November 27, 2011

Approaching the summit (Photo: Phil Ershler)

Another good day in Ecuador and another good summit for the team.  Greg Vernovage called in this morning to report the team reached the summit in good conditions.  A bit of tricky route finding to cross the bergschrund just below the summit but Ecuadorian guide, Romulo Cardenas, did a super job with this, as usual.

They’re already back to the refugio and thinking about the hot springs tonight in Papallacta.  A well-deserved bit of luxury after a long day.

Phil Ershler

Terrain on Cayambe (Photo: Phil Ershler)

November 26, 2011

Greg Vernovage called in on the afternoon of the 26^th.  Another great weather day.  Unbelievable.  Good training was had by all and another hit of acclimatization.  Early to bed tonight.

All are doing well and chomping at the bit for an early start in the morning.  Summit number two, with any luck early tomorrow morning.

Phil Ershler

November 26, 2011

The team is at the hut on Cayambe today.  I spoke with team leader, Greg Vernovage, last night.  He reported that the weather remains quite good and that they had the entire hut to themselves last evening.  Nice.  Today’s a training day on a nearby glacier.  Terrain is great to practice the French technique and to further enhance everyone’s acclimatization.

Greg also sent us a photo from the summit of Cotopaxi.  He said the team wanted it on the blog as soon as we could – so here it is!

Happy crew on the summit (Photo: Greg Vernovage)

Phil Ershler

November 23, 2011

Cotopaxi from an ultralight (Photo: Jorge Anhalzer)

One climber stayed at the hut on Cotopaxi this morning.  The altitude just wasn’t agreeing with him.  The rest of the team made good time, in good weather and perfect route conditions and stood on the summit this morning.  Way to go team!!

Everyone got back down without issue, packed up and headed down to the Hacienda Tierra del Volcan and the thicker air of 12,000 ft.  Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow at the Hacienda San Augustin.

Congratulations, team!

Phil Ershler

Cotopaxi’s summit with a smoking Tungurahua in the distance (Photo: Phil Ershler)

November 22, 2011

Talked to Greg Vernovage and the Ecuador crew the afternoon of the 22^nd.  The team was bedding down at the Jose Ribas hut on Cotopaxi for the night.  Weather is hanging in there.  A bit of snow this afternoon but nothing big.  And, winds have been light.

The crew will get up around 11 pm, dress, get a bit to eat and go for a little walk.  We’re hoping they have a nice summit to be thankful for come this Thursday and Thanksgiving Day.  We’ll know soon.

Phil Ershler

November 21, 2011

Project at hand (Photo: Phil Ershler)

Greg Vernovage called in at about 2 pm on the 21^st.  He reported a good day of training and acclimatization in the area above the hut on Cotopaxi.  The crew dropped off some gear for the summit climb at the hut before heading down to the hacienda at Tierra del Volcan for the night.  Tomorrow morning, they’ll re-ascend on the 22^nd, spend the night at the hut and be ready for a very early start for the summit of Cotopaxi on the morning of the 23^rd.

Best news from Greg was that everyone continues to feel good and that the weather is holding.  Clear morning, afternoon clouds and then clear again in the evening.  That’s about as good as they could hope for.

Phil Ershler