A Trip to Ecuador -- Visiting Bill and the Ground Crew

[Harley]

At a loss other than

WOW!!!

[johnf]

I have always been very interested in biology, biomes, etc, and planet earth
contains a very wide selection.
However it is difficult to not hold the rain forest as my favorite.
These images show it off pretty well, thanks, Bill, and I am looking forward to Jeff's next entry
even more because of these!

JohnF

[chocolate]

I wanted to ask, which bird made the photo of the three people by the tree.
And the photo of Christine and Jeffrey down below the waterfall is done with a fly-above camera, I am sure!

I mean, we will be very happy with more pictures. And videos. Jeffrey?

[bruno dante]

Hi Jeff, Awesome thread!

Can you get other raw products there as well, like raw butter and honey( unheated) for examlple?

Thanks.

[Dennis Leahy]

Stunning imagery, Bill. Can't wait to see Jeff's as well. Very moving. Very magnetic.

About 40 years ago, I lived in Southern California for just over a decade. One of the coolest things about it was the proximity of various biomes: the beach and the most welcoming ocean, the desert, and snow covered mountains all within about a 3 hours drive. I realize that a 2-day drive (and very long one-day back) is not quite the same proximity, but look at the diversity of biomes between Vilcabamba and the jungle surrounding Rio Nangaritza, and maybe 100km (as the toucan flies) from Vilcabamba to the Pacific Ocean. And, I'll bet there are a thousand other adventures just waiting for the adventuresome.

As soon as I saw the image of the Shuar warrior on the giant toucan, I was reminded of the movie "Avatar" (the only movie I have ever gone back to the theater to experience twice.)

My bags are packed. All I have to do is wait for the drugs to take effect on my wife. heheheheheheh

Dennis

[Knowrainknowrainbows!]

Inspiring!!!
Thanks for sharing so promptly!
Everyone has BIG smiles ...

So it's been said that good things come to those who wait.
........ I've waited a long time ...
Expecting great things one day ....
Maybe a trip to Ecuador

KRKR

[seehas]

Wow im just now sitting in medellin columbia and tomorrow im going to cali and afterwards to quito by bus, i would love to visit villacabamba also how long will you be there jeff?

Absolutely amazing photos i cant wait to experience ecuador

see you all in villacabamba

[Hazel]

Awesome and some!

Am hoping my plan to go there isn't just some pan pipe dream..

Interestingly the flora and terrain looks very much like the dense World Hertage Gondwana sub tropical rain forest of Springbrook National Park on the Gold Coast hinterland, near to where I live here in Queensland. The area is the second oldest cauldron in the world.. the volcanic plug is Mount Warning at Byron Bay. The energies around Byron Bay/Tweed Shire are rejuvinating and uplifting, believed to be due to the properties of the volcanic rock.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springbrook_National_Park

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/p...m/69750881.jpg

So many magical places remain on our Mother Earth... so many blessings to remind us of who we really are when in connection with her.

To see these photo's and the depictions of the experience is an important and welcome reminder

Thank you:

[Bill Ryan]

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Hi, All: Jeff is leaving today (despite all attempts and ruses to keep him here for longer!), and begs forgiveness from everyone following this thread for not yet having created time to further update his travelog.

He's working, reading, researching and communicating on a number of fronts, and at the same time is packing and preparing to return to snowy Texas where he's looking forward immensely to reuniting with family and closest friends. He has a huge heart as well as a huge intellect: having him here has been a privilege and a joy.

After that little eulogy, Jeff's given me the okay to post a few more pictures of our Amazonia trip on his behalf. The first photo shows where we stayed, at $30 per person per night including breakfast, right by the Rio Nangaritza (the second photo). A very wonderful place.

[Bill Ryan]

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Here's Carlos, our guide, talking with Christine:



And here's the man himself.

[doodah]

Jeffrey, Bill, Christine,

It was wonderful to read this thread and see all the photos. Lots of beauty, great energy, many possibilities. Nice cats (and dog). It is good to see everyone looking so hale and healthy! Thank you for sharing your trip, Jeffrey.

Blessings and peace to all,
Doodah

[Natalia]

Posted by Christine (here)
With the blessings of Satkirn, who created this video, allow me to present (little drum roll) "The Ascent of El Sombrero - but it's really Candy Mountain!"

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=Nm9TNGhgWcg

Loved this

[Joe Sustaire]

Wow, just found this thread. What a beautiful place and such beautiful camaraderie between friends!

Thanks for popping this up Amethyst.