Volcanic Activity

Ecuador is home to a number of volcanos, both active and dormant, along with the geological marks that volcanic activity leaves behind. Travel on Monday and Tuesday was organized to experience this aspect of the country.

Leaving Quito and heading south, Cotopaxi, perhaps the most famous of the active volcanos in Ecuador should appear to the east. It didn't. The morning ride was a mess of rain, fog and low cloud. Cotopaxi kept her secrets from me, even the base was obscured. Not the start I had hoped for.

Not totally discouraged I continued on to Lake Quilitoa, or Crater lake  as it is more commonly known to English speakers. The approach to the lake was not very encouraging, but on arrival the clouds lifted, a few breaks of blue appeared as did the lake in all its splendor.

The lake is about 3km wide and formed in the caldera of a volcano that last erupted in 1280. The water is green in color from the dissolved minerals. Selfies are not my usual gig, but this one was taken about half way down a very steep path to the lake shore and I thought worth posting. At about 12,000 ft the air is pretty thin, the motorcycle clothing heavy and hot and the lungs (or knees for that matter) had limited capacity to make the return; I went no further. Evidently a burro ride back to the top is $10. They could charge more, anyway, one burro on this trip is enough.

After a night in Pujili, a small, pleasant town, I made my way to Alausi with a detour through Chimborazo park to try and spot the highest peak in Ecuador (20,564ft) and the dormant volcano after which the park is named. The peak showed itself briefly from the north, and again looking east as the road curved around.

I topped out at 14,407ft, it is pretty lonely up there and is desert  as the pictures show. A couple of cars and groups of vicunas were the only company. The wind was pretty stiff and chilly.

  

A day off the bike today except to gas up and get it washed. Chain maintenance, electrical system function check,  check bolts are tight and so forth; all seems in order. Boots cleaned, some laundry and a wander around the village filled the day. A ride on el Tren Ecuador, Nariz del Diablo, the Devil's Nose line awaits on Thursday morning. Then onward to Cuenca, a hotbed of American expats stretching their retirement dollars.

It is starting to feel and look like the Andes.

Cheers T2