Puerto Lopez, 'The South Tour'.

3/16/2024

Wednesday was South Tour day for us. It is, a most of the day tour of the towns, culture, history and sights of the nearby costal region south of Puerto Lopez, Ecuador, that Susan and Paul have been doing for their guests for many years. Our trusted driver, Tito, picked us up at Villa Bella Vista and navigated the pothole filled main road outside of town and the gnarly dirt roads less traveled for us to see the full tour sights throughout the day. As we drove, Susan gave us facts and history about the area and towns we passed (some we would be stopping at on the return) along the road.

Our first stop was Libertador Bolivar, named after the man who lead the fight for freedom of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Chile from Spain. The town, incorrectly labeled on some maps, is more commonly known as Simon Bolivar. At the south end of town, we stopped to do a little looking/shopping at several local craftsman's shops with products of wood, weave, clay and shells. The added bonus to the beautifully crafted items, was the view from the small patio in the back of the shop of the beach. (Yada yada)

Our second stop was a short drive heading back north to a pottery shop that had 1000's of items; some from Colombia. Any need requiring a clay pot, bowl, planter etc. was here. Paul did some master bartering and bought multiple items for under their original starting price. Bartering in local shops and markets is a general and expected practice in Ecuador. Paul passed on some of his most successful bartering strategies to us in the car; but swore us to secrecy on penalty of death.

The surf town of Montañita was our next stop. Much larger than Libertador Bolivar, this "happening" pueblito is well known for its party vibe, surf tournaments and trendy bars and restaurants. We spent some time window shopping along the streets of town as we strolled around enjoying the sights. It isn't hard to imagine these streets at night full of people, music, and partying. Heading for the beach, we got to the raised walkway along the malecon by the beach that allows for great views up and down the beach. We stopped at Casa Blanca for a quick appetizer and a drink before moving on. Here's a little of the cool vibe of Montañita. (Yada yada)

Feeling refreshed after some fish bites, fries and a beer, we all climbed in Tito's truck and headed north to Olon. Without signs to guide you, local knowledge is needed to find the road to experience this. I'm going to have to hope that our pictures here drop your jaw half as far as BlogBoy's did. Just outside Olon, on a cliff 60 meters above the (Immediately below rocky shore but otherwise) sandy shore of Olon beach resides Santa Maria de la Esperanzo Orphanage and Blanca Estrella de la Mar church. Built in the shape of a ship in 1984, the church and connected orphanage supports about 80 children with minimal support from the government. (Yada yada)

It was hard to get back in the truck and leave these views; as well as think there were any more amazing sights that could top this left in our tour. Traveling up, over and through the mountainous terrain along the coastal highway; Susan explained where the borders of the provinces were as we drove, and pointed out details of businesses they have used or knew owners of, all along our path during the day. One of which was where we made a truck-running, pit stop to pick up a beloved cheesecake from a frequented shop in the town of La Entrada (The Entrance). Paul handled the pick up and in NASCar-like speed we were off for the short ride to La Rinconada, (The Balcony). You are looking at the town. We needed to honk for the the boy to come out and unlock the gate and move the soccer goal so we could enter and park.

"Captain NGG" (named for this instant, being in the right position during the photo shoot), was sad to announce that the kitchen here was closed...but softened the blow with the news that we could order a beverage of choice and enjoy the view. The climb back (not pictured) to the level of the parked truck was not to be taken lightly. My burning thighs were glad to finally reach the top and not have required mechanical or human assistance getting there. Susan didn't flinch an eye about changing places for lunch and after loading the truck, had us heading for D' Jimmy's, the beachside restaurant in the town (not the island) of Puerto Rico. The welcoming owner met us at the covered, outside tables (currently without chairs) and Susan and Paul had a conversation with him that had people bringing the chairs and readying the tables before it was over. Sha had garlic shrimp in a peanut sauce, and BB had the mixto seafood and arroz.

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I hope you didn't forget about the cheesecake we picked up in La Entrada; cuz even the majority of us taking leftovers home didn't. Susan had it ordered to celebrate her eldest daughter's birthday as well as Tito's birthday (2 days belated). We all found at least a little room for dessert, delicious!

We had one more stop on our tour before we returned to the foothills of Puerto Lopez. There is a road, that if you didn't know it was there would be so easy to drive right by, just outside Salango that Tito found somehow and turned onto that wound upward and back and forth in the direction of the beach. Nearing the top, we parked in the small designated area and saw the high wooden observation platform. What a great last stop on our South Tour with Susan and Paul (and Tito). (yada)

In case you were wondering, yes, there is a 'North Tour' as well.

Had an unusual visitor the other day...

NGG, ever vigilant, spied the intruder and professionally dispatched it like a champion. There may have been some screeching in there at one point, but I can't remember for sure. We were assured that they aren't scorpions (although they look exactly like one) and have a bee-like sting, painful, but not deadly!

I'm afraid I'm not leaving until I give you a sunset...and a little moon action. Can you believe that purple sky with a sliver of the moon? Pure beauty and even better in person!