WISHING

Gazing, dreamily, out our office window, wishing I was in the mountains. 

However, I think, hope is on the horizon for all of us.

On March 8th I hiked (and climbed) in Podocarpus National Park near the eastern range of the Andes. This bio-diverse park spans over 1400 km2 through 3 provinces that includes Loja. It is  a protected area, recognized by UNESCO, of cloud forests, moorlands and scrub lands with magnificent vistas.

I didn't know what to expect so I mentally and physically prepared myself for anything and everything. I went with 18 people from the gym I had joined. We had a guide, one of the park rangers, and everyone was extraordinarily fit (or, at least I thought they were).

Perhaps because of the pace of the hike, perhaps because of the altitude, or perhaps because I had overestimated my stamina, after one hour I realized that this was going to be a more grueling "hike" than I had expected. We hiked and climbed with ropes 3000 metres above sea level (Loja is already 2100 metres) with breath taking views along the way. (I was certainly huffing and puffing!) But it was indeed fabulous. We hiked through what I call jungle-like terrain and swampy areas with such interesting flora and fauna. As we climbed further up into the clouds the air got thinner and the temperature cooled. I soon began hearing the "60 Minutes" theme - tick, tick, tick, tick... I finally asked someone what it was (once I assured myself it wasn't my heart beat) and was informed it was a tiny frog that lives high in the mountain terrain. I never did see one, but we kept hearing them as we climbed higher. 

As the hike progressed, continuously up, our gang broke into 2 groups. (Yes, I'm happy to say I stayed near the front of the pack and I was by far the oldest). I was relieved and truly impressed with how everyone helped one another with the ropes. At times the bigger muscle dudes would grab hold of our hands to help assist us up the steeper climbs. Everyone was encouraging and made sure no one was left far behind. I couldn't have wished for a better group.

Unbeknownst to me, Juan (Mr. Ecuador and the gym owner), was behind us carrying one of the ladies on his back. He carried her for at least a kilometer up the steepest parts of the hike. And, he had knee surgery 5 months ago! 

It was a fantastic, exhilarating day. I couldn't have wished for better. This was the first hike they had done together as a group from the gym. We all agreed to do another hike in two weeks time. Sadly, life has changed and now all we can do is gaze out our windows... and wish. 

Here are a few photos from my first hike in Ecuador, wishing for more...