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Posts from 06/2010

First Acclimatization Hike on Rucu Pichincha

Posted by: | June 06, 2010
Categories: *Expedition Dispatches *Ecuador
Elevation: 10,000-15,000 ft.

Today we went for our first acclimatization hike to Rucu Pichincha, one of the volcanoes that frame in Quito. We took a Gondola from 10,000’ to 13,000’, and then hiked to around 15,200’. The weather was very nice for hiking: a bit breezy and cloudy in the morning, and then sunny and warm in the afternoon. We had views of the impressive glaciated volcanoes Cotopaxi, Cayambe, and Antisana on our descent. Everyone did very well with our first venture up into that type of altitude - and it was an altitude record for many on the trip- hopefully there will be a lot more of those to come!
Last night we dined at a very nice restaurant that served typical Ecuadorian cuisine. Everyone sampled different local dishes, including cuy (guinea pig)- an Ecuadorian delicacy.

Tomorrow we are off for another acclimatization hike to the climbing hut on the Ilinizas, and we’ll spend the night at a hacienda before heading on towards Cotopaxi.

I will check in tomorrow.

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RMI Team Arrives in Quito

Posted by: | June 05, 2010
Categories: *Expedition Dispatches *Ecuador

Our team has all safely arrived in Quito (the capital city), and is presently getting accustomed to the new environment and the high altitude here. Today we went on a city tour of the historical parts of Old Town Quito, where we saw much of the colonial center of town. We learned a good bit of interesting Ecuadorian history from our very knowledgeable and enthusiastic local guide, Jorge. After various stops at historic points of interest we traveled to the hill in the south of Quito known as El Panecillo, where beautiful weather afforded us expansive views down on the city of Quito, as well as views of the mountains we will attempt to climb: Cotopaxi to the south and Cayambe to the north. Next we headed south to the equator, where we were able to stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern hemisphere! We also visited a very interesting ethnographic museum at this site and we learned about the very diverse cultures of Ecuador. The day ended with a delicious dinner in the relaxing atmosphere of the popular Magic Bean restaurant.

Tomorrow we will take our first of two acclimatization hikes. We will take a gondola ride from Quito to 13,500’ and begin a hike up the Volcano Rucu Pichincha. The hike will take us up over 15,000’ and (weather permitting) will allow for views of the Avenue of Volcanoes. Everyone is doing well here in country, and we’re looking forward to getting some exercise on our hike tomorrow. I will check in tomorrow to update you with the events of the day.

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