Guide Jacob Schmitz called to report that the January 6th Vinson Team is on the ice! Jim, Chuck, and Ariana left Punta Arenas early this morning, flew to Union Glacier on a big Ilyushin cargo jet, unloaded, then hopped on a smaller airplane, a Twin Otter, that flew them to Vinson Base Camp. They’ve come a long way! The team is setting up camp, going over skills, and then taking a well deserved rest. The plan is to move to Low Camp tomorrow.
The Ilyushin jet at the massive ice rink that is Union Glacier.
Two of our Hilleberg tents at Vinson Base Camp, with the mountain and Otters in the background.
Here’s Jacob:
Hello Climbers, especially Ariana and Chuck,
From San Francisco I wish you all a very good climb to then next level toward Low Camp, on the way to the top of Mount Vinson! I’m following your adventure with great interest and look forward to your next post.
Patricia