So to break us in gently our first day of hiking was up Cotopaxi, the second highest volcano in Ecuador. Not to the top as we would require ice hiking gear but up to the glacier which still was up at 5000 meters!
As you can see when we set off the weather was not so good and very cold.
Visibility was very low.
But soon we go above the cloud, this shot is looking down the volcano.
The first welcome sight is at the 'Refugio' where we later had lunch at 4810 meters.
Before long we could see the glacier, incredible!
Especially as you can see it flowing down the volcano sides.
Walking up there was the same as walking up sand dunes. One step forward and your foot slides half a foot back.
Still a little way to go. Sun protection is very important here as we are so close to the equator, I took this a little too far and managed to cover all but what you see (although it was very cold too).
And we made it and side slipped up the ice for a proper photo, here we are at 5000 meters which sounds pretty impressive until I tell you that the bus drove us up to 4500 meters and we have only actually walked 1.7 kilometers! However, at this altitude, without acclimatising, it may as well be 10 km up. It took us well over an hour and a half to walk it!
By the time we got here the sky was amazing and all you could see was the glacier rising up to meet it.
Before long we had to head back down which was brilliant fun, if you have ever run down sand dunes you will know what I mean.
The valley below now clear of cloud.
Lunch at the refuge prepared by our bus driver.
The last section, we all raced down our feet being cushioned by the sand with every step.
The view to the top, we climbed up the grey and red sections.
Then it was a change of transport as we all were given bikes to cycle down to the bottom. Easier said than done due to the sand but great fun.
Down in the valley looking back up at Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world!
Bikes back on the bus for the 1 hour drive back to the lodge.
The lodge has every facility for the hiker!
Day 2 and our small group of 4 plus guide set off for another volcano, Pasochoa, only 4199 meters to the top. You will be glad to know we had to hike up more than 1.7 kilometers this time.
The landscape was oddly like home apart from a few strange plants.
Our first glimpse of the top.
Creeping closer into view.
Pampas grass is everywhere here! Here is Kenny not very well camouflaged by it!
At last the top! Which for me is a welcome sight. I, for some reason, struggle more than most with the altitude and as soon as we hit the climbs I am reduced to a painfully slow walk and quite bad nausea. I always get there in the end but wow is it difficult.
Kenny stood on the ridge of the crater which loops round to the right, 5 kms in total.
Finally starting to have a smile on my face again!
With another challenge behind us but even bigger ones in front. For me, an even higher volcano and for Kenny a 2 day horse ride!
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