Some folks may consider it blasphemous to say this but there is more to being in Ecuador than just kayaking. Each season we take time between trips to explore other areas of this diverse country. From the coast to the jungle, the Andes to the Galapagos Islands, there’s a lot packed into this wonderful land. One of my favorite places is the mountains, birth place of rivers and home to spectacular views.
Prior to our arrival, early reports had warned us of an extended rainy season in Ecuador. This certainly seemed to be the case during our scouting week as well. We were happy to have the rain subside in time for the December 1-9 class III+ group, our first trip of the season!
Some of the gang at the Hollín Take out.
If you’ve read the previous post, you’ve already been introduced to Pete. Others on the trip included another long-time friend and paddler, Henry L. We know Henry from our days at Otter Bar, as well as having shared his company on the Rogue, Middle Fork, and Grand Canyon. In addition to being a true gentleman, Henry is whip smart and my go-to guy when I’m stumped (I keep an open line to him in case you were wondering how often that is). Also along was 72 year old Paul H. We first met Paul on the Grand Canyon a few years back where he earned the name “Pocket Rocket”. Paul can’t be much more than 5′3″, but he smoked us all in his Dagger Crossfire for straight-out speed on that trip. John P. joined us for the first time and his first trip to Ecuador. Rounding out the trip were Julia G., who was my main training partner for the California Death Ride this year (a masochistic bike ride that left me with such bad hamstring cramps that I needed cable cutters to straighten my legs) and finally, Jack M. a super boater and delightful fellow from Mt Shasta whose company I have always enjoyed, but never really got to spend much time with. Edmundo, who has driven for us for the last twelve years, picked us up at our lodging in Quito and drove us over the 13,400 foot pass to the Quijos valley. As always, we hoped some of the snow-capped peaks of the Andes would show themselves during the drive, but it wasn’t to be. After settling into our rooms in Borja and outfitting boats, we headed to the river to warm-up. The day finished off with our group’s first taste of short, but heavy tropical rain. For the next three days we used various stretches of the Quijos river as our playground.
We have not stopped moving since we landed in Ecuador on Thanksgiving day. With just one day in Quito to get settled, and our first trip beginning the following week, we headed to the oriente (the area east of the Andes) and the town of Borja, our base of operations for our trips down here.
One of the buildings containing rooms at La Campiñia Lodge.
We’ve consolidated our relationship with La Campiñia, a new and wonderful lodge in the Rio Quijos valley. We had a bodega (storage) built on the premises. Now all of our boats and river related equipment are right here when we pull in with with our groups. This Ecuadorian owned and operated lodge features beautiful grounds with spectacular views of the surrounding valley. It is also within easy walking distance of the town of Borja, allowing folks a chance to wander the streets and stretch their legs at the end of a day of paddling.
For those of you that have been with us in Ecuador before and are familiar with Leonardo, Carmen, Enrique, and Carmencita of the Roman family and the wonderful times we had staying with them on their farm over the years, don’t worry. They are just a kilometer down the road and love to have old friends stop in. Leonardo has retired as manager of the bank in Baeza and is working hard on their dairy and tomato business (that family knows no other way). Carmencita and Carmen have started a catering business and are getting great reviews. (Carmencita graduated from culinary school last year.) Expect to see some of her treats on our trips this year. This wonderful family has become a big part of our Ecuadorian lives. When we’re not working a trip, you will often find us at their home sharing a laugh, eating great food, and picking tomatoes! Leonardo likes to joke that he is the only farm in the valley with a gringo work force.
This post starts with a story about one of Phil’s first students, and our good friend, Pete. The two met in 1984 while Phil was teaching at Otter Bar Kayak School. Each year Pete liked to try a vacation that was more about challenge than relaxing. This particular year it was kayaking, the year before it had been desert survival school. You get the picture. When it came to kayaking, let’s just say that Pete took to the sand better than he did the water. Back then all the boats at the school were made by Perception, most of them being Dancers. The color choices were limited so you either had students in red boats or blue boats. That meant if someone went upside down and you didn’t see it happen, you weren’t always sure who it was. Not with Pete. His capsize was usually accompanied by a brief but effective expletive (didn’t want to use up all of his air) followed by the appropriate sweeping of the hands along the length of the boat for a bow rescue, just as he had been taught. The difference was that Pete only extended one particular finger on each hand to signal his urgency. Pete, I’m on my way!
