Entries By mike bennett
January 31, 2025
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Mike Bennett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 17,000'
It has been a rewarding and exhausting week and a half traveling around Ecuador and venturing into the high mountains. Yesterday, we concluded the trip with an attempt of Cotopaxi, followed by a celebration dinner in Quito. We did not summit Cotopaxi and yet, had a meaningful and memorable experience. There are some days that the mountain does not grant reasonably safe passage and that is just how it goes. Reflecting on my own experiences climbing in this country, some of the windless, sunny days where we reached big summits have begun to blend together. On the other hand, those nights with unrelenting wind, rain, snow, rime ice or lightning really stand out. Our attempt of Cotopaxi falls into that category.
As we left the hut, the feeling was that the steady 20-30mph wind would need to relent during the early morning hours as we went higher on the mountain. Adding to this, we were occassionaly spritzed by rain or very moist clouds. I know that may sound like the same thing, but there is a subtle difference. Either way, by the time we reached the glacier our clothing was thoroughly coated in rime ice and we found ourselves in even more need of improvements in the weather. We began the long, steep traverse from the entrance of the glacier to the Yanasacha Ridge and the weather never improved. At 17600' we made the decision for the team to turn around. That is a tough call to make, albeit the right one. Most people's reflection seemed to include some continued dialing of how much weather is too much weather. I often reflect using a thought process along the lines of: if I continue to the summit in these conditions 100 times, does something catastrophic occur? Of course, we can't know for sure the answer to that, but we can begin to imagine the variety of outcomes and I think we all know a 1 in 100 chance of catastrophe is not worth the reward. We can feel proud to have pushed ourselves in adverse conditions and have had a learning experience.
Today the team is parting ways. Most are headed home to family, while some are extending their vacations or climbing plans further into South America. Wherever it is, this team now carries with them some great memories and stories to be shared.
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier & Team
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Ecuador Volcanoes January 21, 2025
Monday, January 27, 2025 - 11:43 pm PT
What a proper effort that was. Every member of our team pushed themselves today and some reached the summit of Cayambe, while others reached personal high points. Overall, the climb was a great learning experience.
It was a pretty challenging climb. We sat in the hut for most of the day yesterday because it was too rainy to go outside. Then knowing we needed to get an early start, we left the hut with wind and a light mist, wearing hard shell jackets and pants. We had to push towards the upper mountain gambling on some clearing in the weather and we got just that, SOME clearing. We faced moderate winds for most of the remainder of the climb as well as clouds that obscured visibility at times. Everyone had a thin layer of rime ice.
We're now headed to a hacienda for two nights of rest before heading off to Cotopaxi!
RMI Guide Dustin Witmier
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Volcanoes January 21, 2025
January 27, 2025
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Mike Bennett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 18,997'
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RMI Guides Dustin Wittmier and Mike Bennett and the Ecuador Volcanoes team reached the summit of Cayambe earlier this morning.
Way to climb!
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Volcanoes January 21, 2025
January 26, 2025
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Mike Bennett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 15,300'
We are settled in at the Cayambe Hut. It has been raining constantly since early this morning, so we are hunkering down until we see a weather window to review some climbing skills.
Our plan is to climb tonight, but we do need the weather to improve. Despite that, every individual's preparations have already been made and now it's just a game of wait and see. We will update you tomorrow!
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Volcanoes January 21, 2025
Hey Dustin! Sending Best wishes for perfect climbing weather!!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/27/2025 at 3:34 am
Onward and upward!
The team begins its transition into the high alpine, leaving behind the comforts of city life as they begin their first climb of Cayambe. After a casual morning enjoying the Otavalo market, the team drove to the lower Cayambe hut where they sorted gear for the climb and did final fit checks on all the technical gear. After a freshly prepared Ecuadorian dinner, the team is settling in for their last full night of sleep before moving up to the high hut to begin their climb.
RMI Guide Mike Bennett
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Volcanoes January 21, 2025
The Ecuador Volcanoes team continued their acclimatization journey yesterday, making an ascent of Ricco Pichincha just outside of Quito. For many of the climbers, this was a new altitude PR (15413’). Today, the team will start their drive toward Cayambe, stopping to do a moderate acclimatization hike around Laguna de Cuicocha before stopping at a hacienda for the evening. Folks are beginning to settle into the trip, getting into the flow of the expedition and enjoying the diverse culture Ecuador has to offer. Meanwhile, excitement grows as the start of the first major climb grows nearer and the team begins to feel more and more acclimatized.
