Cotopaxi, Ecuador –
It’s quiet, at the top of the world.
Peaceful, with the only sounds being the wind, and your travel companions.
Well, and the occasional suicidal bicyclist.
Of course, it could be that we’re here in the middle of the week, so everyone’s home, at work or at school.
Coming here on a weekend or holiday might be a different story.
Still, there’s a certain beauty in the desolation.
The absence of most life.
Well above the tree line, where the vegetation is mostly scrub.
And other than the wild horses, there’s not much in the way of wildlife to be seen.
Of course, there are plenty of rocks and boulders.
After all, this is an active volcano that we’re standing on.
Or, at least, semi-active.