Projects: Ecuador 2013

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Ecuador 2013 - Cotopaxi

Yesterday Steve, Scott, Marcus and I left our cozy hosteria for the Jose Rivas Refugio located on the side of the Cotopaxi Volcano at 4800m. Arriving there about 2:00pm we had enough time to relax, eat, and try to sleep as much as possible prior to our planed +/- 12:30am start up Cotopaxi.
This was the most crowded I've seen the refuge and at least speaking for myself sleep was minimal. Regardless we all somehow crawled out of our warm sleeping bags for some breakfast and preparation to depart.

The weather was nearly perfect. We all ended up leaving the refuge around 1:00am today. The climb starts with a 1 hr. approach up scree and rock trails. Until the point where crampons and ropes are required for the heavily glaciated and crevasses terrain of Cotopaxi. The major crevasse section lasts for about two hrs. where the hazard isn't eliminated but somewhat reduced. At least with regards to serac fall and crevasses requiring to be jumped over. Ending with some steep sections the summit magically appears. Although being there times before I believe this year is the longest and most challenging route I've seen. As each year it changes due to glacier movement, snow fall amounts, preference of those placing routes, etc. Taking the difficulty of this years route into consideration it was a great success to have all 4 team members summit.

We all stood together on the summit awed by the massive crater which is a signature of Cotopaxi making it one of the most popular climbs.
Heading down, which can be worse due to the energy already exerted and heat as the sun is now up shining of the glacier, we arrived safely back at the refuge. Now back again at our hosteria for a much needed rest day.

With three >5000m climbs now complete the entire team is definitely feeling the effects. At this point we'll take it day by day. Ideally we'll stay on the original plan but will remain flexible.
Currently we are scheduled for Cayambe next on Tues. Updates to follow.