Walking for us is an everyday activity.  We walk to our work places, we walk for groceries, and we walk for recreation.  In Shell walking has it's hazards.

Let's go downtown to get some groceries!  First we cross this swinging bridge, 80 feet above the river and through the jungle canopy.

Now avoid as many dogs as you can and keep a watch out for traffic.  Remember, sidewalks are not necessarily flat and smooth.  You must be constantly aware of elevation changes, open manholes and water pipes coming up on the foot-path.   

 

Then there is the usual rubble from ongoing construction "improvements".  If you can avoid the utility poles and guy wires sprouting out of the centre of the sidewalk, you might finally get to the most recently improved road in town. 

As we approach "Karen's" the 

gringo grocery store, we can see that it is closed.  It is mid-day, so we will return in an hour and the store will likely be open for business.

 

Urban trails and jungle trails both have hazards.  Just off the route that Garth walks from his work site is an interesting opening into the jungle.  The trail is steep and with the constant rain, very slippery!  The image to the right was captured as he clutched the camera while careening, out of control, down the slope toward the river.  Other than mud caked clothing, a cut elbow and bruised ego, he was able to crawl back up the slope and has another experience to tell the grandchildren!

Trail above Banos

Banos town

Last week was a short week at School, Friday being a day off.  The School principal and her husband invited us on a hike above Banos.  Banos is a resort town about an hour from Shell.  It lies deep in the surrounding mountains and is shadowed by the ever threatening volcano Tungurahua.  As we walked the damp wooded trail, we commented to each other about the lack of mosquitos, black flies and other insects.  This is one of the contrasts to Canada that we are very aware of.  The  goal on this hike was 'La Virgen', a statue high above the town.  Our approach was from the side of the monument and after a short rest and viewing of the surrounding vista, we began our descent to the town.  654 steps and some sloping streets brought us to a lovely restaurant and delicious lunch near a waterfall.

654 steps

After lunch we wandered the streets of the town centre, enjoying the sights and sounds of the artisan market and the beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Earlier in the week we had supper in Puyo with 5 missionary wives and their children.  All of the women were single parents at that moment, as their husbands were away attending conferences, meetings or other business of their mission assignment.  We have become more aware of the specific needs and support the missionary families require since we have been here.  Many times the families are left behind as one parent or another must travel and be away for extended times in the course of their duties.  The supper out was a kind of support gathering for the women, Garth was the token male, and we enjoyed the ultimate snack food of Puyo.  The restaurant served only one dish called Volquetero, which loosely translates to Dump Truck.  It consists of large portions of chochos (bean), tostados (toasted corn), chifles (plantain chips), diced red onion and tomato and topped with a can of tuna.  You season with lime juice or aji (hot sauce) to taste.  Eaten with a spoon, it is very tasty and filling.  We shared a grande order and left some behind...a pequeno order would have been enough for both of us!

Volcano Sangay, visible from kitchen window

We are fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful views of mountain ranges to the west and lush jungle to the east, that is when it is not raining or the humidity is so high the haze in the air blocks your vision.  The image above was captured yesterday around 7AM, but even at that time the air was warming and the clouds were gathering.  There have been a few days that have been clear and bright, but mostly the sky is overcast.  Not too much risk of sunburn most days!

We have kept a record of the temperature and rainfall since we arrived in Shell about 3 weeks ago. We have experienced low temperatures of 60F (15C) and highs of 84F (29C).  We understand that 84 is about as warm as it gets, but when the sky is clear the sun is really close and it feels much warmer!  We also have experienced some rain and have measured an accumulation of 12.2 inches!  Even so, the drainage and absorption rate is such that you seldom see surface accumulation even after a hard rain.

Recently, on Facebook, we have noticed some photos and discussion of the beginning of harvest at home.  One recent email from home commented "no frost yet".  This seems strange to us because here we are in a constant state of summer.  It is easy to forget that the seasons change and autumn is upon you.  We will no doubt notice a dramatic change when we return in November. 

Today we plan to go to the vegetable and fruit markets to see what is being offered.  One might think that in a tropical country all varieties of fruit and vegetables would always be available. Some are, but many are seasonal and simply not available in the local markets.  We have also noticed that fruit, such as bananas, are very fresh but must be consumed immediately.  They are the real thing....not engineered for transportation and long shelf life!  It is difficult for us to get in the habit of shopping daily for fresh produce.  Being Canadian we tend to want to stock up, but this is not wise in a tropical climate.

We have just returned from the market, shopping at two stalls.  Potatoes didn't seem to be available today.  This is what we bought....for about $4.00.

In the previous two postings, we now realize, we have never mentioned where we actually are! Some of you may already know, but for those who are wondering, we are living and serving in Shell, Pastaza, Ecuador.  God has brought us to this place to support the missionaries and their families as volunteer workers.  Valerie is teaching at the Nate Saint Memorial School and Garth is helping out wherever he is needed.  Our intentions are to be here for about 6 months, but we do not know what the future might hold.

Valerie has completed her first full week at the school, including a Meet the Teacher Night!  Friday evening the children and parents all gathered at the school for an open house where the expectations for the year were voiced and a social time was had.  It was strange to think that school has not even begun back in Canada, yet classes are already in full swing here.  After the formal portion of the event was over, everyone enjoyed a variety of snacks provided by the parents.  The theme seemed to be chocolate!  It seems there are no diabetics in this community of missionaries!

Old Hangar Apartment - second floor

Nate Saint House

Garth continues to help with the renovations of "the old hanger apartment" which is located across from the Nate Saint House.  In the past year, the roof and most of the second floor has been replaced because of termite damage.  Now the interior walls, electrical, plumbing, cabinets and all the other work is happening.

From the kitchen window you can see the newly restored Nate Saint House just across the driveway.  It was also termite damaged to the point of being unsafe.  A group raised the funds and sent teams that completely rebuilt the home, retaining the kitchen and radio rooms as original.  The balance of the house has been made very functional with offices, a small apartment, and a large meeting room.  Very nice for a building that was nearing demolition!

Since our last visit to Shell, we have noticed some changes and some things that remain the same.  There had been some rough and cobblestone roads that are now smooth, and there are some roads that are still torn up!  The main street has an excavator parked on it and you must walk through and around the mud to get to the meat or vegetable market!  It seems that it is business as usual even though the access is less than it should be.  At least you don't have to worry about being run down by traffic as you cross the main street!  The main highway is getting some attention also.  It seems strange to us that the road can be ripped up without having survey crews, signage or speed zones, but that is what happens!  The crews move in and tear it up......it might be repaired this week or next month but the traffic just continues on at the regular 'too fast' speed, honking and passing, with children riding in the truck boxes.  It seems every driver has some degree of road rage and it is "pedestrian beware" when you cross the road.

Living Room

Kitchen

Here are two photos of the apt. renovations.  Later I hope to post photos of the finished work.