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Published: October 20th 2009
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Ruminahui
At the start by lake Limpiopunga with Ruminahui looming behind. I've just had a brilliant (though very tiring) weekend in Cotopaxi National Park. It started with a very early morning on saturday. I left the house at 6am and made my way to the South American Explorers Clubhouse in Quito. After introductions and a run through of the plan for the weekend we set off for Cotapaxi National Park.
We arrived at Languna de Limpiopunga (3,800m the highest I'd ever been though not for long!) with the sun shining and blue skies. We set off along the lake towards RuimiƱahui (Central peak, 4,631m). Mark (one of the guides) setted a slow place, due to the altitude, as we meandered through the paramo and then headed up to the top of a grassy ridge. Here we had a rest taking in the views and eating some of the massive packed lunch we'd been provided with. After lunch we split into two group one led by Amy going back to the lake and the bus and the other five of us off to climb RuimiƱahui Central Peak. At this point we all voted (apart from a very sensible Victoria) to do the longer hike back to the hostel as opposed to hiking
back to the lake (it seemed a good idea at the time!).
We soon left the grassy slope and the path became steeper and we had to walk up a scree slope (a bit like sand - half a step back for every 2 steps forward aghh). As we approached the rockier part Mark instructed us on what to do if we saw a rock falling towards us (shout, and get out of its path!). We were wary of a group above us but they had just about reached the peak before we started on the rocky part. After a final scramble I reached the top a little out of breath but otherwise ok. By the time we had all reached the top we had time to take a few victory photos before a rumble of thunder sent us scurrying down. As we descended hail started to come down so, sheltered behind a rock, we hastily put on our waterproof trousers before skiing down the scree slope (my first time). This was great fun and a very quick way down. We found some shelter and ate some food before running along and down the side of the exposed grassy
Ruiminahui
Cotapaxi through a break in the clouds ridge. It was then time for the long tired slog to the hostel - I now felt even the smallest of upward slopes!
We arrived at the hostel very tired but victorious! The hostel is situated at the side of a Lahar (landslide from a volcano) - a very desolate and bleak place strewn with huge boulders. After a cup of tea (I know so british) and some popcorn I had a lovely hot shower and then we had a really good dinner (amazing soup to start) before settling down with some wine to listen to Edward Whimper's account of climbing Cotapaxi in the late 1800's (including accounts of runaway sheep and beetles that can stand on there heads!).
The next day I walked out of the building half asleep to be greeted with an amazing view of Cotapaxi. In the lodge I managed to see (through the telescope) some people making their descent of Cotapaxi (5,897 Mm). After breakfast Mark gave a brief talk about the Volcano's and how they had sculpted the landscape. We then set off for Cotopaxi where we (slowly) hiked from the carpark (4550 m) to the refuge (4800 m where people start
Ruminahui
On the way up through the Paramo their ascent of Cotapaxi) - a short distance but it takes awhile at these altitudes. At the top I had a mug of very sweet hot chocolate and then we hiked to the edge of the glaciers. We didn't get too close as we could see boulders falling off round the edge! Again we managed to scree ski down (it took about a quarter of the time to get down as it did to go up!).
The trip ended with a beer back at the lodge whilst I read the rest of Whimpers account of Cotapaxi (he was now being held by his feet as he hungover the rim of the volcano with steam belching out over him - crazy!). After a slow bus journey back I made my way back to the house for dinner and a very early night. A fantastic weekend!
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Tash
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Lots of mentions of food I notice (last time too)!!!! Well done you! Looks wonderful. Take care of yourself down the screes!!