Klinger Construction Company

Kilimanjaro Mt. Vinson Kosciuszko

Carstenz Pyramid

Mt. Vinson

January 1, 2004

7-Summits - The quest for the highest mountain in each of the seven continents, Update #4.

Hello everyone – Happy New Year. For the next several weeks my plans are to climb Vinson Massif (16,067’) located in the Ellsworth Range of Antarctica and then, if time permits, to travel to the South Pole. In order to climb in Antarctica, it is mandatory that you use the services of an expedition provider (i.e. no private trips are allowed). I decided to work through Alpine Ascents International based in Seattle, WA. The expedition consists of 17-climbers and 4-guides. It is expected that we will each carry 50 to 60-pound packs and pull a sled. Needless to say, we must all be in excellent condition and have prior cold weather and high altitude experience. The temperature range for this time of year (i.e. summer in Antarctica) is a low of -400F with an average temperature of -180F. This does not account for the strong winds that often prevail and thus can create extreme wind chill conditions. It should also be noted that due to its (location 600-miles from the South Pole), the oxygen pressure at altitude is significantly less then at equatorial regions. The result is that the apparent altitude of Vinson Massif is comparable to a 20,000’ Himalayan peak. Although Vinson is not considered a technically difficult peak, the equivalent altitude of 20,000’, extreme temperatures and absolute isolation present an unrivaled and formable challenge. In fact, Vinson was the last of the 7-Summits to be scaled and was first climbed in December of 1966. Since then fewer then 500 people have ever stood on its summit.

January 3. Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chili at noon. Picked up at the airport by Alpine Ascents International and taken to hotel Tierra del Fuego. Perform one last gear check before traveling to the ice.

January 4. In the morning attend an Antarctic slide show and lecture. The lecture will include information on the flight south, the current weather situation and what to expect on arrival in Antarctica. Following this I plan to explore the city and environs. Located in the Patagonia region, Punta Arenas has a rich history and looks to be a spectacular setting for exploration. The departure date for Antarctica is entirely dependent on weather and local conditions and therefore may change.

January 5. As soon as the weather is suitable we depart for Antarctica. Most likely we will have a 2-hour advance notice before being picked up for the trip to the airport. All unnecessary gear and post-expedition clothing will be left in storage at the hotel. After completing customs and immigration formalities at the airport we will proceed to the Hercules C-130 aircraft, receive a safety briefing by the flight crew, and start our flight south to the Patriot Hills Station.

After landing on a blue ice runway we arrive at the station. We are then given an introduction, tour and orientation of the camp and the surrounding area. After being shown to our accommodations we will settle down to a welcoming meal. This private camp is a permanent facility located 1800-miles from the nearest city and normally houses 48-people. If the weather permits, we will transfer all our equipment from the Hercules aircraft to a ski equipped Twin Otter or Cessna and fly to the Vinson base camp.

The flight to Vinson base camp from Patriot Hills is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. During this flight the pilot is in constant contact with the base camp, which updates him with current wind and weather conditions. There have been occasions when the weather has deteriorated and the aircraft has been forced to return to Patriot Hills and await better flying conditions. Once landed at Vinson base camp (7,000’ on the west side of the Ellsworth Range) we will set up camp, review the climbing route and re-arrange the loads to get ready for the climb.

January 6-16. During this period we will be establishing Camp I (9100’) on the Branscomb Glacier, Camp II (10,100’) at the foot of the headwall, and Camp III (12,300’) on the Vinson-Shinn col. Summit day entails a 3-mile traverse and a 3,000’ altitude gain to reach the summit ridge, followed by easy terrain to the summit and it’s incredible views of the Ronne Ice Shelf, Mount Shin and the surrounding area.

January 17. Once back in base camp and a full aircraft load is ready, we will contact Patriot Hills and an aircraft will be dispatched to pick us up. Depending on the time line and how fast we summit Vinson, as well as the prevailing weather conditions, I have arranged for a flight to the South Pole. The plan is to fly there on a pick-up trip, spend part of a day at the South Pole, and then return to Patriot Hills.

January 18. Weather permitting, the aircraft from Punta Arenas arrives in Patriot and will take off with our group for the final leg of your Antarctic journey.

As I have said in all of my updates, sponsors play a key role in my attempt to complete the 7-Summits and I really appreciate their support. In turn, if at all possible, please give them your support. They include: Abram Interstate, Donner Ski Ranch, Epiphany Sales Inc, Foresthill Beacon, Foresthill Messenger, Foresthill Telephone, Grant Hardware and Plumbing, Guard Transmission, Klinger Construction, Monte Verde Inn, Power Play Energy, Ragen MacKenzie Investment Services, Pasco Scientific, Power Play Energy, SciTech Astronomical, Townsend Design, VG Donuts and Bakery and numerous individual contributors.