Aug 15 - Sep 3, 2016: Ecuador

Aug 25, 2016.  Hostal El Vaquero, Chugchilan, Ecuador.

• Started out the morning with no water (profuse apologies from the staff) - at least there was enough to for breakfast.  Lucky I showered the previous evening.

• The next several hours I spent clamoring along the eastern side of the crater rim, very steep at times, very slow going, then down off the crater through gorgeous wild country to Chugchilan, a walk of about 8 hours.  Steep ravines, high mountain adobe homes, cows and horses, lots of old people often just sitting in doorways, lots of dogs, mostly unfriendly, but not dangerous.  My maps.me app continued to be a lifesaver, guiding me every step of the way.  Typically at around 9,000 feet, sometimes up to 10,000.  

• Lunch of cuy (guinea pig) at Hostal Rosita with local workers - and free!

• Chugchilan a tiny Andean village, and El Vaquero a great hostel, delicious dinner and breakfast for $18.  I am again the only customer.  Weather continues to be clear and cool in the mornings, warm midday, clouding up in the afternoons, clear at night: perfect.

• I decided to take the minimum for this four day hike, carried in my lightweight waterproof corduroy backpack: one extra socks, parka, rain jacket, hat, gloves, t.p., wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb, floss, sun cream, liquid soap, money, iPhone, Kindle, cables, extra charger - no extra underwear, pants, shirt, or socks.  First time I've packed so little.  So far, so good.