We were the first people (other than staff) to the top of the Teleférico last Saturday, and the early start gave us spectacular views of the Avenue of Volcanoes, with Quito (shown here) sprawling lengthwise along the valley. Later, cloud and haze obscured the volcanoes. This is Cotopaxi, the best known and most visited of Ecuador's volcanoes, although at 5897 m, it's only the second highest peak in the country (the highest, Chimborazo (6310 m), is higher than any point on Earth, including Chomolungma/Sagarmatha/Everest, if measured from Earth's centre).
[20 August 2011 (Ecuador), Panasonic Lumix GH1, 14–45 mm at 45 mm, ISO 200, 1/500 at f11]
All content © 2011 Pete McGregor
Something wonderful about our planet's sticky-up-bits.
ReplyDeleteIt's always worth the effort to be the first to the top. Great Shot. Sounds like you're having a great trip.
ReplyDeleteTK
Nicely put, Zhoen ;^)
ReplyDeleteTim, thanks. In some ways the trip's just beginning — today's the first day after the Spanish lessons finished. Off to Cotopaxi tomorrow, and to the Amazon on Sunday night, so I have a few things to sort out today in preparation.
This is such a fantastic view, Pete. I love the perspective.
ReplyDeleteRobin, thank you. I was on Cotopaxi yesterday (not the summit!) — a great day. Photos will follow :^)
ReplyDelete"Chimborazo Cotapaxi
ReplyDeleteHad stolen me away"
A poem by Turner that has been with me since schooldays, Pete (if you don't know it, read it at: http://www.bartleby.com/103/158.html)
Thank you for the wonderful image to flesh out that memory.
Avus, thanks for the link to the poem. I didn't know it, and it adds to my memories, particularly of Cotopaxi.
ReplyDelete“Give me silence, water, hope
ReplyDeleteGive me struggle, iron, volcanoes”
― Pablo Neruda
Great view. I now have a better idea of the city where our sponsored child's father works. Many thanks.
Lydia, I'm sorry I couldn't find the town. I'm now two countries further south (Bolivia, La Paz), so I'm afraid I won't have another chance.
ReplyDelete