It Just Got Epic-er

Yesterday (Sunday) was another great day and was even more epic than our trip into the Amazon.  We woke up early and headed with Diego in the 4x4 pickup for Mt. Cayambe. Unlike our cable car journey a few days ago, we headed up this one in the truck.

 

The weather went from hot to blustery as we climbed the barely passable roads. In fact, I would easily say that these were the worst roads I've ever been on. We bounced and bucked up the mountain. We forded a river and dodged cows, pigs, chickens, dogs, and even donkeys.

 

As we neared 15,000 feet the diesel engine struggled to get enough oxygen to run (and so did I). We finally reached the end of the road. From there it was all hiking.  It was the most insane ride of my life.

 

 As soon as I got out of the truck, I was pretty dizzy. Due to the relatively warm weather (for this altitude), the snow was a decent amount above us. I knew their was no way that I was going to do any difficult climbing. I told the guys to go look for the snow and I climbed another 500 feet of altitude's worth of rocks and decided to hang out. At that height, breathing was pretty rough, but the scenery was even more breathtaking. It was the first time in a long time that I was able to just be alone and sit down and enjoy some solitude.

 

The guys did reach a little bit of snow, but I was enjoying where I was. I was literally in the clouds. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget.

 

We all met back at the truck and headed for the most incredible lakes I've ever seen. It was a giant lake with huge mountains strewn throughout it. Over and over I wish that I had a big enough camera to capture things exactly as I've seen them. You just have to be here to appreciate the beauty of this country. It's absolutely true that the eye never gets enough of seeing. On every car and bus ride I just stare in awe of my surroundings.

 

One thing I love about some of the countries down here is that the traffic lights go from green to green and yellow to red and before they turn green again, they turn yellow and red. This gives people the opportunity to start honking before the light turns green. Love it!!!  I wish we had this in NJ. It's so hard to wait for the light to turn all the way green to start honking. My goal is for the red light to be still pink before I honk!

 

Also, Cory bought a guitalele. It's like a small guitar:ukelele (sp?). It's really cool. Now he is a content guy!