Cayambe/Antisana Skills Expedition
Guide: Jeremy Devine
Climbers: Mark C., Stephen D., Blaine C., Samuel W., Stephen H., Rod L., Donna K., Brian F., Sean M.
January 23rd Dispatch
Hello, this is Romel calling from Ecuador!
Everything is going great! The group just finished their second acclimatization hike, Guagua Pichincha (15,670 ft / 4776 m). It was a fantastic climb, and everyone is very happy! We had wonderful, sunny weather with amazing views of the surrounding mountains.
Now we are headed to Hacienda Guachala. Everyone is looking forward to enjoying a big dinner, and resting well tonight, before start our journey towards Cayambe in the morning.
Here’s Jeremy to report, as well:
Hello! As Romel mentioned, the major highlight of today was the weather. It was phenomenal! Slightly cool, which was nice for the hike, and not the typical warm clouds that turn to rain later in the day. We had incredibly clear views, and were even able to see Chimborazo, 100 km away!
The group is doing really well and everyone is having a good time and acclimatizing very nicely. All of the climbers reached the top of Guagua Pichincha today, and there are no signs of significant altitude illness.
We’ll try to call, again, tomorrow.
Would anyone else like to say anything to AAI? (The group responded in a loud chorus of hoops and hollers. What a fun, lively, enthusiastic bunch of folks!)
Donna, nearing the summit of Rucu Pichincha
Starting the descent from the summit through the rocks
Dinner at Hacienda Guachala