22 August 2011

Trudging up Rucu Pichincha


We timed yesterday's walk perfectly, enjoying the views before cloud and haze obscured the volcanoes, before cloud closed in around the summit of Rucu Pichincha. The sign at the top said 4696 metres (about 15,400 feet) — the highest I've been — but the altitude didn't seem to affect me too badly. I did notice I seemed to be puffing more and my legs seemed a little tired — but that might have been partly a consequence of the relative lack of exercise over the last few weeks. By the time the usual afternoon thunderstorm arrived, we were off the mountain.

That's Rucu Pichincha in the background, looking much smaller than it appears in person. Sorry, I don't know the name of the flower.



[20 August 2011 (Ecuador), Panasonic Lumix GH1, 14–45 mm at 14 mm, ISO 200, 1/800 at f8]


All content © 2011 Pete McGregor

5 comments:

Zhoen said...

High mountain flowers appeal, however pretty, they have to be touch little cookies.

pohanginapete said...

Zhoen, yes: I'm often astonished at the apparent fragility of subalpine flowers.

Zhoen said...

Tough. Not touch, glad you interpreted correctly.

I wish I could type.

Lydia said...

Absolutely gorgeous, Pete!

pohanginapete said...

Thanks Lydia!