Click on the images for an enlargement

The 'Loving Mist' lodge, complete with our transprtation to the trailhead parked in front. No one doubted that we could get nine backpacks and eleven people in this tiny pickup, but everyone doubted that we would make it up the track to the trailhead. High among the doubters were Judy and Sam, whose view of the road ahead from inside the cab was more than they cared for. Those in the back got to push on occasions. Gwen loved this and was seen running along beside the truck for the pure thrill of it!

This is a view of the Illinizas from the summit of Cotopaxi. There are two summits to Illiniza, Nord and Sur (yup, North and South). We climbed the Northern peak seen on the left, less glaciated but more steep than the southern one.

A familiar sight to all of us; Edgar's pack and poles, cruising along in front.

We could afford a late (6am) start. In the background is Illiniza Nord. Our route follows the ridge that runs from centre to right (in the shadow), then round behind the ridge in sunlight to the summit in the centre.

Bright sunlight in the morning silhouettes the group moving up the east ridge. Summit is top right

Near the summit, it gets steep, so fixed ropes are set up to allow us to go down and around a rock pinnacle.

Illiniza Sur from Illiniza Nord

Summit pictures

A great group on a great summit in a great picture. Missing is Edgar