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Posts for Ecuador from 12/2011

Ecuador’s Volcanoes: The Team Visits Otavalo Market

Posted by: Jason Thompson | December 05, 2011
Categories: *Expedition Dispatches *Ecuador
Elevation: 15,300'

Today was a great day. We visited the Otavalo market working on our bargaining skills. Then we returned to the San Luis Hacienda for a great lunch this afternoon. After lunch we drove towards the Cayambe hut in a torrential downpour of rain. Fortunately the rain let up and we were able to make our hike up to the hut on Cayambe (15,300’). Everybody did a wonderful job. The group is super strong and things are going really well. It’s been a great group.  That is everything here from Ecuador. We will check in with our adventures from tomorrow. Ciao.

RMI Guide Jason Thompson

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Ecuador: Team checks in after Acclimatization Hike on Fuya Fuya

Posted by: Casey Grom | December 02, 2011
Categories: *Expedition Dispatches *Ecuador

Today we left the busy city and headed north to continue our acclimatization and experience some of Ecuador’s wonderful culture.

Our drive north took us to the small town of Tabacundo were we turned off the highway and drove up a cobbled stone road to the base of our next hike. Our hike for the day was the beautiful Cerro Fuya Fuya, which is large grass covered mountain with a small rocky summit that overlooks a small lake. Although Fuya Fuya is considered a small mountain here in Ecuador it is nearly as tall as Mt. Rainier, but not nearly as tough. Today’s climb took just over 3 hours to reach the summit and make it back to our vehicles and everyone did great. Thankfully we timed it perfectly, because no sooner had we arrived back to the cars then the rain started to fall.

We quickly left the trailhead and headed for our new home for the night at Hacienda Hosteria San Luis.  San Luis is nestled in between our first climbing objective, Cayambe and one of South Americas largest markets, Otavalo. Normally we would spend the day exploring the grounds of this working ranch, but the rain is still falling and now we are relaxing, listening to the frogs croak and enjoying the peacefulness and the warmth of the fireplace. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves and I’m sure are looking forward to a nice meal and a good night sleep.

RMI Guide Casey Grom

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Ecuador Volcanoes: First Day of Acclimatization

Posted by: | December 02, 2011
Categories: *Expedition Dispatches *Ecuador
Elevation: 9,350'

Hola from Ecuador. We started our day with another bountiful and colorful breakfast this morning. The main dishes varied from yesterday’s breakfast. Eggs, sausages, and mini breakfast burritos were the main attractions. Rounding out our breakfast of yogurt, papaya, mini pastries and once again fine Ecuadorian coffee. After breakfast we loaded the taxis and shuttled over to the teleferico ( or the gondola ). Which was a short 10 minute drive from our hotel through the bustling streets of Quito.

The hearty breakfast was put to good use today as we had our first day of beginning our acclimatization with some physical activity. We rode the teleferico to about 13,500 ft. We then began our 3.5 hour hike up Rucu Pichincha. The weather and temperature for our hike could not have been more pleasant. We had some clouds in the area which helped to keep the temperature moderate. We all agreed that it felt splendid to stretch our legs and most importantly work our lungs, breathing hard as we hiked to nearly 15,500 ft. Conversation throughout the hike was animated, as we hiked through varied terrain of lush vegetation and some fun rocky terrain. The view of Quito throughout the day gave us an appreciation of how big this city of 2.2 million people is.

We returned to our hotel in the afternoon for a few hours of free time to relax, explore local culture and prepare for our departure from Quito tomorrow morning. Dinner tonight was filled with laughs and great conversation. We are all back at the hotel this evening preparing for a good nights rest feeling satisfied with the day, looking forward to tomorrows adventures.

RMI Guide Jason Thompson

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Ecuador’s Volcanoes: City Tour of Quito Ecuador

Posted by: Casey Grom | November 30, 2011
Categories: *Expedition Dispatches *Ecuador
Elevation: 9,350'

Hello Everyone and welcome to RMI’s Ecuador Expedition 2011.

The entire team safely arrived last night and headed straight to our nice hotel, Hotel Mercure Alameda,  to get a little rest after the long flights. We started today with a huge Ecuadorian buffet breakfast full of delicious breads, pastries, fruit, juices and washed it all down with plenty of coffee. After filling our stomachs we sat down for a round of meet and greet that included an orientation and overview of the program ahead.

Just after 10 a.m. we headed out the door on our city tour of Quito, starting off with a visit to the colonial old town. We were lead by our local guide Jorge though the narrow roads with stops at the Basilica, church of La Campania (built in 1605), the monastery of San Francisco (built in 1535) and a visit to Independence Square to see the President’s Place. Next up was a quick stop atop the Panacilla which is a small hill overlooking Quito with a 200’ statue of the Virgin of Quito. The views where wonderful of this 2 million-plus city. We finished the tour by heading a little to the north to stop and visit both hemispheres at the Equator from where Ecuador gets its name. It was fascinating to see the Coriolis effect in both hemispheres with different results in just a few feet. It made believers out of most, but I hear there are still a few skeptics among us.

We headed back to our hotel for a quick gear review and a little shopping before dinner and have now returned to catch a little shut eye before tomorrow’s adventure.

All is well and everyone is excited to be here.
RMI Guide Casey Grom

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