Mountain Climbing w/ Regis Philbin!

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So it turns out the guy we had to pick up in Quito is a famous tv personality in Ecuador. After asking multiple questions I’ve decided he’s probably the equivalent of Regis Philbin, he hosts variety shows/game shows/morning shows just like Sir Regis himself. Anyway, we got back to the hosteria with Roberto ( but I’m going to call him Regis from now ) and his girlfriend and two daughters. We made them a quick breakfast because they booked a tour to climb to the refuge of Mt. Cotopaxi. I’ve been getting lucky because they keep asking me to go on the tours with them, so of course I said yes and we geared up for the mountains. Cotopaxi is a national park and the only way to get to the base area is by 4x4 and it’s one hell of a ride man. We crossed streams, dodged boulders, and passed farmers on their horses. We made a few quick stops to acclimatize as we ascended the mountain, but finally we got to the base where the climb was to begin. When we left the hosteria, the weather was really warm and the sun was shining. By the time we got to the base however, it was really windy, cold, and rainy. We were so high that we were walking in the clouds and every step towards the refuge seemed to get colder and colder. After about two hours we made it to the refuge, which sits at 4800 meters, I’m not sure in feet but I think that’s roughly around 16,000 feet ( you guys can do the math ) At the refuge I had a cup of hot chocolate with Regis and we all warmed up before plummeting down the mountain. I ran down the hill and nearly fell off the side of a cliff because I couldn’t stop, but no worries mom I made it. When we got back to the hosteria all the kitchen ladies were so excited to take there picture with Regis, it was like Tom Cruise was in the house.
After Regis went back to Quito, two big groups arrived, one from the States and another from the UK. We cooked up a big dinner for the American group and afterwards opened up the disco for a multi-nation rave. It was a very good time as us workers showed the two groups how to dance to Reggaeton and what not. After a few hours of partying in the Disco, it was time for bed as the kiddies had to do a small hike this morning. Thats about all i've got this time, hope everyone is doing well. Catch ya'll on the flip side...ciao y keep the groove

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Photos

Cotopaxi Refuge
We arrived at the refuge, which is roughly 16,000 feet. Being that high is like excercising and holding your breath at the same time

Regis!
Here's our picture with Regis, He's the one in the white shirt sitting down. I'm chilling with Beni, our St.Bernard

Not even close to the top
So I thought this would be a cool picture, little did I know I went up about 4,000 more feet

Looking Out
Looking down Cotopaxi at 4800 m

base camp
yes those are clouds behind the car, no it's not the one we came in. We have a Toyota landcruiser baby!

watch out
warning avalanche area

Comments

[dad]

nice pics again ive

[Mom]

WOW
Ive - the pictures are awesome as well as your stories that go along with them. I was SO glad to read that you were able to stop on the trip down without any bodily harm !! Keep up the good reporting - that way I know you are OK and keeps everyone else waiting for your next update Love MOM

[Mom]

volcano
Ive - where are you relative to the volcano that has erupted??? far enough away to be safe I hope! And what can you see?

[Rachel]

Hey, everything sounds amazing Bryan, and the pics are awesome! So jealous that you are out of the states. Glad to hear all is good. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. Can't wait to hear more!

[SHOO]

You got wheels!
You ridin in a landcrusier yo! You are a pimp out there, even at 4800 meters! Looks like your havin a blast still and your hair has't stopped growin yet. Do they have T.P. there? Much love.