Quito and Chugchilan

At 9,350 ft Quito is high for someone coming from sea level. Even though I had been up since 7 am, I didn't feel like sleeping. When finally I lied down around 1 am the lack of oxygen woke me up as soon as my breathing slowed down. This lasted till about 6 am and I finally decided to wake up.

The sauna was not working and the bikes in the gym were rusty, it was hard to push any ways so I stopped after about half an hour. It appears that my hotel is in the middle of nowhere; so I guess I won't be staying here again. All the shops are closed and it feels like everyone has decided to stay inside their homes.

My driver arrived promptly at 10 am; Antonio who looks like he is in his forties, is a grand father and has six children. He didn't like the fact that I was going to skip Quito till later, so we went to old town for a little tour. Basilica, churches, plaza central and parks, everything you'd expect from a spanish colonial town. Quito is very nice, the down town has been restored and I look forward to more exploration on my return visit.

As we drove to my next stop (Black Sheep Inn) the sun came out and finally I could see the beautiful, unbelievably green landscape. We were in the volcano alley but all the tops were covered with clouds. My driver tells me its been raining a lot more then usual.

We finally get to the lodge around 4 pm. Andrew and Michelle have done what a lot only dream off, 16 years ago they came to area and decided to stay. The lodge, cabins and their own house have been designed by Andrew. The inn has been made by locals using all local materials, everything is recycled, food is organic, there is solar power and they have composting toilets.

There are a lot of super athletic people here. A guy who has done iron man five times, his girl friend a marathon runner, another lady who runs marathons and has done an iron man, a couple that does half marathons; an indian couple on their honey moon (not the super fit types). Then there is me, my NorthFace duffle bag and climbing itinerary has convinced everyone that I am an Alpinist (offcourse without any accomplishments).

Had a great dinner, a little wine and finally I am relaxing. Even half way through my book.