November 22, 2010
It’s been a busy few days for Greg Vernovage and our Ecuador team. Still wet but all is moving forward. Here’s what Greg had to say about their adventures over the last few days.
Follow the teams SPOT progress here.
Phil Ershler
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- Acclimatization hike in Quito. (Photo by Greg Vernovage)
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- Otavalo Farmers Market. (Photo by Greg Vernovage)
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- Hacienda Tierra Del Volcan. (Photo by Tye Chapman)
After meeting with our Ecuadorian partner, Romulo Cardenas, and walking through Old Town Quito on Friday, we set out for Otavalo. En route we met with long time IMG friend, Jose Cotacache, who was in the middle of weaving a great Ecuadorian wall hanging.  A little bargaining later and we all set off with scarfs, blankets and other locally handcrafted souvenirs.
Once in Otavalo, Romulo took us to an old Hacienda where we enjoyed a great dinner. The following morning was spent explaining to the locals why we did NOT want to buy any livestock. After the farmers market, the team set off on their own to explore, eventually finding their way back to Hotel Otavalo through the Indian market. Otavalo behind us, we arrived back to Quito in the early afternoon and then the rain came down.
On Sunday we packed up and hit the road for an amazing breakfast at La Matilde, followed by our acclimatization hike of Pasochoa which was wet start to finish with hail on top. It has been raining more or less for the last 8 days here.  We will see what that means for the mountains.
Oh yeah, on the way to Otavalo, we crossed the equator. Â Where we stopped to take it all in, well, that is the IMG secret. All I will say, nice find Phil and Romulo!
Off now to Hacienda Tierra del Volcan for showers, a good meal and some serious siesta. Cotopaxi awaits.
Greg Vernovage