Ecuador has numerous volcanoes that surround the equator line. Chimborazo (20,564'), Cotopaxi (19,347') and Cayambe (18,996') are three of the tallest and the destinations of my recent trip. The summit of Chimborazo is actually the furthest point on the Earth's surface from the center of the Earth because of it's proximity to the equator and the equatorial bulge. Ecuador is known for it's beautiful highlands, the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands. Unfortunately, it is also know for dramatic and unpredictable weather, which we experienced first hand. All three of our summit days were marred by moisture, high winds and white out conditions. I managed to get this quick photo on Cotopaxi summit before the wind forced us down. This high altitude mountaineering is great training for my upcoming trip to Everest.
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