January 20, 2017

Luke, Romulo and team wanted to check in one last time to let everyone know that they had a good, final day back in Quito, had an enjoyable last dinner together and got to the airport and flights home last evening without issue.  Luke’s already back in the States and doing laundry so he’ll be ready to lead our next Aconcagua trip.  Romulo plans on visiting us in Washington State this summer and our team members are excited to be returning home, sharing photos and stories with friends and family.  Just a good trip overall.

We’ll do this again in November.  Great time of year, as is January.  Hard to miss with an Ecuador trip.  Just too many things to enjoy.

Phil Ershler

January 18, 2017

Luke reported in today and let us know that they got close on Chimborazo, but no cigar.  Team turned about 19,200’.  New snow over pretty firm ice.  Sometimes discretion is better part of valor.  Great effort by all and 2 summits out of three ain’t bad.  Spending the night in Banos, soaking in the hot springs and swimming pool, and then back to Quito tomorrow, with flights home in the evening.

Thanks to all our team members for their contributions to the group and to Luke, Romulo and the rest of the guide crew in Ecuador.

Phil Ershler

January 16, 2017

 

Rest day after Antisana was anything but…..  After a night at one of the prettiest haciendas in Ecuador, the crew checked out another, the Hacienda La Cienega and then they headed north to visit an old friend, Jorge Anhalzer.  Jorge’s an old guide, photographer, ultra light pilot and author.  The team had a great time checking out the books and the amazing array of mountain photos he has.  Then it was over to lunch at Romulo’s house, prepared by his wife, Patricia.  On the menu —-cuy.  Guinea pig to you and me.  Last evening was spent at another hacienda called La Alegria.  At that point, we ‘lost’ a couple of members to flights home and the others are now working on plans for an attempt on Chimborazo.  Chimborazo is a tough one but they’ll give it their best.

Check out a few other photos from summit day on Antisana.

Phil Ershler

January 14, 2017

Got the call earlier today from Luke down in Ecuador, and he was just able to get a couple of photos from today sent.  Beautiful weather and a great success!  Congratulations to all.  Great morning with good weather/conditions.  And it was raining by the time they got back to camp.  Talk about good timing.

Hacienda San Augustin for the night.  Not many prettier places in all of Ecuador when it comes to haciendas.  We’ll let these guys get some good rest and we’ll get some more climbing photos posted tomorrow.  All is good in Ecuador.

Phil Ershler

January 12, 2017

Luke and crew had a great ‘recoup’ night in Papallacta.  Hot springs were just the ticket after a long, cold summit climb.  The off now to start their attempt on Antisana.  The Hacienda Guaytara is the destination for tonight and base camp on Antisana tomorrow.

I’ve attached some good photos from yesterday’s climb and part of the team on the summit.  Good stuff.

Phil Ershler

January 11, 2017

I always like calls when it’s news of another successful and safe summit climb.  Luke and Romulo let me know that they were able to reach the summit of Cayambe with the crew.  Congratulations.  The crew is already off the mountain and working their way towards their just reward.  Papallacta is famous for its hot springs.  Located just below the volcano Antisana, we stay at the nicest local resort and the team will be making use of the hot baths – before dinner, after dinner and probably again in the morning before breakfast.

Antisana is the next objective but one step at a time.

Phil Ershler