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I am pleased to announce that our Ecuador Seminar team successfully reached the glorious summit of Cotopaxi today at 6:45 am, a mere six hours after leaving the hut in near perfect weather. As we gathered outside preparing ourselves for launch we were greeted with a stunning view of the Southern Hemisphere’s most notable constellation, the Southern Cross, perched directly over the summit which was illuminated beautifully in half powered moonlight. With almost no wind and warm temps, our climb was a drastic contrast to the experience on Cayambe. There were certainly more climbers sharing the mountain but all in all the climbing was very manageable and the route was perfect. Along with the the great weather, we were blessed with a stunning view of night time Quito, 50 miles to the north looking like a long orange fire against the backdrops of numerous volcanoes.
Upon reaching the summit we were bummed to be missing two of our team members still struggling to overcome annoying chest infections but we took plenty of pictures to show them the crater and expansive vistas. After an almost flawless descent I provided a bit of unneeded excitement by taking the wrong trail off of the glacier resulting in steep screen sliding but we found the hut and eventually the bus, waiting patiently in the parking lot ready to zip us to showers, internet and cervesas.
As I write this I am sitting in another 400+ year old hacienda, beer in hand, showing our gracious hosts the incredible pictures of this mornings climb. All I keep saying is what a great day and climb it was. We all hope Chimborazo treats us the same way.
Our journey is well past it’s first week so we want to let all of those following the blog know we are grateful. We all miss our families and loved ones and hope you can send positive thoughts for one more climb.
Tomorrow is a rest day as we transfer south to this planet’s actual tallest mountain. Ask google why.
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Taylor Bickford
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Congratulations Kerry & Jeff, you did it…..never a doubt! We miss you, just know, it’s 100 degrees in Colorado today, the snow looks very refreshing. See you soon. Kisses
Posted by: Grandma on 9/2/2019 at 2:39 pm
Awesome Jeff & Kerry! What a great feeling it must be to train and accomplish such a feat
Posted by: Tom Hutcheson on 9/2/2019 at 11:08 am
On The Map
Thanks for the photos! They help me know what’s ahead of me. So much for this being just an easy walk! Great job guys!
Posted by: Mary Crafts on 7/20/2019 at 11:21 pm
Love the updates! So happy for you all! I hope you’re having an amazing time! ❤️
Posted by: KERI LEHMAN on 7/20/2019 at 4:29 pm
Posted by: Adam Knoff, Leon Davis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
What a Great Experience! Thanks to Leon, Nick, Chase and our team.
Posted by: Fran G on 8/10/2013 at 7:46 am
OUTSTANDING!!!! Way To Go People !!!!
Posted by: Rick Myers on 8/2/2013 at 9:47 pm
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Leon Davis, Mike King
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 19,600'
On The Map
Rick is my favorite person named Rick Popp! Congrats to you and your team!
Posted by: Ben Gadd on 2/3/2013 at 12:48 pm
Thinking of you and your team today as you make the summit. XOXOXO Carol
Posted by: carol Crye Popp on 2/3/2013 at 5:25 am
On The Map
Andy, sorry I missed your call, but we’ve been thinking of you! Stay strong and safe! Mom says hi too! Good luck with the rest of the climb…..then you will need a beach vacation to recoup!
Posted by: Sybille Macke on 6/2/2011 at 1:48 pm
Pete, it’s always great to hear you all are doing so well. I’ll be with Iggy I think when you get back, so get ready for some major dog love. Bisous, Katie
Posted by: Katie on 6/1/2011 at 9:58 pm
REMEMBER SOME ARE GRATEFUL AND SOME ARE DEAD
Posted by: Carole on 5/28/2011 at 7:38 am
Missing you very much!!!! I can’t wait to see you!!!
Posted by: Carole on 5/28/2011 at 7:20 am
Posted by:
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Posted by:
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Hi Seth:
Johnny and I were close to Kotapaxi a few years ago—have fun.
Love, Brigid
Posted by: Brigid on 1/30/2011 at 1:56 pm
What a beautiful picture. Great job to the team. Love to my brother, Bob. See you soon!
Posted by: K Deeds on 1/28/2011 at 12:29 pm
A La Malinche summit!
Yesterday team Mexico Volcanos got up early and left Mexico City, hoping for an early departure from the trailhead for our first volcano, 14500 foot La Malinche.
Recently, the Policía de Montaña, some of whom carry inappropriately large machine guns(tough to argue with), have been quite strict about turning all climbers around at 2pm, no matter your location or fancy technical outerwear. They mean well, as many folks attempt this very large mountain in jeans and street shoes, and seemingly no water or food. With our drive from Mexico City, it would be a push to make it, but the team was willing.
We left the park entrance with 4,500 feet to cover at around 11:30am. The team understood that it would be a little faster pace than normal to make it happen and evade la Policía, but they were up for it.
At 3 pm, 3.5 hours and 4,500 feet later, we scrambled to the rocky summit of La Malinche with a beautiful view and not a cloud in the sky. There stood a single Policía de Montaña, who said simply, “Bajo por favor, ahora! (Down please, now!).”
We negotiated quickly for, “Solo una foto?(Just one photo?).” He was grumpy but willing, and as we took one picture of the team on the summit, the views were incredible of Volcan Iztaccihautl and Orizaba, our next two volcanos.
Once we left the strict gaze of our friendly Policía on the summit, we were able to take some well earned relaxing breaks on our descent and enjoy the company of our new mountain dog friends, who showed us a thing or two about negotiating the loose boulder fields.
A customary feast of barbecued steak and cactus tacos awaited us at our cabins in the forest below La Malinche, and it was an early bedtime!
The crew is super excited for our successful summit, and ready to hit the road and head to our next adventure, 17,159' Volcan Iztaccihautl!
RMI Guide Joe Hoch
New Post Alerts:
Mexico's Volcanoes February 3, 2024
Way to go Connor and Aleeza! Props to Aleeza for representing for the ladies!!
Posted by: Amy Lewis on 2/5/2024 at 9:53 am
Adam: congrats! Your team is lucky to have you and the weather is something I hope for the next time!
Posted by: Deborah Rutter on 1/17/2020 at 6:12 am
Fantastic everyone ! Congratulations! Wishing you good weather and climb for Chimborazo.
Posted by: Linda Dempf on 1/16/2020 at 4:40 pm
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