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Ecuador: Resting after a Successful Summit Day

Posted by: | January 27, 2011
Categories: *Expedition Dispatches *Ecuador

We’re all down from Cotopaxi, healthy and happy after a successful summit climb! We woke up at midnight and left the climbers’ hut at ~1:30 am… headed for the summit. The weather was spectacular: no wind, moderate temperature, and a crystal clear, starry sky. Our team climbed strong, and 7 1/2 hours later we were all congratulating each other on top! The snow conditions were perfect for cramponing—a good thing because we had some exposed traverses and a steep ice chute to negotiate up near the summit. The route was very enjoyable, and challenged us not only with its altitude, but its variety.

This team of climbers attempted Cotopaxi last summer, but we were denied its summit by a violent storm. Persistent folks we climbers are; we scheduled this reunion trip and it paid dividends. We had great climbing weather and summitted 3 peaks in 4 days… all of which are higher than any peak in the Continental US!

Now we’re getting some much needed rest at the hacienda Chilcabamba. After a leisurely breakfast we’ll head back to Quito tomorrow morning. I’ll be in touch tomorrow.

RMI Guide Mike Walter

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