Ecuador Seminar: Knoff & Team Hike Fuya Fuya Near Laguan Mojando
Today started the same as most days do. Breakfast from the hotel, coffee to wash it down sparking us awake and getting us close to the chocolate-filled croissants we have all learned to take with us on the mountain providing a superior snack to any energy bar. This morning was different however because we checked out of the hotel, loaded the Magic bus and powered north through traffic thicker than sea level air to a mountain two hours north of Quito called Fuya Fuya. Don’t get this confused with the famous mount Kung Fuya Fuya located next to Mt. Fuji in Japan, it is a lesser objective but important in our acclimating nonetheless.
After all the traffic, winding cobblestone roads and slow going, we reached Laguan Mojando, a beautiful high caldera lake very similar to Crater Lake in Oregon. Situated at 12,000 feet, we had in-and-out views of the surrounding peaks, including our objective, Mt. Fuya Fuya. With a summit sitting right at 14,000 feet, it was not as high as our mountain yesterday but offered steep hiking and challenging footwork. I always start this day off with a quickened pace just to get the blood flowing. As the team assembled after seven minutes of power walking up a hill over 12,500ft, Dirk looked at me and said, “Man, altitude is no joke, but it’s still kind of funny”. Which said it all considering we were all hunched over like we had just run the hundred yard dash but smiling at the pain we were all in.
A steep hour later the entire team stood on the summit with warm temps, periodic views of the deep blue lake far below and a growing respect for the Ecuadorian experience. It was another good day for the team.
Once we returned to the bus our flip flops greeted us and we headed back down the hill to eat lunch and relax at Casa Sol, a beautiful hacienda located high above the town of Otavalo. It is in this town we will all attempt to spend as much money as possible buying gifts for all the blog followers and maybe some loved ones at the giant craft market located in the center of town.
Until then we will relax with a beer, tie some knots, repack our bags and prepare for tomorrow.
Wishing you all well in the states,
RMI Guide Adam Knoff
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Comments (5)
What an experience for you, Chris..so happy you are able to do it..am enjoying the daily blogs!!
Posted by: Bobbi Jarvis on
So exited for Chris and to see all this beautiful scenery.
Posted by: janice myhrum on
Never in my thoughts did I think of Chris a mountain climber. He has demonstrated
a gift of the unexpected. I now understand the draw to the climb when you see what
he gets to see in person. Great
Jack
Posted by: John Condon on
Thanks so much for these updates, as a mother I like to see that my baby is doing okay. Just kidding Chris
Mary (Chris Condon’s Mom)
Posted by: Mary Accettura on
Thanks for all the updates and pictures…I look forward to reading them every evening! Thinking of you all!
Beck (Chris Condon’s wife :)
Posted by: Beck Condon on