Horseback Riding Adventure In Hills Above Puerto Armuelles, Panama

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On Tuesday, a group of us went on a mini-adventure outside of Puerto Armuelles, where we all live.

Robin organized the trip.

A couple he knows, Annie & Danny, own a finca (farm/ranch) in the hills behind Puerto Armuelles. They live on the ranch some of the year, but live in town during the school year. They have caretakers and other workers take care of the ranch during the school year.

We gathered at Annie and Danny's house in San Vicente, where they also have a horse stable.  From there we rode down the street a short way to the beach. 

It was a blast riding on the beach.  

Then we veerred onto a wooded trail, for another short jaunt.

• Crossed the road that heads out to the PTP and Punta Burica. 
• Then quickly dropped down to the Guanabana River, at the first bridge.

We headed up the river, up and down paths, we crossed streams a few times.  Heading  up and to the west/northwest.

I'd been that way on horseback before, but not for awhile.  

It was a gloriously blue day.   Perfect weather.

Before we knew it we had arrived at Annie's finca.   I think it only took us about an hour to get there, maybe less.

Already, I knew I would be sore the next day.   I don't do much horseback riding these days.

A snack and then a hike.

The first hill was the steepest.  We lost a couple of people who had expected to do a hike.  It was a pretty steep hill to do in Converse All-stars.

After that, althougth we keept going up and up, it wasn't quite as steep.  We went through cow pastures and enjoyed the views.

It was a pleasure when we go to the top of one hill and were welcomed by a view of the ocean.

It was even better when we went as high as we could.  .

We could see the entire Charco Azul Bay.  A wonderful vista

We could even see Puerto Armuelles.   We could pick out our friend Liz and Ron's house in Las palmas neighborhood.

We headed back down after drinking in the sight.

At the farm house we ate lunch and were asked if we wanted to milk a cow.  

Como no.  Why not!

I had never milked one before.   It is much harder than it looks.  I barely got out a stream.

But Annie could make the milk bucket sing with the streaming jets of milk.[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSMK9ecoN70[/youtube]

Then came by daughter's favorite part of the trip.  

She really wanted to gallop.    Her, my, and Robin's horse obliged.

We had a blast.  When we could we encouraged our steeds to go as fast as they could.

We had streams to cross, a few patches of mud and varying terrain.  So were always able to go a speed, but when we could we did.

It really was very fun.  My daughter was thrilled.

The gallop down the beach was particularly wonderful.

Next time, I think we will organize a trip with more time on the beach.

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