November 14, 2018

Jumping for joy! (Luke Reilly)

A successful ascent of Chimborazo is tougher than in years past but we’re happy to report just that AND success for the entire group. Additionally, lots of our Ecuadorian climbing friends came along. Pretty much couldn’t have been a nicer day. Back down now and heading to Banos. Three for three on a trip which could not have gone better.

Phil Ershler

November 13, 2018

Chimborazo (Luke Reilly)

Quick update from our team in Ecuador — part of the team flew home early this morning, leaving a few members with Luke and Romulo ready to attempt Chimborazo. Luke called in this afternoon saying they were already at the high hut, prepping and anxious to take a shot at the summit. It’ll be a very early alpine start and a long summit day. They have a big day ahead. Fingers crossed, as always, for a safe, successful and enjoyable ascent.  We’ll let you know.

Phil Ershler

November 12, 2018

Time has come to leave Hacienda La Cienega. Yesterday was a fun day with everyone. We all visited another Hacienda at the base of Cotopaxi called San Augustine de Callo. This hacienda is one of the few archaeological sites with Incan ruins in Ecuador and today is famous for their potato soup.  The group sampled the soup and also took the time to feed the llamas some carrots. Everybody got a meal and was happy when it was time to leave.

A trip to Ecuador isn’t complete without a visit to the famed pilot and photographer, Jorge Anhalzar. Jorge showed us around his home and some of the books that he has published. A few of us picked up a souvenir book to take home and show off to our friends and family.

A couple of the team members are taking off tonight to head home, while the rest of us are sticking around to give Chimborazo a shot. Instead of heading back to the busy life of Quito, we all spent the evening at local guide Romulo Cardenas’ guesthouse about 30 minutes outside of the big city. Romulo’s wife, Patricia, never fails to provide us with a superb meal (including the local favorite of guinea pig). Lots of laughs were shared at dinner last night and we were joined by two other IMG guides, Rikki Dunn and Jay Lyons. You may know these two from Rainier or from other expeditions around the globe. The two are spending a month in Ecuador knocking off some of the classic climbs here. They have already successfully climbed Illiniza Sur and Cotopaxi, way to go guys.

We will be loading the truck up first thing tomorrow morning and heading south to attempt a climb of a mountain whose summit is the farthest point from the center of the earth, and also closest to the sun, Chimborazo. Recent trip reports show that there are reasonable snow conditions on Chimborazo, let’s hope those reports are correct. We’re all buzzing with excitement at the chance of going 3/3 on this expedition.

Luke Reilly

November 10, 2018

Was nice to hear about the team’s success on Cayambe a couple of days ago but even nicer to hear of their success Saturday morning on Cotopaxi. Well done, team!! Weather not quite as good for the ascent of Cotopaxi but… good enough. Everyone’s safe, off the mountain and at the Hotel Cienega.

Some last sightseeing still needs to be done and some other of our Ecuadorian friends need a visit. For those climbers doing the two peak itinerary, they’ll be home Tuesday telling war stories. For climbers staying to take a shot at Chimborzo, they get a bit of rest/recoup time and then they’ve got one more BIG challenge before getting home on Thurday.

They’re all on a roll. Here’s to their continued success.

Phil Ershler

November 9, 2018

Team dinner after a successful climb of Cayambe (Luke Reilly)

Everybody had a great time celebrating a successful ascent of Cayambe with a hardy meal followed by some good sleep.  After soaking in the hot springs of Papallacta, we all made our way to Hacienda Porvenir at the base of Cotopaxi yesterday for even more R and R.  Porvenir recently built a sauna and jacuzzi and the team took full advantage of the new amenities to rejuvenate their muscles and prep for our next climb: Cotopaxi.

It’s been a few years since we’ve climbed Cotopaxi since its most recent eruption and it’s now time to get back to one of the most, if not the most, iconic volcanoes in the world.  Word has it that the route is in superb condition and the team is chomping at the bit to put their crampons back on.

We will drive up to the Jose Rivas Refugio this afternoon after lunch and get in position for our ascent tonight.  The weather is a little shakey this year in Ecuador, but we pulled off a climb of Cayambe and we’re crossing our fingers for clear skies tonight on Cotopaxi.

Stay tuned!

Luke Reilly