Cable cars, volcanoes and waterfalls

We left our special hotel in Ambato after breakfast this morning. After spending the night there we had many questions for Diane. She told us that the historic building was once a residence for a wealthy family and had been adapted for use as a small hotel. (I say “small” because our group took up the entire hotel.) It was particularly nice because we could stay up and visit in the common areas without worrying about disturbing other guests. (Our group can get fairly loud at times!)


We headed toward the area of Banos, which is apparently the Pigeon Forge area of Ecuador. On the way we had spectacular views of two other notable volcanoes in the area. Chimbarazo was on our right most of the time (curvy roads in this part of the country). The top of Chimbarazo is said to be the closest point to the sun on earth. The explanation is something about it being so tall and on the equator, so it is closest to the sun, but you can’t prove that theory by me. I just write them as I hear them. Our ever-so-helpful driver, Mauricio, located a place to pull the bus off of the road so we could get good photos.

Tungarahua is the largest volcano in Ecuador, and has the typical cone-shaped top with snow at the peak. It was also in full view this morning. Again, thanks to Mauricio we got excellent photos. Jim gave his camera a workout.

Diane reminded us of how fortunate our group is to be able to see so many “naked” volcanoes (volcanoes not obscured from view by cloud cover). She said that on one of the first trips she and her sister made to Ecuador they were not able to see ANY of the volcanoes!

We drove through beautiful valleys and lush farmland as we climbed higher into the Andes Mountains. The farmers here obviously do not think any land is “unfarmable” as they plant fruits and vegetables on mountain land that is nearly straight up and down. We stopped in the town of Banos for a brief walk-around and then boarded the bus again. They sell sugar cane in that town, and Diane bought taffy made from the sugar cane for all of us to try.

We rode on through small towns, and as we entered the Banos recreational area we stopped beside the road to make photographs of two lovely waterfalls (Manto de la Novia) or Bridal Veil Falls. The deep chasm between the area where we were and the actual waterfalls offered a spectacular cable car experience. At first we decided not to take this option, but after finding out that the trip over and back cost only a dollar, and there was no waiting, Olen finally gave in, much to the excitement of many in the group. One of the photos is of the group (8 of them) in the cable car as it left the security of terre firma (amid screams that echoed throughout that entire area of Ecuador). The second photo was taken as they neared their destination close to the falls. If you look very closely you can see the cable car, tiny in the distance. This gives you an idea of how high and how far they were.

Victoria and I had already been out of our comfort zones when we climbed to the top of the cathedral the other day, so we watched this activity along with several others in our group who elected not to go. The venturesome eight were Jim, Tim, Brittany, Debby, Vicki, Mckenna, Taylor and Baylee. After their safe return, they all expressed their gratitude to Olen for changing his mind and allowing the activity. (Not sure families at home will feel this joyful about their loved ones’ participation in this event.)

Then the girls who participated did their own form of celebration in front of the falls.

After lunch we went on a hike to the famous waterfall in the Andes, Pailon de Diablois (Cauldrin of the Devil). The hike took about two hours, and was a real workout as it took a path down…down…down where the falls could be viewed close up. Anyone who does even a little hiking knows that if you hike to your destination by going down, the remainder of the trail will be up…up, and it was. The falls were beautiful, but by the time we completed the hike the area of the falls was in the shadows, and the photographs do not do it justice.

On the return trip to Quito we had views of the volcanoes again, and photos were taken all over again. Tungurahua was even blowing ash into the air, and we could see it from the bus. Further proof that these giants are sleeping, but certainly not dead.

On the ride back, some of the girls and Vicki worked on the lesson for children they hope to present to the children who show up for the worship services in Machala on Sunday. Several took naps, and some of us just took in more of the scenery as we rode down the highway.

We have had a lovely, but tiring day. We are back in Quito for the next two nights before heading for Machala. Everyone is well and happy and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. We are blessed with a multi-talented and extremely thoughtful and knowledgeable guide (Diane), and a driver who must have been the top of his class in “bus school” because he can maneuver a huge bus in and out of impossible situations. We are so blessed.

Hopefully you were able to take time today and consider all of your special blessings of the day. Until tomorrow…