Aug 15 - Sep 3, 2016: Ecuador

Aug 24, 2016.  Shalala ecolodge, east rim of Lagunita Quilotoa, Ecuador.

• Up early, free breakfast consumed, walk to bus station, bus to Laguna Quilotoa, a pea-green volcanic crater lake, to begin the so-called "Quilotoa Loop" (I'm not sure why it is called a "Loop": it begins and ends at different points, as you can see from the above map).  I decided to do it south to north, because it is usually done the other way, and I figured fewer folks is better.  

• About a 45 minute walk counter-clockwise along the crater's rim to Shalala Lodge, where I checked in as the only guest.  Walked down to the lake and back on a steep, slippery, dusty trail - a harbinger of things to come.  Observed kayakers from Quilotoa - an easier descent then the one I chose.  Beautiful night, lots of stars, Mars & Saturn near each other in Scorpio.  

• Took some pictures of what I assumed were Tigua paintings on my bedroom walls.  Originally produced on drum skins, now on skins stretched and mounted on wooden frames, they show Kichwa - the local folks - legends against Andean scenery.  Would like to buy one, get Len or Bruce to take it back.