Entries from Ecuador
Today we got second chair on the gondola and enjoyed a quiet morning on Rucu Pichincha. For many this was the second highest altitude they had reached and a good hike to really get the acclimatization going. Contrary to my previous trips and further proving the unreliability of weather forecasting in the tropics, we did not get rained on and it really did not threaten to rain on us at any point today. Following the hike we enjoyed a team dinner at a favorite local Lebanese restaurant and tomorrow we are headed north towards Cayambe.
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Following some last minute changes to COVID protocol in Ecuador and the saga of one lost duffel, all climbers have now arrived safely in Quito and the lost bag was found and delivered to the hotel. As the first step in the acclimatization process we toured museums, churches and historic sites for much of the day. It is currently a national holiday in Ecuador so the streets were lively with tourists and vendors. Spirits are high as we prepare to hike Rucu Pichincha tomorrow!
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier & Team
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
That is Awesome Dustin!! It brings back Great Memories!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 11/10/2021 at 2:50 am
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Matias Francis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 15,100'
When we arrived in Ecuador last weekend it had been rainy for weeks on end. Even the first couple days of this trip were quite stormy in the afternoons. But over the last couple days the patterns have been changing for the better. This morning we leave the Chilcabamba Eco Lodge and have our fingers crossed for one more day of good weather! Tomorrow is the main event, Cotopaxi summit day, and the excitement is palpable. Looking out the main window of the dining room at Chilcabamba we can see the summit of Cotopaxi and most of the route.
Included in the pictures are a couple from Iliniza Norte yesterday and one of Cotopaxi from the back porch at Chilcabamba.
Wishing you Clear sky on Cotopaxi Dustin!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 11/5/2021 at 3:05 am
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Matias Francis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 15,354'
November 2, 2021 - 6:33 am PT
Yesterday we did our first serious acclimatizing by hiking Rucu Pichincha. It is a fun hike that includes a gondola ride to 13,000' where we began our ascent to Rucu Pichincha, with an official summit elevation of 15354'. The entire team made it to the summit after a few hours of hiking and a short scramble. We then hustled down to avoid the afternoon rains and arrived back at the gondola before getting wet. This morning we are headed to Iliniza to make a summit attempt on Iliniza Norte tomorrow!
That is Awesome Dustin!!! Best of luck to you and the team!!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 11/3/2021 at 4:05 am
Nice hike to the summit of Rucu Puchincha. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Joel Cline on 11/2/2021 at 8:16 am
The members of the team arrived safely in Quito and ventured out yesterday for a city tour of Quito. The first (and generally favorite) stop on the tour was at the Mitad del Mundo museum, which means "middle of the world". This museum is located on the equatorial line and the tour guides give us a review of some 8th grade science (which it seems we have all forgotten). At an elevation greater than 9,000' we are already getting our breathing in check and today are looking forward to a warm-up hike on Rucu Pichincha!
Our Ecuador Volcanoes team is excited to have reached the summit of Cotopaxi this morning around 7:30 am. The entire team climbed strong and efficiently. We are packing up now ready to head towards Quito. More to follow.
On The Map
Congratulations everyone!! What an amazing adventure! Love all the incredible photos and I’ve enjoyed living vicariously through you all while reading the blog! Safe travels home! Jamie
Posted by: Jamie on 1/30/2020 at 7:09 pm
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!! What an amazing achievement!!! Time to relax and reflect on your adventure. The magnificent scenery, the camaraderie, working together as a team and all the obstacles the mountain could put in your paths and you were able to meet the challenge and go on to summit!!! Wishing everyone safe travels home.
LUMTA 1TF So proud of you and your achievement Whynde
Posted by: Geri Kuehn on 1/30/2020 at 12:53 pm
Hello from the Cotopaxi hut, situated at 16,000' on the northern slopes of this incredible mountain. At least I think we are on Cotopaxi? Yesterday the mountain shone bright and crisp, the sky cloudless and calm. Exactly what we were hoping for today.
But staying true to form, all that enticing weather, beckoning us to climb lasted all of two hours and by 11 am yesterday morning the mountain was gone and we haven’t seen it since. Through on and off rain we prepared our packs this morning hoping things would clear. At 1 pm we had left Chilcabamba with cloudy but dry conditions. By 2:15 we were in the parking lot 500 vertical feet below the hut in a complete downpour. Not to mention the fog was so thick we couldn’t see the other side of the lot.
