What happened…

Amanda writes: We ended up taking a couple of days off in Ipialis. There was quite a bit of rain and we decided now was a good time to rest the legs. We set out and hit the border in no time and had no troubles at the border crossing. We got our exit stamp for Colombia and then off to immigration for Ecuador and got our entrance stamp. We’ve learned from other travellers that the stamps are pretty crucial to making sure you don’t have any issues when you try leaving a Country. After the border crossing I almost felt like I just got off a ferry because there was a big climb once you arrive in Ecuador. The landscape in my mind immediately changed. Every square inch of the land was farmed! It was beautiful, no piece of land was wasted and it was all so lush and green. After our first big climb we had to pick up a few things in the first town of Tulcan which is well known for it’s cemetery. Apparently there are some very interesting sculptured shrubs, so off we went. We’re tourists after all. The four of us enjoyed walking around and taking some pictures. Then we left town and decided we were going to try and take the back roads through an ecological reserve. The road had little traffic and was quite scenic. Nici ended up with a flat tire and after time at the border, at the cemetery and just taking our time; the sunset was going to be upon us. We decided to try and find somewhere to camp the first night. Philip initially wanted to keep going but was very accommodating and gave in. As we were setting up camp we all recalled another cycle tourist who was physically assaulted and robbed while trying to wild camp. None of us could recall where exactly in Ecuador it happened so we were careful to be quiet while setting up and then all took extra security precautions. Andrew and I had never used our bear spray so wanted to be sure it still worked. Well … note to self; don’t test your bear spray too close to your tent because then you end up coughing and sneezing until the smell goes away. Oh and the spray works just fine.

Enter day two and we continue on the backroad that becomes less like a road the further we travel. Add to that rain and it’s getting pretty muddy. We passed a group of three cyclists headed in the other direction and we were all talking about the incredible views. The plants around here are called paramo and their so unique and pretty. Even with all the rain we could still see them for awhile. So we continue riding and sometimes it is absolutely pouring rain and we’re soaked to the bone and there’s nothing you can do. Night two we ended up in a hotel, had a warm meal and then headed out on some paved roads. The views just continued to be incredible. The mountains around us are so majestic and grand and somehow it makes climbing them and descending them not that bad. Cycling with Nici and Philip also continues to be amazing. They are great traveling partners and I’m so glad we have this opportunity to ride with them.

Today’s Photographs