Had breakfast, paid the bill, and sorted ourselves
out, and finally left at around 10 with many goodbyes. It was a
nice hotel with very friendly people. We left town and drove in
the direction of Puya, palm and plant spotting on the way. We saw
some spectacular scenery and some wonderful palms especially more
Dictyocaryum. We drove along a valley the far wall of which was
200m high and as flat and sheer as though it was man-made, with
waterfalls pouring off the top at regular intervals. We saw many
more waterfalls, and passed through a crude tunnel. The views were
marvellous. It got dark a long time before we headed back north
to Quito, and it was an awful drive then, back on the main road,
pitch dark, lots of traffic, including huge and selfish trucks and
buses, no street lighting. Terrible. Eventually got back to the
hotel at 9:30 and went straight out for some food. Pizzas &
beer. Bed very tired at about midnight. A very nice birthday.
South American Diary
