December 12, 2013 From: Michael Hamill Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2013 4:02 PM To: Phil Ershler Subject: Down from Cotopaxi Phil- Great day on Cotopaxi. We had 100% success with excellent weather and route conditions. Only 6 people summited today including our 4 so we had the mountain almost to ourselves. We’re down safely to […]

December 11, 2013 Received the email below from Mike yesterday.  Tonight they sleep at the Jose Ribas refugio at a bit over 15,500’.  Shortly before midnight, they’ll be up and walking.  Two guides and two customers on a completely custom trip – should be fun.  Hope Mike’s weather prediction holds. Phil Ershler From: Michael Hamill […]

December 9, 2013 Word in from Mike & the gang: From: Michael Hamill Sent: Monday, December 09, 2013 7:33 PM To: Phil Ershler Phil – We had a great hike on Pasachoa today and a relaxing afternoon at Tierra del Volcon. We made great time up Pasachoa. Rainy towards the end of the day and […]

December 9, 2013 IMG Senior Guide, Mike Hamill, arrived in Ecuador Saturday evening with a custom trip of 2 climbers.  Pretty nice, huh?  They should have a sweet time.  Both climbers are quite fit and Mike’s got them on a schedule which hopefully allows for 3 summits, enough time for acclimatization but not a lot […]

November 27, 2013 Chimborazo remains problematic.  The guys made the big push last night.  At just shy of 19000 ft., they decided discretion was the better part of valor and pulled the plug.  No summit but no one was injured, either.  Tonight in Banos, at the edge of the high jungle, and Thanksgiving dinner at […]

November 26, 2013 Part one is done.  After the entire team stood on the top of Cayambe, they headed down to Papallacta.  Papallacta is a resort famous for its hot springs, right underneath the mountain Antisana.  Cold beer and hot water was the perfect combination to relieve sore muscles.  Then it was time for dinner […]

November 21, 2013 The team’s being lazy today.  Oh well, I guess they earned it.  We put them up at the Hacienda San Augustin last night.  The hacienda’s owned by an old friend and noted for amazing food and the ambiance of being surrounded by original Incan walls.  Nice.  Luke sent us a photo from […]

November 20, 2013 Cotopaxi is cold in the morning, especially when it’s clear.  However, when there’s minimal wind, it’s not nearly as bad.  Just heard from Luke.  The team is back at the hut!  Good morning, good snow, good weather, team did a good job and they had a good summit.  10 fingers and 10 […]

November 17, 2013 Luke and team have had a busy weekend down in Ecuador.  Saturday morning was fun, with a visit to the world famous Otavalo Market.  Nice introduction to the handicrafts of Ecuador.  The crew was in Quito by early afternoon.  Packing/prepping/last minute shopping and a nice lunch were the order of the day.  […]