AUGUST 24 - MACARA TO LOS LOMAS

The big deal today is to cross the border into Peru - an easy ride of 61 km, 500 m A, 1100 D.  Up early as usual and the easy downhill romp to the border.  We're in a hurry so no pictures of Macara.

Hurry leads to hurry up & wait.  Ecuadoran exit customs. 



 I need to fill out the form that we (Laura?) left at Quito airport when I was getting our bikes. 




 Then cross the border bridge (Puente Internacional) to the Peruviaan Entry Customs.  Long delay here because they had to reboot the computers.  When we get near the front of the line a second worker appears and things move more quickly.







Done, and off we go.  I didn't take any scenery photos today as its about the same as the last of Ecuador.  One surprise: these 3 wheel 'mototaxis.'










Flat ride to Los Lomas and our camp - inside this building.  No toilets - they are behind me and the water into the 2 toilet building isn't working so we have to 'bucket flush' them.  









Main street of Los Lomas as we go "downtown" for a beer and a shower at the hotel. The public restrooms in the hotel are a combination toilet & shower.  When Laura was in getting her shower there was a panicy knock at the door with a plaintive "Bano, Bano." 






We go around town to get a new SIM card for our cell phone (new country, new SIM) and walk through the local market.









Back in camp the local kids have gathered to watch bicycle repairs and generally poke about.











Closeup of one of the 3 wheeled taxis.  They are everywhere.

To end a short writeup about today, here are the toilet 'flushing' instructions.

Unfortunately, there are people who can ride a bicycle better than they can read instructions.