Volcanoes of Mexico Cybercasts

Namaste friends, family and loved ones,

Ah the wonders of technology! Due to the mountainous nature of Nepal the propeller has a distinct advantage over the wheel. The Khumbu valley may never see a road but that doesn’t mean people can’t get around. The whirlybird is gaining in popularity and it’s easy to see why. Pangboche to Kathmandu in an hour rather than 3 days put us back on track for our climbers to catch their flights.

Shopping and touring Thamel were in order soon after we finished our lovely hot showers. Sumptuous meals and good drink bring our adventure to a happy ending. Thank you for following along.

All my best, Vern Tejas

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Namaste friends, family and loved ones!

We packed our bags and grabbed the down bound train to Pangboche. The beautiful valley revealed itself in all its glory. It was a great way to say goodbye to the Khumbu!

We are in high spirits as we contemplate running water, flush toilets, and hot showers.

Tomorrow the world!

All my best, Vern Tejas

Namaste friends, family and loved ones,

Up at 3:00am and on the trail at 4:00, we made our way up broken shale white granite. Crampons and ice axe were mandatory above 19,000 feet.

We wove in and out of gaping crevasses and onto the glacier just below the summit headwall. Another 400 feet of steep (60 *) snow and ice put us on top of Imja Tse (Island Peak). At 20,240 feet it’s just shy of Denali in height.

We carefully picked our way back down and beat feet all the way back to Chukung where we ate and drank to our ravenous delight. Tired and exhausted we trundled off to bed. We are sleeping in tomorrow.

All my best, Vern Tejas

‘our reward is in the effort and not in the result. A total effort is a complete victory’ Gandhi

Hi, this is Stuart checking in for the Alpine Ascents Mexico Volcanoes trip . Our first trip of two this season down here. I am pleased to report all of our climbers on the team consisting of Alan, Michael, David, Daniel, Herb, Andrew, Levi, Joe and Advait have arrived here safely today or in the past couple of days with all their bags. All are repeat Alpine climbers which is great to see and the Mexico volcanoes will be a valuable progression as they take climbing a little further and higher.

This afternoon we all met up in our hotel gardens, the Maria Cristina in the heart of Mexico City for a quick gear check, orientation and team introductions. The gear check went smooth which is a testament to the individuals preparedness and attention to detail. We then went out a few blocks away to a great Argentine steak restaurant Quebracho for some steaks washed down with a little Malbec. I have used it for the welcome dinner for the past 8 or 9 years and have always found it to be excellent and again it did not disappoint this time around.

Everybody is doing well, some a little tired from the travel, but looking forward to the trip ahead. It’s a nice cool, clear fall evening here in Mexico City. We had fairly heavy rain a couple of days ago in Mexico City but that seemed to clear up the mugginess and improve air quality. Hopefully these systems are bringing some needed snow to the mountains as well, it has been a low snow season down here. Tomorrow, after a quick visit to the National Museum of Anthropology and the The Zócalo which is the main square in the heart of the historic center of Mexico City, we will leave the city and head east to the mountains. En route we will stop off at Amecameca for lunch and to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, bottled water, and some other last minute purchases at the local market

Our first objective is Iztaccíhuatl, a 5,230 m (17,160 ft) mountain. It is the nation’s third highest, after Pico de Orizaba 5,636 m (18,491 ft) and Popocatépetl 5,426 m (17,802 ft). The name “Iztaccíhuatl” is Nahuatl for “white woman”, reflecting the four individual snow-capped peaks which depict the head, chest, knees and feet of a sleeping female when seen from east.

I am greatly looking forward to piecing together a successful expedition, success not solely based on whether we summit or not, but having a safe, fun time down here. I will try to cybercast each day, but no news is almost always good news and no need to worry, your family and friends are in good hands. It seems in the past few years in particular satellite reception on Izta is somewhat spotty and it all too frequently cuts out. Again, all is well here and thanks for tuning in.

Namaste Everyone,

Greetings from Kathmandu! We left Lukla this morning on a 17 minute flight to Ramechhap. We had clear skies and a smooth flight. The take-off from the famed Lukla Airport did not disappoint.

We arrived back in Kathmandu mid afternoon and met tonight for a celebration dinner. Kyle ordered bubbly for everyone, which paired perfectly with the wood-fired pizza that most of us ordered.

Tomorrow, we’re planning to explore some of KTM’s local market neighborhoods and maybe visit a bakery or two before most of us head to the airport on our way home to you.

Thanks to all for following!

Carole Tejas