Waterfalls, Orchids, Butterflies and Humming Birds

were the order for the day on our drive to Mindo, 2 hours north of Quito.

An early morning start at 7:30 allowed us full advantage of the cloud forest and a stop at the falls and orchid park before the morning mist

We took the pink trail

rubber tree

this orchid smells like chocolate

Falls number 1

number 4

This guy was a great guide, sure knew his plants and had a wonderful sense of humor

number 5

This translates to "cock of the walk"!!

Life cycle in action

This little guy was a tadpole not so long ago

From there, we enjoyed the humming bird sanctuary, thousands of the little critters, bombing around the numerous feeders. The bright blue with White bellies were new for us as were the florescent blue and green variety.

Drove through Mindo, which reminded us a lot of Tofino in the 80´s. so many youth there to do zip lines, white river rafting and hiking the cloud forest of the Andes.

Next stop, Mariposa World. WOW! reminded us somewhat of our experience in Costa Rica but a more abundant number of varieties.

Back to Mindo for a super lunch... tomato and mozzarella cheese salad with oregano filled a soup bowl and quinoa soup was yummy.Grand total, $3.00!
 Dave ordered chicken and got the usual rice and fries!!! When will he learn?

our first sign of rain this week, only a mist on the windshield , the quetzel at the entrance to Mindo, nods good bye to us.

Our eight hour day flew by and we were delivered safely back to our hotel in time to visit the city block mercado.