Here in Ecuador, on Sundays, folks saddle up, get the dogs and hunt rabbits in the countryside.

Resting at the summit. At that time of the day, clouds roll in.

At the summit!!!

The other crazy!

I left my proper hat in my room. This one was fashioned from a hanky found in my first aid kit. Adapt and improvise.

On top of Corazon at 4700 meters.

The photo is impressive. Considering where I had to get to take it.

One day up and back. It was the first time I had to crawl to use both hands and feet to make my way up. Too scary to get my camera out.

On the way . I feel great!!

Nine of us from the South American Exporers Club.

On top of somewhere!

Cotopaxi!! My first climb. This is the highest volcano in the world.

These gals saw me coming. What I didn-t realize that the cost to ship thngs home is twice the cost of buying them. The price of a beautiful cloth poncho was only $12!

Normal folks in Otovalo.

Otovalo is the largest outdoor market in South America. Thousands of natives come to town on Saturdays. The hat style of the lady in the center was begun when Europeans got a load of hats which were too small for Europeans heads, so they gave them out to the locals, who have liked them ever since.

When translated, this reads When you buy, buy Ecuador first.

Love of country is everything.

Leaving Quito, going south.

This is Iliniza at 5200 meters.

Cotopaxi is the second highest active volcano in the world at over 15,000 feet

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Today is Tuesday, July 7. Tomorrow at 6 am I leave for ten days of mountain climbing. Only a little crampon and ice axe work, not really technical. We will go to Cotopaxi and then to Iliniza Norte. The trip is lead by Mountain Legends at info@mountainlegendsinc.com and mountainlegendsinc@gmail.com Most of my stuff is being stored at South American Explorers. They have a locker there for members. As soon as I return, I will post it. Both mountains are in Volcano Alley south of Quito. I suggest you google for more information. My return ticket to Costa Rica is dated August 31st.

So what if it rains? The rain lasts only 45-60 minutes which is perfect for popping into a shop for coffee and a bite!

$7 per night in the dorm. A hot, well warm, shower. Coffee and roll for breakfast.

I got to Ecuador last night! This morning I bought a Panama hat in Quito. Real Panama hats come from Ecuador, they always have. While the canal was being built, men would return to the US with these hats made then in Ecuador. But because they were returning from Panama, they called them their Panama hat! The ones now made in Panama are sewn together with one inch wide straw strips-around and around to make the hat shape. The ones made here in Ecuador are a single piece of weaving without any seams. they are superior, of course. The real thing can also be rolled up and put in your luggage. The Panama hat made in Panama is stiff and must be crushed (ugh). Either one will cost ten dollars.
Trekking the Ecuadorian Andes has only one signigicant difference than any other high trek, as in the Cascades or Sierra Nevada. Because of the latitude the sun can burn the skin much faster(Can't recall latitude and longitude? Notice the "a" in latitude? it is for around the planet. The o in longitude is for over the polar poles. So a hat is always advised. I wear a full brim hat to protect both the ears, neck, chin and nose. Only sometimes do I use skin block. Bare arms are not a good idea. Some of us wear "sleeves." Sleeves are also popular with bikers because of the wind burn, which I have also had.