January 23, 2013
Slopes of Cayambe. (Phil Ershler)
Most of our team flew home yesterday. That ended a pretty much great trip. Weather really couldn’t have been better. Hike day on Pasochoa was pretty much perfect, training day on Cotopaxi was pretty much perfect, climb day on Cotopaxi was totally perfect, training day on Cayambe was perfect and climbing day on Cayambe was a bit colder and windier but with totally clear skies. We were lucky. And, crampon conditions truly could not have been better. We headed straight for the hot springs of Papallacta after Cayambe and figured cold beer, soaking in the hot springs and a big dinner was the right way to end the summit day.
Plus, the crew was great. Always great to see a group of mostly complete strangers bond, work together and come away friends. Guess that’s why we keep doing this stuff. IMG customers are great!
Next trip departs in June with Luke Reilly at the helm. Soon, we’ll be posting a story of Luke’s time in Ecuador the last couple of years and his ascents of Ecuador’s big peaks. He know the trips wells and is anxious to get back there in June. Join him and our partner, Romulo Cardenas. You will be in for a treat.
Phil Ershler