I wrote in a previous blog how various factors need to come together for an ascent to be successful. Our experience on Llullaillaco shows just how true this is. Perhaps I was tempting fate. Both Derek and I suffered our own disappointments. For me, I barely got onto the mountain. As I had Continue Reading
Archives for November 2014
Ojos del Salado
Well, what can I say about this mountain. I think that I can do no better than repeat what Wikipedia has to say. "Nevado Ojos del Salado is a massive stratovolcano in the Andes on the Argentina-Chile border and the highest active volcano in the world at 6,893 m (22,615 ft). It is also the second Continue Reading
Llullaillaco
Llullaillaco is one of the mountains I am most looking forward to. Continuing the volcano theme, this is one on the border of Chile and Argentina. First some “anoraky” facts. it is the highest peak in the world without glaciers. it has the highest snowline in the world at around 6,500m Continue Reading
Pico de Orizaba – the climb
We were settled in our tent but the wind rattled it all night pausing only occasionally for breath before resuming its assault. Derek had no sleep and I did little better. Not the best preparation for the day to come. We did not need the 2am wake up call. We were ready to go well before then, Continue Reading
Pico de Orizaba – the approach
I had found Izta hard going. My general fitness had been just about OK but the effects of the altitude had been greater than I had bargained for. Despite keeping well hydrated and popping pills, a combination of painkillers and Diamox, I was a little down. Pico de Orizaba is at a different scale Continue Reading