Tungurahua volcano shoots ash and lava

[Bacchus4.0]

http://abcnews.go.com/International/t/story/ecuadors-tungurahua-volcano-shoots-ash-lava-22331271

See story a pain to cut and paste on tablet. I planned on heading to Banos thursday but we stayed on the coast instead not knowing of the eruption. One road to Banos blocked with towns on opposite side of volcano evacuated

[Zorro]

1. Hope you make it to Banos

The road from Ambato may be open (it's been the main route to Banos after the road from Riobamba was ruined by a previous eruption), and you'll get some spectacular views of Tungurahua along the way.

Banos is getting more touristy, but still a nice place to visit. The cathedral is interesting, with its wall paintings depicting various calamities caused by eruptions over the centuries. And a trip up to the Luna Runtun spa's Cafe del Cielo (the menu fare isn't memorable) will reward you with wonderful views (you'll think you're somewhere in Switzerland).

There's also a bit of paradise across the Rio Pastaza on the way to Puyo. A cable car across the river gets you there, or -- if you dare -- go across by zipline. Zipping along 200 feet above the river might not be so advisable, if Tungurahua is active -- but it certainly would be memorable.

[Bacchus4.0]

2. been there before a couple of times so no great loss

Heading home tomorrow. No alcohol on sunday so it will be a dry superbowl.