Peru Seminar: 100% to the Top of Ishinca!
Posted by: Zeb Blais, Chase Nelson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Peru Seminar
Elevation: 18,143'
After a couple rainy nights, we weren't sure what hand the weather gods would deal us this morning for our Ishinca summit push. When the alarm rang, we zipped open the tent door. We were elated to see blackness punctuated only with gleaming stars - not a cloud in the sky!
Our team got ready after an incredible breakfast of pancakes with banana compote and started walking under a blanket of stars. As we approached the glacier, sunlight illuminated Ranrapalca, the biggest peak to our south.
We transitioned to crampons and tackled the Penitenteied glacier. After an hour of weaving through the rough surface, the snow smoothed out and got steeper on the summit pyramid. The climbing was great and our team navigated the steep final pitch and large crevasse to gain the summit.
The entire team made it in good style! The weather held out all the way back to camp too! Everyone is looking forward to a well deserved rest day tomorrow.
RMI Guides Zeb Blais, Chase Nelson and team
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Comments (3)
Congrats on the safe summit! Looks like the weather cooperated and was a great view! Enjoy! Eli
Posted by: Eli Zygmuntowicz on
The starlit dome must have been amazing. Vicariously enjoying your expedition pictures.Love and strength to all…Phil and Laurie Brandau
Posted by: phil brandau on
What an amazing trip! Can’t wait to see more pictures, safe travels everyone! Love, Connie, Ben, Sam, Danielle and Frank
Posted by: Connie Keran on