The Mountain Madness expedition to Mount Vinson

Latest News: Dispatch 12: Christine, on the way home 1/22/2004 Note these are MP3 Files.

Dispatch 11: Christine, waiting with friends  1/20/2004 Note these are MP3 Files.

Dispatch Ten: Christine  1/17/2004 Note these are MP3 Files.

Dispatch Nine: Christine with more News! Note these are MP3 Files.

Previous Dispatches are below

The Mountain Madness expedition to Mount Vinson: Located at a latitude of 78 degrees 35 minutes south and 85 degrees 25 minutes west longitude, Vinson is found in the Ellsworth Mountains. The 16,077 foot summit is the highest point on the continent of Antarctica. For most that have the unique opportunity to join an expedition like this, their definition of wilderness will be redefined. Isolated and starkly beautiful, the icy continent of Antarctica is beyond description and offers an adventure of a lifetime for team members.

Last steps to summit photo by: Mark Gunlogson

They leave Punta Arenas in Chile for the six-hour flight to Patriot Hills. Then the flight takes them over Tierra del Fuego, past the Antarctic Circle and on to Patriot Hills. From there they make a one-hour flight to basecamp. With sleds loaded they move up the mountain, establishing two or three camps before the summit attempt. From high camp the final climb consists of moderate snow and ice climbing.

	In technical terms the climb is considered moderate, but cold temperatures (minus 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit are not uncommon) and strong winds often increase the challenge. However, during the austral summer there is usually less than 18 inches of snow and 24 hours of daylight contributes to our success on the climb.
	Picture: moving to high camp by: Mark Gunlogson

This expedition is led by Christine Boskoff.

Dispatch one: Note these are MP3 Files.

Christine part one (note the audio clears up after the first few seconds)

Christine part two (audio very clear)

Dispatch Two: Christine  Note these are MP3 Files.

Dispatch Three: Christine 1/8/2004 Note these are MP3 Files.

Dispatch Four: Christine 1/8/2004 midnight Note these are MP3 Files.

Dispatch Five: Christine 1/10/2004 Note these are MP3 Files.

Dispatch Six: Christine's team  Note these are MP3 Files.

Dispatch Seven: Christine  Note these are MP3 Files.

Dispatch Eight: Christine With Summit News! Note these are MP3 Files.

Dispatch Seven: Christine's team 1/13/2004 Note these are MP3 Files.

 

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