At the foothills of Pasochoa, a 4,200 meter extinct volcano located in the Guayllabamba river basin in the Ecuadorian Andes, my group of hikers started up this lava sand road, loaded with our packs to prepare for higher summits later in the expedition. Fog blew across the road creating an otherwordly aesthetic of stark contrast and misty apparitions. I appreciated the physical challenge of the ascents, which also included Rucu Pichincha and Cayambe, and the camaraderie of meeting up with strangers from around the world who were also drawn to the natural beauty in Ecuador and becoming close friends, support system, and fellow travelers in life. To me, it was the epitome of travel.