Acopan Tepui, Gran Sabana Venezuela

Acopan Tepui, Gran Sabana Venezuela

I went to Venezuela expecting to suffer in clouds of mosquitos, I thought moss would be growing on my shoes as I walked, and spiders would cover every climbing hold. The reality was a pleasant surprise. Each day we hiked from quaint creek side base camp through the dry jungle for a few hours just to arrive at a luxurious waterfall, 10 minutes below the base of our route. The following is a photo essay of my time time in Venezuela with an extraordinary cast, Brittany Griffith, Jonathan Thesenga, and Mikey Schaefer. Please check Patagonia’s The Cleanest Line blog for a great story by Jonathan Tesenga, and more (higher quality) photos at Mikey Schaefers blog.

welcome to Caracas, big barking dogs are normal body gards here.

Welcome to Caracas, huge barking dogs, like this Brazilian Fila are normal body guards here.

Caracas at dawn

Caracas at dawn

Arrival in Yunick

Arrival in Yunick

Traverse, pitch 7

Traverse, pitch 11

View from the portal edge

View from the portaledge

sunrise on from the porta-ledge

Sunrise on from the portaledge

Brittany on the JUNGLE pitch

Brittany on the JUNGLE pitchÂ

Welcome home, pineapple delivery to base camp!

Welcome home, pineapple delivery to base camp!

Acopan

Acopan Tepui, our route follows the center, crisp black and yellow line

The deep water soloing was devine

The deep water soloing was divine

thanks to our great friends Kami, Jose, Paz and Kawak and their warm kitchen

So many thanks to our great friends Kami, Jose, Paz and Kawak and their delicious kitchen!