The Enchanted River
So of course Sharna signed us up for “quading,” or four-wheeling on New Year’s Day. Destintion, the fabled “El Rio Encantado,” a resort located on the banks of the Caldera River.
We drove to Annie and Darin’s place where we mounted the quads. On the way we drove past Che, Sharna’s horse, and his pals. Sharna and Bryant drove, with Ellen and me hanging on for dear life.
Frank, the owner, is a feisty retired policeman from Seattle. He is also a bit of an anthropologist, (social and cultural), and archaeologist with a love of pre-columbian and indigenous artifacts. He has built and landscaped the place with an artist’s eye, and is very involved in trying to build more momentum around the environment.
Sharna and Bryant introduced us to several of their expat friends, and we were able to learn quite a few stories of how folds have landed here. To a person, welcoming and friendly.
We had a great lunch, took a tour of the property, including several petroglyphs and the tree house unit, swam, and just hung out.
One of the highlights was when a pair of Tamarin monkeys stopped by in a nearby fruit tree.
The pool is unique, having been built around a huge boulder. We’re told it’s just the tip showing.
It’s amazing how tired one can be at the end of a day doing almost nothing.
Happy New Year ! Loved reading your blog. I have missed a few, but am having fun catching up. You guys have been very busy enjoying travelling. You inspire me. Duane (Canadian biologist) and I (retired teacher) have been a few places since we last met you in Ecuador. Yep, Steve, I am the one that talked you into coming along mt biking with me. So glad you did! I was just reading your Peru blog. I am heading there in March with a friend. I will look at your blog for Peru again to pick up some tips. Since Ecuador, we have spent some time in Nicaragua, S Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Cuba. All really interesting places. I was in Morocco and Spain this fall. Morocco was soooo interesting. Duane is hoping to go to Madagascar this coming fall. I might go with him. Not sure yet. Soooooo many neat places to pick from. Glad to you you guys are out there doing it. Let us know if you ever come to this part of Canada (Vancouver area).
Smiles, Susan
Susan, how could I forget, best mountain biking ever! Talk about inspired travel, you’ve hit a few places on our bucket list. If ever in Vancouver, we’ll be sure to look you up. Thanks.