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Hi from Mindo- this is a small town (2000 people) at 1250 m. We have had some fantastic birding so far - got up at 4am, hiked for 4 hours before breakfast ( fried balls of mashed green banas mixed with chicken, really good, cheese empanadas, fruit and great coffee), drove an hour to a farm where the farmer tookus on a track in a cart pulled by his tractor then we got in harnesses and were belayed down bamboo ladders (one with water spraying on it from a waterfall) - so we could see some rare birds nesting in a deep ravine. This birdwatching is NOT for sissies! We had a guide for 4 days and had long days of hiking for about 10 hours a day but now we are on our own and today got to sleep in and have a proper breakfast, not a boxed one. We have moved into a really nice hostal which is famous for it,s coffee, cappucinos and chocolate bronwies! There are lots of restaurants here and very few tourists so it,s nice and quiet.
hope all is well with you,
bye for now, Malcolm and Elinor
ps-this is not our photo, (or even of Ecuador)
- comments
Terry McCarthy Malcolm, what are you doing on high ladders at your age. Ten hour days hiking? Isn't it supposed to be a holiday? Oh, right, it's an adventure. Be careful you two. Of course Malcolm is back in the lead in the pool, but Kal is on his way to get you. I just dropped down into 8th place. Curses!!! Terry
Ian Houghton Wow! It sounds like the two of you are having an amazing time so far. Your belaying definitely has made me quite jealous of your adventures......and your right, your birding is not for sissies. I look forward to the next update. your nephew, Ian
Susan Quirk Hi Elinor and Malcolm, Seems I've lost touch with you and your doings. This trip sounds like a real gem and the ambiance the best. Sounds like birding has become a passion for you two hiking, belaying, hanging off or ladders etc. I look forward to more entries and hopefully to hearing from you once you return. Susan
Ted & Wendy Great to hear from you! Malcolm, I can't believe you can hike for 10 hours either.
Terrill I am very glad, that amid your adventures, you are getting good coffee! Looking forward to seeing some birdie pictures.