Entries from Ecuador
Today we inched our way closer to the base of Cotopaxi with a short drive to Tambopaxi and then up the primitive roads to the lower flanks of the mountain. Our mission today was to get onto the lower glacier for some basic skills review and a little more acclimatization. Under some very atypical clear skies we hiked the scree fields to the new Refugio at 16,000' and then a little further to the glacier. We were joined by our Ecuadorian guides Topo and Joaquin for a brief climbing school and a glimpse of the lower route. By early afternoon we were relaxing in the Tambopaxi Lodge for some Cribbage and another great team dinner. Things are going very well for us here and the team is enjoying every minute in a most spectacular mountain arena. Looking forward to every day here on the Equator!
RMI Guide Leon Davis
December 2, 2014 - 6:08 pm
Today the team said goodbye to the hustle and bustle of Quito and headed south early in the morning. Once outside the city we made our way through the rural countryside and headed for our next acclimatizing hike on the Illiniza's. They are the remnants of an old volcano that erupted long ago and left two nearly twin peaks. Our goal was not to climb them, but reach the saddle that separates the two beautiful mountains. The team made good time up to the saddle where we took a short break in the climbers hut and had some well deserved hot tea. After our short break we made our way back down the mountain to our waiting bus and quickly headed to the wonderful Chilcabamba hacienda. The team made good use of the hot showers and enjoyed sporting around in the ponchos provided by the hacienda. We wrapped up the evening with a wonderful meal, plenty of good stories, and one amazing view of Cotopaxi.
Everyone is doing great and enjoying the Ecuadorean hospitality.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew
On The Map
The team here in Ecuador got their first taste of altitude today, on the hills that surround Quito. This morning we rode the teleferico to 13,000 feet and began our trek up Pichincha on the rutted trails that wind up to its rocky 15,000 ft summit. It was a day to pressure our bodies into absorbing the thin atmosphere and although the typical afternoon clouds obscured our view from the top, we were able to stretch our legs and lungs in the mountains.
This evening our team met with our Ecuadorian guide, Jaime, and he took us to a new Ecuadorian restaurant where we enjoyed a fantastic dinner of local cuisine. Tonight is our last night in Quito as we depart for the Illinizas early in the morning.
RMI Guide Leon Davis
On The Map
Go Team Leonard!!!! We are thinking about all of you and Good Luck taking on the Summit! Love to all, Donna & Girls
Posted by: Donna Leonard on 12/3/2014 at 4:24 pm
Posted by: Casey Grom, Leon Davis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Everyone has safely arrived here in Ecuador and are excited for our adventure. We started our day with a team meeting where we did a round of introductions and discuss our upcoming program. Shortly after our meeting we headed out to explore this beautiful old city with our tour guide Juan. He took us to visit the Basilica and the old part of town dating back to the 1600's. We made a stop atop a hill that overlooks the city called La Panacea, and took in the view of this long and narrow city of over two million.
We then made our way north to visit the equator which gives Ecuador it's name. There's a small museum there with a few interactive displays that amused us. But most importantly we stood on the equator itself!
After our brief visit we made our way back to our hotel in downtown Quito where we took a break before heading to dinner. The team opted for a place called the Magic Bean that's know for its tasty food and fresh juices.
Everyone is doing well and looking forward to getting a little exercise tomorrow.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew
Just letting Tom, Bob, and Eddie know that I’m thinking of you guys and hope you had a great climb…get home safe…David
Posted by: David on 12/5/2014 at 6:40 am
We are so excited for you Brian. Enjoy the view from the summit and take some good pictures ! You and your team stay safe. Love you ,mom
Posted by: Karen on 12/4/2014 at 6:18 pm
Our team is safely back in Quito, reacquainting ourselves to city life. We had a great trip here in Ecuador; we enjoyed the country and culture, the delicious cuisine, and the friendly Andean people. We also enjoyed a safe and successful climb of Cotopaxi.
Our trip is coming to a close now. We will get together this evening for a celebration dinner before we part ways and travel in different directions. It has been a pleasure to spend time in the mountains with this group of climbers.
Saludos…
RMI Guide Mike Walter
Friday, July 4, 2014 – 10:32 AM PT
We took advantage of great weather and climbing conditions yesterday to summit Cotopaxi (19,348')! We started climbing a little before 5 am, summitted around 1 pm, and were back at camp by 5 pm. Twelve hours of ascending and descending the glaciate slopes of Ecuador's most famous volcano, Cotopaxi. Although we were greeted by gusty winds as we approached the glacier, the sky was clear and the temperature was comfortable. By the time we strapped our crampons on, the wind had died down and the weather and climbing conditions could not have been better. The snow was perfect for cramponing, winds were about 10 mph all the way up to the summit, and the views of the surrounding peaks were stunning.
After a long day of climbing we settled back into the climbers' hut and enjoyed a warm meal before crawling into our sleeping bags for a full night's sleep. This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we visited a small pre-Incan archaeological site within Cotopaxi National Park before heading south to the Hacienda La Cienega. Now we're all set to enjoy showers, some more food, and comfortable beds.
Nice work team, on safely climbing up and down a very impressive mountain. We'll rest here at La Cienega tonight and then head back into the capital, Quito, tomorrow.
RMI Guide Mike Walter
Wonderful job. So glad you made it to the summit - sounds like a wonderful trip. See you in Quito.
Posted by: Gayle on 7/4/2014 at 12:47 pm
RMI Guide Mike Walter and his team of climbers reached the summit of Cotopaxi on July 3rd around 11 am PT. They descended to camp and will head to La Cienega today.
Congratulations to the team!
On The Map
Posted by: Mike Walter
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
We had a very nice and relaxing stay at the Hacienda Chilcabamba, enjoying excellent food, great views of Cotopaxi, magnificent star gazing, and warmth from wood stoves.
Well fed and rested, now we're headed to the climbers' hut on Cotopaxi where we'll review climbing techniques and prepare for our summit bid. Hopefully the weather cooperates; so far it hasn't disappointed.
We'll check in again tomorrow to keep everyone up to date.
RMI Guide Mike Walter
On The Map
Love following your travels to Cotopaxi. I need more pics!!!
Posted by: Mary on 7/3/2014 at 6:50 am
We had another great day today, hiking up to the climbers' hut on the Ilinizas at an altitude of 15,500'. The weather, once again, was very cooperative and we had great views of Cotopaxi and the Ilinizas. Afternoon clouds produced some showers, but not until we were already back at our van and driving down from the trail head. Now we're headed to the beautiful Hacienda Chilcabamba to rest for the night. We'll be in touch again tomorrow.
RMI Guide Mike Walter & Team
Our team had a great day today, tackling our first acclimatization climb in good style. We climbed to the summit of Rucu Pichincha, a 15,400' volcano outside of Quito. The views were grand as we ascended in the rare air of high altitude.
Everyone did great (we were all breathing hard up there!), and we look forward to moving out of the comfort of the city life tomorrow, heading south, and getting another acclimatization hike under our belts.
We'll touch base again tomorrow. Thanks for checking in!
RMI Guide Mike Walter
On The Map
Looks like a wonderful day! Have a great climb tomorrow and stay safe.
Posted by: Gayle on 6/30/2014 at 8:10 pm
Good luck with your ascent in a few hours Brian. Glad you’ve enjoyed the experience so far. Can’t wait to hear about it and see pics!
Posted by: Craig Mohr on 12/4/2014 at 6:08 pm
KIRK MAN, HANG TEN BRO! CH
Posted by: CHARLES HOLLIMAN on 12/4/2014 at 4:47 pm
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