Cotopaxi Park (Ally)

We really struggled to get to Cotopaxi Park. We joined 2 Dutch girls at a road where a womem said that a truck would be able to take us around the park for $40 but that we had to call the chap and as non of us had cell phones, we asked for the public phone. This being Equadors most visited public park, one would have thought they would have a phone but no. Thankfully an engineer working on a project in the park said that he would give us a lift for half the amount so we were thrilled.

After a ride filled with very loud Borjk music (I think it is terrible, G thinks I am ingnorant - he is a big fan, I say ingnorance is bliss...) we arrived at the lagoon where we planned to camp the night.

Cotopaxi volcano was peaking out of the clouds showing us very red and steep sides with a glacier going all the way around.

We wanted to camp in this spot so that we could get a picture of Cotopaxi reflected in the lagoon. It was not a formal camping spot and I showed my guilty conscience by geting a big fright when G entered the tent as I was getting ready. I thought it was somone coming to tell us off.

But I have to say that our camping spot was so classicly scenic. The lake was spongy so the grass was a rich green with reeds filled with playful ducks. On the fringes frogs were singing their hearts out and the wild horses eating the rich grass.

The cows and bulls were a little disconcerted to see us. After a little stand off where the bulls all lined up to dertermine what kind of threat we would be - they decided to move on. Much to my reflief as being chased by 5 bulls may have prematurely ended our travels.

We did also have a number of nosy sea gulls hovering over us, giving plaintive cries and we worried that they would give us away - but soon the light faded and we had the whole park to ourselves.

This little guy visted our camp site from time to time to make sure we weren´t too lonely..

G woke up early the next morning to capture a classic shot of the Volcano reflected in the lagoon. This is the shot he was hoping for (image source) :

Unfortunately, the volcanic peak was so covered in cloud, it could not even be seen:

So he entertained himself with photos of horses in the mist instead... Which I think were just as beautiful.

As we had not organised a lift out we knew we would have to hitch. But after 4km of walking we realised that this must be a circular route as all the cars were going in the opposite direction, so were unlikely to get a lift. We were getting pretty tired under all our stuff.

So with another 15km looming in front of us and our packs getting heavier by the minute we were delighted to come across the museum where we arranged a lift.

While waiting we visited the musuem. I have to say that it was the worst exhibt I have ever seen with faded falling photo´s, moth eaten stuffed birds; deer and damaged models of the volcano. It actually made me feel rather sad as all the potential was there and it made me think that our entrance fee was not really used for the park.