It's way bigger than it looks, I promise
Every morning over breakfast we look out at Imbabura Volcano when it's not completely hiding behind clouds. That's the way the mountains are here, wherever you are, whether it's in service or going about your daily routine, the mountains are always there. Sometimes the peaks are glaring beacons of white snow but most often they are shrouded by clouds and something to imagine.
When Camille, our friend up the street, invited us along on a hike she was planning with a local Kichwa family serving as our guides, it was certainly the offer of a fun adventure. If we didn't make it to the top no big deal, we'll just do what we can. This was of course not how I took it. It was a challenge. For those who read about Johnny and my adventure in Costa Rica with Cerro Chirripo, you know I had a score to even.
Truth is, we didn't make it to the top of Imbabura. But I think we did good. We made it to just below where the steep rock scramble begins. Probably less than 1000' below the peak. So still higher than Chirripo (about 14000' vs. 11500'). And after a huge steak that evening and an extra large beer I felt ready the next day to do it again (compared to Chirripo when I had an infected foot just days before leaving). Next time I'll have pictures from the peak.
Admiring our progress, and catching our breath
Completely different plants grow in an environment like this where the temperature often dips below freezing
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