January 10 2013 – Up Cotopaxi Volcano to the Refuge, then over to one of the glaciers
Today was both a physical and mental challenge. For those of us raised at or near sea-level operating at 15,000 feet can be a real test. After spending the night at Tampopaxi (elevation 12,400 feet) we drove to the parking area at 14,800 feet for the 1 mile and 1000 ft elevation change climb to the Refuge.
At first glance the distance and elevation change doesn’t seem great, however 10 steps makes you realize how steep the volcano really is and how unadjusted to exertion at elevation we all are. To make matters even more interesting the wind was probably blowing at 35mph and there was a light rain…however, everyone made it to the refuge.
Then most of the class walked another 1/2 mile over to a nearby glacier to be able to observe first-hand the glacial processes that we have been discussing.
We returned in mid-afternoon to the Lodge for a hot shower and some well-earned rest, a trout dinner and discussion of and new found appreciation of Edward Whymper’s journal docmenting his travels around Ecuador including Cotopaxi over 100 years ago.
The last couple of pistures in this set show the views from within and just outside of the Lodge at Tampopaxi.
