Climbing a 14er with a cool name
Written by Bessie on Saturday, November 29, 2008 in Ecuador
Feelin' normal
Feelin' normal
So in Colorado climbing a 14er (14,000 ft; 4,242m) is a big deal because it's really high. I have friends who were already in great shape and still trained specifically to climb one - it's tough. Kyle and I climbed a 14er here in Ecuador, and while it probably wasn't as tough as doing it in Colorado might be, it was still an accomplishment, and it's our new highest point record for our trip.
We climbed Fuya Fuya volcano, which is next to Lagunas de Mojanda about a 45 minute drive out of Otavalo (a few hours north of Quito). I just love the name Fuya Fuya, I think it's a gift from the Incan gods, and it was the perfect pep talk words when I needed motivation to keep going. Go on, give it a try, say it, FUYA FUYA! FUYA FUYA those flights of stairs! FUYA FUYA that last 10 minutes of your run! FUYA FUYA your boss!
Ok, so maybe I got a bit loopy from the hike. The air does get thin up there. Further proof of the nuttiness (if you need it), is that we were wearing our ridiculous acquisitions from the Otavalo Market in public.
The views were pretty spectacular from up there too. We were surrounded by other large Andean volcanoes, but none were really active that you see them smoking or anything exciting like that. Probably better that way - I was having enough excitement on my own with the lack of oxygen.
Here are some random shots from the hike:
panaramic view of Laguna de Mojanda (at the base of Fuya Fuya)
cool mountain top plant
pretty purple flowers, tri-berry blend (coming soon to a Starbucks near you)
his and her walking stick photos
Kyle and guide, Dennis, heading back down Fuya Fuya
Comments on "Climbing a 14er with a cool name"
The two of you have such an amazing way of sharing Earth experiences with Appreciation and Humor. Thank you!
OK so I think Fuya Fuya is very funny. I am sure I would be chanting that while climbing up the mountain too. As to saying it to your boss I don't know about that. Russell has a new saying when he doesn't want to listen to us it is "POW TO YOU". It makes me crack up but he is very serious.
Why are your hats so dorky? You look pretty cool to me. Maybe it is the same as my grandpa's white knee socks (with red stripes at the top) pulled up to his knees with shorts and gymshoes? Don't forget the huge camera he would wear around his neck and the visor on his head. How embarrasing for me as a kid. Same deal?
Russell is so funny! what a cutey. Maybe he'd like the "Fuya Fuya!" then...
down here we're just super obvious tourists wearing the hats... locals pretty much wouldn't dare to wear them. Us midwesterners though - that's a different story!
Wonderful photos.......and the hats......priceless!
by Linda at December 05, 2008 09:31 PM