Author Archives: John

Many thanks to my editor, Rebecca Whalen, for helping me put this together for Cityview Magazine.  Here is a direct link. https://cityviewmag.com/conquering-cotopaxi/ OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE Conquering Cotopaxi By John Quillen ON APR 28, 2022  0  Share Finding East Tennessee’s place on the edge of … Continued

It was a busy weekend and a lot of things happened prior to it. As expected, the backcountry fee has now doubled from $4 to $8 in addition to a parking fee which is $5 per night in the Smokies. … Continued

This was the final night of my three days in the back country. We ended up at campsite 30. But it begins the weekend before with Steve McQueen, which is actually his real name. (Frank asked me what his real … Continued

Nestled amongst the Virginia hills at 3500 ft this hidden gem is truly a delight. just 30 minutes outside of Abington hides a place that holds some of the most incredible rock climbing and camping I’ve seen. I was the … Continued

  You may have heard that our team experienced incredible success in Ecuador last week, topping out on Pasochoa, then Ruccu Pichincha and finally the big one, Cotopaxi at 19,347 feet.  I am so proud of our group and look … Continued

Immediately upon embarking on this late afternoon back country hit, I run into Bill Ramsey whom I haven’t seen in months. He was completing a loop and we were heading up for the night. The stars were amazing and we … Continued

In the old days we called this a Team Extreme event. AJ and John Dempsey had originally planned to go up there. So I invited Richard and Wildcat. Then Brian came along. it rained about 2 inches on Thursday. Friday … Continued

The flying sausage and I flew into the backcountry for an overnight quick hit. The winter starscape was amazing Which made a warming fire not only nice but necessary. this was an off-trail route which is why I’m not going … Continued

I never thought this would be possible, especially on the heels of my Ouray experience. But Charlie Avery hooked us up. He had paid a guide from Fox Mountain to take him up for an ice clinic. And Charlie took … Continued

Twas a tradition of time’s past. Our Denali crew would gather in Colorado for good ice and fellowship. This year our numbers were diminished due to illness and work obligations but it was still Neil ,JDavis, Neils son, James and … Continued