![Hand painted signs on a vet shop in Tlachichuca.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318684.j0NE9vng.jpg) Hand painted signs on a vet shop in Tlachichuca. |
![Orizaba dominating the sky over Tlachichuca.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318685.Kfcvzjbc.jpg) Orizaba dominating the sky over Tlachichuca. |
![We stumbled upon some sort of women's rodeo practice (maybe?).](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318686.htEneoX3.jpg) We stumbled upon some sort of women's rodeo practice (maybe?). |
![g4/78/587478/3/142318687.0NdQYSor.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318687.0NdQYSor.jpg) |
![Grazing sheep and their herder, Orizaba looms above.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318688.qk6xGNkX.jpg) Grazing sheep and their herder, Orizaba looms above. |
![Dust devils over Tlachichuca as Orizaba and Sierra Negra are in the clouds.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318689.pi3eAYEf.jpg) Dust devils over Tlachichuca as Orizaba and Sierra Negra are in the clouds. |
![The Piedra Grande hut, ~14000ft.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318690.nlHgcPKW.jpg) The Piedra Grande hut, ~14000ft. |
![Inside the Piedra Grande hut.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318691.FQ4g0icA.jpg) Inside the Piedra Grande hut. |
![The hut in heavy cloud cover.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318692.MVMeRX0b.jpg) The hut in heavy cloud cover. |
![Finally the crater rim is visible!](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318693.DS8gLdh1.jpg) Finally the crater rim is visible! |
![Clouds rolling in from the east.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318694.ymhdRw1n.jpg) Clouds rolling in from the east. |
![Steven doing his Aguirre impression in front of the latrine...](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318695.Lq0Qn8r3.jpg) Steven doing his Aguirre impression in front of the latrine... |
![Dinner time!](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318696.ggQ05NjN.jpg) Dinner time! |
![Beautiful morning light.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318697.vg0gjsvW.jpg) Beautiful morning light. |
![The road ahead in the morning.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318698.g4Y5QW0F.jpg) The road ahead in the morning. |
![We set out for our acclimatization hike!](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318699.QF2qDsyF.jpg) We set out for our acclimatization hike! |
![First rest, the hut below.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318700.bwAwjwrL.jpg) First rest, the hut below. |
![Steven and Javier taking in the surroundings.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318701.P4KSN83v.jpg) Steven and Javier taking in the surroundings. |
![Steep slippery area on the way up.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318702.9KfTV6uL.jpg) Steep slippery area on the way up. |
![Final rest for the day, ~16000 ft.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318703.M10g1MVh.jpg) Final rest for the day, ~16000 ft. |
![The beginning of the Labyrinth, it looked daunting.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318704.QqN9RbHV.jpg) The beginning of the Labyrinth, it looked daunting. |
![Clouds at sunset.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318705.8k7Tuv09.jpg) Clouds at sunset. |
![New arrivals headed up to the hut.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318706.YK7vUPEj.jpg) New arrivals headed up to the hut. |
![Summit day, 2am start!](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318708.ihstzCbZ.jpg) Summit day, 2am start! |
![First break, relaxing in the moonlight.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318709.eZdmNFxH.jpg) First break, relaxing in the moonlight. |
![The moon lighting up the sky. It was so bright it obscured most of the stars.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318710.Et1EaLWN.jpg) The moon lighting up the sky. It was so bright it obscured most of the stars. |
![Another short break on the way up.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318711.CyPxb5wq.jpg) Another short break on the way up. |
![The Labyrinth lit by the moon.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318712.E5kj0tU9.jpg) The Labyrinth lit by the moon. |
![Crampons on, ice axes out, the hike up the Labyrinth commences.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318713.7PJVMvzA.jpg) Crampons on, ice axes out, the hike up the Labyrinth commences. |
![The Jamapa Glacier.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318714.wDaAxRcf.jpg) The Jamapa Glacier. |
![Sunrise beginning as we start out on the glacier.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318715.OpZRRNrZ.jpg) Sunrise beginning as we start out on the glacier. |
![Hiking up the glacier near sunrise.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318716.yZo3y4QR.jpg) Hiking up the glacier near sunrise. |
![The mountain shadow is forming, here it is above the horizon still.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318717.uIdkWSou.jpg) The mountain shadow is forming, here it is above the horizon still. |
![The mountain's shadow looms above the other volcanoes.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318718.luLZXzWk.jpg) The mountain's shadow looms above the other volcanoes. |
![Sunrise light hits us!](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318719.qu1Bikwy.jpg) Sunrise light hits us! |
![The mountain's shadow creeping across the valley floor.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318721.afyZaw3A.jpg) The mountain's shadow creeping across the valley floor. |
![Getting steep!](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318722.Q8SYB2fP.jpg) Getting steep! |
![Long shadows on the glacier.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318724.ZwJWSXBU.jpg) Long shadows on the glacier. |
![Starting to get rough now...](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318726.E53zh5WF.jpg) Starting to get rough now... |
![We're roped in now, given the steep angle of ascent.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318727.WiMQiJ0k.jpg) We're roped in now, given the steep angle of ascent. |
![The valley below.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318729.RIgGnqLw.jpg) The valley below. |
![Our water was starting to freeze!](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318730.2AyoEz4o.jpg) Our water was starting to freeze! |
