Mi Caminata

Click this link to see more pictures of the hike.

Mi caminata - my hike. This Saturday I decided to take another hike up the mountain. I'm determined to reach the top of the mountain sometime and need to become adjusted to the high altitude and to build up my stamina (I can't let Jose Luis put me to shame!). Our house is at 7,000 ft., and the mountain top is at 8,000 ft. Jose Luis told me there is a wonderful view from the top of the mountain - you can see Antigua and the surrounding volcanoes.

My good friends, Lula and Rex (the German Shepherd dogs), came along to accompany me and be my body guards. One of the other dogs (a small black dog) decided to join us. Lula made certain the other dog trailed along at a distance. If the other dog came up close, Lula would run back and start biting the other dog.

There were many flowering bushes, trees and weeds along the way. I found that interesting because it is the dry season and there has not been significant rain for quite a while. I was again amazed at how many small farm plots and orchards are on the mountain. No one lives up there, and the farmers who care for the fields and orchards have a long uphill hike to tend the plots and a long way to transport their produce back down the mountain. As I hiked I saw an old man far ahead of me slowly trekking up the path. However, I soon lost sight of him and never saw him again.

When I returned, I showed my pictures to Daniel (Claudia's husband). He thought I was about 1/2 way to the top. That was encouraging because I did not feel too exhausted. However I think the slope becomes much steeper near the top. Enjoy the pictures!