Acclimatization:  the process of an organism adjusting to change in its environment, allowing it to survive changes in temperature, water and food availability


Today we headed North along the Pan American Highway to Mamma, Pappa Volcanos, Crater Lake and Weaver's Village.  We did a lot of driving, which was fine.  With only 3 hours of sleep last night, it was nice to have an easy day.

The highway was twisty, windy and full of excitement.  The double yellow line in the middle of the road is just a "suggestion".  People cross it all the time - accidents happen all the time and from what I can tell the police didn't seem to mind.

Crossing the from one valley to the next was dramatic.  One moment you are in the relatively dry area adjacent to Quito, the next you are magically transported into the lush green rolling Andes near some amazing volcanos.

Otavalo, has one of the oldest markets in Ecuador.  They sell just about everything a person living in the region could want.  Oftentimes - no money is exchanged they barter.  What do they barter?  Glad you asked Guinea Pigs.  They are a delicacy here.  Be sure to check out the video on it.

Go to Google Map.  Between Otavalo, Hacienda Pisabo and Cotacachi is Cuicocha volcanic lake.  At almost 11,000 MSL hiking around it will take your breath away.  It was well worth it as the views were spectacular.  The rocks had yellow splotches on them reminding us that the volcano is still active.  The hike around it was amazing.  We saw these bright purple humming birds zooming around and doing their thing.  While I am not a birder, watching them was fascinating.

Cotacahi is where Juan, our driver grew up as a lad.  He said it has changed tremendously under the guidance of their new mayor and tourism.  The streets are paved, the parks have play things for the kids and business, from what I could tell was thriving - almost.  Comprised mostly of mesesitos: formerly a lower class of people within Ecuadorian culture, I was told there are still pockets of segregation in the area.

Be that as it may, the town welcomed us into their restaurant where we tried their wonderful delicacy - Cuy  watch the video - Eating Cuy

Before we left the area we stopped in a weavers village.  Ever wonder how they make all those wonderful rugs?  They do it by hand.  It is amazing to watch.

Final note for today - although right next to each other Ecuadorians and Peruvuans are not friendly to each other.  As recent as 1995 they fought a war in which Ecuador shrank - a great deal.  The Peruvians annexed a large chunk of land to the North.  Now they go back and forth over some other disputed land that contains Uranium. 

Tomorrow hiking Cotapaxi, mountain biking and brain swelling.  We leave Quito for some high altitude hiking (we are not going to summit) and mountain biking.  We will spend the next night in Banos - the "gateway" town to the jungle.  Cannot wait

Quito weather isn't that bad.  The 9200+ elevation is reporting 68F, thunderstorms and humidity 49%.  The jungle area, considerably lower in alitude is gonna be warmer and a lot more humid.  The equipment list options for either a bivvy sack or sleeping bag.   The bivvy sack promised - didn't make it - darn.  The ones at the store are $200+.  Even worse my wonderful North Face down bag, suitable for Mount Everest Expeditions, will most likely soak up moisture and stay wet the whole time.

Online I can see the Kelty Light Year XP and the Mountain Hardwear Lamina.  Does anyone out there have any experience with either?

Kelty Light Year XP  

"The Light Year XP 40° is a summer-weight synthetic bag with a hip-length zipper and zippered foot vent that is perfect for light and fast adventures in unpredictable conditions."

Mountain Hardwear Lamina

"The Lamina™ 0 is an excellent choice for damp, winter conditions. Welded layer construction maintains loft in the bag through repeated washings and compression cycles. This comfortable, roomy, mummy cut bag is insulated with ThermicMicro™ fill. Face gasket and Ergo Draft Co"

They are both light weight and synthetic - key for this adventure.  They both compress into really small stuff bags another nice feature.  Have any of you used either bag?  I am leaning to the Kelty because I burn up with the North Face Inferno and the Kelty is the warmest.  Ideas - anyone?

Ah the Briskness of it all - time to ski/ride folks

Just got back from an amazing weekend at Mammoth. Friday was the most productive - no lines, new snow mean yo-yoing Char 5, 3, 2 and 12. Oh my what a day. My highlight though, was the opening of 23.  We scored the 26rd chair - but who was counting - after the top of the mountain had been closed al week. Wipe Out was calling my name. Those of you who are unfamiliar, skier/rider's left side has a sweet, albeit breathtakingly steep entrance. What's nice is that very few people hit. What's not so nice is that if you get it wrong you will lose your street "cred" from the folks on the lift and the slide to the bottom is LONG.

I opted for the off camber short right turn followed by a deep left turn back to the line. Sweet ginger brown it was amazing! Too many turns to count but it was butter top to St. Anton where I stopped.

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