Illimani

Illimani was a great climb! Eszter did great and we took 11 hours round-trip from high camp. 

Jaime and Eszter have returned to basecamp after a cold, but successful summit of Illimani! Having endured freezing temperatures and discussions of turning back, they are very pleased with their decision to persevere. They will be back in La Paz tomorrow with pictures and a more detailed account. Stay tuned...

I received a call last night from Jaime and Eszter at basecamp of Illimani. It sounded like they were absolutely awestruck by the full moon and the enormous profile of the mountain that was created in its light. They will continue to climb today and we will hear more soon.

Yesterday, Jaime, Sonni, Eszter, and Mariko, headed up to 15,000' in a van. The plan was to descend to 3,000' on mountain bikes. Equipped with helmets and knee and elbow pads, and with Mariko as their personal paparazzi in the chase car, the other three headed down on the wild descent into the jungle. Beginning with a section of paved road, the trail quickly turned into dirt for the next 4-5 hours! This road is often referred to as "the most dangerous road in the world!" They were treated to a good buffet lunch in Corolco and had a quick traffic-free drive back to La Paz.

After some interesting delays, beginning at US airports, all expedition members arrived safely in La Paz and as Jaime put it, "tired or not" they were off on a road trip to Tiahuanaco and then Copacabana. This morning they went to the Isla del Sol, where they hiked for 3 hours under sunny skies so clear that they not only had spectacular views of Lake Titicaca, but mountains as far in the distance as Illimani! After feasting on a lakeside lunch of corn, potatoes, fresh trout and chicken, they headed back to Copacabana.