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

November 20, 2011

Pass the sunscreen (Photo: Greg Vernovage)

Team and all their luggage arrived on schedule Thursday evening, the 17^th. They were met at the airport by IMG Senior Guide, Greg Vernovage and our Ecuadorian partner and guide, Romulo Cardenas.  First order of business was a few introductions.  Second order of business was several hours of sleep.

Romulo met Greg and team again Friday morning and took everyone on an escorted tour through old town Quito.  Afterwards, the crew jumped into the bus and headed north, past the equator and to the town of Otavalo.  An afternoon visit with our friend and weaver, Jose Cotacachi, before a fun ‘pizza’ evening in Otavalo.  Otavalo is famous for the folk art market held each Saturday.

Back to Quito that afternoon to pack and prep, getting ready to head out towards Cotopaxi.

All’s good, everyone’s psyched and anxious to get to the mountain.  BTW, so far, weather has been excellent!

Phil Ershler

November 18, 2011

The Otavalo Market is great place to pick up some gifts. (Photo by Phil Ershler)

And they’re off.  Everyone arrived last night and with all luggage intact.  Nice.  Greg Vernovage, IMG’s lead guide on the trip, arrived a day earlier to wrap up some last minute errands.  Early this morning, the team met Romulo Cardenas, who is our Ecuadorian friend and partner.  Then, all headed to old town Quito for a tour with Romulo and then it was into the bus and head north for Otavalo.  Obligatory stop at the equator on the way plus a lunch stop at a very typical Ecuadorian restaurant for lunch.  Lunch for us here is always locro de queso (thick cheese and potato soup) and meat or cheese empanadas.  Tomorrow’s market day in Otavalo.  No way we want to miss that.

Phil Ershler