"This summit was the most satisfying and during my final hundred feet I had a feeling I've never had before. I was almost in tears from the accomplishment"
I've only felt it a few times before, Rainier, Orizaba, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, but it's addictive and it leaves you wanting more. So what's the next big peak on your agenda?
I likely won't be able to do another international trip until 2013 when I may have more money but I am thinking about something in S America. For the rest oof 2012 I have hundreds of peaks planned in CO, UT, MT, WA, CA, and ID
Thanks for commenting!
Matt, as discussed on our last trip, check out some photos of the peaks (not Orizaba) I took back in 1992 (the photos aren't that great, but will show the changes):
Well done Matt - like the Gimpilator, I really related to how you felt reaching the summit - I have also felt that way on a few summits. But I was also particulary interested in your TR since I climbed Popo back in the days when you still could. I also didn't get mugged in Mexico - but my wife & I did 2 years ago in Buenos Aires!
I seem to recall that the Eiger is on your list for the summer - best of luck and I shall look forward to reading about that - and any future 'big-ones' if you remain inspired by Orizaba.
Best wishes, Mark
Thanks Mark!
The Eiger is certainly one of my big goals but I won't have the money by this summer to make it happen. I am focusing on Canada this summer. But soon enough I'll make it happen. Thanks for commenting!
Orizaba was my first international trip. Now I've been to Antarctica, South America, Denali ((almost a new country) and now Russia! You may be hooked my friend! Scotty P
I really enjoyed your climbs of both of the big Mexican peaks. You wrote it well and had some great photos. My wife is from Colombia and I have had some great trips there. The driving in Bogota might compare with Mexico City drivers. Thats awesome you felt safe and you knew how to handle yourself in a Latin country. I hope to one day climb a big peak in Colombia, not as many Americans or guides, but still doable. Good luck in your future endeavors. I really like your Wind River TRs.
Standing straight and tall on this summit you were probably breathing higher air than any previous summiteer. Carrying this logic a step further, you effectively made an 18,491' peak an even 18,500' measured to your frost- tossled hair!
Really enjoyed your report. I must try this peak one day!
Bill Reed - Mar 21, 2012 8:46 am - Voted 10/10
Very excellent and informative....report Matt! A pretty ambitous way to spend your spring break for sure. Great photos also! Thanks for posting it.
Matt Lemke - Mar 21, 2012 11:54 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Very excellent and informative....Thanks Bill! A great week indeed!
Thanks for the kind words.
gimpilator - Mar 21, 2012 1:55 pm - Voted 10/10
I know the feeling"This summit was the most satisfying and during my final hundred feet I had a feeling I've never had before. I was almost in tears from the accomplishment"
I've only felt it a few times before, Rainier, Orizaba, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, but it's addictive and it leaves you wanting more. So what's the next big peak on your agenda?
Matt Lemke - Mar 21, 2012 5:20 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: I know the feelingI likely won't be able to do another international trip until 2013 when I may have more money but I am thinking about something in S America. For the rest oof 2012 I have hundreds of peaks planned in CO, UT, MT, WA, CA, and ID
Thanks for commenting!
alpineair - Feb 28, 2013 8:24 am - Hasn't voted
Great report!Nice job on the climbs and the TR.
StukeSowle - Feb 28, 2013 9:21 am - Voted 10/10
Sweet Spring Break!Fantastic trip report. I have never given much thought to climbing in Mexico but you have changed this!
Matt Lemke - Feb 28, 2013 3:32 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Sweet Spring Break!Glad to help! Thanks for the nice words.
BHunewill - Feb 28, 2013 9:30 am - Voted 10/10
Cool!Great pics. You have inspired me to look into a similar trip.
Matt Lemke - Feb 28, 2013 3:32 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Cool!Thanks for commenting! Hope you can make it down there its pretty awesome!
Scott - Feb 28, 2013 3:47 pm - Voted 10/10
GlaciersNice trip report!
Matt, as discussed on our last trip, check out some photos of the peaks (not Orizaba) I took back in 1992 (the photos aren't that great, but will show the changes):
Trip Report
Izta and Popo used to have some fair sized glaciers.
See how Popo looked pre-eruption:
Popo
I thought you'd like to see the photos.
Matt Lemke - Feb 28, 2013 4:21 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: GlaciersWOW scott thanks for showing me those. That is incredible the difference
markhallam - Feb 28, 2013 4:20 pm - Voted 10/10
Really enjoyable TRWell done Matt - like the Gimpilator, I really related to how you felt reaching the summit - I have also felt that way on a few summits. But I was also particulary interested in your TR since I climbed Popo back in the days when you still could. I also didn't get mugged in Mexico - but my wife & I did 2 years ago in Buenos Aires!
I seem to recall that the Eiger is on your list for the summer - best of luck and I shall look forward to reading about that - and any future 'big-ones' if you remain inspired by Orizaba.
Best wishes, Mark
Matt Lemke - Feb 28, 2013 4:23 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Really enjoyable TRThanks Mark!
The Eiger is certainly one of my big goals but I won't have the money by this summer to make it happen. I am focusing on Canada this summer. But soon enough I'll make it happen. Thanks for commenting!
ScottyP - Feb 28, 2013 10:05 pm - Hasn't voted
Be carefull!Orizaba was my first international trip. Now I've been to Antarctica, South America, Denali ((almost a new country) and now Russia! You may be hooked my friend! Scotty P
wyopeakMike - Mar 3, 2013 2:22 pm - Voted 10/10
Very well said TRI really enjoyed your climbs of both of the big Mexican peaks. You wrote it well and had some great photos. My wife is from Colombia and I have had some great trips there. The driving in Bogota might compare with Mexico City drivers. Thats awesome you felt safe and you knew how to handle yourself in a Latin country. I hope to one day climb a big peak in Colombia, not as many Americans or guides, but still doable. Good luck in your future endeavors. I really like your Wind River TRs.
Matt Lemke - Mar 17, 2014 5:07 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Very well said TRThanks for the comment! Sorry for the late reply...as of now though I kinda live in Montana and work in Wyoming so we should meet up sometime.
JoelSkok - Mar 3, 2013 9:49 pm - Voted 10/10
Has this occurred to you Matt?Standing straight and tall on this summit you were probably breathing higher air than any previous summiteer. Carrying this logic a step further, you effectively made an 18,491' peak an even 18,500' measured to your frost- tossled hair!
Really enjoyed your report. I must try this peak one day!
Matt Lemke - Mar 17, 2014 5:06 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Has this occurred to you Matt?LOL that's funny! Yes I probably am one of the tallest to climb Pico de Orizaba. Thanks for commenting and sorry for the late reply.