#backpackinf

I never even finished uploading the photos from my last trip before taking off on another one... And I’m still planning on going backpacking again very soon 😂 Prepare to be absolutely spammed with photos I guess

Ok you twisted my arm, I’ll come see you very very soon! #beyondlimitsonfoot #optoutside • • • • #lake #wildernessculture #choosemountains #findyourhappyplace #adventureisoutthere #rei1440project #outdoors #nature #easternsierras #anseladams #getoutside #hike #backpackinf #womenwhoexplore

13-08-2015 Day 46 (Latacunga Strike) Apparently there are only two things you should be doing from Latacunga: either the Quilotoa Loop, a stunning series of mountainous villages with the highlight being the luminous green Quilotoa volcanic crater, or secondly the Cotopaxi Volcano with the option of visiting the national park, horse riding or hiking to the top of the 5000+m glacier for the brave or stupid. We were initially going to go stay at the Secret Garden hostel in Cotopaxi which looked incredible but staggeringly expensive, but instead we got up early with Anna, Bodee and Lauren with the intention of going to Quilotoa. We'd heard rumours of a national strike but had no idea of the sheer scale of the paralysis that would grip the country. No major buses were running, road blocks consisting of 30+ft burning trees were apparently on every major highway, indigenous communities had trekked for 800+miles to protest and march, and the burning tires surrounding the central intersection in Latacunga were generating a thick smog over the entire city. The strike was part of a response to the president of Ecuador - Rafael Correa - for his treatment of the indigenous people (and their land) with regards to oil, as well as monstrous 75% taxes on things like inheritance and real estate. He's also trying to reelect himself indefinitely. To be fair their grievances are legit. Full story here on Al Jazeera: http://goo.gl/Y37Y4z According to the hostel owner following a quick 911 call (apparently that's how you check whether the roads are clear) the only things we could do were chill in the hostel or climb Putzalagua, a nearby mountain. Itching for some exercise we settled on the latter, planning to share a taxi with some French girls who ended up taking about an hour to get ready. The taxi dropped us in the wrong place and tried to overcharge us ($30 rather than $8 - what a nob), but luckily some brilliant locals offered to drive us in the back of their pickup, their dogs chasing alongside, to the actual bottom of the mountain - such nice guys! Putzalagua was depressingly generic as far as mountains go, but actually more of a workout than expected which was sorely needed. At the top we got some breathtaking views of the Cotopaxi volcano, thick clouds the only obstruction. As we descended we spotted a bus down in the valley and fortunately it was still there when we arrived 20min later, 45cents got us back to Latacunga although it pulled up short due to the roadblocks and burning tires. Local protesters were surprisingly friendly, with us not being at the focus of their anger they actually invited us to join the march, we politely declined. Back at the hostel we chilled as a fivesome, drank a few beers and headed out for dinner at an incredible grill. I had Churrasco, essentially a minute steak accompanied by avocado, egg, salad and chips, with a side of delicious garlic sauce. Probably some of the tastiest 'local food' yet!