In an effort to maximize the suffering and thus achieve the greatest level of mental training, we hiked Rucu Pichincha during the rainiest, snowiest portion of the day.  Alright, that was not the intention but mission accomplished!  Here on the equator, weather forecasts can only tell you so much.  If you ask a local about it, they typically look at the sky and tell you what is currently happening.  It was basically cloudy, raining or snowing all day but we did get some glimpses of Quito beneath the clouds.  On the way back down the trail we also dried off a bit in the warmth of the afternoon so everyone was in good spirits back on the bus.  Tonight we are headed to a local favorite restaurant to fuel up on baba ganoush before heading north towards Cayambe.

RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier