November 19, 2019

The team’s recent summit of Cotopaxi was followed by a visit to a couple of haciendas, including the spectacular San Augustin.  They also visited the home of a famous Ecuadorian climber/guide/photographer and very dear friend – Jorge Anhalzer.  Romulo’s wife, Patricia entertained the team at their home and then it was time to get some of our members back to Quito and on flights home Monday.  They should be home later today.

Four members are staying with Rikki and Romulo and going to take a shot at Chimborazo.  This one a bit of a tougher challenge than Cayambe and Cotopaxi.  A lot depends on getting lucky… lucky with weather and lucky with the conditions on the mountain. We’d consider a summit of Chimborazo the real frosting on the cake but, regardless, it’ll be a good experience and a real challenge.  Let’s see!

Phil Ershler

November 16, 2019

Great news from Ecuador: 100% on the top of Cotopaxi this morning.

Cotopaxi was erupting only a few short years ago. (Jorge Anhalzer)

Team got back down to the hut, packed and hiked to their bus. From there, it was maybe two hours, and they’d checked into their hotel and emailed us the news from lunch. I’m sure Rikki and Romulo will get some pics headed our way later. Until then, it’s time to eat.

Phil Ershler

November 13, 2019

Cayambe (IMG Collection)

Quick update from Ecuador – 100% on the summit of Cayambe this morning. Hope Rikki, Romulo and crew have a smooth, safe descent and that they’ll be able to get a few photos out later today. Great news from the team!

Phil Ershler

November 12, 2019

Team prepping for their attempt on Cayambe (Rikki Dunn)

Our November expedition to Ecuador is off to a great start! Rikki Dunn and Romulo Cardenas are showing the team more of Ecuador than ever imagined possible–first a tour of old town Quito, then a visit with a local weaver friend in the town of Peguche, followed by a jaunt through the market of Otavalo.

Team prepping for their attempt on Cayambe (Rikki Dunn)

Acclimatization was the next order of business with hikes up Fuya Fuya and Imbabura. You can’t shortcut acclimatization and now’s the time to squeeze in as many hikes as possible.

The team is heading to the hut on Cayambe now that the acclimatization hikes are complete. They’ll be spending two nights there before taking a summit shot. A little more acclimatization and a bit of refresher training thrown in, to boot.

Everyone’s doing well!

Phil Ershler