Refugio Illinizas

There is snow on Illiniza Norte which means we have to carry technical equipment and then sleeping bags for the Refugio. So, I pack all morning and we leave the hotel around 10:30, another hour driving and we are at the parking lot.

About an hour from the parking lot we meet the russian couple, they had left the hacienda at least an hour before us. All of a sudden, I have someone to measure myself against, its almost if the feeling that I am better then someone kicks of the competitive instinct. I got into a slow rhythm and made it to the Refugio in 3 hrs.

I wondered why am I doing this? I will be staying in a small hut with bunk beds, no hot water, eating crappy food. But then I am not sure if there is anything I'd rather be doing.

There are a couple of guys from Colorado who finished Illiniza Norte already and will start Illiniza Sur which is one of the harder climbs. We chat a little bit, eat and then go to bed.