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

January 9th, 2018

Route Finding on Cayambe (Phil Ershler)

Quick update from Ecuador —— the team spent last night and all of today at the Cayambe hut.  More acclimatization was the order of the day, along with some technique review.  Tonight’s a short one at the hut because the team will be getting up around midnight to take a shot at the summit.  19000 ft is always a challenge so let’s keep our fingers crossed for good weather.  Tough enough when the weather’s good.

Phil Ershler

January 8, 2018

All’s going well in Ecuador.  Best news is that the entire team is now together.  They spent the day adding to their acclimatization with a hike on Imbabura.  Next objective is getting up to the hut on Cayambe.  Cayambe’s high enough that we still want some additional acclimating before attempting the summit.  A couple of nights at the hut will help and allow for a technique review day.  Lots of time on the crampons on Cayambe and the guides will want to make sure everyone’s ready.

So far, so good.

Phil Ershler

December 6, 2018

Romulo at the equator (Emily Johnston)

Lots has been going on since IMG guide, Emily Johnston, flew down to Ecuador to meet our Ecuadorian partner, Romulo Cardenas, and her team. We’ve been sweating the storm on the East Coast and for good reason: one of our members couldn’t get ‘out of Dodge’. But Lauren is the epitome of “no problem”. Nothing phased this woman as she waited, made flight changes, waited more, made more flight changes and simply never gave up. Today at noon, she arrived in Ecuador.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team had a bit of a head start on her. They toured Old Town Quito Thursday morning, with Romulo as their guide, and then headed north of the equator in the afternoon to the town of Otavalo. Saturday morning was a visit to the famous Indian crafts market there. Then, time to rally for an acclimatization hike up Fuyafuya.

Team atop Fuyafuya (care of Emily Johnston)

Now the team is complete. Lauren arrived and all’s right with the world. More acclimatization, more training and then it’s on to their first objective — Cayambe. WAY TO HANG IN THERE, LUAREN. And nice job cruising up Fuyafuya today, team.

Phil Ershler