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Pichincha Volcano |
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Qutio, Ecuador |
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There is more to the story than just riding the Teleferico. After disembarking, I joined a friendly French couple on the grueling climb to higher ground. One can go all the way to the top of Pichincha, the volcano, but it takes training. This was only my 3rd day in Ecuador, and it really does take time for your body to acclimate to the altitude. I was happily surprised that I kept up as well as I did. It was an amazing experience and quite a challenge. After hiking for a short while it began to hail! Imagine walking on a ridge, through an intensely heavy downpour of pinky nail sized hail, surrounded by clouds on all sides. We continued hiking under those conditions for a long time. I was mostly glad that I was with such a determined pair. When we began the trek, there was no hail on the ground. By the time the hail stopped, it was several inches deep. I reached an altitude of 13,648 feet before heading back. As I began the much easier descent, the hail stopped and the clouds rapidly began to clear. It was a dramatic and breathtaking change! I could see the entire city! It was both a view and a challenge of fortitude that I hope to remember always.
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Perspective |
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Almost at the top of the teleferico |
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Trailhead |
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Proof of the friendly French couple |
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Hailing like nobody's business |
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It got much deeper than this |
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Proof of 4,160 meters high = 13,648 feet |
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On the way back, the clouds began to clear |
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The trail |
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If I got married at this church one day would you come? |
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Pictures do not do the view justice |
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