Ecuador Volcanoes Expedition Dispatch
December 8, 2008 – Team Gets Pampered at Termas Papallacta
It’s Monday morning on December 8, 2008 and I’m calling you from a climber’s hostel at 3,800m/12,460ft inside Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador. We woke this morning to the most stunning view you could imagine, the very symmetrical, imposing shape of Cotopaxi, with its glaciers draping down every side, rose above us. It’s very inspiring and maybe for this group, a bit intimidating. Now we are going to move up to a hut located higher on the slopes of Cotopaxi and we will be leaving tonight to attempt our second major volcano climb of this BAI Ecuador expedition.
It’s been a really busy and rewarding these last few days. After our successful attempt of Cayambe we stayed in one of the oldest Hacienda’s in Ecuador, the Guachala, which was founded in 1580. The rooms were large and comfortable but on Saturday morning when we got up, we were eager to go. This is because our next stop was at a lovely resort called Termas Papallactas, situated at 11,000 ft. The best part of this resort is the warm thermal hot springs! It is so great to take a mini vacation in the midst of our climbing! Most of the group booked massages and took advantage of drying out their climbing gear before heading out for our next climb.
On Sunday when we woke up, Bob was feeling a little off. He’s had a little bit of a stomach bug that has been bothering him for a couple of days. He thought it would be best to stay at the Termas and rest before joining the group for the Chimborazo climb. Our agent Patty will check up on him later to see if he might want to return home or continue on. We wish Bob the best and we hope to see him again soon. Whatever he decides to do, after two successful climbs Imbabura and Cayambe, we know he feels great about his expedition.
The rest of the team is doing very well. They are well rested and ready to go! We will know in the early hours of Tuesday morning and as we climb higher if we can reach the summit of Cotopaxi.