Every mountain has touched me in a unique way. They all have special, different meanings to me. Here are some of my favorites.

Pico de Orizaba –Citlaltépetl- (18,700’) February 2004
Located in Mexico, this stratovolcano is the 3rd highest peak in North America. I summitted on a beautiful sunny day, perfect climbing weather, with our group led by Craig Van Hoy. This was a grueling climb, with a steep traverse to the summit on the Jamapa Glacier. Making it more difficult, I was suffering from a gastro-intestinal illness, “la turista”, that weakened me physically, but could not stop my mental determination to conquer this mountain. This was a very special climb to me because I realized things about myself that I never experienced before. It was a great adventure and I made new friends.

Iztaccihuatl -(17,342’)
Towering above Mexico City, it is known as “the sleeping woman”. Summit at sunrise on a spectacular day. Izta offers unbelievable panoramic views from Mexico City to the unforgettable “Arista Del Sol” with Popocatepetl looming in the background. This was a very enjoyable, demanding climb also led by Craig Van Hoy. Special to me because while reaching new highpoints on this difficult climb, I felt extremely strong.

Mt Rainier – (14,411’)
 Located in Washington state. Known as the toughest climb in the lower 48 states. After climbing through the glaciers we reached the summit around 8am led by Jeff Justman. The glaciers, crevasses, and ice formations on this mountain are breathtaking. Rainier was a very special climb to me because it was when I found what I had been searching for in my life, and truly fell in love with mountaineering.

Cerro Chirripo – (12,529’)
The highest mountain in Costa Rica. Chirripo means “the land of eternal waters”. I climbed Chirripo in May 2004 with my sister Graciela. The climb is very diverse, from passing through a cloud forest, to a tropical alpine zone, to the picturesque view from the summit to lakes made from ancient glaciers, to the Cordillera Talamanca. It was very special to me to share and create these unforgettable memories with my sister. Costa Rica is the most beautiful country in the world. Climbing Chirripo fulfilled a special, longtime goal of mine. Through all the mountains over the world that I have climbed and will climb, I will never forget where I come from and the land and people that I love.

Mt Whitney – (14,497’)
My first 14,000’ mountain. I have climbed both the normal and mountaineer’s route. Whitney is a beautiful climb. It was my first time climbing through snow and in an alpine environment. It was really fun and enjoyable experience, being from a tropical country and being cold for the first time. Mt Whitney is a magical place to me, and I love to just gaze upon the mountain.

Mt Shasta – (14,162’) Glaciated peak located one hour from my house. My training ground. In my climbing here I have experienced a lot of changes in weather. Within an hour, it can go from a very hot, sunny, clear day, all the way to a really windy, freezing day with white-out conditions. For being a 14,000’ mountain, it’s a very challenging, steep climb. Shasta is very special to me because it is where I prepare and gain my strength, physical and mental, for all my future goals.

I have also ice climbed at Lee Vining Canyon, Ca., and climbed other 14,000’ peaks.