Thursday, November 25, 2010

Day 45 - Baños to Alausí, Ecuador

RobT:  Last night, while walking the downtown streets of the small town of Baños,  we decided to book a white-water rafting trip down the Pastaza River.  30 USD per person for one and one half hours, plus a complete lunch.  Ten of us piled into a minibus and headed for the river deep into the canyon. We passed through several tunnels before we got there after a 35 minute ride.  Had our safety instructions in which our guide told us the 40-dollar paddle was more important than we were and to hang on to it no matter what.  Kidding of course.  The river was swollen and fast, so we were looking at class 3-plus and class-4 rapids with standing waves, deep holes, covered rocks, eddies, the whole nine yards.  There was even a section which we avoided due to the danger.  The entire ride was non stop action!!  There was maybe a minute or two between sets of rapids.  At one point one of our fellow rafters was tossed out of the boat.  Rob and I hauled her back in.  Almost flipped the raft too.  What a ride!!!  Our guide was amazing and knew his stuff like an expert.  GeoTours was the company and Andrés was our guide, if you are ever in Baños.

Sorry, another day without pictures but we do have video of the rafting adventure, although it doesn't come close to what we experienced.  I will try to upload it, but the file is rather large.

RobC:  Rob strapped the waterproof  Hero video camera to his life vest with a shoe lace - quite ingenious - and it worked very well.  Be on the lookout for this video after we get to a good Internet connection.

RobT:  We got back to Baños from rafting around 2:30, packed our bikes and were on the road again.  During the ride out of Baños we were able to see the Tungurahua volcano spewing large clouds of smoke.  This is the largest volcano in Ecuador and it was fairly active today.  Shortly after, as luck would have it, it poured rain.  The rain stopped a short while later and we decided to call it quits for the day short of our destination of Cuenca (which was also yesterday's destination), as it was going to be dark if we pressed on and the weather was not looking good.

We stayed in an old hotel in Alausí, a town famous for its train station and steel bridges from the time the steam train was active between the two largest cities in Ecuador: Quito and Guayaquil.

We have another great video, this time of the white (edit: brown) water rafting.  Sorry, the upload is way too slow so you won't see that until later.

12 comments:

  1. Appreciating the commitment you pput into your blog and
    detailed information you present. It's nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn't the same
    old rehashed information. Wonderful read! I've saved your site and I'm including your RSS feeds to my Google account.



    My web-site: injectable steroids Maryland

    ReplyDelete
  2. First of all I would like to say terrific blog!
    I had a quick question in which I'd like to ask if you don't mind.
    I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your
    mind prior to writing. I've had a tough time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out.
    I do enjoy writing however it just seems like the
    first 10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted simply just trying
    to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints?
    Cheers!

    Look into my site: injury lawyers Towson MD

    ReplyDelete
  3. Everyone loves what you guys tend to be up too. This type of clever
    work and coverage! Keep up the very good works guys I've incorporated you guys to our blogroll.


    Here is my blog biological dentist near austin texas

    ReplyDelete
  4. Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the internet the simplest thing
    to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people
    think about worries that they just do not know about.
    You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal.
    Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

    Check out my webpage http://ablazerapture2945.jimdo.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nice post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and I'm inspired!

    Very helpful info specifically the final part :) I handle such info much.
    I used to be seeking this particular info for a long time.
    Thanks and best of luck.

    Also visit my page :: iherb coupon

    ReplyDelete
  6. you're really a just right webmaster. The website loading pace is amazing.
    It kind of feels that you're doing any distinctive
    trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a
    excellent job in this topic!

    ReplyDelete
  7. It's a shame you don't have a donate button! I'd definitely
    donate to this brilliant blog! I guess for now i'll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS
    feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will share this site with my Facebook group.
    Talk soon!

    Here is my web page ... the best anti wrinkle cream

    ReplyDelete
  8. Tiger Woods accident, 11-days and almost as many women ago, must be terribly difficult for his
    entire family, Elin in particular. Porn provides an alternative way for women to satisfy their curiosity, learn more about sexuality, and
    explore sexual desires and sexual positions in the privacy
    of their home alone or with a partner. Farrah has always been a wildcard and many are fascinated
    with the fact that she even made a porno for any reason because Farrah has always seemed so prude while filming "Teen Mom"
    and wouldn't even kiss her last boyfriend so fans are definitely wanting to know how someone with no knowledge
    of her thought about Farrah and whether or not she used protection.

    my web blog - donne mature gratis []

    ReplyDelete
  9. What the heck i just read? The initial point is to consult the physician before using this supplement.
    The extract of Garcinia Cambogia is accessible such as supplements and products and consulting a doctor
    will supply you a obvious comprehension of the
    fact will it fit your needs or not. This remedy frequently fits
    the requirements of all of the folks but exclusions are always there.
    So, you might want to be sure you usually are not the one which cannot utilize this supplement.
    Essential thing is concerning the dose. You should ask
    your medical professional in regards to the absorption and be special about it authentic
    Garcinia Cambogia.
    WOW.Nice read here. The actual step to precisely how the product is
    effective is it is really a dual-action diet product, meaning
    that it works being an appetite reducing drug
    as well as a "fat burner". This actually shows that it oxidizes your fat
    units making use of anti-oxidants, and also ends up with even more vitality for you - however ,
    only when you know how to have authentic Garcinia Cambogia in the proper fashion.Virtually all diet
    supplements available today were created around reving
    up your metabolic process, which is simply not harmless
    for most people - and this is the reason why many
    folks are deciding to obtain Garcinia Cambogia extract instead.


    Visit my web site pure garcinia cambogia extract

    ReplyDelete
  10. Charge cards are ɡenerally by simply ordinary made oof substantial papers, light card
    ɑs աell аs light plastic-type ɑnd also ornamented because
    օf distinctive motifs. Ѵarious ԁifferent categories alоng witɦ amounts
    of rummy сan ƅe fοսnd whiloe taking part in totaoly frere video games οn thе internet.

    Supplying your beloved dimonds prefer spideer solitaire
    solitaire precious stone pendants сould be naturally
    a superb notion.

    Check ߋut my website ... spider solitaire download

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey very nice blog!

    Feel free to visit my website :: bestshampooandconditioner

    ReplyDelete
  12. It's very effortless to fihd oout any matter on net as compared to textbooks, as I
    found this article at this website.

    My site deer hunter 2014 hack tool download

    ReplyDelete