2018 Ecuador Cotopaxi Skills Expedition and Chimborazo Ascent (June 29 - July 9, 2018) Dispatch 2

Guide: Fredy Tipan

Climbers: Peter G., and Sean S.

Dispatch from Days 10-15:

Fredy called while the group was traveling from Chimborazo back to Quito. Fredy said:

"We had a fantastically successful trip, overall. The weather was great, for the most part, and we were able to summit Cotopaxi and Chimborazo!"

Fredy then put Peter on the phone with the following message:

"Everything about this trip has been absolutely wonderful. The weather has been fabulous.

We did have to turn around about 300 feet from the summit of Cayambe due to a bad snowpack. I believe Romel made a good call by having us turnaround and I felt very safe with all of the guides' decision making throughout the trip.

The summit of Cotopaxi was a bit windy, but otherwise a smooth climb. Our climbing day on Chimborazo was an absolute blue-bird day without any wind! We decided to stay the extra night near Chimborazo because the countryside is so beautiful and we wanted to spend more time near the glacier, so we did not go to Baños.

I want to tell everyone at home that Ecuador is a beautiful country to visit! The culture is fascinating and the countryside has more shades of green than I have ever seen in my life. I recommend everyone visits."

2018 Ecuador Cotopaxi Skills Expedition and Chimborazo Ascent (June 29 - July 9, 2018) Dispatch 1

Guide: Fredy Tipan

Climbers: Peter G., Julie K., Irene D., Joshua H., and Sean S.

Dispatch from Days 1-4:

Fredy called on Monday, July 2nd (Day 4) with the following dispatch:

The group has just started their acclimatization process. Yesterday they climbed Pasochoa (4,199m/13,776 ft). The weather was cloudy and foggy, but that was actually nice because it kept the temperature cool throughout the hike.

Today they climbed Rucu Pichincha (4,697m/15,413 ft) with much better weather and the whole team made it to the summit to share in the amazing views of the surrounding volcanos.


Josh H. came on the phone to let us know his experience thus far:

"Everything so far has been absolutely wonderful! The weather has been very nice, I even enjoyed having a little fog hanging around yesterday because it kept the temperature quite cool for our first acclimatization hike.

My partner and I came to Quito a few days early and were so happy to find 3 amazing vegan restaurants within walking distance of the Hotel Reina Isabel. We've already gone to one of them so many times they know us by name!

The acclimatization so far has been great. I really appreciate the mix of experience on the team. My partner and I feel as though we have a lot to learn still, and the more experienced team members are more than happy to help us learn new skills!

We are off to Hacienda Guachala now. We are very excited for the upcoming skills day and climbs! Talk to you soon. "

Denali West Buttress Expedition Team 7 (June 10 - June 30) Summit Dispatch

Guides:

Jim Mediatore
Eric Shaw
Kevin McGarity

Climbers:

Fang Ben
Jami Cate
Justice Hamson
Neil Fallon
Benjamin Chan
Arnaud Devilliers

Team 7 returned to Talkeetna this morning after a successful expedition. Excellent way to end the 2018 Denali season.