What an amazing day here in Banos...there is so much to do and see...could really get used to this wicked little town. Up early with the many roosters crowing and crowing and crowing...seems they are confused about when exactly sunrise is...pretty cool just the same. Went to the waterfalls of the virgin and explored the grotto behind the hotel this morning before heading to the center of town to rent some mountain bikes for the day...pretty good deals 5$ for the day. Headed towards Puyu in the full on sun around 10:30 and what an adventure...biked for about 40 kms today...thankfully almost all downhill, however, a strong headwind sometimes made it feel like we were not moving at all. Stopped frequently along the way as this route is renowned for waterfalls and we couldn't resist the view. Took a ride in a cablecar/basket over a huge gorge over the first waterfall and enjoyed a cool beverage on the otherside before heading back...was pretty old school design but a tonne of fun just the same. Think we got some neat video...was super fast & high. Further down the road we went through a tunnel on our bikes...one would think that this meant that all tunnels were cool, however, this was not the case. The next tunnel...the longest... we cruised into before we noticed that there was a teeny tiny sign indicating that no bike were allowed. We were not even half way into the tunnnel when we lost all light...but what do you do? Can't turn around so we peddled harder...heard Ferg hit a bottle of some kind just ahead and when I turned my wheels to avoid where I guessed he was I slid out and was off my bike in seconds. Thank St. Christopher Mom but I was not injured at all...just very very dirty with road sludge. Seriously was back up on my feet before I even knew I was on the ground...only to realize that my chain was off and we were in total darkness...all I could do was appreciate the situation and grab my bike and start running...at this point we could not even see the end of the tunnel....super nuts! Ferg was running with me and finally we made it out into the light...super crazy experience but all was well in the end. Destroyed my crank and enhanced the bike with some neat new sound effects so I'm not sure that the rental guys will be happy with the outcome, nonetheless all is well that ends well as they say. For the rest of the day though people gave me some interesting looks...I was literally black from head to toe. Back on our bikes we saw at least 4 if not 5 more waterfalls before we made it to the Rio Verde and the El Diablo pavillion. Had a great lunch...more trout-very fresh...then went to explore the gardens at the nose of El Diablo. The devils nose is where this huge waterfall originates and the sound is deafening even at this point. Some some orchids and really unique and beautiful flowers before heading furher along the water course. Climbed back uo and made our way up to the road where we walked about a km befor straing to decend into the valley itself in serch of the end. Was hot and a long hike after such a long ride but it was truly worth it. This waterfall is the one you see in the film Proof of Life...it was spectacular and you could climb back up the side of the mountain or view it from an old school suspension bridge...& I do mean old...only 5 people are allowed on it at one time. we had it all to ourselves so was a real treat...lessened the fear factor too. Got some amazing photos...coll one of Ferg with his Capital shirt on too Wes! Had a beer at a great little restaurant/Cantina and started the climb back up...was hot and steep but felt revitalized by what we had seen. Back at the top we decided not to continue on...would have been dark when we got to Puyu so we loaded out bikes on the back of a pickup truck and this local dude drove us back to Banos with 2 others in the back of his truck...not only legal down here but also quite common. Back in town grabbed beer and mexican food then back to the hotel to clean up. Enjoyed a Turkish stem bath and a brief dip...watched some crazy TV show Ferg has taken a liking to...then headed out for dinner. The evenings here are all you could want...the perfect temperature for sitting out and enjoying a beer while watching the sights on the street. Definitely a lot of tourists here! Had the best meal we have had yet tonight at this little place called Casa Hood...was so good we ate way too much and washed it down with a great bottle of Chilean Malbec. Headed to get some sleep before the roosters are at it again...I believe there are hundreds here...then will spend the morning around the townsite before catching the bus to Riobamba...think it may be a long one...then up to catch the train at 6am Friday morning. Cheers! Kris

Oscar you are my hero, the fellowship is going strong. Made it on an epic downhill bike ride today saw some awsome waterfalls, krista crashed her bike, but she´s a trooper and kept on rocking. There are too many americans in this town, Sat near some old american dudes at breakfast talking loudly about what awsome trekkers/mountaineers they were it was pathetic, one guy said he had to go to the brothel early in quito because they had speciels in the morning, there is nothing more pathetic than old guys on tour cheating on thier wives with hookers thinking that they are total heros cause they climbed to the top of some crappy volcano, more so when they are americans.

