This is the South American Explorer's Clubhouse, where I volunteer several half days every week and I am helping to write a reference book on Ecuador's tribes.
Bernardo's musically talented cousin played some melodious and classic songs for me, but alas, I didn't recognize any of his Spanish or Ecuadorian classics.... this is definitely going to have to change!
I still can't get over the beautiful mountain views from Quito.
And from this picture onward begins our day trip trekking up the still active Guagua volcano. We stopped along the road towards the volcano for some amazing views of Cotopaxi mountain in the background, Southern Quito on the left and some beautiful countryside scenery.
More countryside scenery... I liked this curious cow.
This valley was created by lava flows and has since been recovered by vegetation.
We started our journey walking up the Guagua Pichincha... and I found this lovely little house on the top of this hill, but little did I know...
... that the clouds were hiding something even more impressive just five seconds later. I can tell you I have never paid so much attention to clouds as I do in Ecuador... they move around very quickly.
A close-up of the Guagua Pichincha that we were to climb.
The scenery up the hill was beautiful, and proved to be a great distraction as we were trying to keep a steady uphill pace at an altitude of 4000 meters.
One of the peaks of this volcano had a shrine to a saint. Ecuadorians seem to like to reach out to their saints at the tops of mountains.
The backside of the mountain was formed by sand and broken down lava, and as the wind was incredibly strong on the mountain peaks, they left interesting lines in the sand.
Here is our group climbing up the rocky side.
With lots of sharp drops right next to us.
But the surrounding clouds made the climb seem even more impressive and treacherous.
Some of the trails were right along the top ledge of the mountain. This part was wild because you could see the clouds being pushed up the side of the mountains towards you and then pass right through you!
We achieved a height of 4781 meters and headed back down the mountain.
I felt like I was sand skiing as I was barely able to remain standing in some parts due to the intense angle, lack of a trail, and abundance of sand. It was thrilling!
More views of the hike back down and surrounding lava fields.
Looking back at the peak we had just all climbed.
Then walking for another hour or so through fields of paramo straw bushes.
