Expedition Dispatch
November 17, 2009 – 100% Success on Cotopaxi!
The entire team makes the summit (from left): Cosme, Leila, Ken, Osvaldo, Peter and Janice (photo by Juancho)
Yesterday afternoon Janice, Peter, Ken, Leila, Osvaldo, Juancho and Cosme left for high camp on Cotopaxi in a thunderstorm. It was beginning to rain and there were dark clouds all around the top at the summit.
During the night the sky cleared and at 12:20 this morning, Osvaldo reported by radio that team was outside the hut and preparing for their climb. They were off by 1:00 am and I am really proud to report that after 6 hours and 55 minutes the entire team was standing on the summit of Cotopaxi!
The conditions were in their favour, good weather, not much wind and clear skies with fabulous views. The team climbed very strongly.
They are back down now and when they stepped out of the van after their ride from the high hut, they looked tired and their faces were showing the effects of the sun and high altitude. This team has had amazing success so far on the volcanoes of Ecuador. Their goal is “Three for Three”!
Congratulations to the entire team!
Stay tuned as the team makes their way to the third and final volcano, Chimborazo, 6310m/20,701ft.
Team fuelling up with a delicious fondue
Everyone is all geared up and ready to climb
Cotopaxi’s shadow from the sunrise
Left: Janice; Right: Ken
Juancho
Ken, Leila and Osvaldo