January 13, 2012 Ecuador Phil called in from Otavalo. The team enjoyed some urban acclimatization with a tour of Old Town Quito. Remember Quito sits at roughly 10,000ft so just getting around town is an adjustment. After their tour they loaded up and made their way to Otavalo, but not without a quick stop at […]
Ecuador Volcanoes
Lots Of Moving Parts
January 11, 2012 This time of year things get a little hectic in Central & South America. Let’s have a look at what’s happening to our South: Ecuador Phil is in the air heading to Quito today. Argentina One Aconcagua program has wrapped. Our second team heads out today, led again by Eben Reckord. Three […]
Way Too Much Snow
December 1, 2011 Well, their luck finally ran out, just as the string of good weather ran out. Corn snow, wet snow, rain – and lots of it. Climbing was out of the question. Enough snow that the guys were concerned about even getting the vehicle stuck. So, they left the Whymper hut last evening […]
Onward To Chimborazo
November 30, 2011 The sat phone call just came in from Greg Vernovage. Our Chimborazo team is at high camp. Weather is reasonable and route conditions seem reasonable. They need weather to hold through tomorrow and the team will need to put in a big effort to pull this one off. But, they’ve got a […]
It’s A Wrap For Some In Ecuador
November 28, 2011 Greg, Romulo and crew are back in Quito. He took a minute to email a couple of photos and a brief dispatch (below). Final celebratory dinner this evening and then most members fly home in the morning. A couple of members are staying to attempt Chimborazo with Greg and Romulo. This is […]
Cayambe Summit In The Bag
November 27, 2011 Another good day in Ecuador and another good summit for the team. Greg Vernovage called in this morning to report the team reached the summit in good conditions. A bit of tricky route finding to cross the bergschrund just below the summit but Ecuadorian guide, Romulo Cardenas, did a super job with […]
Ecuador Team Prepares For Summit #2
November 26, 2011 Greg Vernovage called in on the afternoon of the 26th. Another great weather day. Unbelievable. Good training was had by all and another hit of acclimatization. Early to bed tonight. All are doing well and chomping at the bit for an early start in the morning. Summit number two, with any luck […]
Ecuador Team Checks In
November 26, 2011 The team is at the hut on Cayambe today. I spoke with team leader, Greg Vernovage, last night. He reported that the weather remains quite good and that they had the entire hut to themselves last evening. Nice. Today’s a training day on a nearby glacier. Terrain is great to practice the […]
Ecuador Team Thankful For Cotopaxi Summit!
November 23, 2011 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 […]
Hopeful For Summit In Ecuador
November 22, 2011 Talked to Greg Vernovage and the Ecuador crew the afternoon of the 22nd. 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 […]