colombia part 4, Paipa and Sochagota Lake

---

Breakfast was a hearty meal "Caldo con Costilla". This consisted of a soup with potatoes and part of a shoulder of beef.

The roadside cafe was busy and there was a group of Bogota motorcyclists out for a days riding in the mountains. We had left Bogota at 7 30am and our destination was Paipa. After a 2 hour journey and some magnificent mountain scenery we arrived at our hotel. This was in a great location with views over Sochagota Lake. The swimming pool used water from nearby thermal springs and it was just lke swimming in a hot bath!

The nearby site of Pantana de Vargas was really interesting. This was the site of a decisive battle between the patriot armies and the Spaniards.The lancers monument contains 14 huge bronze sculptures of horses and horsemen to honour the warriors.

Each piece weighs 2 tonnes.

Sochagota Lake is a calm and peaceful place and we saw different birds and butterflies on our walks around the lake and in nearby woodland.

---

Photos

local birdlife
another feathered friend

sochagota Lake
our hotel

Pantana de Vargas
Lancers monument

Pantana de Vargas
local church

Sochagota Lake
panoramic view

local birdlife
our feathered friend

forest walk
Me in the eucalyptus trees

Comments

[John Foster]

Monument at Pantano de Vargas
This is the most impressive and moving monument I have ever seen. Together with the story of Rondon's Lanceros and the British Legion in the battle, it moved me to tears. What men!