July 5, 2016
Michel Henostroza
For the second year, I’m working with Michel Henostroza, a 30 year-old IFMGA aspiring mountain guide who comes from a long lineage of guides based in Huaraz, Peru. In the 90’s, when I first started climbing in the Cordillera Blanca, I worked with Michel’s grandfather, Humberto. He started his mountain career as a porter, then a guide, and in his later years as a talented cook. At that time I also worked with Michel’s father, Maximo, who has become a life-long friend. As an Austrian certified IFMGA guide, Maximo is strong addition to any trip. In 2001, Maximo assisted me on Mt. Everest, and became the second Peruvian to reach the 29,028′ summit. So, climbing is in Michel’s blood in more than one way.
We depart tomorrow for the Cordillera Huayhuash trek with Michel, who has guided the trek over a dozen times. Together, we have a small group of 3 excited and experienced trekkers. Our first camp will be near the road end, at an altitude of 13,800′, called by it’s local Quechean name of Cuartelwayin. Our local treks yesterday and today will help prepare us for the move to higher altitude, and the start of our trek.
During the trek, we’ll check in with the IMG office every few days, and they will post our progress. When we return to Huaraz on July 15, I’ll check in with a quick post, then forward some pictures in the following days of some of the incredible scenery we are bound to see.
Jason Edwards