3/2/2013 Buga all day
Mild with a few showers
Waking early as usual but having the luxury of a rest day ahead, sleep came again.
Luis came around to my place of rest quite early, though for me breakfast was enjoyed at a roadside spot nearby.
Carolina, Lucero, Luis and myself were going on a bit of a tour around Buga.
First stop was Luis’ farm on the Cuaca river, on arrival there, Mario his manager welcomed us and we all climbed into a 40ft steel tinny with lower back high gunnels, this rig was used for extracting gravel from the river. It could carry 10 tonnes of the stuff. We motored up stream for a browse. Reminiscent of big Asian rivers there was water hyacinth floating down stream enmasse.
She plugged against the current, ideally the gravel would be collected upstream I guess. Someway upstream Mario headed sharply to starboard and the current finished the job of heading us down stream, we headed to the opposite bank a few hundred metres downstream and disembarked.
The farm was bounded by the river and a lagoon. It wasn’t a serious operation as every seven years the place goes under. Last time it flooded it was underwater for two years.
A few Brahmans were on the 60 acres at the time, some in calf.
The lagoon was flush with aquatic birds. Other than that Mario was growing some cilantro.
Huge fig trees were present on the property, they were so majestic the way they supported a huge amount of shepherds’ beard, orchids and other bromeliads.
Back at marios house he milked the cow, we all had a good drink of the milk. It was so reminiscent of years ago when milk tasted like milk, back when it used to be delivered to school in NZ.
From here we had an impromptu breakfast at a friends place nearby.
Back in town we enjoyed pineapple and juice on the roadside in chairs. From here we drove to Destination Paradise, in the department of Valle del Cauca, a world renowned spot for paragliding. The sky was full of them coming off a high mountain to the west.
Speaking to some guys from Colorado, who were flying, we were told the Colombianos are good pilots. It was just the best day. Never having done this before, Carolina said they would wait for me to have a go.
Lining up a good pilot, caution was tossed windward, we climbed in an old Pajero and six of us took half an hour to reach the top.
Pretty soon with Victor we were soaring above the most beautiful countryside just before dark. In silence!!
Soon he started banking it, what a buzz, my heart and stomach both found their way into my mouth on occasions.
All over in 15 or so minutes.
We then all went for tea at a street stall in a busy town, just the best food.
It had been a fun day totally unexpected with such kind and hospitable people. These kind days of with such nice people are what journeying on a bicycle is all about.
Carolina is a teacher who teaches young very poor children in the mountains basic Spanish, she stays there for the week. I was lucky to get a brief lesson
Hills become less of a burden after these experiences and even moreso with thoughts of what may lay ahead.
Mild with a few showers
Waking early as usual but having the luxury of a rest day ahead, sleep came again.
Luis came around to my place of rest quite early, though for me breakfast was enjoyed at a roadside spot nearby.
Carolina, Lucero, Luis and myself were going on a bit of a tour around Buga.
First stop was Luis’ farm on the Cuaca river, on arrival there, Mario his manager welcomed us and we all climbed into a 40ft steel tinny with lower back high gunnels, this rig was used for extracting gravel from the river. It could carry 10 tonnes of the stuff. We motored up stream for a browse. Reminiscent of big Asian rivers there was water hyacinth floating down stream enmasse.
She plugged against the current, ideally the gravel would be collected upstream I guess. Someway upstream Mario headed sharply to starboard and the current finished the job of heading us down stream, we headed to the opposite bank a few hundred metres downstream and disembarked.
The farm was bounded by the river and a lagoon. It wasn’t a serious operation as every seven years the place goes under. Last time it flooded it was underwater for two years.
A few Brahmans were on the 60 acres at the time, some in calf.
The lagoon was flush with aquatic birds. Other than that Mario was growing some cilantro.
Huge fig trees were present on the property, they were so majestic the way they supported a huge amount of shepherds’ beard, orchids and other bromeliads.
Back at marios house he milked the cow, we all had a good drink of the milk. It was so reminiscent of years ago when milk tasted like milk, back when it used to be delivered to school in NZ.
From here we had an impromptu breakfast at a friends place nearby.
Back in town we enjoyed pineapple and juice on the roadside in chairs. From here we drove to Destination Paradise, in the department of Valle del Cauca, a world renowned spot for paragliding. The sky was full of them coming off a high mountain to the west.
Speaking to some guys from Colorado, who were flying, we were told the Colombianos are good pilots. It was just the best day. Never having done this before, Carolina said they would wait for me to have a go.
Lining up a good pilot, caution was tossed windward, we climbed in an old Pajero and six of us took half an hour to reach the top.
Pretty soon with Victor we were soaring above the most beautiful countryside just before dark. In silence!!
Soon he started banking it, what a buzz, my heart and stomach both found their way into my mouth on occasions.
All over in 15 or so minutes.
We then all went for tea at a street stall in a busy town, just the best food.
It had been a fun day totally unexpected with such kind and hospitable people. These kind days of with such nice people are what journeying on a bicycle is all about.
Carolina is a teacher who teaches young very poor children in the mountains basic Spanish, she stays there for the week. I was lucky to get a brief lesson
Hills become less of a burden after these experiences and even moreso with thoughts of what may lay ahead.
A special tree
So cool, at a freeway gas station in town
good fun
|
leaving the farm
fresh milk, Lucero, Carolina y Lius
The launch site
Dinner time in town, chorizo, empanadas, papa fritos etc.
|
