How to climb a fourteener by OULobo

"While it wasn't a true fourteener, it was a 19500ft mountain in the Andes, and I got to 16638ft. Which, in my mind, qualifies. "

How I did it: I traveled to Ecuador and hired a guide with some friends. We went from Quito at 10000ft to the base at about 11000ft by ute. Then we hiked with packs to the refuge at about 13000ft. We had a meal and slept from 6 to 11. Then we got up, geared up and started off by midnight with headlamps. At about 14000ft we hit the glacier and began climbing with crampons and ice axes. At about 16500 the sun was coming up and my lowlander legs were shaking and finished, so we started decent.

Lessons & tips: Make sure to have the proper clothing and equipment, definitely hire a guide. Only experienced guides know the paths around the cravaces of the glacier.


1 person found this helpful
 

Jan 18, 2010, 06:25AM PST | 3 comments | 2 cheers


Comments:

Stephen created my June Bootcamp

Name?

What was the name of the mountain? There is so much to do there if you are a climber!

Jan 18, 2010, 06:42AM PST | Thread | Respond to this

OULobo

It was Cotopaxi, and I tried Pichincha for fun too. I’d love to do Cayambe or Antisana next time.

Jan 19, 2010, 05:28PM PST | Respond to this

mnstowers is catching up

that totally counts!

and that totally trumps a fourteener! congrats on a great accomplishment, even if you didn’t summit.

Jul 15, 2010, 07:27AM PDT | Respond to this


OULobo has gotten 2 cheers on this entry.

 

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