of the Serengeti after standing on the top of Africa. The team flew out to the Serengeti and has been enjoying the thrill of game viewing in East Africa and the comforts of the Serengeti Sopa Lodge.
They’re going to be spending New Year’s Eve game viewing in East Africa!
How amazing is that?
Phil Ershler
December 29, 2019
We had good news yesterday from Tanzania and good news came in this morning from Argentina. Jonathan, Leo, Sasha and the team summited Aconcagua today. A huge congratulations.
Jonathan texted that they summited in light cloud, light snow and light wind, and that all was well. Make no mistake: Aconcagua is a serious climb and a serious accomplishment. We’ll be ever happier with news that everyone’s down at high camp, but for now, all is very good on Aconcagua. The highest summit in South America is a nice Christmas present for all.
Phil Ershler
December 29, 2019
The Kili team is down. They’ve returned to the hotel and showers have been had. The team had a celebration dinner with Phunuru and their Chagga guides, including lead Chagga, Kassim. Kassim has been with IMG on many Kilimanjaro summits. What’s next — tomorrow’s flight to the Serengeti!
Congrats, to all. Now is the time to get a good night’s sleep. Safari isn’t work, but it’s 3 fun-filled days. Lots to see when you’re game-viewing in East Africa. They’ve earned it.
Phil Ershler
December 28, 2019
Wow! So much for all the snow melting on Kilimanjaro. Phunuru and team did it. A little snowy, as you can see. This is certainly more the exception than the rule these days.
Climbing into the New Year (Phunuru)
The team got the job done safely and are now down at the lower camp for the night. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe and a shame to miss. They will sleep like babies tonight. The summit of Kilimanjaro in 2019 and a game-viewing safari in east Africa in 2020 is not a bad holiday. Our congratulations to everyone!
Phil Ershler
December 27, 2019
Holiday or not, the team’s been busy making carries and moving higher up the side of Aconcagua. Today they’re at C2 taking a rest. Yesterday they carried to C3, high camp, in very good conditions. Here’s hoping that continues!
Views are fairly impressive high on Aconcagua.
Climbing Aconcagua is about managing yourself while making “carries and moves.” This entails carrying extra equipment/food/fuel up to the next camp in the morning and returning to the previous camp that afternoon. The following morning, we break camp and move everything else to that next, high camp… and repeat. Our team is three camps above base and getting closer. One big move left! Taking a rest day at C2 makes a ton of sense and the team has the time. The hope is a rest today only makes them stronger and better rested for summit day. Stay tuned!
Phil Ershler
December 27, 2019
One Foot in Front of the Other (Phunuru)
News is still positive from Tanzania! The team did their thing again and pulled into Barafu, high camp, in good form. They’re over 15,000’ now and everyone is feeling the altitude a bit. TBE – to be expected. All are prepping/packing/eating/drinking/resting and ‘psyching’ up for summit day. Way to go, gang!
Team at Barafu (Phunuru)
Phunuru is planning a 12:30 am (as in tonight) departure. We’re sending all good wishes. Stay strong, stay healthy and stay smart… just like you’ve been doing. And good luck!
Phil Ershler
