Another clear but windy morning in Otavalo. The wind is blowing dust everywhere. The last few days have been windy and dusty, so much so that I will be be pleased to get away from Otavalo's dust. Though I will miss the town.

We spent much of the morning preparing for departure, cooking the dinner that didn't get done last night, studying GoogeEarth so as to have a route into Quito, and reading the notes from last nights conversation with Bettina and Rolf.

The country side south from Otavalo continued dry and dusty with deep wide valleys and an abundance of eucalyptus trees. At about km post 43 we came to the Equator monument and took the obligatory photographs. The temperature was 70°F, there was a snow capped mountain in the background, and we were at 10,000 ft. Not what I used to think of when I heard the word "equator".

Our navigation exercise into Quito started well, we got through the first major confusing intersection, onto Galo Plaza Lasso, only to find that the road was closed into the city for a community bike ride. So much for planning, after that it was pure improvisation. But our study had paid off as we were able to piece together a route to our destination. A parking lot in new town near the famous Mariscal Sucre neighborhood. Once safely parked we went for a walk around the area, found three travel agents we will talk to tomorrow about trips to the Galapagos, three laundries, a Chevy dealer, a number of internet cafes, many bars, and assorted other things.