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- Nov 18, 2010
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Ecuador Eating Expedition Underway!
By Mark Gunlogson — President Mountain Madness
This morning we woke up in the comforts of Hacienda Rumiloma, which is owned and operated by Mountain Madness guide Ossy and his wife Amber. Siuated above bustling city of Quito in a small cloud forest, its location is surpassed only by the charm of the rooms and restaraunt, which seems unlikey to be bettered in all of Ecuador. But, the goal of this trip is to do just that as we travel in the highlands vsiting what are becoming world renowned destinations for both culinary attractions and ways to connect with the local traditions and culture. Oh, and in between eating, milking cows, feeding llamas, riding horses, and the like we plan to hike some secret off-the-beaten track locations.
My travelling companions include 11, yes I said 11, girls ages 4‑almost 50. Wish me luck!! But no better host than Amber can be imagined and her connections here will offer us unique opportunities for both young and shall we say the middle-aged faction of our group. Among our stops are Hacienda San Agustin, a working farm complete with rooms and a dining area built with Inca walls integrated into the structures. Then its off to Zuleta, a hacienda once owned by a previous president of the country which is becoming famous for its cheese. And this just in the first three or four days of our two week+ tour.
The goal of this, dare I say, “working” vacation, is to develop new trips here in Ecuador for Mountain Madness that allow groups of families and friends to come here with some in the group climbing the amazing volcanoes here, while friends and family tour the countryside enjoying food, culture, and friendly people. In the evenings, so the idea goes, all rendevous and share stories of the days adventure. It is indeed a tough job (ha!), but we are all up to it and look forward to sharing our experiences in this blog. Photos to come.