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We moved to our high camp on Ixta today!
Despite our packs heavy with climbing gear and tents, we moved through the rocky terrain easily, enjoying the views of the route, Popo, and the valleys below us- stretching as far as the eye can see. With La Malinche under our belts, we are all feeling good at 15,400 feet and prepared for our climb early tomorrow.
Our night in Punta Arenas was short and loud... to be honest. It was Friday night and the town square was chock full of partiers and demonstrators beating drums and waving flags. We were out of the hotel by 5 AM and bound for the airport -sleep or no sleep. The team filed through security in an empty airport and then we walked out to our trusty Gulfstream IV to load up. At 6:40 we launched and left South America. We had fine conditions for flying, and the Gulfstream has plenty of windows, but for the most part, clouds blocked our view of Tierra del Fuego. Many of the team dozed or read over the Drake Passage, but all began to come alive when we first spotted icebergs... and then ice flows, ice shelves, and finally the glaciers of mainland Antarctica. During our final half hour in the air, we had ridiculously clear views of the Ellsworth Mountains and Mount Vinson’s less traveled Eastern flank. Then our all star pilots, Fred and Curt, had the G4 on final approach at Union Glacier. We were all paying pretty close attention as the wheels touched down on hard ice and the plane rolled along at high speed. Reverse Thrust did the trick nicely and the roll turned into taxiing into position for disembarking and unloading. Our first steps in Antarctica were a thrill. We were each a little surprised at how pleasant the weather was. No wind and relatively mild temperatures meant we were comfy in light down coats. Handshakes, fist bumps and highfives all around seemed the appropriate first order of business. But then we got the plane unloaded and said goodbye to Fred and Curt who rocketed down the ice and into the air again on their return to Chile. Our “ground team” of ALE staffers scooped us up in a bus with enormous wheels and brought us via ice highways to Union Glacier Camp. Our flight had taken 3.5 hours (by comparison, the “normal” Ilyushin 76 ride is about 4.5 to 5 hours).
We toured the camp around noon and then basically had some time to kill. Our Twin Otter flight to Vinson was planned for about 5:30 PM. We ate, played soccer, rode fat tire bikes and messed with electronics. Finally, we loaded onto two ski equipped airplanes and enjoyed a spectacular cruise through progressively bigger ice covered mountains. The Canadian pilots, Monica and Russ, flew alongside one another for much of the hundred miles. We landed going uphill at 7,000 ft on the Branscomb Glacier and hopped out at Vinson Basecamp. Things were quite busy for a few minutes as the planes were emptied of our gear and then filled by a team leaving the mountain. Once the Otters were in the air again, Vinson Base got extremely quiet and calm. We met our ALE staff and fellow guides, Pachi Ibarra, Namgya Sherpa and Lakpa Rita Sherpa (who, between them, have 32 Everest summits). We had an amazing dinner by Chef Murph who crushed it with Lamb Shanks and Broccoli. Then we settled into our tents and sorted a little gear. The travel is complete, the climb starts tomorrow.
Best Regards
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
Posted by: Elias de Andres Martos, Chase Nelson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 348'
On The Map
Posted by:
Categories: Guide News
Hope the weather is favorable for the rest of the climb.
Posted by: Gerri Seaton on 4/6/2015 at 3:36 pm
Larry Seaton - we are praying for your safety and the safety of your team mates.
What an adventure you are having and I’m sure you will have many exciting stories to tell us.
Love, Mom
Posted by: Gerri Seaton on 4/6/2015 at 3:24 pm
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Vinson Massif
On The Map
That posted westher news for Mount Vinson is encouraging. Praying it holds. Patience.
Posted by: Bob Sullivan Sr on 12/11/2014 at 11:02 pm
I watched the weather report for Mount Vinson and there is sunshine for the next days and no wind or storm!!!
I wish you all good luck and specially all the best for Hans!
Ute
Posted by: Ute Novak on 12/11/2014 at 9:20 am
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside
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On The Map
Dawn-Hope the weather “smiles” for the rest of your climb!!
I’m living vicariously…
Posted by: Dana Marie Buchanan on 6/8/2014 at 8:31 pm
Sending George and Everyone lots of positive thoughts .... xxx Rosemary and Larry
Posted by: Rosemary and Larry on 6/8/2014 at 10:53 am
Posted by: Kel Rossiter, JJ Justman
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
We are cheering from Portland for Mike and the whole gang!
Randa, Leslee, Marianne, Lorena, Tammy, Florence, Kelsey, Sara, Lisa, Jennifer and Cindy
Posted by: Randa on 5/16/2014 at 10:34 am
Great Job you two!!! Super Excited to hear all about it. Take Care!
Posted by: Susan Stassen on 8/1/2019 at 3:04 pm
Congratulations to all the climbers. Annu I am very happy for you. Can’t wait to hear the whole experience!
Posted by: Viji Thuppul on 8/1/2019 at 11:48 am
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