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

November 7, 2018

Luke and a smiling rope team on the summit of Cayambe

Its always nice to get the satellite phone call saying all’s well, weather was great and, oh yeah, we reached the summit and are already back at high camp.  Pretty much Luke’s words exactly when he called this morning.  Almost no wind up high.  Route had to bank far to the left near the summit to get around the summit bergschrund.  Longer, but safer, is just fine.

Team should already be at the hot springs in the town of Papallacta.  Life’s tough – climb a 19,000’ glaciated peak in Ecuador in the morning, with almost no wind, and spend the afternoon/evening in the hot spring tubs, with a beer in hand and starring at the summit of Antisana.  And, of course, sharing a few war stories about the climb.

All’s just fine in Ecuador.

Phil Ershler

November 6th, 2018

A Beautiful Morning on Cayambe

It’s almost game day for the team in Ecuador.  The gang went to the high hut on Cayambe yesterday.  Weather was nice with some fresh snow on the mountain.  As the hut’s around 15,000 ft, the team benefited greatly from spending last night at that altitude and took today to do a bit of a ‘refresher’ and log a full day at that altitude.  Sleeping now and, weather permitting, head out about midnight Ecuador time for their summit attempt.  It’ll be a big day but they’ve done their homework.  Wish them luck.

Phil Ershler