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Published: January 9th 2010
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We woke up to a windy, rainy sunny morning. The weather in this valley was very unusual to us. It was hard to get used to the combination of blue skies and rain. We ate a hearty typical breakfast - eggs, rice & beans, fresh cheese, fruit & toast- and headed out to the stables for our day long adventure. There was another couple from france along for the ride. The horses were saddled up - Edward and I were both on white horses. We did think it was a little strange that Edward was on the smallest horse and I was on the largest. We started off in the light rain on the trail. Although it it was raining - the sun and constant wind seem to work together to keep you from getting wet. We rode about 3.5 KM to the park entrance - the horses were full of energy - mostly trotting, and even galloping through some stretches. We navigated rocky, muddy and steep terrian, even crossing a stream. At the park entrance we had a nice little break before we continued on into the main area.
In the park we followed a trail through the forest
- up and down very steep, muddy and rocky passages, crossing several more streams and rivers. The horses settled into a slower pace - as it was a pretty strenuous journey - 7km to the hiking area. They seemed to take turns taking the lead on the trail, and sometimes were a bit competitive with each other - trying to overtake the horse in front. As we rode - our guide used his machete to hack down branches that were in our way. It took a little over hour to get to the hiking area - after being in the saddle for more than a couple of hours, we were ready for some hiking.
We followed a trail past steaming fumaroles and bubbling hot mudpots. It was very sulfurous and the steam was so hot you could feel the heat on the trail! The landscape is very arid and dry - fields of grasses and sparse trees - very different from the rain and cloud forrests. We hiked past a lake and actually climbed over the rocks and steaming holes to get to the next part of the trail. We followed the path around and back into the forest,
following a pretty stream. We found a spot and rested for a bit with the sack lunches that the lodge provided. We continued on following the stream - and crossing over it on log bridges and rocks making our way to a waterfall. It was one of the most beautiful waterfalls we have seen - very wide and high, with the water cascading down over some interesting rock formations. From there, we continued around the trail to make our way back to the horses. As we hiked we were able to spot some howler and spider monkeys!! We were very excited to have the chance to see them and even get a few pictures.
We got back on our horses and made our way a short distance to the Aqua Thermales - hot springs where we were able to rest and enjoy the naturally warm waters. The sulfer smell was strong, but the water was warm and soothing on our feet and legs. After a bit, we saddled back up and started back on our way to the lodge. The horses were rested and ready to return home - so they picked up the pace for a good part
of the journey. Not having ridden for a long while - we were really feeling it in our backs! The last part of the ride was a little tough. Edwards little horse was very frisky - trying to take the lead and trotting most of the way. He even got in a couple of kicks at the guide and me! At one point, our horses were trotting through and open stretch and we jumped over a log, we were laughing and hollering. We rode through the forest retracing our steps, and back through the rolling hills which had some great views of the area. The wind and rain were actually refreshing as the sun is very warm. Wish we had gotten some pictures on the horses - but it was a bit tricky to hold on and work the camera.
We ended up talking with the couple from france - and had a very nice dinner with them at the end of our day. We talked about their travels in Argentina and Peru. We all agreed that it was a very long ride and we might need to sit on some pillows for a while!
For now -
we are on a bit of a layover, just relaxing and enjoying some downtime and free laundry service at the hotel we are staying at. Next up ... its beach time...
Catch you all soon!
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Mom
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:)
Loved your descriptions. Could see it all in my mind. Also wished we had some of that heat down here.... only 35 and dropping today. Brrr. Happy Trails. xoxoxoxoxox