Ecuador High Altitude Expedition #4: Dispatch 6

Ecuador High Altitude Expedition: 

January 7-21, 2011 
Climbers: Brett Davis, Steve and Isabel Herstell

Lead Guide: Pepe Landazuri

January 15, 2011

Pepe called at 7:46pm Ecuador and US Eastern time with this update:

"Good evening from Cotopaxi.  I am sorry not to have called yesterday.  We had some battery problems which are now solved.

On Friday we traveled from Guachala to a lodge not far from the base of Cotopaxi.  It's been great weather, so the traveling and the views have been excellent.

Today we drove into Cotopaxi National Park to the end of the road and then made the 45 minute walk a little higher to the hut at 4800 meters.  Tonight we will try for the summit.  Our plan is to get up at about 11pm and then start the climb at midnight.


We are optimistic.  Everyone feels really good and the weather is perfect.  There's been just a little wind at times, but it wont be a problem.


We have finished dinner and now everyone is heading to bed.  


If we can, we call you on the satellite phone from the summit.  We are excited to begin the climb! Talk to you soon."