Cotopaxi Continued

One of the things Marco shared was that we were to walk very slowly from the parking lot. We were walking up about 1000 meters in very thin air. He was not kidding, I couldn't make it across the parking lot without gasping. The walk up was exceptionally strenuous, for me more than anyone. I would literally walk 20-30 steps and have to stop and sit to catch my breath. Marco kept checking with everyone to make sure we were not getting sick. Thankfully the only problems we encountered were shortness of breath. I definitely would have quit 10 different times if Patrick wasn't with us. I didn't want to spoil his experience.

The last few meters were heaven sent! We made it to the refuge! Here we enjoyed a hot drink in the warm facilities...we could still see our breath in there, but warmth is relative! We rested for a while and then practically ran down to the car. Some people continue on to the edge of the glacier from the refuge or spend the night and do a 6 hour technical climb on the glacier to the top, but we were done. I figure making it to just about 16000 feet was good enough for my bucket list!

We drove a short distance before taking the bikes off the roof and heading down the volcano further. This bike cruise downhill on a gravely road was a welcome relief! We had decent bikes and the boys worked on their jumps! We met the guide at a lake at the bottom and started our journey back home, stopping along the way at a sweet little hacienda for a late lunch. I could write a whole post about that exceptional meal and our gracious host, but will save that for another time.

We ended the day back in old town Quito, taking a photo with Marco who is standing in the photo at his full stature next to Kieran! Back to the B and B to get ready for tomorrow. We're off to the Galapagos!