Team "Equipo Gordo," made up of Tripp, Dietrich, and Pancho, summitted the great Cotopaxi just as the sun broke the horizon. It was a grueling climb, but well worth the effort. Due to Dietrich's size (he was actually called "gordo" not "grande" and given the largest climbing belt) we were given the stoutest guide, Pancho (aka Panchito). Further, Tripp was carrying an extra 20+ lbs. of weight up the mountain in ski gear. We were undeniably the heaviest team on the mountain. Thus, Equipo Gordo was fitting. We started out strong weaving between crevasses under the clear, starry sky. We followed the headlamps of team Heroes in a Half Shell as they twisted up the slopes. But Tripp grew more and more exhausted under the weight of the skis on his back. At a 45 degree incline, it was no light load. Dietrich was bolstered by a bronchodilator (inhaler), which allowed his lungs to devour the limited oxygen up there.
At around 18,000 feet, Tripp was feeling pretty awful (headache and nausea) and jettisoned the skis in an icy overhang. We managed the last few steep pitches and met Barrett, Andrew N, and Ryan on the summit. The views were incredible - not even pictures can do justice to that sunrise. We were at the closest point on earth to the stars as the sun peeked over the horizon. We made a short celebration and then began the long descent. Niki and Kirsten summitted just as we were heading down. Seven had made it! Ten minutes further, we crossed paths with Jake and Shal as they hacked away at the steep slopes and made their final push. Nine were within reach! We were jacked up about the strength of our group. Incredible. A little further down, Kat, Corinne and Navin were charging up the slopes. Unbelievable! Not fifteen minutes later, we crossed paths with Marcy, who was steadily pushing forward. Thirteen were within grasp of the summit. We were in awe at the sheer will power of our group to get up Cotopaxi.
Equipo Gordo breaked at the overhang where Tripp had dropped his skis. He was untethered from our rope for his descent. He was feeling better now. Tripp managed to ski a few sections where crevasse danger was minimal. The snow was terrible, but at least he got to ski on the highest active volcano in the world! Dietrich and Panchito came down behind, enjoying the early morning view and the novelty of a skier on Cotopaxi.
All in all it was a great experience with extraordinary people - we can't wait for the next WILD adventure!
Written by Tripp and Dietrich
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