The Summit of Quito’s Giant: Pichincha

15,696 Feet at the Summit

Today is a day of recovery and relaxing, following a tiring Friday and Saturday.  Following a long school day on Friday, I quickly changed clothes and headed to the indoor soccer field near my home.  I was able to play in an enthusiastic “pick-up” game for a little over an hour.  Following the game, I used the facility to practice my ball skills and shooting.  I left the field to return home for dinner and rest.  After planning Saturday morning’s adventure with my friend, Craig, I fell into bed early—catching some much-needed sleep. 

I awoke early on Saturday morning to prepare for the strenuous climb up the volcano, Pichincha, which overlooks the entire city of Quito.  Our plan: to summit Pichincha’s highest point, in preparation for next week’s climb up Cotopaxi.  After taking the lift up to the trail-head, Craig and I started on the dew-stained path of the infamous volcano.  After hiking for more than two hours, and climbing with our hands and feet for a short time, we were on the 15,696 foot summit of the sleeping giant.  My lungs burned slightly with each inhalation of the high-altitude air.  At the rocky summit we were in a cloud, so the views of Quito escaped us.  However, this was a difficult and exciting journey, and great training for the snow-capped Cotopaxi—which we will hopefully attempt next weekend.