Pichincha to Teleferica

Today I climbed 3166 feet to get to 13,287 feet, which is about another 3000 feet to the summit of Pichincha mountain. I spent five hours on the trail.

That is That is the peak behind me. I hope to top it next week (after I rest up!)

The trail is often rutted from the mountain rains. I had no guide. He didn't show up this morning so I went on alone. This sign is for the evacuation trail. I found it about half way up.

This is Quito from up high. Both mountains in the background are on the climb list.

The trail starts out from Quito as a stone road. Later it turns to cow paths and deadends.

The cream and blue colors were my idea. Everyone lives behind a wall and heavy gate. The house is directly behind the gate. the building uphill is a collection of three apartments. I am all about the outside gardens.

Welcome! Our home is your home.

This is the ranchero out-back. I eat my lunch and breakfast here.


I built this deck and spend some afternoons here with my plants. I have over 70 in pots.

Crusader's Fortress in Jordan: Kerak

Kerak Castle is hugh and never stormed.

Their are still soldiers of the light on duty.

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The interior chanbers are huge and manifold. Hunereds of crusaders were stationed here with their horses and sergeants.

A lone arab stands lookout. It is a cold and wet day.

Hard to tell, but this was the "shower."

This is the light for the jail. a single hole in the wall.

These scratch marks are on the wall of the fortress's jail.

Egyptian People

The river Nile.

I broke my bootlace. This shop gave me a new set and reglued my rubber boot. Then they refused payment and said "Tell your friends to come to Egypt!" (I just did.)

Af

Belly dancer.

This is a "wirling dervish."

The mosque floor.

Egypt Deserts

The desert from Sinai to Sahara, the explorer is prepared.

The western desert makes Nevada look like a water park.

This is a place which offers "pyramids" of its own. Some are near perfect images of those in Giza.

Here is an Egyptian "speed trap."