...Bird in the Sky...
Well our Vinson team and Guide Josh Tapp are getting a quick head start flying down onto the ice today. They will land on the blue ice runway at Union Glacier and then hopefully out to Vinson Base Camp on the Twin Otters on skis.
Mike and the Jones' are still at Vinson BC as the weather was a little cloudy to get the planes in so they're sitting pretty and enjoying the spectacular remoteness!
Looking forward to the switch as the Jones' farwell the icy continent and the Team arrives ready to climb.
Best wishes,
CTSS Team
...Antarctic Updates...
The Jones' are safely back at BC making the tough decision to abandon the summit this time given the weather and play it conservatively and use the clear day yesterday to come safely down to Vinson Base Camp... They've had an amazing adventure and are in high spirits. Tomorrow they are likely to fly out on the Twin Otters back to the hot showers at Union Glacier and back to Chile from there.
Meanwhile our Team Climbers have arrived in Punta Arenas, they've done their gear checks and will be checking their bags in to the flight service in the morning, ready for a flight possibly tomorrow down onto the ice. A few of the crew went and checked out Patagonia today and had a great time.
Best wishes,
CTSS Team
...Holding at High Camp...
Well the coldest, driest, windiest place on earth has certainly dished up just that - cold, windy weather for our team at High Camp on Vinson.
Unfortunately the wind stopped their summit attempt today, they climbed 2/3rds of the way up but gusts of 65kph had them err on the side of safety and turn around.
They retreated and are back at High Camp now to regroup and will take a rest day tomorrow to decide whether to push up or leave the mountain for another time.
All safe and well and stoked to hear from Tina that the Seahawks won.
Cheers
CTSS Team.
...Aconcagua Summits & Safe Descents...
Our Aconcagua team are safely back at Base Camp and enjoying a hot shower and some well deserved R&R before they head back to Mendoza tomorrow for a celebratory dinner.
A massive congratulations to Scott who summited strongly in great weather. Aconcagua is a huge accomplishment and a mighty challenge and we couldn't be prouder of the team.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Vinson Team at Rest...
Mike & the Jones' are enjoying a sunny day way down South. Perfect temperate weather for a relaxing rest day at Low Camp.
Yesterday they carried almost up to High Camp and cached some gear, today they chill and tomorrow they will move up to High Camp in position for the summit.
They are doing fantastically well and enjoying this incredible family summer vacation!!
Cheers
CTSS Team
Photo: Ossy Feirre
...Updates from the Mountains...
Wishing you all a Happy New Year full of lofty summits and celebrations with family and friends.
A quick update for you all.
- Our Aconcagua team are now at Camp 3 (Colera) and are positioned to make their summit bid tomorrow.
- Private client Asma is back in Mendoza for a celebration dinner and will fly home tomorrow.
- Mike's private Vinson team are at Low Camp and I expect them to call in today.
Best wishes,
CTSS Team
...Antarctic Switch...
Our first team have arrived back in Punta Arenas and are on their way home to bring in the New Year,
Meanwhile Mike and the Jones' have arrived in Antarctica and have already made it to Vinson Base Camp on the Twin Otter. Today they did a carry to Low Camp and came back to Base Camp. The weather is great so they are going to move up tomorrow.
Here are a few picture highlights of our VINS3 trip care of Guide Ossy:
...Asma Summits & Updates from Aconcagua...
Wonderful news from Aconcagua this morning with Asma and Guide Nani topping out and making their way back to Camp 3.
Our team climbers are on the other side of the peak and will carry to Camp 3 today and return to Camp 2 tonight where they'll take a rest/acclimatization day. Everyone climbing strongly.
What a way to bring in the New Year,
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Forward Motion on Aconcagua...
All our teams are moving on Aconcagua.
Private team Asma and Nani took a rest/acclimatization day at Camp 2 today (Nest of Condors) and tomorrow they will move to Camp 3 (Colera) they are moving fantastically well.
Meanwhile our team climbers, Karin and Scott have moved up to Camp 1 today with Fideo and will move up to Camp 2 tomorrow.
Speed Ascent climber Len and Guide Capi had a wonderful flight into BC and arrived with all their gear and took an acclimatization day at Base Camp. Tomorrow they are on the chase of the main team and will move to Camp 1. They should catch up with them at Camp 2.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Vinson Team Back at UG...
Our first Vinson team is safely back at Union Glacier and enjoying some hot showers. They're scheduled to fly off the ice tomorrow morning back to Punta Arenas and then onward home to you all.
Meanwhile Mike's private team - The Jones' will catch that plane back down to the ice to begin their adventure.
They certainly did some shopping whilst in town...
Cheers
CTSS Team
