Tip to Tail

The next morning (day 9), is filled with a bit of mixed emotions. On one hand, we had a full adventure and everyone has now recovered from the food poisoning. On the other hand, there is not much track before us. Actually, if we just slabbed, we could be back to Quito in 3 hours.

Any idea how to get one this doo-dads onto a bike?




On the east coast, they have this penchant for naming squiggly roads after a lizard or a reptile. Some examples are "The Tail of the Dragon", "The Back of the Dragon" or the "The Snake". I've usually found those types of roads to be overhyped and overcrowded, with much tastier roads to be found in the surrounding area without the "iconic" names.


In Ecuador, I assure you that you probably don't have that many cutesy names for them all!




Blaster decided Mama dog could use a few extra calories. So, he breaks out a slim jim for her.


We end up stopping about another 100 yards down the road. Look who's back for a more grub. Turns out to be a good move for her, a jerky stick and Cliff bar later, she has consumed more calories today than the last week.


I feel like it's becoming ground hog day. We land on another market day!






The mighty DR200 is mostly mighty at 30-40 mph traveling on a gravel road. On a newly paved road which has huge elevations changes, she is a bit underwhelming. But nobody to blame but my short stature. Alas, she fits my 28" just fine. But I have to give it to her, she's propped up looking the part of awesone next to this lake.

This is a crater lake created by an exploding volcano thousands of years ago (a caldera). The top of the crater stands at 3,480 meters above sea level and will give hikers an impressive view of the surrounding countryside. As for the lake itself, it has no animal life what-so-ever due to the alkalinity of the water.

Here Kellie is contemplating the 2 hour walk down to crater..and another 2 hrs back up.