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Re: Vinson unguided

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 10:09 am
by Scott P
From the other direction, I don't think you can get through the Bellingshauser Sea by boat either.

If you did want to try it (though I think it would be very unlikely that you could do it), I'd ask Damien on SP.

Damien also seems to know the happenings there as well. If it doesn't have to be Vinson, he may be able to put you in touch with someone going out there by boat. A few years ago, he referred one of them to me, but I already had a trip booked that year. The trip was around $4.5K (not including airfare to Argentina), which isn't cheap, but less expensive than Vinson.

Quark also has options where you can camp, climb small peaks, and ice climb, but they are around 5K and the climbing part isn't the main objective, but more of a side activity.

Re: Vinson unguided

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 10:19 am
by Kevo
Scott P wrote:
Just looked at a map- looks like the Vinson Massif is maybe 50 miles inland.
Isn't the Ronne Ice Shelf in the way? I think Vinson would actually be several hundred miles from where you could land a boat.
Damn. Google Maps shows the Ronne Ice Shelf as water.

Re: Vinson unguided

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 11:20 am
by speth
Scott P wrote:
Just looked at a map- looks like the Vinson Massif is maybe 50 miles inland.
Isn't the Ronne Ice Shelf in the way? I think Vinson would actually be several hundred miles from where you could land a boat.
Sounds like you're looking for a hovercraft.

Plans are falling into place ;)

Re: Vinson unguided

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 11:14 am
by jbchalk
Just an fyi on trying to be approved by ANI to go unguided on Vinson. A good friend of ours who was to be our 3rd team member (ANI requires a minimum of 3 on a team to go unguided) who has climbed Everest, Cho Oyu, Denali, Elbrus, Aconcagua, Kozi, Kili, Rainier, Shasta, a slew of volcanoes in Mexico, Ecuador, & Peru all mostly unguided was not approved to to go unguided with us. Its unfortunate but is what it is. Apparently, the requirements to go unguided are fairly stringent to say the least.

Re: Vinson unguided

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 11:59 am
by jbchalk
Don't think so, Fletch. Could be an issue with dailly routine & activities. He lives in urban Cali so doesnt get out as much as us mountain folk do. A bit frustrating.

Re: Vinson unguided

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 12:06 pm
by Guitarzan
Of all the seven summits, Vinson is the one that interests me the most. I think its the remoteness that I find most intriguing. This one is definitely on my bucket list. Good luck.

Re: Vinson unguided

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 2:44 pm
by jbchalk
Nice Fletch. Thats awesome you are targeting 2014/2015. However, I think Kristine & I are going to do everything possible to go this December 2013.

Re: Vinson unguided

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 4:25 pm
by nyker
jbchalk wrote:Don't think so, Fletch. Could be an issue with dailly routine & activities. He lives in urban Cali so doesnt get out as much as us mountain folk do. A bit frustrating.
Wow, you'd figure with that climbing resume, he would be able to get out and train to be able to have trained for those peaks and is sufficiently fit.

Re: Vinson unguided

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 5:20 pm
by jbchalk
Yeah, you'd think he would be ok in being approved with that resume. I think its b/c he hasn't done any of the big guys (8000ers, Denali, etc) in 6 or so years.