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Posted by: Andy Bond, Henry Coppolillo
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Bolivia
It's been a whirlwind of a last couple of days for us,
Once we arrived at basecamp of Illimani and saw the conditions up close, we realized how icy, firm and steep conditions were on the route. Our local IFMGA guide Javier who has been guiding in Bolivia since 1982 said it was the worst conditions he's ever seen. Climbing Illimani is a serious undertaking that has taken the lives of numerous climbers over the years. With the conditions we were faced with, it was clear then that the risks associated with making a summit attempt were simply too high, and that Illimani would have to wait.
We decided as a group to not attempt the climb but take the next day to all climb to high camp at 17,800' (called the Condor's Nest). On our hike up the rocky ridge, we were graced by a rare sighting of an Andean Condor overhead. We enjoyed another beautiful night in basecamp next a peaceful creek, where llamas grazed in the fields around our tents.
The next day we made the long trip back on the windy dirt roads to La Paz where we enjoyed some really good pizza and not so good beer (unless you like sours). With the program drawing to a close a day early, it gave people an extra day to explore everything Bolivia had to offer. Most of our time here had been spent in the high mountains and the highlands that are typically over 14,500'. Yesterday we made the long descent some 3500m down into the rainforest and jungle on the eastern side of Bolivia, where we wound up at a wildlife refuge. Breathing the thick heavy air at 4000' and lush green jungle and coca farms it felt like we had entered a different country.
Although we weren't able to summit our last peak, the group was able to climb Pequeno Alpamayo and Huayna Potosi, which are two impressive peaks in one of the most underrated parts of the Andes. Bolivia is home to some of the most amazing mountains and friendliest most welcoming people. It was great to be back here after 5 years and to share it with such a great group of people. We're looking forward to returning to Bolivia in 2025!
RMI Guides Henry and Andy
New Post Alerts:
Bolivia Expedition, August 3, 2024
What an amazing time you had!
Posted by: Sheila Forsyth on 8/18/2024 at 8:06 pm
Posted by: Mike King, Dominic Cifelli, Jack Delaney
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 18,000'
Our team will take another weather day at Camp 2. Strong winds and lots of snow will keep us from moving up hill today. Tomorrow is our last chance to move to High Camp. We will hope to have a summit bid on the 14th. The team is hunkered down in their tents as 40 mph wind gusts roar through camp.
RMI Guide Mike King
Thinking of you and wishing for good weather for you all. Love Vonne.
Posted by: Vonne on 1/14/2023 at 7:08 pm
Thinking of the group and wishing you luck! 40mph winds, yikes! We got about 14in of snow yesterday, then some rain. Hopefully it keeps coming so we can start snowmobiling!
Missing you - Lydia, Matt & Wilhelmina
Posted by: Lydia on 1/14/2023 at 5:53 am
Posted by: Jake Beren, Mike King, Steve Gately
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 22,841'
Jake Beren calls in after the team's successful summit.
On The Map
Bravo! Bravissimo! A glorious day’s work. Rest up and have a safe descent.
Posted by: nsb on 1/5/2014 at 12:01 pm
Monica and team, congratulations on the successful summit!! So happy for you all! Safe descent, see you soon!
Posted by: Leslie M on 1/5/2014 at 11:10 am
Posted by: Mike Haugen, Mike Uchal
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 17,200'
On The Map
Good luck everyone! Michael said he saw you at 14k camp and you looked strong! Jack and I are crossing our fingers - we’re so proud of all of you, and we love you Quinn!
Posted by: Liz and Jack on 6/27/2013 at 2:49 am
Great job dad!!! Waiting for you safe and sound at home!
Posted by: Vikky on 6/26/2013 at 11:04 pm
Posted by: Billy Nugent, Tyler Reid
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Posted by: JJ Justman, Seth Waterfall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Northside
Elevation: 15,300'
RMI Guide JJ Justman checks in from Mt. Elbrus high camp.
On The Map
Praying for you and the team! Love ya,
Mom and Dad
Posted by: Louis Kayatin on 9/1/2012 at 8:49 am
On The Map
Hi Eric-
See you in a couple of weeks!
Posted by: Larry Seaton on 5/17/2012 at 10:38 pm
On The Map
Linden,
I am enjoying your posts. This sounds like a great adventure and I wish I was there. Say hello and give my best to Tim McLaughlin. Have a blast!
Rory
Posted by: Rory Robertson on 3/26/2011 at 6:55 pm
Linden,
enjoying following your progress on the blog…you write well…a nice tribute to Holderness (even if you never took English from me!!) Be safe and have fun…R
Posted by: Richard Parker on 3/26/2011 at 4:59 am
UPDATE: Saturday, March 1, 2025 - 8:52 am PT
We received a quick note from RMI Guide Jess Wedel this morning:
100% on top. We just walked off the summit of Pico de Orizaba. Beautiful clear day, but snow and clouds are on their way.
They will check in later today when they off the mountain and are back in Tlachichuca.
Congratulations to all the ALA climbers! Nice work everyone!
Go team! Have a safe and successful trek!! Miss my Puppy! Arrrrfff!
Posted by: Jan Fletcher on 7/27/2011 at 6:11 am
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