15,370 feet

Hola from Quito, Ecuador!

Th city of Quito sits at about the altitude of the highest Sierra Nevada Mountains. And it is cradled by mountains that go about 5,000 feet higher. Ana and I climbed (walked, strolled) up Pichincha yesterday, to reach a height of 15,370 feet. The peak was within sight, and would have been an easy climb for Ana if we weren't high on altitude. We were lucid enough to know our limits, and settled on a nice scramble up to a ledge, and then a cloud swallowed us--we've got pictures of us flanked in white to prove it. The hike was absolutely beautiful. We agreed that the rational parts of us don't really understand why it's so great to hike up a big mound of dirt and rock and grasses, but luckily we aren't overly rational people. As we walked, those square little thoughts that cycle round and round dissipated into the clear, light air. We were pretty sure we could feel that the atmosphere was weighing on us less. Enormous clouds rolled overhead and filled the valley down below, glowing with light. Weird vegetation reflected the challenges of mountain life, and every once in a while black and white marbled birds would cut past us with a chirp. The icing of the view was Quito glistening like a jeweled blanket laid down in the creases between mountains. As much as I love cities, I love them even more seen in the context of the landscape that nourishes them.

We descended with the sun, getting back to the teleférico (snowless-ski-lift) as the last light drained from the sky. A taxi ride and dinner out with friends reintegrated us into the city, and now I'm writing from the comfort of our host Galito's home whose family has been wonderful to us and even has a little pug dog whose snorts are surprisingly adorable. All in all, feeling good--both adventurous and comfortable at the same time.

Much love to all of you at home!