Rafael Correa, the current president of Ecuador, has invested a great deal of resources into road projects throughout the country, so we had new asphalt in some places and tire-eating potholes in others. Part of the gamble in the developing world. Roads are being constructed faster than maps, but the diagram below gives a rough idea of our trajectory. The photos tell the rest.
Beautiful day out of the Andes toward the Amazon
Devin takes a dip with the Shuar kids in Kunkuk
From the Amazon to the sierra: El Altar base camp at Hacienda Releche. Nice in the sunshine, but really spooky after dark.
Nearing the end of 7 hours of mud hiking
El Altar's highest summit, El Obispo (the bishop), looms above the refugio at 5319m (17,451 feet), Ecuador's 5th highest peak. Also pictured, Monja Grande (big nun) at 5160m (16,929 feet).
Hacia el cielo
Laguna Amarilla crater lake
Having a good time in spite of 48 hours in rubber boots
Monja Chica (small nun) clears at sunset
The Bishop, the Nuns, and the Tabernacle as seen from camp
6am call to worship at El Altar (peaks left to right: El Canonigo, Los Frailes, El Tabernaculo, Monja Chica, Monja Grande, El Obispo)
The Ilinizas peek out from the clouds as we climb the Western Cordillera of the Andes on our way to the coast
D spends Christmas morning in the infinity pool, Puerto Lopez
Navidad sunset in Puerto Lopez
Round 1: Blanquita makes it through the mud near Canoa (Round 2: not so much)
D surveys the sunset from the sailboat mirador, Punta Prieta
cashing in on beautiful beach weather at Punta Prieta
Oriana takes a new approach to the betty wave
A nice day for skipping rocks at Punta Blanca
Preparing for 2011 in Jama. His claws even articulate.
D surveys his hermit crab race track (they all climbed out), Playa Escondida
one of the many that got away
New year's eve paper maché viejos wait for the right buyer (photo by Mitch Anderson)
Las viudas (the widows) of el año viejo dance for change at all the street corners, seeking prosperity for the new year. We think it's just an excuse for macho Latinos to dress like lady boys. (photo by Mitch Anderson)
Back home in Quito, burning effigies of el año viejo at midnight for a new start in 2011
After two weeks and 2000 kilometers, the mud derby was replaced with the concrete jungle--it's back to Quito and back to work. Plans are being made for our first group of visitors and we're busy getting our apartment into a more finished/furnished state. Routine, which was hard to come by in the first hectic months and subsequent crazy-go-nuts holidays, will hopefully be achieved soon. We could use a touch of daily tedium to help us gear up for Carnaval and Semana Santa (ugh). Until next time!
