31/3/2013 Puerto Lopez to Ayangue
D67, T31/2, Av17.66, Max56, Tot 12223, 2081 from Medellín
Having packed last night, a coffee was enjoyed and the wheels were turning by 0730.
Last night, on the beach, a couple of banana smootheys were enjoyed, as were kebabs and two pork and salad rolls.
They had a stage set up where some government people spoke about a new shampoo from Aloe industry, employing people. Then another community leader passionately and very loudly spoke about promoting Puerto Lopez.
The orchestra who were so patiently waiting on stage got their turn, this was listened to for a short period.
Anyway breakfast was not needed, I had eaten plenty last night, so as to get a few km under the belt before the heat kicked in.
The ride along this coast is such a pleasure, small towns are dotted all along it.
The views offered were outstanding. At one point the road left the ocean and climbed into heavy forest, the sounds of the birds were a delight.
Traffic was light. My map did not identify many of these small towns. All of them on lovely beaches.
An early lunch was had at a panadería just north of Montañita.
Here time was spent talking to a real estate agent. It was an interesting conversation.
According to him, Canadians and Americans are flocking here to buy. Lots of republicans, dissatisfied with Obama.
Funnily enough, he said the older people moving here try to learn Spanish, after awhile the men give up and the wives are the ones who persist and finally get proficient at it, good on them.
Land is now quite expensive on the beach, selling at $100/sq.m, though still cheap by our standards.
Arriving in Montañita, a quick browse was had, this town is party central on the Ecuadorian coast, similar to San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua. Good surf is also found around here.
Bars were everywhere, as were people, beach space was at a premium due to beach chairs and umbrellas.
Some fruit was bought as was a straight from the orange, juice.
From here many other small coastal towns were passed through.
About 1200hrs the turnoff to Ayangue was seen. It was getting very hot by now. The bandanna type head scarf purchased in PL was great, my ears were now not getting seared each day.
Most hostels were full on arrival at the town some 3k from the main road.
One was finally located, the Hostal Elohim is right on the beach, turn left at the end of the main road and when you hit the dirt in 300m it is on your right.
Laura from Oklahoma has just bought it. She owns a 71 roomer in the states. A swim was enjoyed and lunch on the beach with a couple of English teachers from Cuenca was savoured.
This coast just ridden would be such a good ride for anyone considering a coastal ride in another country, it’s easy going, and at this time of year, the rain is not such a problem.
There are any number of small welcoming towns to stop at and beaches all the way to swim at. Seafood is everywhere.
A month would be the minimum time required if you started at Esmeraldas north of Pedernales.
An evening meal was had in the company of Steve and Robyn from Cuenca.
The month of April will scroll out from "9/2/2013 El Bordo to Tablon"
D67, T31/2, Av17.66, Max56, Tot 12223, 2081 from Medellín
Having packed last night, a coffee was enjoyed and the wheels were turning by 0730.
Last night, on the beach, a couple of banana smootheys were enjoyed, as were kebabs and two pork and salad rolls.
They had a stage set up where some government people spoke about a new shampoo from Aloe industry, employing people. Then another community leader passionately and very loudly spoke about promoting Puerto Lopez.
The orchestra who were so patiently waiting on stage got their turn, this was listened to for a short period.
Anyway breakfast was not needed, I had eaten plenty last night, so as to get a few km under the belt before the heat kicked in.
The ride along this coast is such a pleasure, small towns are dotted all along it.
The views offered were outstanding. At one point the road left the ocean and climbed into heavy forest, the sounds of the birds were a delight.
Traffic was light. My map did not identify many of these small towns. All of them on lovely beaches.
An early lunch was had at a panadería just north of Montañita.
Here time was spent talking to a real estate agent. It was an interesting conversation.
According to him, Canadians and Americans are flocking here to buy. Lots of republicans, dissatisfied with Obama.
Funnily enough, he said the older people moving here try to learn Spanish, after awhile the men give up and the wives are the ones who persist and finally get proficient at it, good on them.
Land is now quite expensive on the beach, selling at $100/sq.m, though still cheap by our standards.
Arriving in Montañita, a quick browse was had, this town is party central on the Ecuadorian coast, similar to San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua. Good surf is also found around here.
Bars were everywhere, as were people, beach space was at a premium due to beach chairs and umbrellas.
Some fruit was bought as was a straight from the orange, juice.
From here many other small coastal towns were passed through.
About 1200hrs the turnoff to Ayangue was seen. It was getting very hot by now. The bandanna type head scarf purchased in PL was great, my ears were now not getting seared each day.
Most hostels were full on arrival at the town some 3k from the main road.
One was finally located, the Hostal Elohim is right on the beach, turn left at the end of the main road and when you hit the dirt in 300m it is on your right.
Laura from Oklahoma has just bought it. She owns a 71 roomer in the states. A swim was enjoyed and lunch on the beach with a couple of English teachers from Cuenca was savoured.
This coast just ridden would be such a good ride for anyone considering a coastal ride in another country, it’s easy going, and at this time of year, the rain is not such a problem.
There are any number of small welcoming towns to stop at and beaches all the way to swim at. Seafood is everywhere.
A month would be the minimum time required if you started at Esmeraldas north of Pedernales.
An evening meal was had in the company of Steve and Robyn from Cuenca.
The month of April will scroll out from "9/2/2013 El Bordo to Tablon"
Away from the coast, nice to be in the forest again
The sand on these southern beaches is much lighter than up north.
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Montañita, a street of tiny bars
Ayungue beach, it was so packed during the daay , this last day of easter here.
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