Hi friends and family! Here we are on Day 6 of this journey, and we are doing okay! We moved south to Hacienda Porvenir at the base of Cotopaxi. This is a super special place for me and Ryan because we stayed here in 2012 on our first climbing trip.
To no one's surprise, it's a very different experience now with the kids, but hey this is fun too, right? So, after our arrival, we learned how to make cheese empanadas, which the kids really enjoyed. Come over next summer, and we'll make some for you!
Then I snuck out for a run (happy mama), which started at 11,800 ft and climbed up to 12,400 ft. You guys know how grateful I am for my healthy lungs, and I was so thankful for my ability to oxygenate my body with this thin air. (Miss you, Dad.)
The following day (Thursday) started the transition of Ryan working while the kids and I adventured. Bye, Ryan! So the kids rode horses while I hiked beside them. We traveled up to an incredible hilltop with beautiful views of Cotopaxi. The kids wore cowhide chaps and ponchos like real chagras! That's Cotopaxi behind them.
Okay, let's pause here. Cotopaxi is currently very active, so we are seeing billows of smoke from the crater everyday. Climbers are not allowed past the refuge at 15,760 ft because of the chance for eruption. So, I've been a little on edge. I keep telling the kids (and myself) that the volcano is burping, not barfing (my analogies are amazing), but I am not super stoked about it.
Now that I've told you about that, you're going to love this next decision. Today, we tried to hike with the kids up to that refuge on Cotopaxi! Wait, it gets better. At the trailhead (14,763 ft), it was 35 degrees, 20 mph winds, and hailing. But we went for it! The kids just loved it. Baker said he "was going to die," Ginny said "this is the worst day of my life," and Lulu just cried uncontrollably because the hail "was making her face bleed." So, we bailed after about 30 minutes of climbing, and instead opted for a sweet little hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon.
We have one more full day here, then we are going to stay with a family near Patate. We are excited to be in a home again! We miss you all, and talk about so many of you every day. We hope you are having joyous summers so far.
All my love,
Madeline
I know I’m behind, but I’m sitting on my couch giggling out loud reading all your kids’ reactions. You guys are amazing
Burping volcano. 😂 I'm sorry your high altitude adventures were foiled by Mother Nature, and love how open you are (as always) about the joys and challenges of travelling with kids. I may have snorted/cackled out loud multiple times reading this post. Much love!
What a treat to follow you on your travel adventures! I love the faith you have in your children that they can climb Cotopaxi! Why not? After all they are Rourke/Engel kids! Maybe a little reminiscent of your first date with Ryan in the Enchantments😂. I love your spirit! Ginny is such a good little writer already! What a treat! Enjoy each and every day of this lifetime adventure! Love AM and Mark
Can’t wait to try your empanadas next year!
I tried to look up Ecuador's version of the children's protective service. Luckily for you and Ryan I could not find it. So I could not report you. Hope you plan on saving some of the travel funds for the kids therapy once you return!😉 Love Q and Paul