The day is grey and dark which is pretty typical as we are on the way to cross the border in to Ecuador. We follow the Pan American all the way to Ipiales a typical grim border town. Looked worse in the rain. First we have to check out of Colombia. Which has been a country full of surprises. The people have been wonderful, the scenery breathtaking. I only hope that as safety improves and more people venture this way that it doesn't change too much. We are greeted with a very modern looking customs building with a few money changers outside. No crowds no huge lines of trucks but it is raining so something's don't change. 30 minutes later the bike and us are all free to leave. 

 Just a few hundred yards down the hill, Ecuador customs is as new and modern. Not a fixer in sight. We are told the wait is long ( no surprise) by an Italian couple also riding but working their way round checking how funds are being used for a charity. We fill in the required forms and wait for the bike paper work to be processed. Whilst waiting we get talking to a German couple who have been on the road for 5 years. They converted a 4WD fire truck to become their home and have been trekking since.
1 hour later we are done and on our way best crossing yet. 

The weather is still grey but the sun tries to push through we are in the land of volcanoes.

We had pre booked a hotel actually a Hacienda just incase the crossing was slow so arrived in good time. The grounds are lovely Agapanthus everywhere. The small stream running through the centre has cut a small ravine which is now full of Lilly's, ferns and frogs. The rooms are small bungalows 3or 4 in a row each with a small veranda and chairs. We dropped our gear to our rooms which turned out to be a suite.  

 Border crossing regardless how straight forward do create a bit of anxiety once the adrenalin settles we all are starving. There had not been anywhere to stop on the way so the asked the Hacienda if they could make a couple of sandwiches. They obliged along with a few beers.