Richard, here are the contacts I promised:
Jack Abercrombie: email:
journeymanjack@facebook.com
journeymanjack.com@gmail.com
Jack’s Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/journeymanjack
http://www.facebook.com/pablo.ecuadortours?fref=ts
Pablo Prado’s website:
http://pablopradoservicesforexpatsecuad.blogspot.com/
I could be wrong but I believe David Day lives on the coast, near Bahia. Jack and Prado live in Quito and make the drive to the coast and Cuenca frequently with passengers, dogs and luggage.
Michael, you want to explore gated communities near Quito, is that right? You might check in with Sarah Dettman: s.dettman@yahoo.com.