Our fearless tour guide Andres picked us up at breakfast and we were off to south east Columbia to see the sights. Roads
are very tough here. Constant winding and turning with either an up or down involved. Only small two lanes with multiple mud slides to make it interesting. About 3 hours down the road we made it about 70 miles to the outside of Jardin. This gringo called it Jar- din but I was set straight quickly to the correct way : “Har” ( as in Hard without the d ) – “dean” ( as in Jimmy Dean ).
We stopped to pick up two more tourist which was a bit odd given we were already packed into the truck. But “ Dr. B” and his guide jumped in the back and we off on a 4 mile dirt trail up a mountain.
Found Harlen who family owns everything around here who got us saddled up on the horses. First a little Baker horse history. Mom hates them. Christa loves them. Lauren wants to keep up with Christa so she tolerates it. I am neutral- fun but not my passion. As soon as we mounted Lauren horse bolted and she spooked in a bad way. Andres and the 
horse whisperers quickly changed Lauren out to the old Mare and we were off.
I have been on a bunch of trail rides so I was not expecting much excitement.
About 100 yards down the road we take the “SHORTCUT” a 3 foot wide vertical chute with rocks and deep mud at a 10 degree vertical. It was terrifying. All of us were hanging on for dear life as these horses muscled their way up the slope. Damn near fell off. We got to the top we all had that “what the F” was that all about- don’t they know we are rookies. Christa was all smiles. Noting it was her first trail ride where she had to use her school riding skills. Meantime the other 3 stooges were in shell shock. We made it across a ridgeline with a 20 mile views straight to the west and 2000 feet down to the town. At half time we headed out for 2 hour hiking trek ending at a steam that had a small water fall and cave at the bottom. Very cool – two thumbs up for “Splendor Cave”. I had to “cannon ball” a cerveza to get my courage up to mount up for the return. All went well including the mud slide down the chute going into the
barn. L was smiles at the end so all were happy. “Dr B.” our new friend
was a blast- funny as hell and a true passion for life. Nothing phased this guy. Plus he likes beer. I need to party with this guy.
We headed over a local family run coffee plantation. Very cool. Fantastic lunch over looking their fields followed by coffee wine.
We rode into town and found this unbelievable square. Right out of the movies. A huge church surrounded by saloons and restaurants. Went by one joint and five cowboys were taking liquor shots while their horses were tied to the front of the restaurant. Made it to the hotel and after a quick shower we headed into the square and had a great local meal. No 
wine on the menu but no problem – Dr. B jumps up walks to the next store and just brings it back to the table. Great country!
Made it back to the room by 10 for a very full fun day.
South America 2011 