January 10th, 2018
Cayambe (Phil Ershler)
The biggest problem of late in Ecuador is ‘lack’ of snow. This morning, it was the opposite for Emily, Romulo and team. Too much snow. Snowed and blew all night, not the best of combinations. The Team headed up regardless and fought their way up to just over 18000 ft. Significant hard slab over fluff and getting more loaded by the minute.  Classic slab conditions. Sliding surface, weak (fluffy) layer and then a slab perched on top gets scary fast. Add being on slopes (or under slopes) in the 25-45 degree range and THEN be there during or right after a storm – really bad combination. Discretion, as they say, is the better part of valor.
A strategic retreat was the order of the day. Good attempt and smart decision to back off before it was too late. The Team is packing up at the hut and getting ready to head to the hot springs in Papallacta. They’ll lick their wounds, regroup and get prepped for an attempt on Antisana over the next couple of days.
Phil Ershler