Izhcayluma - Hike in Vilcabamba

The place we are staying has a nicely organized booklet with all kinds of hikes for various levels of Hikers. We chose one of the easy ones, three hours long.

V - Up the Road

The description of the trail was somewhat misleading, it certainly wasn't flat. We worked up a real sweat.

V - Cactus Chris

Hate to run into one of these. Lots of Century Cactus, yuccas and some Nasty shrubs with very long thorns. We ran into some road work, had to scramble over a huge muddy pile of dirt, then an enormous pit with some scowling workers eyeing us.

V - more of the trail

It was a LONG way, we were all wobbly legs by the time we reached town.

Mountain Pants - Colorado Chic

Andi and Jeff just finished with their Vogue photo shoot - at their Rollinsville Rustic Retreat. The pants are made by the illustrious designer, known for her exotic creations, prefer not to mention.
Andi and Jeff have the short version for their tropical retreat, in the Bahamas.

Bamboo for Chris

Simply beautiful, on the path to the swimming pool.

Izhcayluma - Vilcabamba Ecuador

Took the bus from Loja to here - amazing place. Andi, Jeff and Lexi stayed here back in 2006, right after Lexi graduated from high school. I've signed up for a massage tomorrow after we take a hike. Not sure about horse back riding. We're hoping for some sunshine.

Temple of the Moon Dog

Don't let the blue jacket fool you, this is "Mighty Hairless - Macho Dog"
The next duo is the cutest mini poodle & kitten couple in Vilcabamba.

Meat Over Dose

I was ready to turn vegetarian after some of the "creative meats" I've eaten, then Chris wanted to eat at this macho he-man MEAT restaurant. El Fogon. Being a sucker for BBQ I ordered pork ribs. The platter came with around five pounds of pork, various cuts, piled over enormous amounts of hominy and French fries. There was also a big side salad. I managed a couple of ribs, most of the hominy, all of the salad and a few fries. Chris had a BIG steak, fries, rice and salad. We washed this down with beer. I gave him the pork, now he is suffering MEAT revenge.....not a pretty picture. Believe he may rally for a glass of red wine.

Loja Plaza

Yes, more churches.

Loja - More Churches and Funerals

Loja was our first official stop in Ecuador. We stayed at a nice hotel on Sucre Av. (sweet), Loja city is nestled between two rivers in a beautifully green valley surrounded by incredible lush mountains.
In a space of about 15 minutes we saw two funeral processions. These kids were filing into the huge cathedral for a funeral. Chris is just standing by the fountain adjusting his outer wear.

Ecuador - Adios Peru

Caught a bus from Chichlayo Peru to Piura Peru. Then from Piura to Loja Ecuador, did all this in one day. Was pretty laid back at the border, both sides. Took only a jiffy to fill out papers, get back on the bus and head out. We had a pleasant surprise when the young guy showed us to our room, a spectacular of the city gate.

Sipan - Near Chichlayo Peru

This is a an 18 layer ruin. There is lots of turmoil associated with this place, looters, angry town people, unsavory archeologists and a murder. Sounds like an Agatha Christie for sure.
Once again there is so much they have literally only scratched the surface. The tombs in the photos were excavated at different levels. In this scheme once one lord was finished they would built the next one on top. The structures are made of adobe, (mud, straw, animal hair). The lords would have their wives, friends, animals, knick knacks and jewelry in the tomb with them.
We had a wonderful local for our guide.

Sipan - Smiling in the Ruins

Good thing Chris has long arms, JE took the smiles!