DPS’ Italian sales manager, Matteo Calcamuggi always has his wheels turning chasing snow. He’s been in Peru with a friend since the beginning of June with a target of two peaks: Nevado Ishinca (5530m) and Tocllaraju (6032 m). A vicious bout with a stomach virus took Matteo down for a solid week and planted him in the hospital with a wild fever that induced dreams of coldsmoke and an unnamed black-haired temptress. It took many injections of drugs that he no longer remembers nor had a choice to deny to get him back to basecamp. With energy back, he summited Ishinca and skied Cassiar 95’s on what was described as nice hardpack from the summit. Days of rest and housekeeping were had at sunny basecamp in preparation for Tocllaraju.  Some photos for a taste.

Coming down Nevado Ishinca on fun hardpack—in the background is Ranrapalca.

The trek to Camp 2 towards Tocllaraju. 

Always work to be done at base camp. Cassiar 95’s doing extra laundry duty.

A sunny siesta at camp before ascent.