March 13th Riobamba

With Rosi, Rami, and Jois, we went to Chimborazo. No more rain, but unfortunately it was covered in clouds. Too bad. We drove up to 4800 m, where nothing grows except for a few scattered shrubs. But up to 4500 m, you can find meadows and fields. It looks like the pre-alpine region, just 3000 to 4000 m higher. It's insane.
Anyway, nothing grows above 4800 m. To tackle the ascent to 5000 m, we first drink a coca tea to boost our hearts. Then we start, passing by memorials for those who died on Chimborazo. The mountain is easy to climb, but still dangerous due to sudden weather changes, rock avalanches, or snow avalanches. There is some snow at 4800 m. Slowly step by step, we move up, the air is thin, Ralf and I can feel it, the only solution is to take sugar repeatedly. After an hour, we conquer the 200 meters of altitude and even go another 100 meters higher to a lagoon. Then it starts snowing heavily and we go back down. On the way back, Chimborazo reveals itself a bit, it is majestic.

A beautiful day we have spent here.