Chilean Expedition gets ready for the Mountain

The Banco de Chile Carstensz Expedition has arrived safe and sound in Manado, Indonesia. Joining the Chileans are Rob and Jo Gambi from the UK. They have climbed with Ryan Campbell on Denali and Aconcagua and are a couple of good, fun folks.

The team spent a day in Manado and flew last night to the city of Timika, on the island of Papua. Due to concerns about unrest during a national holiday, there has been a change of itinerary, which should hopefully lessen the amount of flight time in the helicopter and streamline the overall efficiency of getting the group to the mountain. The team will now spend one night in Timika before flying to the first mountain camp at the Zebra Wall instead of flying in from the northern town of Nabire.

Apparently all is going well and they have been keeping cool by splashing about the pools in the Ritzy Hotel and in the Timika Sheraton Hotel. Enjoy it while you can fellows! Soon you'll be in the mountains...