Day 130 - Cajas, Ecuador

CAJAS NATIONAL PARK (11/05/09)

Close to Cuenca is the chilly but beautiful Cajas National Park. As always in the mountains there was cloud and rain when we arrived but luckily it cleared up later on.

These sweet-like flowers were growing all over the mountains.

We were overwhelmed by the variety of plant life.

These strange plants regularly grow well over six feet and were all over the place.

Huge mountains, spectacular lakes and difficult trails reminded Liz of her brother-in-law Andy and how much he would enjoy coming here and hiking some of the more challenging multi day walks.

Adam could have spent all day here photographing different plants if it wasn´t for the rain.

From climbing on the moor like mountain sides all of a sudden the trail headed into this strange knarled wood. In order to get through we had to climb under and over the branches whilst going down a slippery mud slope.

Climbing down the hill trying not to fall over in the mud, although both of us did.

Another of these strange plants with a waterfall meandering down the mountainside in the background.

Adam enjoyed this hike so much, partly (mostly says Liz!) because we didn´t see another human being from the moment we left the ranger station to the moment we got back.

This old branch looked like it had a man lying on it with his arms hanging down.

We crossed lots of streams but this was one of only a couple that had a bridge.

In case you hadn´t noticed we found these plants fascinating.

Most of the lowland areas were marsh land, sometimes we had to run so that our feet didn´t sink.

At last, towards the end of the afternoon, the clouds started to break up and the sun made an appearance.

There were small waterfalls everywhere and many springs coming out of the mountainsides.

Many times we just stopped to appreciate the landscape and the absolute silence that surrounded us.

On the whole the trails were well marked but at this point we had to consult the map since it was unclear whether the signs saying "cont. ruta" (continue route) was referring to our route or one of the others.

It didn´t seem to matter how steep the mountain side was, it was always densly covered in plants.

Some of the climbing was hard work, especially with the thin air, but it was well worth it.

This large rounded boulder stood out in contrast to the sharp angles of the mountains.

Adam has always wanted to hike in the Andes and so far it´s really living up to his expectations.

Exhausted but happy we finally got to this stretch of path just near the ranger station where the loop had started.