Anyone that knows me knows I love Ecuador. I love the culture, the weather, the geography, the cheap beers, the cool animals and of course the amazing kayaking. This past January I returned to Ecuador for what is probably my 6th kayaking trip there. I just think its the most perfect place for a kayaking vacation and I have a feeling I'll be returning there for as long as I live. This year was just as fun as always, and I got to paddle lots of great sections or rivers and hang out with great friends, both new and old. A big part of my trip this year was to attend Jondachi Fest, a festival to help keep the Jondachi river free flowing. I will write a separate blog post about that, but for now, please enjoy this photo journal of the rest of my trip....
 |
A typical Quijos Valley View |
 |
Putting on the Lower Quijos |
 |
Beautiful jungle scenery on the Lower Quijos |
 |
Toby MacDermot enters "Piggly Wiggly" on the Cheesehouse section of the Quijos |
 |
Ally puts on the Oyacachi |
 |
The crew moving down the Oyacachi |
 |
Em Shan on the Jatunyacu |
 |
Emily in Torro on the El Chaco Canyon Section of the Quijos |
 |
El Chaco with the ladies! |
 |
Stefi and Emily celebrate a successful run down El Chaco Canyon |
 |
Toby welds my boat with the help of a Pilsener bottle |
 |
Moto riding in Banos with Emily, Stefi and Elvis! |
 |
Emily cruising through the Ecuadorian Scenery |
 |
Put in of the Piatua |
 |
Ally charges through a rapid on the Piatua |
 |
A reminder of the importance of water |
My final few days in Ecuador revolved around the Jondachi River and the festival held there in an effort to save the river from being damned. A full trip report of that is coming soon!