![We HAVE to be almost there, right??](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318731.f5vrYuYk.jpg) We HAVE to be almost there, right?? |
![YES! The crater rim.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318732.KY0DFPDu.jpg) YES! The crater rim. |
![However, we still needed to climb up that and beyond to the summit.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318733.JWc5mLkh.jpg) However, we still needed to climb up that and beyond to the summit. |
![Intense sunlight at 18000+ ft.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318734.vzfiQA6a.jpg) Intense sunlight at 18000+ ft. |
![The crater was spectacular.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318735.JQBhh2fa.jpg) The crater was spectacular. |
![Ice formations on the west face.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318736.akW1WvkN.jpg) Ice formations on the west face. |
![Steven's Garmin watch tells us the elevation is 18520!](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318737.KrallHwO.jpg) Steven's Garmin watch tells us the elevation is 18520! |
![Our guides, Javier Leyva (left) and Roberto Oso Flores (right).](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318738.bEQz76Kk.jpg) Our guides, Javier Leyva (left) and Roberto "Oso" Flores (right). |
![Steven and me on the summit.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318739.i47F1eHI.jpg) Steven and me on the summit. |
![Posing with my ice axe and my iris (the company I work for) branded Nalgene bottle.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318740.j0YmVIcO.jpg) Posing with my ice axe and my iris (the company I work for) branded Nalgene bottle. |
![My Nalgene froze!](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318741.L8LNwm8W.jpg) My Nalgene froze! |
![Victory.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318742.0sOtgbTU.jpg) Victory. |
![Crater rim and the mountains below.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318743.m42sKbHT.jpg) Crater rim and the mountains below. |
![The Large Millimeter Telescope on top of Sierra Negra, ~15000ft.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318744.VWlRCXN8.jpg) The Large Millimeter Telescope on top of Sierra Negra, ~15000ft. |
![The Volcanoes of Mexico. From left to right: Popocatepetl (actively erupting), Iztaccihuatl, and Malinche.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318745.0ZjRBMnj.jpg) The Volcanoes of Mexico. From left to right: Popocatepetl (actively erupting), Iztaccihuatl, and Malinche. |
![Our climbing buddy Chris chilling at the summit.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318746.IF7ZU9QE.jpg) Our climbing buddy Chris chilling at the summit. |
![Steven relaxing at the summit.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318747.GvuOG54X.jpg) Steven relaxing at the summit. |
![Clouds below.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318748.4yD1IRJ0.jpg) Clouds below. |
![Beginning the descent.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318749.95wBuKfD.jpg) Beginning the descent. |
![One final shot of the crater from the summit.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318750.o3vESo7n.jpg) One final shot of the crater from the summit. |
![Descending the crater rim.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318751.5nYdAAPG.jpg) Descending the crater rim. |
![Final shot of the crater.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318752.8OAnGj7x.jpg) Final shot of the crater. |
![Descending the glacier.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318753.onsgpWxI.jpg) Descending the glacier. |
![Awesome high altitude clouds above.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318754.O5stlFfY.jpg) Awesome high altitude clouds above. |
![Taking a short break.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318755.5AqwKJmR.jpg) Taking a short break. |
![Javier looking tough.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318756.lKtwkTuZ.jpg) Javier looking tough. |
![Steven descending the glacier above, he was... delayed.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318757.yX8BpqoW.jpg) Steven descending the glacier above, he was... delayed. |
![Oso descending off to the edge.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318759.dQbgu4cd.jpg) Oso descending off to the edge. |
![Steven descending.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318760.TtBkb0qA.jpg) Steven descending. |
![The Jamapa glacier during the day.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318763.QRgAv6Tg.jpg) The Jamapa glacier during the day. |
![Anvil clouds forming in the distance, toward Veracruz.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318765.GmIFMCyY.jpg) Anvil clouds forming in the distance, toward Veracruz. |
![The trusty crampons and ice axe that got me to the summit!](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318768.CZwmUR3C.jpg) The trusty crampons and ice axe that got me to the summit! |
![Javier looking badass while taking a break on the descent.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318770.bJ3mWmyh.jpg) Javier looking badass while taking a break on the descent. |
![Almost there!](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318773.W4qgK7H7.jpg) Almost there! |
![Success!! L->R: Chris, Oso, Javier, Me, Steven.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318775.Bk4aw7RX.jpg) Success!! L->R: Chris, Oso, Javier, Me, Steven. |
![What a mountain!](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318777.CJCbzT3S.jpg) What a mountain! |
![Orizaba on the drive home.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318779.fHYF8mG6.jpg) Orizaba on the drive home. |
![A crater lake the next day.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318781.Tixeh9Ej.jpg) A crater lake the next day. |
![Orizaba looms.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318783.ngEslKTx.jpg) Orizaba looms. |
![A rattlesnake eating a lizard, what a thing to see!](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318784.9TtQ1FET.jpg) A rattlesnake eating a lizard, what a thing to see! |
![Cantona ruins.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318786.DXAlMfLc.jpg) Cantona ruins. |
![A ball court in Cantona.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318789.iVu1oTS8.jpg) A ball court in Cantona. |
![The plains of Cantona. Pizarro peak on the left.](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/78/587478/3/142318791.9rkzzjpS.jpg) The plains of Cantona. Pizarro peak on the left. |