RIDING UP A VOLCANO (AS YOU DO)
This has been a very strange experience for me. Africa was a rollercoaster of emotions. The poverty, the things I witnessed were much more emotional and personal for me because I am from there. I started this trip comparing South America to Africa and that was the wrong thing to do. Comparing the roads, comparing the beauty, comparing the friendliness of the people. It left me in a very judgemental and negative frame of mind. As soon as I realised this it released me from the shackles of judgement, I began to see things in a different and more positive light. Everywhere is so radically different and there is no point in trying to justify certain experiences through the eyes of the continent you love. South America has turned out to be a more physical challenge. One perfect example of this is my horrible struggle with altitude. I hate to accept failure but when it comes to altitude I am defeated. I will never be a mountaineer. Let me explain.
Cotopaxi is an active volcano in the Latacunga Canton approximately 50 kilometres south of Quito. It is one of the world's highest volcanoes reaching a staggering height of 5897 metres (19347 feet). Since 1783 it has erupted more than 50 times. The last eruption lasted from August 2015 until January 2016. It is part of a chain of volcanoes around the Pacific rim known as the' ring of fire'. Don't underestimate it. A large eruption would destroy most of the settlements within the suburban area of Quito (2000 000 people) Another city threatened is Latacunga located in the south valley which was totally destroyed in the 18th century by Volcanic activity. Such is the power of nature. So I decided to ride up it. A 4 WD track goes up to a section at 4600 metres.
Travel Story: Spencer james conway - south america