Trip to the Equator and Mindo

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Yesterday we took a day trip to Mindo. It is a 2 hour drive (but only 80 km from Quito). Along the way we stopped at the equator. There was an interesting museum where you could see how the water drains straight down on the equator line and then drains counter clockwise or clockwise, depending on which side of the equator you stand. You could also balance an egg on the top of a nail head and see how the pull of gravity is effected by the equator when you walk in a straight line with your eyes closed - it’s hard to keep your balance. The sun was very intense and Brad and Alysia managed to get sun burnt in the short time we were there. Mindo is located in the cloud forest region of Ecuador - north west of Quito. In Mindo we went zip lining. There were 13 lines that ranged in length from 200-450 meters. It is an incredible feeling “flying” over the tops of the trees. We also went to see the butterfly farm that raises 25 different butterflies that are native to Ecuador. It was late in the afternoon and the butterflies weren’t as active so we only seen a few of the species. Today is our last full day in Ecuador. The kids are having a lazy day. Brad, Kirsten and I wandered around looking in the little shops and came back to find the others still in bed! We will have a long day tomorrow as our plane leave at 6:30am and we return to Edmonton around 9:30pm. Love to all.

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Photos

Balancing Eggs
Brian and Coulton concentrate on balancing eggs on top of a nail head.

The Egg Master
Alysia was successful in balancing her egg.

Mitad de Mundo
Brad and Kathy standing on the equator line.

Ziplining
Brian doing the "butterfly" - hanging upside down- across the zipline.

Owl Butterfly
A butterfly native to Ecuador.