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
We're silly and adventurous, computer geeks and yoga peeps.
December 05, 2008
Linda
December 07, 2008
mumsie
December 08, 2008
Melissa
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?
December 08, 2008
Bessie
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!