Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Upper Jondachi.

Tres Huevos.
Photo: Laura Farrell

Ecuador. That's right, I have arrived.

After a long day of airplanes and airports I landed in Quito and headed straight to Baeza. Toting some extra baggage (literally and figuratively) through 3 countries, I walked up the hill, past Gina's and was promptly heckled by some familiar gringo's.  While I was waiting 9 hours in Guayaquil and bussing from Quito to the Oriente, Laura, Dr. Love, Big Drew, and Kesha had enjoyed some desayuno and the Cosanga, and were mid-almuerzo y cervezas as I drug my travel-worn self up to Rodrigo's.  After 24 hours of traveling, it was good to see my amigos. Rather than shower and rest, I opted for beer and homemade tequila (moonshine). I love this place!

Last year, I did not have a chance to paddle the Upper Jondachi, although I had been hearing about this run for years. After a few failed attempts, we passed the takeout bridge to see beautiful clear water, and those more experienced than I agreed it was a perfect level (and it was). After a lovely hike in, I was finally at the put-in for this Ecuadorian Gem.

Enjoy these shots.

Put-In.

Dr. Love with a stylish seal-launch.

Charlie boofin.

Beautiful.

Charlie and Laura hangin' out.

Laura makin' her way downstream.

Laura "Fo-Real" doin' what she does best.

Doug droppin' in to the wall.

Charlie in a landslide rapid.

Waiting for the crew.
Photo: Laura Farrell

Dr. Love
Photo: Laura Farrell

Yup.
Photo: Laura Farrell
D. Love droppin' in to Typhoid Fever.
Photo: Laura Farrell

Trest Huevos Pt. Dos
Photo: Laura Farrell

Thanks to Laura "Fo-Real" for the shots.

Until next time...
Joe