Entries By nicole de petris
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
It has been a treat to rest, relax, and learn after a big day on our feet. The morning consisted of learning haul systems, rope ascension, and EARNEST anchors. As the downpour began, we taxied into the town of Cumbayá for lunch of taco flights and quesadillas. We spent a few hours of the afternoon exploring one of the wealthiest suburbs of Quito. The rain continued for most of the afternoon so we headed back to our hotel for dinner of more local Ecuadorian dishes. Everyone is feeling rested and ready for our Cotopaxi climb!
RMI Guide Walter Hailes
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar February 4, 2025
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 18,997'
RMI Guide Walter Hailes checked in the from the summit of Cayambe at 18,997' today. The entire group reached the summit in what sounds like great conditions.
Listen to Walter's voicemail below.
Nice work team! Congratuations!
The team has safely descended and will enjoy a bit of a rest day tomorrow along with some training.
RMI Guide Walt Hailes calls from the summit of Cayambe.
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar February 4, 2025
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 15,300'
Sunday, February 9, 2025 - 2:57 pm PT
We are excited for our first glaciers in Ecuador.
A fun, bumpy 4x4 ride delivered us to the climbers hut where we unpacked and settled into the penthouse suite. That is a nice way to say we had to haul all our gear up a bunch of stairs and everyone was breathing heavy.
After moving in, we refreshed our walking and cramponing techniques on the rocks and dirt just above the hut.
We also met the rest of our guide team, Carmelo, Jorge and Gustavo who joined us for dinner. They are warm and friendly and quickly becoming part of the team.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner of quinoa-potato soup, followed by chicken and rice. We are getting to bed early in preparation for our early start tomorrow.
RMI Guide Walter Hailes
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar February 4, 2025
We woke up early to a taste breakfast at the hacienda. Quickly loaded the bus and headed out. Our first stop was the vibrant Otavalo Market. The colors of the woven textiles, the aroma of fresh flowers, and the lively chatter of local vendors filled the space. We wandered from stall to stall, picking out unique gift. Some crazier than others.
After a few hours of shopping, we drove south toward Cayambe, passing through rolling hills dotted with grazing cattle. The road twisted and turned, leading us to a spacious hut at the foot of the volcano.
Along the way, we grabbed some hearty sandwiches, some of which were bigger than expected.
Finally, we arrived at the lower hut on Cayambe. The clouds scrouded the mountains most of the day but we did get a quick peak at the snowy slopes we hope to climb.
Nicole taught a master class on climbing knots. Everyone diligently practiced tying while laughing at our mistakes but feeling accomplished as the knots became second nature.
RMI Guide Walter Hailes
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar February 4, 2025
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Friday, February 7, 2025 - 6:57 pm PT
After getting a peak at Cayambe on our hike yesterday, we were eager to make our way to the mountains. We packed our bags and set off from Quito to Laguna Cuicocha, a beautiful crater lake surrounded by jungles and peaks near to our next hotel in Otavalo. Clouds sat high up in the sky for most of the day, sunlight peaking through for the first half of our circumnavigation of the lake. Just as we hit the parking lot after our 7.5 mile hike, the light sprinkle turned into rain and we hopped in the bus to Itinyaya Residencias, our stay for the night. We chatted by the fire in the main lodge after settling into our rooms and capped off the night with a team dinner of more local meals.
RMI Guide Walter Hailes
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar February 4, 2025
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 15,000'
We set out early, eager to hike up Ruca Pichincha, ready for an adventure that would take us to 15,000 feet. The ascent was fun, despite a few headaches and light-headedness that came with the altitude—nothing unusual for our first high-altitude climb. Unfortunately, the clouds were thick for most of the hike, hiding the breathtaking views we had hoped to enjoy.
Afterward, we enjoyed some delicious traditional Ecuadorian food to fuel up, savoring the flavors while sharing stories and laughter.
RMI Guide Walt Hailes & Team
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar February 4, 2025
Posted by: Walter Hailes, Nicole De Petris
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador
Elevation: 9,350'
Although some of us were a bit worn out from the late-night flights, we rallied together for a whirlwind tour of Quito. Our first stop was the Equator, where we attempted (often unsuccessfully) to balance eggs and marveled at the Coriolis effect, which shifted just 10 feet from the equator.
Next, we ventured into the historic old city, filled with presidential mansions, grand city squares, ancient churches, and bustling crowds. It was a blast taking in the sights while chatting with our teammates. Exploring and challenging ourselves in the mountains is always a highlight, but the true magic of these trips lies in the people we meet and the friendships we forge along the way. We are off to a great start on that front.
After the tour, we headed back to the hotel for a quick gear check, followed by plenty of time to nap, explore the city further, and enjoy an early dinner. The goal was to rest up and catch up on sleep before the real challenges ahead.
RMI Guide Walter Hailes
New Post Alerts:
Ecuador Seminar February 4, 2025
Posted by: Seth Burns, Mike Bennett, Nicole De Petris, Margo Kerr, Will Ambler, Calvin Jiricko
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day climb with Seth Burns and Mike Bennett made a sunset climb of Mt. Rainier. The team enjoyed a great route, and beautiful sunset on their way to the top. They plan to depart Camp Muir around 10am.
Congratulations Team!
Posted by: Lacie Smith, Nicole De Petris, Margo Kerr
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
RMI Guides Lacie Smith, Nicole De Petris & Margo Kerr and the Mt. Baker - Easton Climb August 10 - 12 have enjoyed a few great days in the mountain. Yesterday, the completed their glacier skills training while watching the clouds roll in. This morning at 5:50 am the team reached the summit of Mt. Baker. The climb included watching the northern lights, lightning on the eastern horizon and a meteor shower. What more could you ask for?
Nice work team!
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Pete Van Deventer, Raymond Holt, Jack Ritterson, Nicole De Petris, Tom Skoog
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Joe Hoch and Pete Van Deventer reached the summit of Mt. Rainier Early this morning. The team enjoyed the views and spent about an hour on the 14,410' summit before starting their descent. The team will be back in Ashford this afternoon to celebrate their success at Rainier Basecamp.
Congratulations Team!
Looks like the summit view was way better yesterday than the day before. Guess the delay was so everyone could have the awesome view! Congratulations!
Posted by: Chris Bruns on 8/19/2024 at 12:15 pm
View All Comments