January 12, 2015
The team made the long, physically demanding ascent up to High Camp today. Everyone did great, but this is one of the hardest days of the entire expedition, and they are looking forward to a day of rest tomorrow. High Camp is a tough place, with a bit of shelter
January 12, 2015
The team took a rest and acclimatization day today, enjoying the amenities of Plaza Argentina, the Base Camp on the east side of Aconcagua. This is an important extra day of acclimatization before the crew launches up to Camp 1 tomorrow. Johnathan Called in two posts this afternoon, one with
January 11, 2015
Nick Shepherd called in a post, which was unfortunately a bit garbled, due to the challenges of satellite phones in the mountains. The team took a rest day yesterday, allowing their bodies to acclimatize a bit from the big, 1000m climb up from the camp at Casa de Piedra. Today
January 11, 2015
Well, it sounds like a picture perfect day at the first camp on the team's way up Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica. Ariana called in a very nice update from 10,000 feet on the Branscomb Glacier. The team carried loads a ways up above camp today, reviewing the
January 9, 2015
The team had beautiful weather today for their move up to the Plaza Argentina base camp. It was a bit over 6 hours of trekking to reach what will be their home for the next several nights. At base camp we have a big dining tent with tables and chairs
January 9, 2015
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
January 9, 2015
I spoke to both Allen and Nick yesterday, and they reported that the team made good time to Casa Piedra, "stone house," the team's second approach camp. Nick mentioned that it was a particularly windy day, but everyone is doing great and feeling good. Today the team plans to depart
January 7, 2015
Jacob called a little bit ago to let us know that everyone is back at High Camp, safe and sound. The team will rest, hydrate, and refuel for the journey back to Vinson Base Camp. Again, great work, team! And another special congratulations, this time to climber Bill Cole, who
January 7, 2015
Our fourth and final Mount Vinson expedition of the season is assembling in Punta Arenas, Chile, finalizing their preparations for an attempt to climb the highest peak in Antarctica. Jim Holliday has made the long journey from Pittsburgh, PA. Ariana Myers and Chuck Nuzum are making their way from California.
January 7, 2015
Today the team made its way up the Vacas Valley to camp at Pampa de Lenas, located at approximately 9,000 ft. The team followed the Vacas river for about four hours before reaching camp. Nick reports good weather (hot! 80 F) and good company! The team is in for a
