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
High mountain flowers appeal, however pretty, they have to be touch little cookies.
ReplyDeleteZhoen, yes: I'm often astonished at the apparent fragility of subalpine flowers.
ReplyDeleteTough. Not touch, glad you interpreted correctly.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could type.
Absolutely gorgeous, Pete!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lydia!
ReplyDelete