Entries from Mexico
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 3:17pm
This is Dustin and Team checking in from high camp on Ixta. It rained constantly last night and we almost pulled the plug on climbing Ixta. However, we started uphill into the rain this morning and eventually ended up in the sun. We're now at high camp and the weather still looks iffy in the distance, but if we can thread the needle again we at least have some chance!
Wish us luck!
Yesterday we hiked almost all the way up La Malinche. At 14,440 feet, just a few minutes from the top, the park security emerged from the cloud to inform us that the mountain was closed due to the threat of lightning. My own assessment of the lightning risk was lower than his, but this guy didn’t seem in the mood to discuss and I wasn’t going to bring my rudimentary Spanish skills and a trekking pole to a gun fight. Oh well.
On the way down, we got thoroughly soaked and were happy to hop in the showers at the La Malintzi Resort before eating a hot meal and getting to bed early.
At the moment, we are in route to La Joyita, the trailhead for Ixtaccihuatl. We will spend the night there and head to high camp tomorrow.
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier
Hey Dustin! All the Best to you and your team!!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 10/10/2023 at 3:26 am
¡Hola!
Yesterday the entire team arrived for the first RMI trip to the Mexico Volcanoes for this season. We have all bags in tow and are now on our way to La Malinche for some acclimatization. Today is mostly cloudy, so we will see what the mountain gives us, but more importantly we are getting out to move the legs and exercise the lungs. Check back tomorrow for details on how our day went!
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier
A summit success early this morning on Pico de Orizaba! Most of our team stood at 18,491 feet a little after sunrise, soaking in the views after a tough climb at high altitude.
It was a long last day in the mountains, but spirits were high as we descended to Tlachichuca where we enjoyed the comforts of the small town.
Our final night together as a team was spent sharing stories from the mountain and appreciating the trip, from the dust to the sunrises, the team is grateful for good weather and safe passage in the mountains.
Thanks for following along with the team on our adventures through Mexico and our climbs of the mighty volcanoes.
RMI Guide Abby Westling
This morning, we left the comforts of the city for our tents at Orizaba. After a long day of travel, preparation, and a little bit of acclimatization, we will sleep at 14,000 feet. Tomorrow will be another early start, in the dark for our climb. The team feels good after a much needed rest day in Puebla! No one said the climbing will be easy, but we are hopeful for a good climb with the challenge of the mountain tomorrow ahead of us.
Our team took a well-deserved rest day in Puebla, sleeping in, enjoying the warm weather and soaking in the colorful city.
Folks explored, some finding fresh fruit stands, massages and local shops for souvenirs. Others relaxed and connected with loved ones back home, letting them know about the adventures so far. Tonight we filled up on traditional mole, discussed other climbing trips and swapped many stories.
Tomorrow we head off for our final objective. Orizaba!
RMI Guide Abby Westling
Posted by: Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
A successful summit for the whole team this morning!
In perfect weather our team summited Izta. She graced us with smooth climbing conditions as we scrambled up rocks, down a glacier and up to summit where, after climbing in the dark for hours, we were rewarded with a beautiful sunrise.
After a long descent, we bid our new dog friends farewell and left for Puebla. Tonight we will enjoy showers, clean beds and a warm meal.
We are ready to rest up for our next big mountain!
RMI Guide Abby Westling
Tonight we climb!
After a beautiful day spent carrying our gear up to high camp along the dusty and rocky trail, we are ready for our summit push of Izta. We have the mountain to ourselves today and enjoyed the solitude. It was just our climbing team, the mountain, and of course a few dogs to keep us company. After fueling ourselves with quesadillas and water, we tuck in and prepare for an alpine start.
Posted by: Abby Westling
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mexico
We awoke this morning to beautiful weather, the sky was pink, lighting up La Malinche and the air was fresh like late summer in the high desert. Today is the beginning of our Izta climb. We hiked to our basecamp, through the pines on the dusty trail. We had clear views of Izta ahead of us and Popo smoking behind us, the mountains making us feel small in the midst of their height and beauty. We prepared for our hike to high camp tomorrow, meticulously sorting through our gear, and just as importantly, snacks. Our team is ready to move up the mountain and excited for our bigger climbs ahead.
RMI Guide Abby Westling
Today we enjoyed an acclimitization hike on La Malinche. The trail was busy with other hikers and we made our first dog friends of the trip. Along the trail and through the trees we weaved our way up, spotting hummingbirds and rocky peaks surrounding us. 
We did not have the opportunity to summit due to weather and time but we still made it to 13,000 feet!
After a well earned, delicious meal at our resort, we settle in at 10,000 feet to rest for our Izta adventure tomorrow.
RMI Guide Abby Westling and team
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All the Best Dustin!!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 10/12/2023 at 5:32 am
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