Hi everyone!
The team is back at the Abraspungo Hotel in Riobamba after our summit climb on Chimborazo.
We moved to the Stubel Camp yesterday and prepared the climb of the highest mountain in Ecuador. It is worth noting that Alpine Ascents is the only company that uses this camp, route and a climber to guide ratio of one to one for Chimborazo. Doing so increases the safety of the climbers and their chances of getting to the top. The other routes are more exposed and rock fall is a big concern.
We began the climb at midnight. The weather was clear, a beautiful night. We climbed the Stubel glacier and traversed to the Castle ridge from where we could see the moon setting on the horizon. It was stunning! Travis and Steven were going strong. As we were nearing the Veintimilla summit, the weather started to deteriorate. The wind picked up and our clothes and climbing gear started to get covered with ice. We congratulated each other once we arrived to the first summit, snapped a couple of pictures and decided to give it a go at the main summit. We battled the wind and cold during the traverse to the Whymper summit thinking that it was going to be another summit without a view but the weather started to improve and we climbed the last stretch in clear skies! It was a great reward to the effort put on this climb. We enjoyed magnificent views from up there. It felt good to be at the furthest point from the center of the earth (and the closest one to the sun). It was exhilarating! We retraced our steps to the Veintimilla summit in sunny weather. What a contrast! After a swift descend, our team mates welcomed us back at the Stubel camp. They also did their best on the mountain but for several reasons had to turn around. Good job team! What a rewarding climb!
Thanks for following us.
Our best from Ecuador.
Team 4
