Paul and his comrade Andono were both disappointed that I wouldn’t sign up for a quick 3 hour jungle tour before heading out. I honestly would have loved to. But I was worried about my legs, and worried about my available daylight and the amount of elevation gain on my agenda today. I guess I’ll have to come back to Ecuador to see the monkeys and lemurs! I did see and hear a wild parrot though!

Started biking at 9, and until about 4, I don’t think I moved out of my granny gear more than three times. I also didn’t stop at the appropriate places for lunch, so when I was seriously hungry, there were no lunch options. I’ve been carrying very little food or water, because till now there’s been plenty of roadside restaurants, shops, food stalls, and tons of water everywhere. I will keep on not carrying more than one bottle of water – I have the water filter and there’s been no shortage of opportunities to use it. But maybe I’ll carry more food.

Partway through the afternoon, I saw a car pulled over with triangles infront and behind, so I stopped to chat with the stranded couple while they waited for their tow truck. They seemed happy for the distraction, and I was up for any excuse to have a breather. We shared some snacks and fruits. He runs a shop in Quito selling goods from the Amazon region, so hopefully I’ll have a chance to visit when I’m back in the city!

Then I had 2 more hours riding before I reached Baeza. There, I walked into the first accommodation option I saw, and the lovely lady in the hotel lobby was quick to offer me a room and to say that they could also do laundry for me. Hah. She then gave me a recommendation for supper, and now that I’m warm and dry and well fed, I’m feeling significantly more human.

F