2017 Ecuador Cayambe/Antisana Skills Expedition (December 2-16) – Dispatch 2

December 8th Dispatch

Guide:  Fredy Tipan

Climbers:  Mike S., Andrew F., Deli F., Jacques P., David F., Patricia A., Galen P., Jeffrey S.

Hello!

This is Fredy, in Ecuador. We are all very happy after a successful day on Cayambe (18,996 ft / 5790 m).

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the group completed their glacier skills training above the hut on Cayambe. We had good snow and ice conditions on the glacier, and techniques training and the practice climbing went very well.

Today we enjoyed a great climb of Cayambe with beautiful weather – sunny and super clear atmosphere. Five climbers reached the summit! Three chose to not climb all the way to the summit, but everyone is feeling great and had a really good time on this gorgeous mountain.

I will put Galen and Patty on the line:

Galen: Hello! First, thank you to AAI for all of your work in making it possible for me to go on this trip. It has been absolutely lovely! It's also been quite a challenge, but I am looking forward to the next climb, Antisana. There have been no cases of major altitude sickness in our group. Everyone is doing so well!

Patty: Our climb was a total "ass-kicker," today! I am doing the Second Summits Program, so this is my second time on this expedition. We had bad weather, last time, but the weather on this trip has been so clear. Cayambe is a tough climb, but I couldn't believe the views from the top! They were beyond breathtaking. We could see Antisana and Cotopaxi, and I actually broke down and cried. We have top-notch, awesome guides, too. Today was the best, most beautiful climb I've ever had!

Fredy here, again:

We will stay at Hacienda Guachala tonight – not very far – in the foothills of Cayambe, and travel tomorrow to the Antisana Reserve. We'll continue to the Antisana basecamp on Saturday, and climb Antisana on Sunday. I will call, again, after our summit day (18,827ft / 5,740 m).

Now we're looking forward to more great food and a little rest and relaxation at the hacienda. Talk to you again soon!