Trip Reports
Today Jacob and Duncan made their way up the Vacas Valley to their camp at Pampa de Lenas. The team followed the Vacas river for about four hours before reaching camp. Jacob reports good weather and good company! The team is in for a treat tonight for dinner. The arrieros, or mule drivers, are preparing…
Lead guide Jacob Schmitz called in this morning to report that he and Duncan were well fed, well rested, and headed to Penitentes. Yesterday they secured their climbing permits, finalized their gear and savored their last “town” meal for several weeks. Jacob said it’s been hot in Mendoza, so the team is excited to head…
Guide Joe Butler called this afternoon to report that the team is back at Vinson Base Camp. They plan to have a relaxing evening, resting and hydrating. If the weather cooperates the team will fly back to Union Glacier tomorrow. Fingers crossed for good weather!
The team called from the top of Antarctica! They had a long, difficult summit day, but as the approached the top, they were treated to an absolutely clear view in all directions, as they had climbed above the clouds. Joe called in and told me that it had been cold when they departed high camp,…
The team moved up to high camp yesterday, ascending over 3000 ft and the steepest terrain of the climb. It was a big day of climbing, but they did well and enjoyed a well earned rest day today. The weather has been good, everyone is rested, and they hope to get a chance to summit…
With significant winds up high and an improving weather forecast, the team elected to stay put at Low Camp today. The winds were blowing at higher elevation but the team enjoyed a nice, calm day at Low Camp so they took advantage of the good weather and went for a leg-stretching hike. Joe reports that…
Joe Butler called in a nice New Year’s post from low camp on Mount Vinson. They took a rest day today, after making the move up the Branscomb Glacier to their current camp, at about 10,000′. Today was spent resting, acclimatizing and reviewing skills that they will use when they ascend the steepest part of…
Guide Joe Butler called in to report that the team arrived at Low Camp today. Unfortunately the satellite phone reception was spotty, so we don’t have any details of the team’s day, other than they moved well and everyone is doing great. Before we were cut off, Joe did mention that tomorrow will be a…
Jacob called to report that he, Ed and Kaz are in Plaza de Mulas. Jacob and Ed had perfect timing: they arrive right at lunch time, and they were served pizzas hot out of the oven! Sounds like the team is a bit tired from the long descent from High Camp, so I don’t know…
Jacob just called to report that he and Ed were back in High Camp, safe and sound. He was in the process of melting drinking water and preparing dinner when he called. The plan is to hydrate, fortify, and sleep! Tomorrow Jacob and Ed will pack up and make the long descent to Plaza de…