This post is two weeks over due.  However, we got a new vehicle!  It’s a 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser FZJ 73.  It’s built partially on the FJ 40 chassis, has Toyota’s 1-FZ-F engine, and built in the FJ 70 series style.  What that means is it’s off road capable, has a more powerful carbureted engine than previous models, and has a little more space than many other two doors in the country.  We think it’s going to be a great vehicle for us because it is durable and has enough space for all three of us and all of our stuff.

Our first weekend of owning it we drove it to Papallacta, a small, rural town a few hours east of Quito up in the mountains just north of Cotopaxi Volcano.  Once there, Betsy, Lucy and myself took a nice hike in the rain along a creek.  The hike went through a small organic farm and we saw our first Avocado Trees; lots of them.  There are a ton of outdoor opportunities near Papallacta and we can’t wait to get back.  It was liberating getting out of the city and this trip will be one of many.