Up early but a late start as we spent 2 hours searching for my wallet......gave up and as we were leaving at the bikes I checked my jacket for the 5 time...low and behold it was in a hidden rear pocket.....The destination today Banos.

Shortly after leaving Mendez Athir saw what appeared to be an overland bike at a roadside cafe. We stoped and met 2 Gringos from Colorado. When they introduced themselves...one said he went by BONES and I said do you know Yulyia Goloskova. Surprised he said yes.....Yulyia had told me she had met Bones 2 years ago at a Horizon meet in Ecuador.....amazing that we should meet in the middle of no where.

Our Route Today. Remember clicking on the pic enlarges it.

Bones at the back and his friend. Bones lives in Cuenca and seems to know all the great places to ride. He gave us a detour route to Masca which took us unto a dirt road for a few K.

Cacoa beans drying on the pavement

 Athir adventurous trying a roadside mash drink....

Off the paved road

 met 4 young Venezuelen boys.....selling perfume to make ends meet. 

Cena en Banos....Athir didn't know what he ordered....turns out to be pork fat....which he fed to 2 stray cats at our table

830pm...Banos appears busy with tourists. We will stay another night but look for another hotel....