Entries from Expedition Dispatches
The RMI Mexico's Volcanoes Team reached the summit of Ixtaccihuatl at 5:30 am local time. They left High Camp in warm conditions but the weather changed to cold and windy by the time they reached the summit. The team is making their way to the trailhead and will check in later with more details.
Congratulations to the team!
This morning we had a hearty breakfast of fresh fruit and a locals take on huevos mexicana. The Team got packed up and organized their gear to begin the 3.5 mile hike to our High Camp. The route consists of a series of ascending traverses that gain approximately 2,500’. During this time we looked out upon the farming communities of Amecameca and Puebla. After our second break we were overtaken by some thin clouds. Thankfully they were dry and didn’t carry any lightening. More times then not we experience some thunder and electrical activity at this High Camp due to similar weather patterns that many of you have experienced in the US Rocky Mountains. If the weather gets bad we do have a hut to hide out in since it is grounded and has a few lightening rods.
The Team did well today considering the high altitude and heavy overnight packs. This camp is at 15,500’ which is a new high point for many in the group. We will make a summit attempt early tomorrow morning and we have our fingers crossed the weather cooperates.
RMI Guide Mike King
On The Map
Today was a logistics day with a hike to continue our acclimatization. We left La Malinche around 8 am and had a delicious breakfast enroute to the town of Amecameca where we bought our water and remaining supplies for the Ixta climb. From there we drove up a winding road to Paso de Cortes which lies between the 2 volcanoes Popo and Ixta that dominate this area of Mexico. With rain lightly bouncing off our jackets, we walked the 4.5 miles from the park entrance to the hut located at 13,000’. We are packing and enjoying the new dusting of snow on the surrounding peaks. Dinner and a good night's sleep will have us prepared to head up to high camp tomorrow morning.
On The Map
Best of Luck to you and your team Mike!!! I’ll be following along!
Posted by: Farmer Dave on 11/12/2019 at 3:05 am
Today we attempted to hike up the 14,600’ peak of La Malinche. The drive to the park entrance goes through a nice pine forest. We got to tree line around 1:45pm at 12,800’ and storm clouds had been sitting on the summit all day. There was thunder and billowing clouds for the next hour. The guides decided that being on an exposed ridge line with a building electrical storm on the horizon wasn't the best scenario. We started the descent with views of the surrounding countryside coming and going between dark clouds. We are back at the cabins having had a delicious meal and eager to get started on the Ixta portion of our trip.
RMI Guide Mike King
Posted by: JT Schmitt, Grayson Swingle
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
On The Map
On The Map
Fingers crossed for your climb today (Saturday)
Cheers from Indiana!!
Lovely photos!
Posted by: Kathy on 10/19/2019 at 6:44 am
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Congratulations!!! Have a safe trip down and cannot wait to hear about your adventures John! Love ya- Jen and JD
Posted by: Jen Brown on 11/13/2019 at 11:08 am
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