Sommerwind Camp.
It’s owned and run by a German. Situated close to the shores of Lake Yaguarcocha a smallish green lake a couple of k’s out of the town of Ibarra. Between the lake and the camp is a motoracing circuit and a saloon car was practicing for the weekend race meeting. I’d love to have a go but doubt Poki would be the right vehicle…:)
It’s a very well run camp and the staff are also efficient and courteous. However the night was a disaster, for me anyway, and I don’t think Jen slept well either. The camp dog started barking at 9.30pm and didn’t stop till around 3am. It woke me again at 7am. Either the camp owner was away or he didn’t think it was an issue. End result, I’m grumpy..:)
After being active the day before, Jen’s Colombian SIMM card would not work this morning. So the first task was to head into town on the way south and pick up an Ecuador card. The process not as simple as Colombia.
Visiting a waterfall.
A short detour took us to a carpark to cater for “Cascade Visitors”. US$1 charge to park and 50c entry to the 10min walk to the waterfall. It’s barely worth a mention, or a photograph but the walk was good.
There has been little rain of late hence the moderate display. In fact it has been so dry that there is a complete power shutdown tonight from 10pm to 6am tomorrow morning. Also a countrywide curfew. Supposedly.
Destination Quito
Ecuador has a population of approx. 22million and is about the size of the state of Colorado. Quito the capital with an urban population of just under 2m. Founded in 1534 by the Spanish, but built on a much older indigenous settlement. Reportedly dating back 8000years. Quito is 2850m above sea level. Our camp is at 3045m and we look down on the city. It is also the capital closest to the equator and one of the highest. The camp is owned and run by a young Canadian and his Ecuadorian partner.
Out to our left is the mountain, Cotopaxi a volcano at 5897m which last erupted in 2016.
A little bit about our perceptions and experiences so far. Compared with Colombia, Ecuador seems to have a more advanced civil structure. Better road signage and slightly better roads in general. Traffic behaviour is less chaotic. There is a distinct change in the ethnicity. Less Spanish influence and more indigenous features. Many fine looking people. The terrain is mountainous. Fuel (diesel) prices are set and constant. US$1.797 US gal.
Looking down on a suburb of Quito from our camp site.
It’s much cooler and a jersey has come out of storage and I’m looking forward to the summer duvet tonight, too.
Sport
America’s Cup yacht racing is getting interesting. The challengers are sailing off to find a competitor to the holders, Team New Zealand. The fancied challengers, Luna Rossa from Italy and Inneos from the UK are not having it all their way. This weekend sees the All Blacks play the Wallabies in Australia. An opportunity for redemption for the AB’s in what has been a very disappointing series so far.
Politics
For followers of the American election. The possibilities to me, are fascinating, exciting and important to the world’s stability. The Poles are shifting, with an injection of intellectual stimulation. I see the incumbents reaping the benefits of their manipulation and deceit. But what would I know and this is no platform for political opinions, Jen would say..:)
Tomorrow we will take a cab down to the city and explore.
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