In my previous blog I explained how for big mountains it's often the case that you have to wait for your moment. In Ojos del Salado's case the two big factors (at least from my perspective) were the weather and my health. Those who have read previous posts may recall that Ojos del Salado means Eyes Continue Reading
It’s a waiting game
In my last blog I gave you some indication of the life we had been leading. We arrived in the Ojos del Salado area just as a spell of good weather was ending. Although we had completed an acclimatisation climb at Laguna Santa Rosa which was useful on several counts, it did not take us high enough Continue Reading
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
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