Bolivia Expedition Dispatch
August 29, 2015 – Illimani, 6438m/21,122ft
Hi this is Paul. It is 10:30 on August 29th. Maria has just come back from the summit ridge of Illimani with Sergio. They made a great effort, extremely high winds, from the high camp here.
One of the other campers here lost their tent… thankfully nobody was inside…. extremely dangerous conditions.
It was a good call to come back at that particular time, but making that summit ridge is pretty much close to the summit of Illimani. (Osvaldo reported to us that they were 50 meters below the summit when they turned back – BAI office)
I had the same problem with adverse reaction to some medication that I’ve been taking so I don’t believe it was right for me at this particular occasion; but it’s been a great time, especially experiencing Illimani, very different than Condoriri and Sajama.
It’s a beautiful view now, it is calm, we can see the view of La Paz, we can see over Huayna Potosí and looking at the glacier, the icefall of Illimani, a big mountain. We will have to come back here and do this again.
Listen to Paul's call
Illimani, 6438m/21,122ft
Paul and Maria arriving at Illimani Base camp
We arrived with a 4-wheel drive to Illimani base camp
Quick rest before starting our hike to high camp
Climbing to Illimani high camp
Water break on our climb to Illimani high camp
Paul Kitney and Maria Abbonizio, Illimani
High camp Illimani, views from our tent
Maria Abbonizio on summit ridge of Illimani
Returning from Illimani summit attempt
Paul and Maria on Illimani
Great views of Illimani