Cotopaxi Express: Wittmier & Team Summit Cotopaxi!
We awoke to a perfectly clear night and were on the move by just after 1am on Friday. The first section of the climb, which is often a trail through pebble scree was covered in a perfectly hard, thin layer of snow. In fact, conditions on the entire route were near perfect. We followed La Ruta Antigua due to crevasse conditions on the more standard route. Shortly after sunrise we were walking up La Arista de Yanasacha, staring down the final headwall and trying to catch our breaths above 18500'. Upon reaching the summit, we were rewarded with 360 degree views of the highlands of Ecuador including numerous other active and dormant stratovolcanoes. Everyone did their standard summit rituals, ate a favorite snack, took some pictures and headed down. This team made quick work of the descent and we were eating pancakes at the hut by a normal breakfast hour.
Thanks to all the members of this team for showing up ready to climb and thank you to you all for following along with our travels!
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier & Team
Comments (1)
That is Awesome Dustin!! It brings back Great Memories!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on