Last Transmission from Ecuador: Biking Down Volcan Cotopaxi and Attempting to Process the Unimaginable

This is my last night in Ecuador, and I couldn't be happier to have come, or more excited about my reunion with friends and loved ones in Oregon and the United States. Before this trip, I may have thought I had, but, truly, I had never fully realized what a short time six weeks could be. During my last week here, I was lucky enough to take part in some very worthwhile adventures, including my usual runs to the Peguche waterfall, assiting in the grammar school education of amazing Kichwa children,saying goodbye to valued friends, and bicycling down the volcano Cotopaxi starting at 15,000 feet on a rutty and exciting mud road.




Coming down the mountain, we were lucky enough to see some amazing views when the clouds parted, and I had an incredible experience mountain biking, something I had actually never done before, aside from trips down gravel roads on my trusty touring steed. I got mud on my face, on my pants--everywhere--and it was completely worth it. We only had to ride about an hour and a half from Quito to the mountain, where the national park began and my consciousness of the singular opportunity to make lasting memories live up to their fullest potential also took root. I realized on our way up that I would only be there and with this particular opportunity once, and the exhilaration I felt at being able to take part in my own dreams was unmatched by any expectation I could have had of them. I was and am in love with the Andes and my ability to experience their majesty as well as unforgiving and rugged beauty.

Back at school I was allowed a special gift, the ability to see a condor up close. I fumbled with my camera before being able to get a clear shot, but it flew close for a brief moment. Along with the smiling faces of the children I had to reluctantly leave, its image will stay with me as one of the enduring images I take with me from this singular and special place.