Expedition Dispatch
November 9, 2009 – Great First Acclimatization Hike
Today we did a great hike; there is nothing like stretching our legs after flights, hotels, and the drive here. We were all more than ready to move and to finally get underway.
Two islands in this volcanic lake are said to like
guinea pigs – hence the lake.
Our goal today wasn’t a very long hike, so there was no need for a very early start. We had a 7am breakfast and after getting our lunch packs selected and prepared in my room, we left for Cuichoca Lake. Cuichcha means guinea pig in Quechua. Our trail around the lake stared at an elevation of 3200 meters, By 10 am we were all on the trail ready and eager!
The Guinea Pig lake is a crater lake situated at the foot of Cotocachi Volcano, at an altitude of 3200m. The volcano's last eruption was 3000 years ago. The vegetation around the lake was formed since then and it is quite spectacular.
Janice, Peter and Ken are all doing great, the altitude is really not affecting them so far and we could hear them talking, singing and laughing the entire day.
We are proud to say that we finished the hike around the whole lake in great time and before we knew we were back at our hacienda for a great meal and early bed. Tomorrow will be a long day. We are going to attempt our first summit! We have a breakfast scheduled for 5am and leaving here at 6am.
Janice enjoyed a banana before she began to pack her lunch for today’s outing in Leila’s room.
At 10:00 am we were at the trailhead and eager to begin hiking.
Soon we were climbing above the shores of Cuichoca Lake
The vegetation was lush along the trail
Left: Of course here near the equator, there are always lot of beautiful color in the plant life; Right: Due to the volcanic soil, the vegetation is unique.
Ken relaxing at our lunch break, near an viewpoint of the lake.
The team continued to laugh and enjoy one another’s company throughout the day.
We were back at the our hacienda in the early evening, not a bad place to unwind after a great day’s hike!