Friday, November 16, 2007

Weekend in Papallacta





Earlier this month, we were able to spend the weekend with friends in the small mountain town of Papallacta. Papallacta is located over the continental divide about 2 hours from Quito. We really enjoyed the peaceful and relaxing setting while also having fun with about 20 others. We stayed in the HCJB Guest House located on their hydroelectric plant site. So I guess you could say we were "wired" for the weekend . . . . at least we didn't have to worry about running out of electricity with the electric plant sitting right there. The power produced by the plant is first of all used to provide power for HCJB's antenna site located about 45 minutes away back down the mountainside. The additional power is sold to the electric company in Ecuador and income is then invested back into HCJB's radio ministry! A pretty neat combination.

While up there, we enjoyed unusually nice sunny weather (usually it rains most of the time) and also good food, fellowship and lots of games. Everyone there was part of the Extreme Response staff and we started our 1st Annual Extreme Games tournament with games such as soccer, volleyball, kick the can, redneck paintball (using marshmellows and ketsup and mustard - you probably had to be there to really enjoy it) and Inca Cola relay. The Red Bandanna team came away with this year's trophy - we'll have to wait until next year to see who the winning team will be!

Santi and I enjoyed the time up there, especially knowing that the next time we'll be traveling will probably be with Baby Nathan in tow along with all his supplies, equipment, clothing and who knows what else needed to keep a baby happy during a holiday!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just love looking at all the photos you post as well as reading your blog. I remember visiting a lot of the places you talk about and it brings back so many fond memories! Thanks for taking the time to post! Loved the idea of ketchup and mustard paintball! That sounds really funny!

Love Diane

the fordices said...

NATHAN!???!! We love that name!! Wish we could vacation with you guys!!

Love, Jay and Michele

The Arteagas said...

Yea - Santi gets the credit for picking out the name Nathan and I like it too! It'll be a challenge with the latinos as they have a hard time with the "th" sound - but oh well - the joys of a multicultural family! Nathan Santiago is his full name.