Trip Reports

Ecuador Volcanoes 18 December 2000 - 7 January 2001

Written by Leader Walter Phipps, January 2001

After coping well with the acclimatisation hikes on Pambamarca, up to the Hermoso Glacier on Cayambe and Guagua Pichincha we headed off to the higher peaks. Melvyn decided to concentrate on his photography, while we all ascended Iliniza Norte in swirling cloud and interesting conditions underfoot. 15cm of snow fell by the time we reached the Cotopaxi Hut. However, the skies cleared and an attempt was made. Annette, Claire, Jeremy, 3 Johns and Rosemary reached the top with Javier and Walter. The views could not have been better. David and 1 John with Cosmo reached 5700m and Jane and Nigel with Pepe turned back at 5500m. Next stop Chimborazo, hoping that the fresh snow would reduce the amount of ice. Illness prevented Claire and Jane from attempting the peak, while tiredness (New Year’s Eve and recovering from illness) stopped Jeremy, 2 Johns and Nigel at 5500m and Annette, 1 John and Rosemary at 5600m. 2 Johns with Walter reached the Veintimilla summit and waded 2/3rds of the way across to the main summit. After sinking many times up to the waist in unconsolidated snow, they retreated. An enjoyable expedition overall.« | »

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