Condor in Flight

Visited Condor Park, raptor rehab centre overlooking Otavalo today and was very happy with this photo.  She is in captivity but very wild!
Second photo is centre director with bald eagle.  Huge and beautiful!
See www.parquecondor.org
Enjoy!

Chachimbiro Hot Springs

From Cotacachi we headed out on a day trip, hoping to make our way to a relaxing hot srings soak.  Bus schedules being unknown commodities, we knew it might not unfold that way.  The bus ride to Ibarra was fast and simple along the newly-paved Pan-American Highway- it runs the full length of South America, following the Andes Mountains much of the way.
The bus station in Ibarra is clean, modern, and busy with a mall carrying a range of goods.  Everything from agricultural chemicals to shoes to computers to vitamins to live poultry.  Connections were excellent, and we transfered to a country bus headed for Chachimbiro via Urcuqui- the names are so fun- I love how they roll off the tongue!
The mountains are steep, rugged, and dry, as you can see from first photo.  Huge agave plants and cacti border the road, some of which is paved and the rest is cobbled.  Many of the mountain roads and streets are done in hand-laid cobble, and maintained by shared community labour known as Minga.
An hour and a half NW of Ibarra, we came to road's end in the narrow canyon of Chachimbiro Hot Springs.  It is full of food vendors, small hotels, and shops selling inflatable beach toys.  Ecuadorians flock here on weekends and holidays for family vacations.  Right now it is very quiet- all are saving their cash for Christmas.  Chachimbiro has 2 sets of pools and facilities.  The recreational area features waterslides, games rooms, eateries, and a disco for family leisure.  The medicinal area is more peaceful- small pools of varying temperatures for relaxation and therapy- MMM!!!
I am a hot springs connosieur, and loved this one- highly recommended.  Facilities are clean and quaint with some lovely wildlife murals, and sculptures.  Individual tubs with adjustable temperatures, several pools with jets, hot showers, all with thermal mineral waters straight from the mountain.  Volcanic waters rich in sulpher, chlorides, iron, copper, and manganese are believed to give relief from various aches and illnesses.  Best of all is the steam room-a stone cabin with a little hobbit door built against the cliff face, capturing the steam from the hot water stream.  Some fresh herbs add to the healing qualities.

After 3 hours of soaking and relaxing, we were challenged to begin long bus ride home.  Next time we will stay on-site overnight.  We arrived home tired but content.  It was a great outing, and I hope to share it with you some time. 

Ecuador Ready!!!

Mitad del Mundo

Middle of the earth
Ecuador on the equator
In high exotic Andes

East to Amazon's mighty jungles

West to Pacific Ocean

Fabled Galapagos

I go on this sojourn

To meet myself

In a new place, space, face

I am born again

In my creative adventures

Learn deep truth

In the middle of the earth.



At Peguche Waterfall



Cloud Forest of Intag





Otavalo Street Scene



Otavalo Market Vendor







These images are from my 2009 trip to Ecuador with Grace Lush and "Touch the Jungle".  It was a wonderful trip and I am so excited about further adventures there.  John Vanderburgh and I will be in Ecuador Nov.20 to Jan.17, 2013.  Two months is a good bit of time to explore import and tour options, hike, hot spring, practice Spanish, and get a feel for the country.  We will spend much of our time in the Andes near Otavalo, but will do some beach and hot springs adventures in other areas too.  This will prepare us for leading tours and importing beautiful Andean textiles and handicrafts in future.  I hope you will enjoy sharing our experiences.  Happy travels!!!







Best Spa in Grey-Bruce

MMM!!!  Soaking up to my neck in hot salt water is my favourite way to relax and unwind.  Steam rises into the sunny blue sky.  The breeze carries a eucalyptus fragrance from the steam room.  Wood fires crackle on the hearths.  All is well in my world.  The Scandinave at Collingwood is an enticing and affordable luxury which I highly recommend.  My Mom and I had a wonderful day bathing, and reading there yesterday.  They serve wholesome, and tasty lunches, too.  Don't miss the almondine croissant!  Check it out at www.scandinaveblue.com