Climbing Volcan Guagua Pinchincha

Hello all;

Well I summited my first mountain today, the active volcano Guagua Pinchincha. At almost 5000 m above sea level, it was by far the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. But I didn't quit... just kept putting one foot in front of the other, and taking breaks whenever I could no longer move. At that altitude, you feel as if you are suffocating and can't get enough air. I felt dizzy, lightheaded, nauseated, and completely out of breath in turn or all at once.

At the top, we were amongst the clouds and above all forms of plant life except for some random lichens clinging to the rocks. Snow still existed in sheltered areas, and the peak was whipped with cold winds, making the hat, gloves, scarf, and coat a necessity, even though it was 20 C at the base. A foot behind the concrete pillar marking the summit, was a 700 m drop into the crater that was filled with lava and hot gases. It was kind of nerve wracking, knowing one slip would undoubtably send you to your fiery death. However, since the crater was filled with clouds, you could not see the lava, only smell the sulfur rising from the murky white depths.

The one downside... I left my trekking poles in the guide's truck. He was, however, a super nice guy and since I have his business card I have emailed him tonight and will call him tomorrow. I was planning on heading to Puyo tomorrow morning, but if I have to wait to get my poles I will. They were not cheap and I'll need them for other mountains.

bye for now

Sarah