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Last night as we prepared for our summit attempt, we could not get American football off of our minds. With Dustin and a couple others praying for a Seahawks win and myself along with all my Ecuadorian recruits pulling for the Packers, the howling winds, soaking mist and ominous cloud cap almost seemed to take a back seat. I say this because it was the mind frame I was in but in reality the weather was front and center. When we arrived in Ecuador, I gloated on our fortune of grand vistas and warm temperatures, but we all know how quickly things can change. And change they did.
With a 6:00 pm dinner and 7:00 pm lights out, we never learned the score but went to bed wondering. This is the main reason I didn’t sleep a single minute but my 11:00 pm alarm showed up unwelcomed anyway. As I ventured outside to inspect the winds, I was immediately greeted with a soaking mist ramming into me at 25 mph. This did not inspire me so I held off waking the group up for another hour thinking things might improve enough to warrant going up. And to my surprise it did! At 1:00 am the rain had turned to snow which made the prospect of climbing a bit more bearable, but the wind still screamed as it whistled through the Cayambe Refugio.
At 2:00 am five out of our eight climbers set off for what would be an uncertain ascent. The other three climbers stayed behind because of lingering chest illnesses they felt would improve with rest over cold, windy, snowy climbing.
It only took 15 minutes or so before our local guides began to express concern about ice covered rock and strong winds. We made the decision to go as high as we safely could, which led us through some steep rock steps and a sandy traverse back towards the glacier, which we visited a mere twelve hours previously. It was on this traverse we got the full taste of the wind’s furry. I know how strong a wind gust needs to be to blow me around and this giant fan was blowing at a constant, strong enough to have me leaning into it looking like Michael Jackson in mid performance, I’m guessing a steady 50 mph.
Shortly after passing this exposed spot it was clear our shot at the top was going to be thwarted. It wasn’t cold and the snow had even subsided a bit but the wind, through its howls, made the decision for us, we needed to turn around. This is never an easy decision to make but in the end it was the right one. Back at the hut we took a little cat nap and then woke to horrible instant coffee and some rope practice. We then packed up and headed out, back to the warmth of 8,000 feet and the fantastic burgers of Cafe LA Vaca, my favorite lunch place.
Now we are settled into one of the oldest haciendas in the country enjoying internet, a laundry service and hot showers. Our failure to reach the summit of Cayambe has only fueled the fire to get to Cotopaxi, also known as the jewel of Ecuador, tomorrow. We will keep you updated as we prepare for this 19,400' snow cone. Thanks for following.
On The Map
On The Map
Se tenir au chaud… d’accord?
Posted by: M. Homme on 11/29/2014 at 6:04 pm
Cool Stuff! (literally and figuratively)Jon, 65 F in Tuscaloosa today…
Roll Tide!
Posted by: Tom on 11/29/2014 at 9:57 am
On The Map
Wow. Looks like a clear sky and beautiful weather. Good for you. Congratulations!
Posted by: Fernando de Aragon on 8/2/2014 at 6:33 pm
Congratulations !!! Great summit picture. Thanks to the guides for everything. Enjoy your. success.
Posted by: Josie on 8/2/2014 at 9:41 am
Posted by: Mike Walter, Solveig Waterfall, Steve Gately
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 11,200'
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On The Map
Climb Strong! We are all behind you from Tampa. I am reading the blog to the girls for a bed time story so please through some princess stories in there.
Love,
Lennox
Posted by: Ken Lennox on 5/12/2014 at 5:15 am
Dad (Bob Strode),
Coming home from dinner to a mother’s day message from Camp 3 on Denali made my night. And may have almost made me cry, but we’ll blame pregnancy hormones for that.
Hope the weather stays so fabulous! Keep on staying strong! We all are sending good vibes and love from Ohio!
Love,
Mandy
Posted by: MandyS on 5/11/2014 at 4:39 pm
Posted by: Jeff Martin
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Hello fellow climbers! I am glad to see that you are enjoying the continuation of your trip. Made it back to California without hassle. Helped by red wine and sleeping pill. My last day at The Dik Dik was a little lonely since I appeared to be the only guest there and my plane was not until 950pm that night. They tried to feed me a lot and at some point I had to say no. Also if you want to buy souvenirs I would recommend doing it while on safari, because the airport shops seemed to be lacking somewhat in authenticity (although not too bad). Interestingly, while waiting for my plane, there were 3 power failures in the terminal. Fortunately, the computers and runway lights seemed to be on a different circuit, so Hakuna Matata! Here is the latest Bieber update: http://celebrity.yahoo.com/blogs/celeb-news/justin-bieber—extremely-abusive—to-flight-attendant—has-pot-party-at-10-000-ft-184625636.html
Finally, something else I wanted to share with you. When I arrived back at the Dik Dik after the climb, I received a series of text messages informing me that my mother had passed away. She was 82 years old and was in declining health, but her death was not expected. She died on January 29, only a few days into our trek. Although I could have been informed of this, my father was absolutely insistent that I not be told until after I had summited (I guess he had more confidence in my abilities than I had myself). I did not want to mention this at our celebratory dinner since it would detract too much from our overall festive mood. Nonetheless, after having spent over a week with all of you and getting to know you, I think I can tell you now. So after a 36 hour turnover time, I will be on an airplane to Florida to visit with my father for awhile.
I look forward to seeing and sharing all of our pictures. It was a pleasure meeting all of you. I think our overall comradeship, as well as Jeff’s high degree of leadership and professionalism is what allowed us to be successful.
I wish you all the best.
Robert
Posted by: Robert on 2/6/2014 at 12:24 pm
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Katrina Bloemsma, Billy Nugent
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Hi—
We’ve loved following your journey, team. Thank you for sharing it : )
Posted by: Rocky the climbing pup (and Kendra) on 1/22/2014 at 6:46 pm
Posted by: Jake Beren, Mike King, Steve Gately
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua
Elevation: 13,800'
On The Map
Well since I’m clueless about mountain climbing I assumed you be climbing all the time and now I see walking and hiking are part of the adventure…and heat! Cool…well I mean hot. Have fun be safe; we’re all looking forward to hearing about this adventure, Bill. Breakfast Club via Dav’ne
Posted by: Dav'ne Stahley on 12/27/2013 at 9:20 am
Great to hear your voice. I keep reading of 100-degree weather in Buenes Aires—surely, it can’t be that hot up above!?! Power on, team.
Posted by: nsb on 12/27/2013 at 8:21 am
On The Map
Good luck to you all! You guys are amazing! Dom and Kalani we are all cheering for you here in sunny Florida!
Posted by: Bill and janella on 8/4/2013 at 7:57 am
Good luck everyone!! We are excited for you all! Dom and Kalani we are all cheering for you here in sunny Florida!!
Posted by: Janella and bill Raymond on 8/4/2013 at 7:52 am
Posted by:
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Adam,
You might recall that we got blown off Cayambe the year I was with you as well!
Posted by: Dusty Dodson on 1/13/2020 at 9:42 pm
Sorry to hear the wind kept you from summiting. But glad to hear all are well and getting psyched for Cotopaxi. Again, wishing to all the very best!
-jill
Posted by: Jill Klores on 1/13/2020 at 8:54 pm
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