Ecuador Volcanoes: Wittmier & Team Visit Otavalo Market, Ready for Cayambe Climb
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Felipe Guarderas
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
After a relaxing morning and filling breakfast at the Refugio, we packed our bags, bid farewell to our new four legged friends, loaded ourselves in the bus, and moved one step closer to our first objective: Cayambe. The day was a scheduled rest day, so naturally we did what all climbers do, we went shopping! We stopped at the outdoor market in Otavalo and shopped for gifts while soaking up some local culture.
Eventually we made our way to the lower climbers hut. What a pleasant surprise it turned out to be! Many of us had mentally steeled ourselves for something more rustic… however we were treated to comfy beds with pillows, WiFi, and a warm stove! “Glampineering” feels like an accurate description. After spending a quiet afternoon relaxing and a delicious homemade dinner, we found ourselves huddled around our phones anxiously watching Alex Honnold scale Taipei 101. Spoiler: he makes it to the top.
After breakfast Sunday morning, we donned our gear and practiced our skills in preparation for Cayambe. Once we were all feeling more confident, we packed our bags, climbed into trucks, and headed to the upper climbers hut. While not as luxurious as the lower one, it again exceeded our expectations.
Now, we relax and prepare to begin our climb at midnight tonight, a shared sense of anxious excitement resonates through the team. Each person is here for their own reasons, but collectively we are focused on one goal: Cayambe.
RMI Climber Erica Kim
Comments (1)
Sending Erica and all warm, dry, happy climbing wishes from California!
Catherine
Posted by: Catherine on