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10 Nov 2013
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,579
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Macas
Very soon after you spend hours going down. We stopped for lunch in a small village and opted for fried fish instead of Guinea pig. I am a giant here at 5 ft 4 in my boots (5 ft 1 without).
to macas 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
to macas 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
to macas 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We needed to cross a valley from one road to another and this involved a very long construction zone. The rest of the ride was a smooth curvy ride. After about 70 km we had not seen a single other vehicle and we began to wonder if the road was actually closed. We were very relieved when we saw a bus coming up the hill.
to macas 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
to macas 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We had planned to stop in the village of Alshi, but arriving there we found no hotels so we had to keep going. 25 km further is the large town of Macas. Here we found a fairly big hotel on a quiet street and parked the bike in the lobby. The best part of the hotel was the ice cream shop next door.
IMG_2375 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
IMG_2369 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This town is famous for the legend surrounding a painting of the virgin that apparently under went some miraculous changes in about 1500 AD.
IMG_2372 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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10 Nov 2013
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Contributing Member
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Banos
Today we had a short ride to the holiday resort town of Bańos de Agua Santa named for the many hot spring spas or baths of sacred water in the town. We did see this huge snake on the way to remind us we are not in Kansas anymore.
DSC08015 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The first 130 km north is a strait road thru the jungle and the last 60 is a curvy road along the river and there are several almost 1 km long tunnels.
FILE1430 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE1446 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
It is the adventure capital of the country, with hiking, biking, and rafting. The near by Tungurahua volcano has been very active lately and the road on the other side of it is currently closed. The town has been evacuated in the past, but the last time was about 10 years ago. The route of evacuation is painted on the streets with big white arrows. We did a walk about to one end of town to see some of the spas and the large Cascada of the Virgin. The water here is supposed to be blessed.
DSC02239 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02234 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02230 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02236 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The Basilica here is also dedicated to the Virgin of the Holy Water (Nuestra Señora del Agua Santa). It is named after the vision of the Virgin Mary they say was seen near the waterfalls and it was built with volcanic rocks. The inside is lined with paintings depicting the Virgin's miracles, including saving the church from multiple volcanic eruptions and saving people from other disasters.
DSC02215 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02218 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02220 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02223 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02219 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02224 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The next day we rode along the route of the cascades and then up the mountain to try to see the active volcano.
DSC02242 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02244 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02246 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02248 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02250 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02257 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The famous tree house has a view of the lava flows and the volcanic measurement equiptment.
DSC02259 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02252 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02255 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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10 Nov 2013
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Contributing Member
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Napo
Retracing out steps back 60 km to Puyo we then headed north into the Amazonia and to the Napo river lodge.
FILE1503 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE1568 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE1577 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We made it to Napo town and then had to cross the river on the closed bridge. Respecting the sign we headed across, but needed to take off the pannier to get past the truck blocking the bridge.
FILE1666 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE1684 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE1700 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This bridge lead to an insanely perfect paved road thru the jungle.
FILE1706 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We had booked into a jungle lodge for the night, which was right on the raging river.
DSC08032 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08023 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02279 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02283 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02290 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There is no electricity so they put out oil lamps for you to see.
DSC02289 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02314 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There was a great demonstration on making chocolate.
DSC02297 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02305 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC02307 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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23 Nov 2013
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Contributing Member
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Galapagos
Headed back to Quito over the mountains it was 10 degrees and then poured rain for about 20 min. We were lucky because about an hour after we arrived it REALLY started to rain, like build an ark rain. We stored the bikes away with Diego at Mariscal Motors and packed up a few things for a trip to the Galapagos. We managed to get an unreal deal on a first class boat. The other option is to fly to San Cristobal Island and book there. The deals are even better on the island especially if you can be flexible on dates. Last minute spots are listed on Galapagos Cruise Links - All Availabilities
After a sleepless night worrying we would sleep in and miss the flight, we were a bit tired to start the day. First there is the 60 min drive to the new Quito airport to which they have yet to complete the road. Luckily there was no line at the tourist office where you must pay 10$ each for a tourist card. Then you have your luggage screened to make sure you have no fruits or plants. Last you check in for boarding. There is a short flight to Guayaquil to exchange some passengers and then a 2 ½ hour flight to San Cristobal Island. Flying in there is nothing but ocean for 1000km and then you finally spot land.
galapagos santa fe 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Just before landing they open all the luggage bins and spray some sort of disinfectant. It is a bit weird, but required by the park service. They did not however spray the hand luggage under the seats.
galapagos santa fe 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
After landing you pass thru passport screening and then pay 100$ each for park entry. Nationals pay 6.50$. Our guide Walter met us at the airport.
galapagos santa fe 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The animals even in town at the docks are everywhere. We had a short ride to the boat, lunch and a safety briefing. We did take this seriously since our crew rescued a boatload of people 5 weeks ago when their wood boat hit a rock at 1 am and sank.
galapagos santa fe 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08073 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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23 Nov 2013
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Galapagos
This afternoon we bussed it across the island to the Giant Turtle breeding center.
galapagos santa fe 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Galapagos by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
That night we had a short and calm sail to Santa Fe. Here we walked the beach seeing sea lions, giant cactus, and land iguanas.
galapagos santa fe 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 66 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 71 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 67 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 75 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 69 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 65 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 58 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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23 Nov 2013
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Galapagos
The first snorkel was today and swimming with the sea lions is totally amazing. It’s like being in a tropical fish bowl.
galapagos santa fe 83 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 84 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 90 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 92 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Coming back for lunch and a rest the boat has a following of frigate birds.
galapagos santa fe 99 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 100 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 106 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The afternoon dinghy ride thru the mangrove got us up close to Turtles, Pelicans, and Blue Footed Boobies.
galapagos santa fe 102 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 111 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 114 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 118 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
galapagos santa fe 122 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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28 Nov 2013
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Galapagos
Last edited by saralou; 29 Nov 2013 at 00:13.
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29 Nov 2013
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Contributing Member
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Galapagos
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29 Nov 2013
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Contributing Member
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Genovesa Island
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29 Nov 2013
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Bartholome
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2 Dec 2013
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Registered Users
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Gravenhurst On Canada
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GREAT STORY....LOVE THE PICS....WILL BE IN sANTIAGO NEXT SUNDAY TO CONTINUE MY JOURNEY.....
WARMEST REGARDS
BOB
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2 Dec 2013
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Hello
Hi Sara and Daniel
Loving your tales from the road and very envious about your animal encounters on the Galapagos.
Keep the great photos coming!
ride Safe
Tiffany
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2 Dec 2013
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Santi
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hickery
GREAT STORY....LOVE THE PICS....WILL BE IN sANTIAGO NEXT SUNDAY TO CONTINUE MY JOURNEY.....
WARMEST REGARDS
BOB
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Hey that's great! We will be there Dec 10. Maybe we can get a  ?
Sp
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2 Dec 2013
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Tiffany
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiffany
Hi Sara and Daniel
Loving your tales from the road and very envious about your animal encounters on the Galapagos.
Keep the great photos coming!
ride Safe
Tiffany
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Hey thanks for the shout out. We are inspired by your adventure! I hope we can meet on the road some day.
Sara
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5 Dec 2013
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Registered Users
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Gravenhurst On Canada
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Sara and Daniel,
Would love to get together..........Antonio and I will be staying in an area known as Providencia at Hotel Pisa 1. We will be purchasing Chinese Euromots and heading south after Christmas.
email: haysandy@gmail.com
All the Best
Bob 
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
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Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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