After a long slow night in the mountain hut, we awoke to a glorious morning albeit short as the mist soon returned. We woke our guide (who had overslept!) demanding coffee and breakfast.It wasn't long before we were setting off, leaving the hut at 7:10. We began to ascend the ridge glad that the mist stopped us looking down at the frightening drop on either side. Then on to the rockface to scramble to the top. The weather gods were kind and the sun came out to lift our spirits and show us Cotopaxi in the distance across the clouds.
Cotopaxi - Spotted at last
Summited 5,126 m (16,817 ft) at 9:50 where conditions were very windy. The cloud whipping around us made photographs difficult and our time on top short.
Summit of Illiniza Norte - 2 down and 2 to go
Back down for a quick bite at the hut and then on to the base to pick up the truck and get to the new Hacienda (Chilcabomba). Martin noticed wheels coming off the truck off during the journey so some time spent getting repairs. Finally arrived at Chilcabomba for a great welcome, shower dinner and a warm night's rest.Tomorrow is a rest day. We hike to the cascadas (waterfall) on the Rio Pita and return to Quito to get supplies for Cotopaxi. This will be our last chance to communicate with you until we get off Cotopaxi on Monday night.
Until then, please continue to help us raise money for Marie Curie! Many thanks to those of you who have already done so.
Simon and Martin
http://www.justgiving.com/Martin-Wikstrom-and-Simon-St-Clair-Carter-4-Volcanoes-5-Nurses
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