Wow what fun! Can't wait to hear about the train ride on the roof!!! make sure you duck when you go through
the tunnels.. Judy Anne gave us the site tonight, great pictures. We saw Lee shovelling a driveway yesterday, working hard for somebody , safe journey back

Hi Ferg. Do you remember me from VietNam? The colombian guy with the gold membership card of FELLOWSHIP OF THE RUM!! ha,ha.... I think you did not meet too many colombians overthere!!! Glad to hear you and Krista had the BALLS to visit my country despite the bad publicity Colombia always get in the media!!!. Just recently in the hollywood buster Mr & Mrs Smith (Brad and Angelie) the first scene shows Bogota like little village in the middle of the JUNGLE!!! and the city is actually 2600 mts above sea level and has a population of 7 million ans skyscrappers 50 stores high... It is a pitty though, that you could not see that much of my wonderful country. Next trip I highly recomend the beaches on the caribbean coast and off course Cartagena de Indias (declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO) if you love the spanish colonial architecture. It seems that you miss also the Gold Museum, the National Museum and the Botero Museum right in front of the Luis Angel Arango library (not far away from the Platypus) Anyway GOOD ON YOU GUYS. At least you have been in the CARNAVAL DE NEGROS Y BLANCOS in Pasto (something that being colombian i have not even experienced...shame on me!!)

I did the same journey you are doing now some 7 years ago. Do not miss Montanita in Ecuador (nice beach town with cheap sea food and hippie atmosphere. Also try to climb the Cotopaxi (5800 mts) close to Quito it is not too hard to do it and is probably the best chance you will have to be that high ever (pay for a guide because you have to climb it overnight 'cause the snow is to soft during the day) and if you liked popayan in Colombia, Cuenca in Ecuador is that kind of city off course Popayan is better ha,ha)
Travel safe and congratulations for the awsome pics!!!

Hey guys. Again I will say how jealous I am that your out travelling. As I imagine everyone is who views your site. Ferg I cant believe how much your staying on top of photos and keeping in contact, your parents must be happy. I just saw Lee heading out for a ski. Joey and I are going later today. Kyle from the fox has now joined the ski team. Devo is to lazy, always making up reasons as why he cant go. anyways gotta run. stay safe wes

WOW! Your trip sounds amazing. Glad to hear that you got out of Freddie Beach there Kris....Even if just for awhile. How long are you travelling for? When you make your trip back to Canada, you guys should consider making BC part of your trip - even if just so I can see your beautiful face again girl - and so I can meet Fergus. There is nothing like travelling to add spice and perspective to life. Keep in touch and know that I'm thinkin' of ya.
Later - skater
Becca

Situated in a valley of waterfalls and hotsprings, Baños has become a mecca for international travelers seeking year-round temperate weather, a small town atmosphere, and a base for exploring the great Ecuadorian outdoors. Located four hours by bus from Quito, Banos offers hotsprings, horseback riding, trekking, rafting, climbing and mountain biking. It also offers easy access to Riobamba, the starting point of the exhilarating train journey down the Devil's Nose to the coast, and to Puyo, one of the gateways to the Amazon.

Made it to Banos Ecuador, it´s great here, our hotel is right by a waterfall and it has a ping pong table, just ate in a nice mexican resturant and the owner gave us some good information, we´re going to leave here on thursday for a place called Rio Bamba then on friday take a train and ride on the roof, it´s through the mountains and is described as a feat of railroad engineering it´s nicknamed the devils nose. The Volcano is right behind us I hope it dosen´t blow. Don´t know what´s going on tommorow yet mabe kayak mabe trek mabe just sit in the hot springs. We´re at 1800 meters and the temp is 24, Keep it real, Fergus

Just viewed your pictures and looks like you are having a great time. All is well here and I am doing okay. Your mum and I judy are here with Nan and she is telling us what to write. Sort of Hal Travel safe and catch you later.Love Nan

Hey Guys! It's great to see that you are having an fabulous trip so far. Great pictures. It's the middle of the night and I'm changing diapers...wish I were travelling. Muchos Gracias for the lovely birthday and x-mas presents! Thinking of you. (By the by, I don't know if you noticed, but our last message disappeared...hmmmm)

Hi Kris & Fergus!!! Thanks for including me on your fabulous trip to South America...so glad to be a part of this journey with both of you!! I have seen all your pictures that are posted so far and am now on the ball as to where you've been and where to next from reading your updates - they are amazing...feel like I need to get an Atlas out and learn Geography all over again! I wish you both safe travels and all the best in the New Year! Fergus...haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet, hopefully sometime in the summer if I get to come home for a vacation..but, than again, you'll probably be gone tree planting somewhere :P Take good care of my girl!!! Kris, love you & miss you tons. Bon Voyage mes amigos!!!

Hey Ferg, thanks for dropping me a line... If you two end up travelling up to Central America, more specifically Belize, give me a shout. I'll have a place for you stay, and all the rest. Safe travels!