Another line to cross

Sometimes it's difficult to contain my giddy geekishness and nerdism. 

It's been a long time since I used a slide rule, protractor or a pocket protector, but there are feelings of glee that still erupt over the smallest or most unusual things.

Near Quito, Ecuador: You may be standing on the equator.

For example: A local television meteorologist shared on his Facebook page that he recently had visited Ecuador where he stood with one foot on either side of the equator. So what, right? Big deal! And what is the equator anyway?

This boyish mind, always open to a new adventure, is preparing to go explore this line that creates the girdle of the world. Yet my thoughts first rushed with jubilance to a time when I stood on the Prime Meridian in London. I've stood in three states at one time along the Mason-Dixon Line.

Well, not the equator, but it's the Prime Meridian in London, England. Photo taken by my illustrious wife, Amy Johns!

But this equator thing? Way cool!

Except that the big monument in Quito, Ecuador, isn't quite on the equator. What? Now I'm sad!

As our TV meteorologist explained: “The real equator turns out to be about 200 meters away. It, however, doesn’t have a cool line and monument.” So most visitors are satisfied with this tourist attraction that was built before modern, accurate measurements were available.

Not me. Not satisfied! I'd be compelled to find the real thing!

A website offers directions: “The walk from the monument to the Intiñan Museum is short (about 250 meters), but the path isn’t well marked. Head out the main entrance of the monument, turn left, and follow the road slightly uphill until you see a small sign for Museo Intiñan. A short dirt path leads straight to the entrance.”

Yep, it's the REAL equator! in Ecuador!

My aging, wobbly legs might have to work overtime to get me there, but I'd do it.

And there is a time of year I'd love to visit that line that wraps around our planet equidistant from the North Pole and South Pole.

Here's what I recommend:

Go to the equator a few minutes before the northern vernal equinox (in March). Stand with one foot in north, where it's still winter, one foot in the south, where it's still summer. Voila! Along comes the equinox! Your northern foot is in spring, your southern foot is in fall!

Solstices give you a similar opportunity to experience the change in seasons in seconds!

Don't forget: Ecuador isn't the only location where visitors can stand on the equator. This link will show you other sites.


Good luck, Protractor People! The game's afoot!

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