Puerto Lopez, Ecuador sunrise
Travel

Yellow Orb Over Puerto Lopez, Ecuador #AtoZChallenge

Puerto Lopez, Ecuador sunrise

A Yellow Orb (YO) arrives every morning in Puerto Lopez, Ecuador at 6:30, dazzling us with it’s beauty. It silently preys on our eagerness to celebrate beneath it.

It’s primary victims are tourists, freshly arrived from cooler climates, where they have been protected by clothing for months. They arrive, strip off most of their fabric and offer their skin up to the YO. Ecuador is named for the equator, which runs through the middle of the country.

Did you know?

The Earth is closer to the sun at the equator than elsewhere because of our planet’s Equatorial Bulge. As it spins, the Earth forms an oblate spheroid rather than a sphere. Sea level at the equator is 21.36 km closer to the sun than sea level at either pole. Read more about the Equatorial Bulge on Wikipedia here.

Protect yourself from the Ecuador sun

Do not get burned by the YO! Ecuador sun protection tips:

  • Wear a wide brimmed hat.
  • Use strong sunscreen (waterproof if you are going in the ocean). Reapply often, especially if you sweat or swim.
  • Avoid it’s strongest hours – 12:00 to 4:00.
  • If you are hiking during those high-risk hours, in addition to the hat and sunscreen, consider wearing long sleeved, light, breathable clothing. Remember to drink a lot of water, too, and eat fruits high in water – watermelon for instance.
  • Follow the example set by animals and relax in the shade.

 

Horses under a shade tree

The YO also helps people rediscover their sweat glands and dehydration is a concern. Carry water with you on your treks because there are no stores on trails or islands around Puerto Lopez, only the YO, flora and fauna.

Just as it arrives each morning, the YO departs each evening at 6:30. That’s right, our days and nights are each 12 hours long.

 

Puerto Lopez, Ecuador sunset

 

2018 A to Z Challenge - Y

How do you protect yourself from the YO? Has it burned you?

 

Equatorial Sun Precautions

 

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A look back

Last year, I wrote Yuletide at the Olon Orphanage.

I am a US Expat in Ecuador. I grew up on a Minnesota farm, worked in IT in California's Silicon Valley, then moved to a coastal Ecuador fishing village. My goal is to share Ecuador with you, one snippet at a time. Topics include attractions, compassion, ecotourism, Ecuador products, everyday Ecuador, and flora and fauna. Please let me know what you would like to read more about!

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