What A Way To Go

Oh, the complaints from some of you! And then others were cheering! There was no question for anyone that on our last full day in Nicaragua we would visit Ojo de Agua (Eye of the Water). But when I selected Horseback riding to get there, I could feel many of you protesting at the thought. Hadn't we required several days to recover from our last escapade in the saddle? Fortunately, my being solo means entitlement to the final vote, and the horses won. And, in due course, so did we all. Without question, this became our favorite day of the entire trip to Nicaragua...

We needed to be down at the Totoco gate by 10 AM, which was about a ten minute hike. Greeting us, right on time, was a boy of about 13 years who spoke NO English, and two grey, dappled horses with traditional saddles. It would be only he and I (and you of course) for the next four hours. And at $6 per hour, it was a huge savings over the crash and bump jeep transport. Actually, I think the horses may be quicker! Domino was a wonderful, willing, smooth ride. A large portion of our route took us along the beach. Here we walked through the waves of Lake Nicaragua, gently trotted around people doing their laundry, and cantered for short stretches. Our VERY young guide wanted to gallop; but our older bones would need much more practice to make that happen with grace.

Ojo de Agua

Ninety minutes later we arrived at Ojo de Agua for a lengthy swim in the mineral-rich, crystal clear spring waters. Our neighbors were Mr. Volcan Concepcion, clear of clouds on this fine day, and a score of parrots chattering as they flew from tree to tree. The horses rested, and our junior escort sipped apple juice... I'm not kidding. I took a good amount of video, which will soon be featured in our all inclusive movie of our time at Ometepe. I'm pretty sure you will be the star, and Volcan Concepcion, who takes a back seat to no-one. I also have footage of the kayaking we did yesterday, which was a hoot.

Volcan Concepcion

Returning to our lodge was another 90 minutes of joy, just perfect! Any longer and the keister would have begun crying for mercy. Tomorrow will be a very long day of traveling and waiting as we make our way from this very remote island in Nicaragua, to our homestead in the USA. Our fannies will have plenty of time to recover then. I'll be in touch with you again, eager to share that final video of Ometepe. This island is special, so during my last few minutes here I'd love to send each of you a virtual hug... transferring all of its Sacred Energy to those of you that have made it with me this far. Gracias Amigos!

Resting transport