RMI Guide Mike Bennett
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Volcanoes January 21, 2025
Looking strong ! I’m sure you’re all crushing it under the leadership of Dustin and Mike. Shout out to Mo and Bill. You guys have worked hard for this and I know you’ll have a tremendous experience. Godspeed to the Ecuador team!
-Joe
p.s. Don’t pet the strays…
Posted by: Joseph Mueller on 1/24/2025 at 7:16 pm
Well, that's a wrap on the entire trip. Our final day also coincided with a 40th birthday party, so we celebrated at La Briciola, a nice Italian restaurant in Quito. We shared laughs as people recounted funny moments from the trip and even had a couple laughs about things that felt more serious in the moment; mountaineering is fun, but can also be stressful.
This trip was a success before we even stepped foot on any of the mountains. Each member of the team prepared diligently and showed up in Ecuador ready to climb, if the mountains would allow safe passage. In the end, all three big mountains allowed such and we had the privilege of visiting three beautiful summits. Had we reached none of these summits, I would be equally proud of this team for all the mental and physical training they accomplished before arriving here. A job well done team.
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier
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Ecuador Seminar January 7 - 21, 2025
Three for three! The seminar team had another successful climb this morning, topping out their last climb of the trip and Ecuador’s tallest peak: Chimborazo (20,561’). Fresh snow and cold temps made for challenging climbing conditions, but the team was rewarded with a calm summit sunrise and spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes. Now off the mountain, the team is enjoying some rest and relaxation at Abraespungo before making the migration back to Quito for a final wrap up of the expedition.
RMI Guide Mike Bennett
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar January 7 - 21, 2025
Awesome!!! Awesome Dustin and Team!!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/20/2025 at 12:01 pm
January 18, 2025
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Mike Bennett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 16,564'
Saturday, January 18, 2025 - 3:35 pm PT
We are settled into bed at Chimborazo High Camp. The afternoon was a little stormy, with off and on graupel storms and a few lightning strikes in the distance. However, right now it is only partly cloudy and the mountain peaks out from time to time.
The road has gotten long, and we have done a nice job of adapting to the uncertainty of climbing big mountains in a country with sometimes precarious infrastructure. Challenges have included BUT HAVE NOT BEEN LIMITED TO: bumpy car rides, food-borne illnesses, rapid ascent to high altitude, trying to get a table for 15 weary people to eat lunch and so on.
Now, we face one last mountaineering challenge, and the group is up for it. If the current weather holds, we will make our attempt tonight! However it shakes out, the group can be proud of everything they have learned throughout this trip.
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar January 7 - 21, 2025
Best wishes for Perfect weather and the Strength of Superman to you and your Team Dustin!!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/19/2025 at 2:30 am
January 16, 2025
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Mike Bennett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 19,348'
We have now visited the summits of two big volcanoes on this trip. This morning, just as the sun was rising, the team reached the summit of Cotopaxi. It was absolutely incredible to see the crater and striking ice features at the summit mixed with the early morning colors. As you ascend the route, you are on the north and west aspects of the mountain. We were under a dark sky for most of the climb. As we were nearing the crater rim, first light was upon us and once we crested over it, the golden glow of the sun below the horizon greeted us to the east. It was the perfect reward for all members of the group as each person had to work through a challenge unique to them.
Now we turn our sights to Chimborazo and preparing our bodies and minds to climb, if the mountain grants us the opportunity.
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar January 7 - 21, 2025
That Is Awesome Dustin!!!! Spectacular pictures!!!! Congratulations to All of you!!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/17/2025 at 4:36 am
Looks like a great group of climbers, continued success with Chimborazo!!
Dad
Posted by: Ray Wittmier on 1/16/2025 at 5:52 pm
Outstanding work! That’s a hard-earned summit right there. Looking good team. Dustin & Mike will need to start paying rent for the top of that volcano after all their time they spend there!
-Joe
Posted by: Joseph Mueller on 1/29/2025 at 5:15 am
Awesome!!
Hey Team….I speak from experience…You have an Incredible guide Dustin!!! But pretty sure you all know that by now!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 1/28/2025 at 3:03 am
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