So what gives? I am listening to rain hit the roof and the fog surround us like a haunting cape. We will try to climb anyway.
On The Map
Hello all…the weather certainly has made your climb quite a challenge!!! Believe in yourselves. When you think you can’t take one more step, focus and draw courage and strength from within you. Be proud of yourselves and remember…you’re part of a very small group of people that can say they faced the mountain and conquered it’s obstacles. YOU ALL ROCK!!! GOOD LUCK AND STAY DRY!!!
LUMTA 1TF
“Be the kind of person who in the face of adversity will continue to embrace life and walk fearlessly toward the challenge. Take it on! Own your own power and glory!
Oprah Winfrey
Posted by: Geri Kuehn on 1/30/2020 at 8:37 am
Prayers for a safe trip! Wishing you blue bird days. Mom
Posted by: Jane on 1/30/2020 at 3:49 am
Last night we arrived at Chilcabamba Eco Lodge situated ten miles to the north of Cotopaxi, our final mountain object for this adventure. This morning we had a crystal clear view of this beautiful peak and of the actual climbing route visible with binoculars. After yesterday, we are all chomping at the bit to get a second shot at going high. I’m just hoping the mountain gods quit goofing around and make our climbing and our decision making a bit less strenuous.
During the last three weeks, Dustin and I have attempted four big peaks with only one of them giving us a clear green light. The three previous attempts, two on Cayambe and one on Chimborazo, could best be described as a devious poker game where you are constantly dealt a low grade two pair and going all in on that isn’t the risk you want to take. But it isn’t outright horrible either. Just one more card, one more bet, maybe the odds will turn. We have folded in the name of safety but the questions still linger. Could we have gone higher? Yesterday I wasn’t ready to fold but the next bet came at a cost. Through pure determination and a bit of luck we squeaked it out but those aren’t the hands you want to have to bet on day in and day out. Let’s hope tomorrow that Cotopaxi deals us the hand as it did last time.
Gambling aside, this day was a well needed reprieve from the continuous ride we have been on the last week. Fifteen minutes ago one of our faithful staff stalled into my room, lit a fire and asked if I needed anything. “Not at the moment,“ I replied, things for now are pretty much perfect.
Tonight we will pack for our climb ahead and enjoy one more night's rest before heading up hill again. We will touch base tomorrow.
Please enjoy some photos from our Cayambe summit day.
Sorry I missed sending you a post yesterday. I know you had a BIG day ahead!!!
My mother said to me, “If you become a soldier, you’ll be a general; if you become a monk, you’ll end up as the pope.” I became a painter and wound up as Picasso.
Pablo Picasso
LUMTA 1TF
Posted by: Geri Kuehn on 1/30/2020 at 8:16 am
Wow, those were some spectacular pictures! Wishing you all a safe and memorable climb on your last mountain on this trip! Can’t wait to here about it Farmer Dave!
Posted by: Jodi Kirincich on 1/29/2020 at 3:40 am
Our Ecuador Volcanoes team is pleased to announce that we reached the summit of Cayambe, Ecuador’s third highest peak, this morning at 9:30 am.
Unfortunately we were dealt a messy hand fist thing when an electrical storm descended onto our team at 15,800 feet. With axes, ski poles and any other metal object literally glowing from the static electricity, we had no choice but to retrace our hour long start and return to the hut. With hopes almost dashed, I suggested a second round but the caveat was we needed to move fast and efficiently putting high demands on those willing. With a long stretch already under our belts, only three climbers opted to try again. Through a full white out, many crevasses, tired legs and burning lungs, all three made it to the top! No matter who went and who didn’t, everyone made the right call.
After a long drive back to town and a great late lunch we are all headed towards a rest day. We are all healthy and in good spirits. stay tuned for tomorrow’s rest day excitement.
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier, Adam Knoff and Team.
On The Map
I can’t imagine being in an electrical storm at 15,800 feet let alone having to retrace your steps back to the hut. Whether you tried to make the summit again or not…I wish I could shake the hand of each and every one of you and tell you all to continue to believe in the greatness you have within you!!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL!!! Sounds like a fun rest day is in store. ENJOY!!!
LUMTA 1TF : )
Posted by: Geri Kuehn on 1/28/2020 at 9:58 am
Congrats on another summit!! Safety first for all of these mts! Enjoy your day. Looking forward to more news.
Posted by: Jane on 1/28/2020 at 4:30 am
All the Best to you and your team Dustin!!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 12/3/2021 at 3:15 am
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